Quarterlytics / Energy / Oil & Gas Integrated / Wirtualna Polska Holding S.A. / FY2014 Annual Report

Wirtualna Polska Holding S.A.
Annual Report 2014

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FY2014 Annual Report · Wirtualna Polska Holding S.A.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014

Realising ouR  
Global Vision

On the cover
By capitalising on our strengths, strong local operations and emerging 
new opportunities, we are well positioned to achieve our aim of being 
a global leader in upstream oil and gas.

Growing our portfolio

We continue to evaluate 
commercial transactions 
that have the potential 
to deliver significant 
shareholder value.

In December 2014, 
Woodside entered into 
a binding transaction 
to acquire Apache’s 
Wheatstone LNG, 
Balnaves oil and Kitimat 
LNG project interests. The 
acquisition1 is a natural fit 
with our current portfolio, 
building our development 
pipeline and increasing our 
LNG production profile. 

Read more on  43

Wheatstone LNG, image courtesy of Chevron Australia.

1. The acquisition is subject to transaction close.

Working sustainably

We are here for the long 
term. We keep each 
other safe. We look after 
the communities and 
environments in which  
we operate. 

Woodside has achieved 
a total recordable injury 
rate of 1.9 per million 
hours worked, a 37% 
improvement from 2013. 
We are on track to achieve 
global top-quartile health 
and safety performance 
by 2017.

Read more on  28

Maximising our core 
business 

As part of our focus on 
performance excellence, 
we are concentrating 
on extending the life of 
our producing assets 
and developing our 
contingent resources.

In our 60th year,  
we delivered  
record production of  
95.1 MMboe, a 9% 
increase on 2013. 
Improved reliability at 
our North West Shelf 
and Pluto LNG assets 
underpinned this 
achievement.

Read more on  20

Exploration and  
innovation

We will continue to apply 
our skills and technology to 
help identify and develop 
new opportunities. 

Throughout 2014, we 
continued to rebalance 
and grow our global 
exploration portfolio, 
increasing our exposure 
to emerging and frontier 
petroleum provinces. 
Woodside acquired new 
exploration acreage in 
Cameroon, Canada (Nova 
Scotia), Gabon, Morocco, 
Myanmar and Tanzania, 
and recommenced drilling 
in Australia. 

Read more on  40

Sustaining a diverse 
and proud workforce

Delivering superior 
shareholder returns is 
built upon attracting and 
retaining a diverse, capable 
and engaged workforce 
– the people who live the 
Woodside values every day. 

With a focus on growing 
talent from within, we 
increased our graduate 
intake by 45% in 2014. 
This supports long-term 
development of our culture 
for a sustainable future. 

Read more on  26

Information available online

We have partnered with Green Reports TM in an initiative that 
ensures communications minimise environmental impact and 
creates a more sustainable future for the community.

In this report, we have indicated where 
additional information is available online 
like this 

.

SCS-COC-004440

YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT

About Woodside
Woodside is an Australian oil and gas 
company with a global presence, recognised 
for its world-class capabilities – as an 
explorer, a developer, a producer and a 
supplier.

Our mission is to deliver superior 
shareholder returns through realising 
our vision of becoming a global leader in 
upstream oil and gas.

Wherever we work, we are committed 
to living our values of integrity, respect, 
discipline, excellence, and working together 
for a sustainable future.

Our operations are characterised by strong 
safety and environmental performance in 
remote and challenging locations.

We recognise that long-term meaningful 
relationships with communities are 
fundamental to maintaining our licence 
to operate and we work to build mutually 
beneficial relationships across all locations 
where we are active.

Our producing LNG assets in the north west 
of Australia are among the world’s best 
facilities. Today, our exploration portfolio 
includes emerging and frontier provinces 
in Australasia, the Atlantic margins and 
Sub-Saharan Africa. We have significant 
equity interests in high-quality development 
opportunities.

We are Australia’s most experienced LNG 
operator and largest independent oil and gas 
company.

Our proven track record and distinctive 
capabilities are underpinned by 60 years of 
experience, making us a partner of choice. 
Through collaboration we leverage our 
capabilities to progress our growth strategy.

About this report
This Annual Report 2014 is a summary of 
Woodside’s operations, activities for the  
12–month period ended 31 December 2014, 
and financial position as at 31 December 2014. 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd (ABN 55 004 898 
962) is the parent company of the Woodside 
group of companies. In this report, unless 
otherwise stated, references to Woodside 
and the Group, the company, we, us and 
our refer to Woodside Petroleum Ltd and its 
controlled entities, as a whole. The text does 
not distinguish between the activities of the 
parent company and those of its controlled 
entities. 

References in this report to a year are 
to the calendar and financial year ended  
31 December 2014 unless otherwise stated. 
All dollar figures are expressed in  
US currency unless otherwise stated.

Woodside is continuing efforts to reduce 
its environmental footprint associated with 
the production of the annual report. Printed 
copies of the annual report will only be 
posted to shareholders who have elected to 
receive a printed copy.

Since 1984, we have been operating the 
landmark Australian project, the North West 
Shelf, and it remains one of the world’s 
premier LNG facilities. In 2012, we added 
our Pluto LNG Plant to our onshore operating 
facilities. 

We operate four floating oil production, 
storage and offloading vessels in the 
Carnarvon Basin, the North West Shelf and 
the Timor Sea. This is the largest owner-
operated fleet in Australia and we have an 
excellent track record of efficiently and safely 
producing from current fields.

We are also growing our portfolio through 
acquisitions while maintaining a disciplined 
approach to ensure that we continue to 
increase shareholder value and appropriately 
manage risk.

We also have interests in Canada and Timor-
Leste and a dedicated office in Singapore to 
support our growing LNG marketing, trading 
and shipping activities. 

Known as a reliable and safe energy supplier, 
our enduring relationships with foundation 
customers throughout the Asia-Pacific 
region span more than 25 years.

We believe technology and innovation are 
essential to unlocking future growth. We 
continually expand our technical knowledge, 
discover new solutions and learn valuable 
lessons. Our knowledge has been built 
through decades of experience, dating back 
to the world-record water depths of wells 
we have drilled in offshore southern Australia 
in the 1950s.

We are open and honest in our relationships. 
Sharing ideas and aspirations we have 
the courage to always do the right thing 
for our people, partners, customers and 
communities.

The annual report is also printed on 
an environmentally responsible paper 
manufactured under ISO 14001 
environmental management standards, 
using elemental chlorine-free pulps from 
sustainable, well managed forests.

Report objectives
This report meets our compliance 
and governance requirements, 
and is designed to provide easy to 
read information on how Woodside 
performed in 2014 for our stakeholders, 
including shareholders, staff, customers 
and the community.

We aim to build awareness of our 
operations and demonstrate how we 
delivered on our mission and vision while 
maintaining our values and commitment to 
sustainable development.

Contents

Overview 

About Woodside 
About this report 
Our areas of activity 
Performance summary 
Chairman’s report 
Chief Executive Officer’s report 
Woodside executives 

Operating and Financial Review 

Financial position  

Strategy, outlook and risks 

Operations 

North West Shelf 
Pluto LNG 
Australia Oil 
Our people 
Health, safety, security and  
emergency management 
Environment 
Community engagement 
LNG marketing update 
Reserves statement 

Growth 

Browse 
Sunrise 
Global exploration 
Business opportunities 

Governance 

Board of Directors 
Corporate governance statement 
Directors’ report 
Remuneration report 

2014 Financial Report 

Shareholder information 

Shareholder statistics 
Share registry: enquiries 
Investor relations: enquiries 
Business directory 
Key announcements 2014 
Events calendar 2015 
Glossary, units of measure and  
conversion factors 
Index   
2014 summary charts 
Ten year comparative data summary 

1

1
1 
2 
4 
 6 
8 
10

12 

14

16

20
22
24
26

28
30
31
32
34

37
38
39
40
43

45

46
48
62
63

79

135

135
136
136
137
137
137

138
139
140
141 

Our 2014 Sustainable  
Development Report

This report is a summary of 
Woodside’s sustainability 
approach, actions and 
performance for the 
12-month period ending  
31 December 2014. 

