The first legal challenges to federal approval of Australia's biggest gas project's extension have been launched.

The Albanese government faces two court challenges seeking to overturn the 40-year extension of Woodside's North West Shelf gas hub in Western Australia in a bid to protect nearby ancient Aboriginal rock art.

The Australian Conservation Foundation has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court in Melbourne to challenge Environment Minister Murray Watt's approval of the extension to 2070 last month.

Friends of Australian Rock Art has also commenced a Federal Court challenge against Senator Watt's decision to prevent ongoing damage to the Murujuga rock art and other cultural heritage values in the area.

The risks posed by industrial emissions from the resources giant's gas pl

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