This report will be available in March 2015.

 Further information at woodside.com.au

1

YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENT

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OVERVIEWOUR AREAS OF ACTIVITY

Our focus on performance excellence has delivered strong 
operational results and growth opportunities.

Dilli

Our Australian business

9

Darwin

15

Broome

5

13
2 3 4
2
12

6

1
Karratha

16
7
7
810

11
14

Exmouth

NORTHERN 
TERRITORY

WEST ERN 
AUSTR ALIA

Perth

2

Our producing assets (operated)1Karratha Gas PlantNWS2Goodwyn A platformNWS3North Rankin ComplexNWS4Okha FPSONWS oil5Angel platformNWS6Pluto LNG PlantPluto LNG7Pluto LNG platformPluto LNG8Ngujima-Yin FPSOVincent oil9Northern Endeavour FPSOLaminaria-Corallina oil10Nganhurra FPSOEnfield oilOur producing assets (non-operated)11Stybarrow Venture MV16 FPSOStybarrow oilOur projects12Greater Western Flank Phase 1 NWS13PersephoneNWSOur developments14Greater Enfield OilEnfield15Browse FLNGBrowse16Greater Western Flank Phase 2NWSOur offices and representative officesWOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnOUR AREAS OF ACTIVITY

Our global business

Dublin

Ireland

Morocco
Spain
(Canary 
Islands)

Cameroon
Gabon

Tanzania

Beijing

Republic of Korea

Seoul

Tokyo

Myanmar
Yangon

Singapore

Dili

Browse

Sunrise

Australia

Perth

New Zealand

Wellington

Canada (Nova Scotia)

Canada 
(Grassy Point)

Houston

Peru

3

Woodside offices and representative officesExploration acreageDevelopmentsBusiness opportunitiesWOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OVERVIEWPERFORMANCE SUMMARY

In 2014, we achieved a 37% improvement in safety 
performance and a 9% increase in production. 

With effect from 1 January 2010, Woodside adopted a United States (US) dollar functional currency. All figures in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise 
stated. Where appropriate, comparative financial information prior to 2010 in this annual report has been converted from Australian dollars to US dollars using the 
relevant historical exchange rate.

Safety

Production

Sales revenue

Reported NPAT

37%

Improvement

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^ Normalised to remove Browse 

13

14

Our total recordable injury rate 
(TRIR) was a 37% improvement 
on 2013. It has significantly 
improved over the past four years, 
demonstrating solid progress 
towards our goal of global 
top-quartile health and safety 
performance by 2017.

2014 delivered record annual 
production, up 9% on 2013. 
This was underpinned by higher 
reliability at Pluto LNG (Pluto) and 
NWS, a full year of production 
from the Vincent floating 
production storage and offloading 
vessel (FPSO) and reduced 
cyclone impact across our assets.

We reported a 23% increase in 
sales revenue. This reflects higher 
LNG and oil sales (with a full year 
of production from the Vincent 
FPSO), and higher LNG realised 
pricing at Pluto.

partial equity sale

2014 delivered reported NPAT of 
US$2,414 million, an increase of 
38% compared to 2013. This was 
supported by higher production, 
higher realised prices and lower 
expenses, partly offset by higher 
depreciation and impairments.

Operating cash flow

Underlying NPAT1 

Dividends per share

Return on equity

44%

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Operating cash flow increased by 
44%, largely attributable to higher 
sales receipts. 

2014 saw a record underlying 
NPAT of US$2,421 million, 
42% higher compared to 2013. 

11

10
12
^ Special dividend

13

14

11

10
^ Normalised to remove 

13

14

12

Browse partial equity sale

Return on equity was 15.3%,  
up from 11.5%, reflecting higher 
reported NPAT. 

Record production and underlying 
net profit after tax (NPAT), 
coupled with disciplined capital 
management, has delivered  
a record full year dividend of  
US255 cents per share (cps)  
(interim dividend US111 cps,  
final dividend US144 cps). 

1. Woodside’s Financial Report complies with Australian Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The underlying (non-IFRS) profit is unaudited but is derived 

from audited accounts by removing the impact of non-recurring items from the reported (IFRS) audited profit. Woodside believes the non-IFRS profit reflects a more meaningful measure of the 
company’s underlying performance.

Additional summary charts can be found on  140  .

4

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Results for the year

2013

2014

% change

Reported net profit after tax

Sales revenue 

(US$ million)

(US$ million)

1,749

5,776

Cash flow from operating activities

(US$ million)

3,330

Reported earnings per share 

Total recordable injury rate1

Ten-year total shareholder return2 (TSR)

Ten-year TSR2 quartile ranking3

Production 

Proved reserves 

Proved plus probable reserves 

Contingent resources 

(US cents)

(TRIR)

(TSR, %)

(Quartile)

(MMboe)

213

3.00

14.3

3rd

87.0

(MMboe)

1,143

(MMboe)

1,437

(MMboe)

1,692

2,414

7,076

4,785

293

1.90

10.6

2nd

95.1

1,048

1,339

1,743

38

23

44

38

(37)

(26)

n.m4

9

(8)

(7)

3

1.  In 2013, Woodside adjusted the calculation of the total recordable case frequency to exclude illness.  

This metric is now called TRIR. 

2.  Source: Bloomberg, TSR is the compounded annual return over the specified period.
3.  Against Woodside peer group see page 8.
4. Not meaningful.

Indexed ten-year performance

Over the past ten years, Woodside has outperformed the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).  
All Ordinaries Index (values are indexed to base 100 from 31 December 2004). 

Brent oil price
Woodside (WPL)
ASX All Ordinaries Index 

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31/12/2004

31/12/2014

1 April 2005 Pluto gas discovery.

2 July 2007 Pluto final investment decision.

3 Global financial crisis impact.

4 September to October 2008 NWS Train 5, Angel start-up.

5 April 2012 Pluto LNG production.

6 September 2012 sale of Browse equity completed.

7 October 2013 North Rankin Redevelopment Project achieves start-up.

8 June 2014 execution of an agreement which resulted in Shell’s sell-down of 9.5% of issued 

capital to institutional investors.

9 December 2014 entered into a binding transaction to acquire Apache’s Wheatstone LNG, 

Balnaves oil and Kitimat LNG project interests.

Additional financial details can be found on  14

140 .

Realising ouR  
Global
Vision

Record production of 
95MMboe up 9%.

Record full-year dividend of 
US255 cps.

Record final dividend of  
US144 cps.

37% improvement in our 
total recordable injury rate.

49% improvement in our lost 
time injury frequency.

Completed basis of design 
for the Browse FLNG 
development.

New exploration acreage 
acquired in Cameroon, 
Canada (Nova Scotia), Gabon, 
Morocco, Myanmar and 
Tanzania.

Gas discovery at the  
Toro-1 well in the Exmouth 
sub-basin.

Completed six 3D marine 
seismic surveys, covering 
11,678 km2.

Final investment decision for 
Persephone was taken.

Acquired Apache’s 
Wheatstone LNG, Balnaves 
oil and Kitimat LNG project 
interests1.

Shell’s shareholding in 
Woodside reduced from 
23.1% to 13.6%.

LNG Sale and Purchase 
Agreement signed with 
Chubu Electric Power Co. 
Inc., Korea Gas Corporation 
and Cheniere Energy.

1. The acquisition is subject to 

transaction close.

5

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OVERVIEW 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Woodside starts 2015 with a 
strong balance sheet and is 
well positioned for growth.

Michael Chaney AO

Chairman

During 2014, a challenging year for the oil and gas industry, 
Woodside maintained an unwavering focus on our mission –  
to deliver superior shareholder returns.

The acquisition1 of key Apache assets and new exploration 
permits around the world demonstrated an ongoing 
commitment to pursuing opportunities where there is alignment 
between our capabilities and future value.

These acquisitions also highlighted Woodside’s ability to use its 
strong balance sheet to take advantage of challenging market 
conditions in the pursuit of growth opportunities.

A strong base business 

During 2014, productivity and reliability initiatives saw the 
company achieve a record production result of 95.1 million 
barrels of oil equivalent. 

Combined with strong demand in the Asia-Pacific region and 
robust realised prices, our underlying net profit after tax was 
US$2.421 billion. This was a record and a 42% increase on the 
previous year.

Full year dividends increased 2% to US255 cents per share. 

The dramatic fall in oil prices seen over the last few months will, 
if maintained, result in a significant reduction in the company’s 
reported profit and cash flows. Fortunately, Woodside is in a 
strong financial position and the Board expects to maintain the 
current 80% dividend payout ratio for the foreseeable future, 
subject to the demands of significant new capital investments or 
further material changes in the business environment.

During the year, we pursued what we considered to be an 
important capital management initiative – the Shell sell-down 
and buy-back. In accordance with our agreement, Shell sold 
a 9.5% interest in the company, and we sought shareholder 
approval to repurchase a further 9.5% from Shell. This  
would have left Shell with a shareholding in the company  
of less than 5%.

Whilst 72% of votes cast at the General Meeting were in 
favour of the proposal, this fell short of the required 75%. 
Notwithstanding this result, the overall proposal did at least 
partly satisfy Shell’s stated desire to decrease its shareholding 
and thus reduce the overhang on our shares. 

1. The acquisition is subject to transaction close.

6

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnCHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Growth opportunities 

Competitiveness

Leadership

In December, we were pleased to 
announce that Woodside had entered 
into a binding transaction to acquire 
Apache’s Wheatstone LNG and Balnaves 
oil interests in Australia and Kitimat LNG 
project interests in Canada for  
US$2.75 billion. This investment is a 
natural fit for Woodside’s portfolio.  

This investment complements our 
pursuit of organic growth opportunities 
through the global exploration strategy. 
During the year, we were successful in 
bidding for four new blocks in Myanmar 
and acquired exploration interests in 
Cameroon, Canada (Nova Scotia), Gabon, 
Morocco and Tanzania. These will be 
evaluated through seismic studies and 
drilling over the next few years.

Closer to home, in December we 
announced a revised schedule for 
front-end engineering and design on 
the Browse project, with the joint 
venture now targeting a mid-2015 FEED 
commencement. This revised schedule 
should allow us to achieve lower cost 
outcomes in the current subdued market 
conditions.

Internationally, we continue to engage 
with the Timor-Leste and Australian 
governments to facilitate the timely 
progression of the Sunrise development, 
including discussions on multiple 
development concepts including both on 
and offshore options.

The successful development of projects 
like Browse and Sunrise will depend on 
acceptable petroleum price outcomes 
and, importantly, a competitive cost 
structure. Australia has the potential to 
become the world’s largest exporter of 
LNG, but the achievement of this is not 
guaranteed. Productivity and innovation 
will be key. These are very much a focus 
for Woodside. 

During 2014, the company continued its 
productivity programs aimed at boosting 
production on existing assets, saving 
on external spending and improving 
organisation efficiency. We are tracking 
well with this approach, and we have 
already seen benefits flowing through. 
The commitment to innovation and 
technology includes developing our ideas 
on concepts like floating LNG, nearshore 
technology and future plant design.

Clearly, State and Federal governments 
also have an important role to play in 
boosting productivity and innovation 
through getting the regulatory settings 
right, maintaining consistency in 
policy and ensuring appropriate labour 
regulation. In relation to labour regulation, 
it is clear that changes need to be made 
in the workplace relations system to 
allow more flexibility.

In December, Gene Tilbrook was 
appointed to the Woodside Board.  
I welcome Gene, who brings with him 
a wealth of experience, particularly 
in relation to commercial investment 
analysis.

Rob Cole resigned as a director during 
the year. Rob served Woodside in a range 
of roles over eight years, including for the 
past two years as executive director. On 
behalf of the Board, we thank him for his 
significant contribution and wish him well 
in his future endeavours. 

We have an outstanding CEO in 
Peter Coleman and we thank him, 
the executive team and all Woodside 
employees for their hard work and 
dedication throughout the year. 

2014 was a year in which the company 
celebrated 60 years of operations;  
it also marked 30 years of reliable 
domestic gas production and 25 years  
of LNG exports to Asia, a record of  
which we are very proud. 

We look forward to the company’s 
continued success.

Michael Chaney AO 
18 February 2015

Woodside celebrates 60 years of achievement with Chairman Michael Chaney (far left), former 
chairmen Charles Goode and Bill Rogers, former prime minister John Howard, current CEO  
Peter Coleman and former Managing Director Charles Allen. 

7

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OVERVIEWCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

In 2014, we focused on rebuilding our 
portfolio, improving our productivity and 
positioning the company to become a 
global leader. 

Peter Coleman 
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

2014 Key performance highlights

Future objectives

ƒƒ Total recordable injury rate (TRIR) of 1.9, 

ƒƒ Achieve global top-quartile health and 

a 37% improvement from 2013. 
ƒƒ Record production of 95.1 MMboe, 

and top-quartile LNG reliability at North 
West Shelf (NWS) and Pluto LNG 
(Pluto). 

ƒƒ Recommenced exploration drilling in 
Australia, with the Toro-1 well in the 
Exmouth sub-basin resulting in a gas 
discovery. 

ƒƒ New exploration acreage in Cameroon, 
Canada (Nova Scotia), Gabon, Morocco, 
Myanmar and Tanzania.

ƒƒ Positive final investment decision (FID) 

for Persephone.

ƒƒ Entered into a binding transaction to 
acquire Apache’s Wheatstone LNG, 
Balnaves oil and Kitimat LNG project 
interests1.

safety performance by 2017.

ƒƒ Browse front-end engineering and 

design (FEED) phase entry in mid-2015 
and a FID in 2016.
ƒƒ Progress our projects:

Ĉ Xena field tie-in project for Pluto 

LNG, with first gas expected in the 
second half of 2015; 

Ĉ Greater Western Flank Phase 1 

project, scheduled for first gas in 
early 2016;

Ĉ Persephone project, scheduled for 
first gas in first half of 2018; and
Ĉ Wheatstone LNG project1, with first 

gas expected in late 2016. 

ƒƒ Continue Greater Western Flank  

Phase 2 development.

ƒƒ Celebrated 30 years of domestic gas 

ƒƒ High impact exploration activities 

production and 25 years of LNG exports 
at NWS.

TSR performance against peers

Ten-year compound annual return

)

(

%
R
S
T
r
a
e
y
-

n
e
T

L
P
W

The ten-year TSR reflects the long-term sustainability of 
our business relative to our peer group which includes: 
Anadarko, Apache, BG, Conoco Philips, ENI, Hess, 
Marathon, Murphy, Oil Search, Origin Energy, Pioneer, 
Santos, Statoil, Talisman, Repsol and Tullow Oil 2.

8

including further drilling in Australia, and 
up to three international wells in 2015.
ƒƒ Concentrate on aggregating positions 
around our existing exploration focus 
areas in Australasia, the Atlantic 
margins and Sub-Saharan Africa.
ƒƒ Continue to evaluate commercial 

transactions that have the potential to 
deliver significant shareholder value. 

ƒƒ Leverage technology to deliver 

sustainable growth through cost 
reductions and commercialisation of 
stranded resources. 

1. The acquisition is subject to transaction close.

2. Source: Bloomberg. TSR is the compounded 

annual return over the specified period.

Strategic statement 
In 2014, our company’s 60th year, 
Woodside focused on establishing a 
strong foundation for its next phase of 
growth, in which we aim to become a 
global top-quartile performer. We remained 
committed to our values led approach to 
create a high performance culture and 
maximise shareholder returns. 

We delivered against the three key 
elements of our corporate strategy – 
maximising our core business, leveraging 
our capabilities and growing our portfolio. 

Our operations delivered record production 
and strong reliability. Productivity 
improvement initiatives and willingness to 
embrace new ways of working played their 
part in this very sound result. 

In turn, these demonstrated capabilities 
not only supported current efforts but also 
set the scene for future development. Our 
expertise and experience were recognised 
as we formed partnerships enabling 
progress in Australia and overseas. They 
underpinned our growing international 
marketing interests, and were a driver in 
our decision to acquire key Apache assets 
in Australia and Canada.

We were diligent and rigorous about 
growing and consolidating our global 
footprint, acquiring high quality acreage 
in emerging and frontier basins. We have 
focused on oil-prone provinces, as we 
re-build and re-balance our exploration 
portfolio. We take a long term view, 
creating a culture of performance 
excellence and adopting a mindset of 
continuous improvement. We are making 
solid progress towards our aspiration to be 
a global leader.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn 
 
Safety
Woodside achieved outstanding safety 
results in 2014, with a 50% reduction 
in both lost time injuries and Tier 2 
process safety events. We recorded a 
total recordable injury rate of 1.9, a 37% 
improvement from 2013. These results 
evidence substantial progress towards  
top-quartile performance across the 
business and bodes well for the success of 
our health and safety road map. 

Production
We delivered record production, reflecting 
our focus on reliability. We produced  
95.1 MMboe, a 9% increase from last 
year’s record result of 87.0 MMboe. In 
August, the Karratha Gas Plant loaded 
its 4,000th cargo of LNG, an impressive 
milestone reached in its 25th year of LNG 
production. NWS and Pluto achieved top-
quartile LNG reliability of 97.4% and 97.1% 
respectively.

Capital management
Higher production volumes drove record 
operating revenue of US$7,435 million,  
up 25% on our 2013 result. Our net 
profit after tax was up 38% at US$2,414 
million and underlying net profit up 42% 
at US$2,421 million. Our strong balance 
sheet means we are well positioned to 
fund growth.

We remain focused on a rigorous capital 
allocation process and disciplined 
investment decision making. We continue 
to do what is right for the long-term future 
of our business. This is evident in what 
we choose to do, as demonstrated by 
our acquisition1 of Apache’s interests 
in the Australian Wheatstone LNG and 
Balnaves oil projects, and the Kitimat LNG 
project in Canada. It is also evident in what 
we choose not to do, as shown by the 
termination of the Leviathan Memorandum 
of Understanding when a commercially 
acceptable outcome could not be reached.

We are committed to improving our 
productivity, becoming more efficient and 
effective, lowering costs and enabling 
our people in the process. Each part of 
the business was challenged to consider 
ways in which they could streamline their 
work. The response has been a series of 
initiatives that will help us reach our target 
of US$800 million in recurring benefits 
by the end of 2016. We have worked 
proactively, and are ahead of the curve, 
having already delivered significant value 
in 2014. 

Growth opportunities
In 2014, we bolstered our portfolio of 
growth opportunities, both in Australia 
and overseas. Again, we took a disciplined 
approach, focusing on opportunities that 
complement our capabilities and strategic 
aims. 

Our efforts to rebuild and rebalance our 
exploration portfolio were significant.  
We acquired acreage in Cameroon, 
Canada (Nova Scotia), Gabon, Morocco 

and Tanzania, focusing on emerging and 
frontier basins with significant potential 
and were awarded another four permits in 
Myanmar. In 2015, seismic will be shot in 
Morocco, Myanmar, New Zealand, Peru 
and Tanzania. Drilling has also taken place 
in the Outer Canning frontier basin, and 
Exmouth sub-basin, where the Toro-1 well 
discovered gas. Our drilling and seismic 
activities demonstrate strategy execution.

Our development projects continue to 
progress. Within the NWS, plans for the 
Greater Western Flank 1 and Persphone 
subsea tiebacks, to the Goodwyn 
and North Rankin Complex platforms 
respectively, remain on schedule.  
Drilling activities for Xena have been 
completed and the project remains on track 
for first gas in 2015. The Browse team is 
working towards a FEED recommendation 
for a floating LNG option. We have 
also begun feasibility studies for the 
construction of a LNG export facility at 
Grassy Point in Canada.

The acquisition of the Apache assets, 
targeted for completion by end Q1 2015, 
delivers immediate production in the 
case of Balnaves, near-term production 
with Wheatstone and great potential in 
a promising precinct with Kitimat. The 
acquisition will build our development 
pipeline and increase our production profile. 

Marketing also made gains, achieving 
positive outcomes from LNG price 
negotiations, signing sales contracts with 
Chubu and KOGAS, entering into a sale and 
purchase agreement with Cheniere Energy, 
and signing a Heads of Agreement with 
Singapore based Pavillion Gas.  
We have also opened a trading office in 
Singapore. Core capabilities in marketing, 
trading and shipping are key to expanding 
our global LNG supply portfolio.

Global industry outlook
It is undoubtedly a challenging time for 
the global oil and gas industry. During the 
second half of 2014, oil prices declined 
by approximately 50%. At the same 
time, our industry faced escalating costs 
and heightened risks of developing new 
supply. It is not surprising that oil and 
gas investments around the world have 
slowed. In this environment, investors 
increasingly demand capital discipline.

In response, industry is looking closely 
at existing cost structures, challenging 
norms and cutting capital expenditure. The 
productivity challenge we launched in 2014 
allowed the company to proactively reduce 
costs ahead of the decline in oil price, 
and provides a solid foundation for further 
improvements in 2015.

The substantial shift in market conditions 
has also presented Woodside with an 
opportunity to seek structurally lower 
costs in our business, drawing on lessons 
learned. 

Woodside is in the strong position of 
being able to consider new investment 
opportunities in an environment where 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

lower oil prices have re-set expectations 
about the sale price of assets. In 2015, 
we will continue to carefully examine 
growth opportunities that meet our strict 
investment criteria and ultimately deliver 
shareholder value. 

Capability
Woodside has an enviable reputation for its 
ability to develop and produce oil and gas 
within Australia, and a determination to be 
a valued player in the international arena. 
We do not rest on our laurels. Our people 
work hard to get ever better at what they 
do, introducing innovations that allow us to 
streamline our efforts.

The business seeks to create the right 
environment to support employees to 
succeed, which is why a focus of our 
productivity program is enabling staff to 
do the work that delivers the most benefit 
to the business. We are also committed 
to growing talent from within. As well 
as providing the necessary training 
and support to develop the skills and 
capability of our workforce, we want to 
ensure our people have the opportunity 
to enjoy increasingly challenging roles. 
Our succession, diversity and recruitment 
programs reflect this. We continue to 
increase the number of graduates we 
recruit. As we embed our values-led 
culture by promoting from within we grow 
our talent pool by supporting graduates into 
and through our business.

Outlook
In 2014, Woodside has delivered a firm 
foundation to launch its next phase 
of growth. We have put a lot of hard 
work into building a robust and resilient 
business that will allow us to thrive in a 
tough commodities market. Our mindset 
of continuous improvement delivered a 
sustainable model of driving innovation, 
which in turn allows us to build a 
competitive edge.

In 2015, we will continue to build on the 
productivity initiatives which are already 
well-established in our business; enhancing 
the reliability of our assets, reducing our 
external spending and bolstering our 
organisational efficiency. These initiatives 
mean that we are well-placed to withstand 
the impact of a lower oil price.

This will undoubtedly be a tough year 
for our industry, but we start the year 
in a strong position. We look forward to 
maximising our shareholder return and 
concentrating on aggregating positions 
around our existing focus areas, as we 
increase our efforts to become a global 
top-quartile performer that is respected  
for its values-led approach to business.

Peter Coleman 
18 February 2015

9

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OVERVIEWWOODSIDE EXECUTIVES

Michael Utsler 
BSc (Petroleum Engineering)

Chief Operations Officer

Michael was appointed  
as Chief Operations Officer  
in 2013, following an extensive 
career in upstream oil and gas 
spanning 36 years. 

He is responsible for 
Woodside’s producing 
facilities and stewardship of 
programs in health, safety, 
environment and security and 
emergency management. 

Prior to joining Woodside, 
Michael held the position 
of President for the BP-Gulf 
Coast restoration organisation, 
leading the Deepwater 
Horizon response effort.

Dr Robert Edwardes
BSc (Eng), PhD

Executive Vice President 
Development

Robert was appointed as 
Executive Vice President 
Development in 2012. He has 
over 37 years of resources 
industry experience, spanning 
the full breadth of operations 
and projects. 

In his current role, he is 
accountable for front-end 
planning and execution 
of onshore and offshore 
capital projects, reservoir 
management, engineering 
and subsea. 

Prior to joining Woodside, 
Robert’s roles included 
Managing Director of Worley 
Parsons (US and Latin 
America) and Project Director 
of the Kizomba deepwater oil 
development in Angola with 
ExxonMobil.

Peter Coleman
BEng (Civil and Computing), MBA, 

FATSE

Chief Executive Officer and 
Managing Director

Peter was appointed as 
Chief Executive Officer and 
Managing Director in May 
2011, and has over 30 years’ 
experience in the global oil 
and gas industry.

Peter is the Chairman of the 
Australian-Korea Foundation, 
a Fellow of the Australian 
Academy of Technological 
Sciences and Engineering 
and, in 2012, was awarded 
the honorary title of Adjunct 
Professor in Corporate 
Strategy from the University 
of Western Australia. In 2013, 
he received the Distinguished 
Alumni Lifetime Achievement 
Award from Monash 
University. 

Following graduation from 
Monash University, he began 
his career at Esso Australia 
(which became part of the 
ExxonMobil group) and 
stayed with ExxonMobil  
until joining Woodside. 

10

Lawrie Tremaine
BBus, FCPA

Executive Vice President  
Finance and Commercial and 
Chief Financial Officer

Lawrie was appointed as 
Chief Financial Officer in 
2010. In 2014, leadership of 
the Commercial function was 
also added to his remit. 

He joined Woodside in 2006 
and has over 30 years of 
finance leadership experience, 
predominantly in the resource 
and minerals processing 
industry. 

Lawrie is responsible for a 
range of functions including 
finance, investor relations, 
commercial, contracting and 
procurement, information 
technology and performance 
excellence. 

Prior to joining Woodside, he 
worked for Alcoa for 17 years. 
He is a National Executive 
Member of the Group of 100. 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnWOODSIDE EXECUTIVES

Phil Loader
BSc (Geology), MBA, MSc, DIC

Executive Vice President  
Global Exploration

Phil was appointed as 
Executive Vice President 
Global Exploration in 2013, 
following an extensive career 
in the upstream sector 
spanning over 30 years. 

Phil is responsible for the 
company’s global exploration 
activities. 

Prior to joining Woodside, 
Phil’s roles included Senior 
Vice President Exploration at 
Mubadala Petroleum in the 
United Arab Emirates and 
Vice President Exploration at 
Anadarko Petroleum.

Shaun Gregory
BSc (Hons), MBT

Senior Vice President 
Strategy, Science and 
Technology

Shaun was appointed 
as Senior Vice President 
Strategy, Science and 
Technology in 2014, and has 
worked in the oil and gas 
industry for over 24 years. 

Shaun leads the company’s 
efforts in advancing oil and 
gas science and technology, 
as well as strategic planning. 
He joined Woodside in 1996 
and has held a variety of roles 
in areas including geophysics, 
mergers and acquisitions, 
corporate strategy, 
exploration, and  
new ventures.

Michael Abbott
BJuris, LLB, BA, MBA

Senior Vice President 
Corporate and Legal and 
General Counsel

Michael was appointed 
as Senior Vice President 
Corporate and Legal in 2014. 
He has over 25 years of legal 
experience, with ten years of 
senior leadership in the oil  
and gas industry. 

Michael is accountable for 
legal, company secretariat, 
risk, compliance and 
corporate and government 
affairs. 

Michael joined Woodside in 
2005 and has held a variety of 
roles including Mergers and 
Acquisitions lawyer, head of 
the Procurement Legal Team 
and Vice President Legal and 
General Counsel.

Dr Greg Roder
BSc (Hons), PhD, MBL

Executive Vice President  
Business Development and 
Growth

Greg was appointed as 
Executive Vice President 
Business Development and 
Growth in 2011. He has 
over 35 years’ experience 
in energy resources, 
infrastructure investment, 
funds management, capital 
markets and operational asset 
management. 

Greg leads Woodside’s 
strategic business growth 
particularly through corporate 
and asset transactions.

Prior to joining Woodside, 
Greg held leadership positions 
at ExxonMobil, Macquarie 
Bank, Standard Bank of 
South Africa and AMP Capital 
Investors.

Reinhardt Matisons
BEng, MBA, MIE Aust, CPEng, CPA

Executive Vice President 
Marketing, Trading and 
Shipping

Reinhardt was appointed 
as Executive Vice President 
Marketing, Trading and 
Shipping in 2014. He has over 
33 years’ experience in the 
energy industry. 

In his current position, he is 
accountable for the newly 
formed marketing, trading and 
shipping function. Reinhardt 
joined Woodside in 1996 and 
has held various marketing 
and commercial roles. 

Prior to this, he held senior 
leadership roles with Poten & 
Partners, Alinta Gas, Western 
Power and the State Energy 
Commission of Western 
Australia. 

11

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OVERVIEWoPERaTinG anD 
FinanCial REViEW

12

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnOPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Financial position

North West Shelf (NWS)

Pluto LNG (Pluto) 

12%

Reduction in total  
unit production costs
We achieved an 11% decrease in gas unit 
production costs and a 24% reduction in  
oil unit production costs. This reflects our 
increased focus on cost efficiencies and 
reliability.

Read more on

15

Australia Oil

8.4

MMboe

After returning from planned shipyard 
maintenance and refurbishment in late 2013, 
the Vincent floating production storage and 
offloading vessel (FPSO) delivered a full year 
of production and contributed 5.0 MMboe of 
Australia Oil’s production (8.4 MMboe). 

Read more on

24

Environment

29%

Decrease in  
flared gas intensity

97.4%

Reliability

97.1%

Reliability

NWS achieved top-quartile LNG reliability 
averaging 97.4% and exceeded its production 
targets. Final investment decision (FID) was 
taken for the Persephone project.

Pluto achieved top-quartile LNG reliability 
averaging 97.1% and exceeded its production 
targets. The Perth-based Pluto Support Centre 
was established to deliver efficiencies and 
innovations. 

Read more on

20

Our people

45%

Increase in 
graduate intake
Consistent with our strategy of growing our 
culture for a long-term sustainable future,  
our 2015 intake of 103 graduates  
is a 45% increase on 2014. Women  
represent 43% of this intake. 

Health, safety, security and 
emergency management

Read more on

22

50%

Reduction in  
Tier 2 PSEs
We recorded a 50% reduction in the number of 
reported Tier 2 process safety events (PSEs). 
This result reflects our focus on performance 
excellence to improve process safety 
management.

Read more on

26

Read more on

28

Community engagement

LNG marketing update

A$22.6

Million

321 

LNG cargoes delivered

2014 saw a 29% reduction in flared gas 
intensity through improvements to facility 
start-up processes and high reliability in 
facility operation.

We contributed A$22.6 million worth of social 
investment to our host communities, and our 
staff contributed 6,300 volunteering hours. 
We were named West Australian Corporate 
Volunteer of the Year. 

Our NWS and Pluto projects delivered 256 and 
65 cargoes (100% project) respectively. 

Read more on

30

Read more on

31

Read more on

32

13

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWOPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

FINANCIAL POSITION

Woodside enters a low oil price environment in a strong financial position,  
underpinned by record production of 95.1 MMboe. We have maintained 
our 80% dividend payout ratio, and our balance sheet is well positioned to 
support our future growth.

Key metrics

US$ million unless stated otherwise

Operating revenue
Costs of production
EBITDA1
Depreciation and amortisation2
Impairments
EBIT
Reported NPAT
Non-recurring items
Underlying NPAT
Net cash from operating 
activities

2013
5,926
1,242
4,188
1,263
387
2,538
1,749
47
1,702

2014
7,435
1,112
5,568
1,462
434
3,672
2,414
(7)
2,421

3,330

4,785

Capital expenditure

Exploration expenditure

590

261

2,271
1,738
1,541

Free cash flow
Dividends paid
Net debt
Key ratios
Gearing  
9.2
%
213
Earnings 
US cps
207
Underlying earnings   US cps
Return on equity  
11.5
%
Effective income tax rate  % 29.8

561

410

4,168
1,764
(682)

(4.5)
293
294
15.3
30.1

Sales volumes

Gas 

Liquids 

MMboe

MMbbl

67.4
18.3

72.4
20.8

1. EBITDA excludes impairment and amortisation of permit 
acquisition costs. EBITDA has been restated for 2013.
2. Includes depreciation of other plant and equipment and 

amortisation of licence acquisition costs.

Reported NPAT

3
8
9
,
2

4
7
9

9
0
0
,
2

9
4
7
,
1

4
1
4
,
2

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$
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7
5
,
1

7
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,
1

T
A
P
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d
e
t
r
o
p
e
R

10

11

12

13

14

2014 delivered reported NPAT of  
US$2,414 million, an increase of 38% 
compared to 2013. This was supported by 
higher production, higher realised prices 
and lower expenses, partly offset by higher 
depreciation and impairments.

Underlying earnings 
per share (EPS)

)
s
p
c
S
U

(

S
P
E
g
n
i
y
l
r
e
d
n
U

14

3
8
1

9
0
2

3
5
2

7
0
2

4
9
2

10

11

12

13

14

2014 reported net profit after tax (NPAT) versus 2013

)
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$
S
U

(
T
A
P
N
d
e
t
r
o
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e
R

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,749

203

289

612

86

16

136

312

694

37

2,414

1,500

1,000

500

0

Revenue

T
A
P
N
3
1
0
2

1
X
F
/
e
c
i
r
P

e
m
u
o
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l

r
e
h
t
O

l

s
e
a
s
f
o
t
s
o
C

r
e
h
t
o
t
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N

s
e
s
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t
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s
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x
a
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m
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t
s
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r
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t
n

i

T
A
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N
4
1
0
2

g
n

i
l
l

o
r
t
n
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c
-
n
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N

2014 NPAT was higher than in 2013 largely due to increased revenue associated with the Pluto 
second pricing period, higher production as a result of the Vincent FPSO returning to production 
from refurbishment and higher reliability at Pluto and NWS.

1. Foreign exchange rates.
2. Petroleum Resource Rent Tax.

We delivered a reported net profit of US$2,414 million in 2014.

Key differences relative to 2013

Impairments

105.04

96.57

(8.47)

restoration estimate.

Revenue

Price: The US$694 million increase 
was a result of the Pluto second pricing 
period, partially offset by lower oil prices 
experienced in the second half of the year.

Average realised prices

All in US$/boe

Pipeline natural gas

NWS LNG

Pluto LNG

Condensate

LPG

Oil

Volume weighted 
average realised prices

2013
26.31

2014 Variance
28.18

1.87

77.43

73.46

(3.97)

54.52

81.31

26.79

101.71 100.40

(1.31)

111.29 100.77 (10.52)

67.43

75.89

8.46

Brent average price

109

99

(10)

Volume: Record production of  
95.1 MMboe resulted in increased 
revenue of US$612 million. This was 
driven by higher reliability at Pluto 
and NWS, coupled with a full year of 
production from the Vincent FPSO (which 
returned from refurbishment in Q4 2013).

Other: Other revenue increased, 
predominantly due to increasing trading 
activities. 

Net other expenses 
Increased by US$86 million largely due to 
recognition of additional impairments and 
a loss on the sale of assets in 2014. 

US$ million 2013

2014

Enfield1,2

Stybarrow1,3

Neptune2,3

Laminaria-Corallina1,3

Vincent1,4

NWS Oil1

Pluto Train 2/3 front-end 
engineering and design (FEED)5 

154 

87 

54 

34 

-

-

58 

179

60

-

64

90

41

-

Total 

387 

434

1.  Lower forward price assumption. 
2.  Assessment of the ultimate reserve recovery.
3.  Increase in the carrying amount associated with 

4.  Lower facility reliability assumption. 
5.  Decline in value of expansion costs.

Cost of sales
Cost of sales have increased largely due 
to the volume impact on depreciation and 
amortisation expense. Costs also reflect 
increased trading activities.

2014 Variance

US$ million 2013
732

Production costs

Royalties and excise

Carbon costs

Insurance

461

36

41

705

400

24

23

Inventory movement

(28)

(40)

Shipping and direct 
sales costs

Trading costs

Oil and gas properties 
depreciation and 
amortisation

145

-

185

160

1,207

1,426

219

Total

2,594

2,883

289

(27)

(61)

(12)

(18)

(12)

40

160

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unit production costs
We achieved an overall 12% reduction 
in unit production costs relative to 
2013, with an 11% decrease in gas 
unit production costs and a 24% 
reduction in oil unit production costs. 
This predominantly reflects favourable 
exchange rate impacts across all 
Australian assets, our increased focus on 
reliability and cost reduction activities. 

Gas production cost: Gas production 
costs decreased by US$20 million to 
US$409 million in 2014 predominantly 
due to lower production costs at Pluto 
driven by higher plant reliability and 
favourable exchange rates. 

s
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11

12

13

14

Gas production cost

Unit production cost

Oil production cost: Oil production 
costs decreased by US$4 million to 
US$300 million. This was predominantly 
due to favourable exchange rates partially 
offset by a full year of production from 
the Vincent FPSO.

s
t
s
o
c
n
o
i
t
c
u
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Unit production cost

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Cash margins
Cash margins have increased with higher 
realised pricing at Pluto, and a full year of 
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Other

Free cash flow
Free cash flow has increased to 
US$4,168 million, reflecting strong 
operating performance. Three year 
cumulative free cash flow is over  
US$10 billion. 

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Free cash flow

Operating cash flow

Investment 
In 2014 we invested US$971 million  
in our business comprising  
US$561 million in capital expenditure 
(down from US$590 million in 2013)  
and US$410 million in exploration  
(up from US$261 million in 2013).

Our 2014 investment spend reflects 
increasing exploration activity. The 
composition of this expenditure  
was approximately one half to drilling 
(in Australia), one quarter to seismic 
(globally) and one quarter to general 
permit activity.

Capital expenditure has largely been on 
Xena, Browse, Greater Western Flank 
Phase-1, Vincent and Karratha Life 
Extension. 

Our investment expenditure outlook is 
on  17 .

Balance sheet and liquidity
Strong cash flows from our underlying 
business combined with low capital and 
exploration expenditures have allowed us 
to pay down debt, resulting in a net cash 
position of US$682 million. 

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Net debt

Gearing (%)

(4.5)

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12 13 14

Following the execution of US$2,000 
million in undrawn short term bilateral 
facilities in December, we ended 2014 
with available funds of US$6,818 million, 
comprising cash of US$3,268 million and 
available undrawn debt facilities of 
US$3,550 million. 

FINANCIAL POSITION

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Demonstrating our effective use of capital, 
we achieved Return on Equity (ROE) of 
15.3% and Return on Average Capital 
Employed (ROACE) of 17.5%, up from 
11.5% and 12.0% respectively in 2013.

Woodside’s credit ratings have been 
affirmed by Standard & Poor’s (BBB+) 
and Moody’s (Baa1) following the 
announcement of our transaction to 
acquire Apache’s interests in key assets, 
and the recent decline in oil prices. 

Our strong balance sheet, and 
confirmation of our credit ratings, 
ensures we are well positioned to fund 
our existing commitments and future 
growth. In addition, our producing assets 
continue to generate positive operating 
cashflows, even at current low oil prices. 
We will continue to assess our current 
development portfolio, and growth 
opportunities, in line with our rigorous 
approach to investment decision making. 

NPAT sensitivities
For 2015, a US$1 movement in the  
Brent oil price is expected to impact 
NPAT by US$25 million, and a  
US$0.01 decrease in the AUD/USD 
exchange rate is expected to increase 
NPAT by US$5 million.

Productivity progress
We announced a multi-year productivity 
program in May 2014, and have worked 
proactively to reduce our cost structure. 
Through a rigorous diagnostic and design 
process we identified key improvement 
opportunities. We are targeting at least 
US$800 million in incremental benefits 
by the end of 2016 through a:

ƒƒ 3–5% uplift in production volumes 

from our existing assets;

ƒƒ 10–20% reduction in external spend; 

and

ƒƒ 10–20% improvement in our 

organisational and process efficiencies.

In 2014, we delivered in excess of 
US$560 million of benefits against  
our 2014 target of US$400 million.  
We are living our values by finding ways 
to work more efficiently, reduce waste 
and lower costs. During the year we 
completed numerous small improvement 
projects and trained over 800 people in 
continuous improvement. 

15

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

STRATEGY, OUTLOOK AND RISKS

Strategic direction
Our vision is to deliver superior 
shareholder returns by becoming a 
global leader in upstream oil and gas. 
Our strategy to achieve this is built upon 
three related themes: maximising the 
value of our core assets, leveraging our 
capabilities and growing our portfolio.

Grow Portfolio

Leverage Capabilities

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Maximise Core

Lead time

Woodside is uniquely positioned with a 
reliable asset base, distinctive capabilities 
and strong relationships to develop world-
class projects. This is underpinned by our 
strong balance sheet and cash flow. 

Maximise our core
Woodside operates world-class 
producing assets including the NWS 
Project and Pluto. We will continue to 
create substantial near-term value by 
maximising operational effectiveness, 
extending the life of our producing assets 
and developing our contingent resources.

We are maximising operational 
effectiveness through a culture of 
continuous improvement. Woodside 
proactively reduced its cost structure 
before the decline in oil prices in the 
second half of the year. We are currently 
executing a range of improvement 
projects to further lower our costs, 
increase production reliability and 
improve our overall competitiveness. 

We intend to extend the producing life 
of our existing assets by developing our 
own resources, and processing nearby 
resources of others, for example, third 
party gas through the NWS. 

Our priority is to unlock value from 
the Browse resource using floating 
LNG (FLNG) technology. Woodside 
has long-standing relationships with 
key technology partners and a strong 
technology pedigree, dating back to the 
original NWS development.

Our ongoing focus on health, safety and 
environment (HSE), indicates that we are 
on track to achieve global top-quartile 
HSE performance by 2017.

Leverage our capabilities
Woodside is building distinctive 
capabilities across the oil and gas value 
chain and has a proven track record in  

16

the design, construction and operation  
of world-class LNG plants, FPSO 
operations, subsea technology, seismic 
acquisition and processing and 
deepwater drilling. Our capabilities 
provide a competitive advantage when 
applied to world-class resources in 
challenging environments, for example, 
large-scale projects executed in offshore, 
coastal and remote locations. 

Woodside has its own FLNG, near-shore 
liquefaction, modular liquefaction 
technologies and a range of subsea 
processing and seismic processing 
technologies ready for use. We have 
established remote operations from the 
Perth-based Pluto Support Centre to 
lower operating costs and improve 
maintenance outcomes. 

Woodside is growing its marketing, 
shipping and trading capabilities. For 
example, in 2014, we agreed to purchase 
approximately 0.85 mtpa of LNG from 
the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Project  
for a period of 20 years starting in 2019.  
This purchase will provide a new 
geographic source of LNG and diversify 
our product offering on the basis of 
specification and pricing. 

These skills provide new business growth 
opportunities where our capabilities 
can be applied to deliver value-adding 
upstream and development projects. 

Grow our portfolio 
Woodside’s robust balance sheet, 
distinctive capabilities and partnerships 
create a strong foundation for  
future growth. 

We are growing and rebalancing our 
exploration portfolio, with a focus on 
increasing our exposure to emerging 
petroleum provinces, while also 
concentrating on aggregating positions 
around our existing focus areas in 
Australasia, the Atlantic margins and 
Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2014, we acquired 
interests in Cameroon, Canada (Nova 
Scotia), Gabon, Morocco, Myanmar and 
Tanzania. 

We are also seeking to grow our portfolio 
through corporate and asset acquisitions, 
maintaining a disciplined approach to 
ensure that we continue to increase 
shareholder value and appropriately 
manage risk. 

Our purchase1 of Apache’s interests in 
three key assets delivers growth in the 
immediate, near and medium term. 
Balnaves delivers immediate production 
and leverages synergies with our existing 
FPSO operations. Wheatstone delivers 
material near-term production and cash 
flow. It is a world-class asset with  
8.9 mtpa (1.16 mtpa Woodside share) 

1.  The acquisition is subject to transaction close.

LNG production capacity, with first gas 
targeted from late 2016. Kitimat LNG 
offers a ground floor entry position in the 
most advanced LNG opportunity in 
Western Canada. These assets will 
provide value-enhancing opportunities 
and leverage our subsea, FPSO 
operations and LNG capabilities.

We continue to evaluate further 
acquisition opportunities that meet our 
target investment criteria.

Outlook 
Market outlook
The LNG market will be impacted by 
volatility in oil price, effects of world 
economic growth, energy demand and 
more directly through oil-linked LNG 
pricing. Price trends in the short-term 
market reflect demand and supply factors 
including but not limited to weakening oil 
prices. Key uncertainties for LNG in the 
medium term include the potential restart 
of some nuclear reactors in Japan and the 
ramp-up timing of new supply from 
Australia and the United States of 
America (USA). There is significant risk  
of delay for some projects under 
construction, therefore the LNG market 
has the potential to be tighter in the 
period to 2020. 

For more information on the LNG 
marketing updates, please refer to  32 .

Production range
Woodside’s production target range for 
2015 is 84 to 91 MMboe, comprising a 
product split of approximately 38%  
Pluto LNG, 26% NWS LNG, 15% NWS 
domestic gas and 21% condensate,  
oil and LPG. This range does not include  
production from the Apache asset 
purchase which is expected to be 3 to  
4 MMboe2 based on a targeted transaction 
close date of 31 March 2015. The 
additional range reflects the inclusion of 
Balnaves oil production and Kitimat pipeline 
natural gas production, split approximately 
55% Balnaves oil and 45% Kitimat pipeline 
natural gas. An updated production target 
range will be issued after the transaction 
has closed.

Exploration activities 
In 2015, our planned drilling activities 
include:

ƒƒ up to three wells in Australia (Outer 

Canning, Pluto and Exmouth regions);

ƒƒ up to three international wells 

(Cameroon, Korea and Myanmar); and

ƒƒ seismic surveys in Morocco, Myanmar, 

New Zealand, Peru and Tanzania. 

2  Estimates of Apache asset production is based 
on Woodside’s analysis of Apache’s production 
data, Woodside will issue a consolidated 
production range after the transaction has 
closed.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL REPORTSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 
Our focus in 2015 is to continue to grow 
and high-grade our global exploration 
portfolio with an emphasis on emerging 
petroleum provinces that offer materiality  
(see Chart 1). 

To read more about our exploration 
growth, go to  40 .

proposed Browse FLNG development. 
The revised schedule for Browse provides 
an opportunity to seek significantly lower 
cost outcomes. Woodside is targeting 
FEED phase entry in mid-2015, and a FID 
decision in 2016.

To read more about Browse, go to  38 . 

Development activities
Our key future development activities 
include Browse, Greater Western Flank 
(GWF) Phase 1, Persephone, GWF-2, 
Lambert Deep and Xena (see Chart 2). 

Persephone is the next major development 
for the NWS Project, with FID taken 
in 2014. It involves a two-well subsea 
tieback to the North Rankin Complex. The 
NWS Proved plus Probable (2P) reserves 
(see Chart 2) will be developed in the 
period up to 2019, at an expected cost of 
between approximately US$6.40/boe and 
US$12.80/boe.

Woodside has completed basis of 
design and key pre-FEED work for the 

Woodside remains committed to 
developing Greater Sunrise once 
alignment on a commercial  
development concept is achieved. 

To read more about Sunrise, go to  39 .

Investment expenditure 
Woodside’s total investment expenditure 
in 2015 is expected to be approximately 
US$6.2 billion (see Chart 3). This 
expenditure relates to activities including 
exploration, Karratha life extension,  
Phase 1 of the Xena field tie-in project, 
the GWF Phase 1 project, Persephone, 
Browse FLNG, Vincent Phase IV well, 
Wheatstone1 and Kitimat1. 

1. The acquisition is subject to transaction close.

Chart 1 – 2015/2016 planned drilling and seismic activities

2015

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2016
Q1

Size(1)

Target

Drilling

Outer Canning

Pluto

Anhalt

Pyxis

Exmouth sub-basin

Malaguti

Cameroon

Myanmar

Korea

Seismic

Peru

New Zealand

Tanzania

Morocco

Myanmar

Myanmar

Gabon

Cheetah

Saung

Hongge

2D

3D

2D

2D

2D

3D

3D

Gas

Gas

Oil

Oil

Gas

Oil/Gas

Large

Medium

Large

Large

Large

Large

Km(2)

550

2,170

1,300

1,100

>5,000

>10,000

2,500

Chart 1 footnotes:

1. Target size: Gross mean success volume 100%, un-risked. Small <20MMboe, 

Medium >20 MMboe and <100MMboe and Large >100MMboe.

2. 2D seismic is in line km. 3D seismic is in sq km.

Note: Forecast activity plan as at 18 February and subject to change.

Drilling

Seismic

Chart 2 – Development pipeline

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

1H

2H

Browse

NWS:

GWF-1

Persephone

GWF-2

Lambert Deep
Pluto: Xena
Greater Enfield1

Balnaves2,3

Wheatstone3

Kitimat3,4

Concept select

Basis of design (BoD & FEED)

Execute

Execute subject to FID

STRATEGY OUTLOOK AND RISK

Woodside’s share of sustaining capital 
expenditure2 in 2015 is expected to be  
as follows:

ƒƒ NWS: approximately US$30 million 
(combined onshore and offshore);

ƒƒ Pluto: approximately  

US$20 million (combined onshore  
and offshore); and

ƒƒ Australia Oil: approximately  

US$10 million.

Exploration expenditure in 2015 will 
comprise approximately one half to 
drilling, one quarter to seismic and lease 
acquisition costs and one quarter to 
general permit activity.

2. Sustaining capital expenditure is capital which 

does not develop additional reserves.

To read more about Woodside’s 
acquisitions in 2014, go to  43 .

Chart 3 – Woodside’s investment 
expenditure outlook 

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Pluto LNG
NWS

Other
Exploration

~2,300

~2,750

~500

~200
~200
~220
15E Apache 
Acquisition

Purchase price

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Closing adjustment & 2015 work program

Chart 3 footnotes:
Figures include capital and all exploration expenditure less 
capitalised interest.

The ‘Purchase price’ and ‘Closing adjustment & work 
program’ expenditure is subject to the transaction closing. 

‘Other’ includes Australia Oil, Browse, International, 
Sunrise and Corporate.

2015 estimate includes restoration expenditure.

All figures are Woodside share.

Chart 2 footnotes:

1. Phase 1 of Greater Enfield area development 

(Laverda, Norton and Cimatti) is being re-assessed 
in light of the current low oil price environment.

2. Balnaves commenced production in August 2014.

3. Balnaves, Wheatstone and Kitimat are subject 
to transaction close. Reserves and resources 
estimates will be provided after the transaction  
has closed. Woodside will supply gas from the 
Julimar-Brunello fields to the Wheatstone platform.

4. FID timing to be advised after the transaction  

has closed.

17

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW 
 
OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

Risk 

Woodside’s approach to risk focuses on enhancing opportunities, reducing threats to our existing and potential business 
and sustaining a competitive advantage. We do this through the consistent application of our process for the recognition and 
management of risk across the organisation. Woodside’s risk management process (Figure-1) is aligned to ISO 31000, the 
international standard for risk management. It is part of our overall management system and sets out clearly defined criteria 
to evaluate and report on material risk. We systematically assess the consequence of risk in areas such as health and safety, 
environmental, financial, legal and compliance, reputation and brand, and social and cultural impacts. A range of material risks have 
been identified which could adversely impact Woodside. 

These risks are not listed in order of significance, nor are they all encompassing. Rather, they reflect the most significant risks 
identified at a whole-of-entity level. 

Operational risk 

Loss of containment risk

Our ability to achieve superior 
shareholder returns is substantially 
influenced by our capability to safely and 
reliably produce and deliver hydrocarbon 
products to our customers.

A loss of hydrocarbon containment 
from a Woodside-operated facility 
or well could be significant, resulting 
in personnel, environmental, social, 
reputation and financial loss.

A sustained and unplanned interruption to 
Woodside’s production could significantly 
impact our financial performance. Such 
an event could occur for a number of 
reasons, including loss of facility integrity, 
sub-optimal reservoir performance, 
critical process failures or a significant 
weather event. Pluto LNG will provide 
approximately 38% of Woodside’s 
production in 2015 from Pluto’s one LNG 
train. Therefore, a sustained interruption 
in Pluto’s ability to produce and export 
LNG would have an adverse effect on 
Woodside’s financial performance. 
Woodside has an extensive framework 
of controls in place to manage such 
risks. These controls include our overall 
production processes, inspection and 
maintenance procedures and marine 
assurance processes. 

Additionally, our facilities are designed 
and operated in accordance with the 
overall environmental and climatic 
conditions applicable to each facility. 
Offshore and marine-related activities 
require specific consideration from a risk 
perspective. These activities have the 
potential to interrupt our ability to produce 
hydrocarbons. The removal by a regulator 
of Woodside’s approval to produce could 
also impact production on a sustained 
basis. Woodside’s processes focus on 
compliance with legal and regulatory 
obligations, which are complemented by 
the ongoing engagement we have with 
regulators.

A cyber security attack may also 
potentially disrupt Woodside’s business 
activities, and effective management 
of this risk remains a priority for the 
company. Our exposure to cyber security 
risk is managed by an appropriate 
control framework and the continuing 
focus on system control improvements, 
complemented by an established and 
embedded security strategy across the 
organisation. 

18

This risk is addressed by an extensive 
control framework designed to prevent 
the loss of hydrocarbon containment in 
the first instance, and by maintaining an 
appropriate capability to minimise the 
impact of an event should it occur. We 
maintain specialised oil spill contingency 
and response teams to further enhance 
our emergency response capabilities in 
this area.

Exploration risk 

The ability to identify, acquire and 
commercialise hydrocarbons will be 
an ongoing contributor to Woodside’s 
success. However, there is a risk that 
Woodside’s exploration activities may be 
unsuccessful, thereby reducing or limiting 
future growth.

Our overall exposure to exploration 
risk is addressed by a comprehensive 
exploration strategy and a rigorous and 
disciplined review of opportunities, 
complemented by the company’s 
capabilities in geosciences and 
deepwater exploration.

Commercial transaction risk

Commercial transactions undertaken 
with the objective of growing Woodside’s 
portfolio are associated with a number  
of risks.

These include the risk of a suboptimal 
commercial outcome which fails to 
deliver the value to Woodside anticipated 
by the transaction, the imposition of 
unfavourable conditions or obligations as 
part of the regulatory approval process 
which affect the value of the transaction, 
or the eventual operational performance 
of any acquired asset not meeting our 
expectations.

Our commercial processes are designed 
to reduce the likelihood of these risks 
materialising as a result of a commercial 
transaction.

Commercialisation of 
hydrocarbons risk

The company is focused on ensuring the 
commercialisation of hydrocarbons to 
deliver superior shareholder returns.

A failure to do so may occur as a result 
of choosing a sub-optimal development 
option or failing to execute a project in a 
way that achieves Woodside’s objectives 
in relation to cost, schedule and quality.  
If we are unsuccessful in managing 
cost and productivity, the value we can 
secure from future developments will 
be reduced. We are actively pursuing 
strategies to reduce unit costs for 
developments. Creating effective 
commercial arrangements with a range 
of partners, stakeholders and contractors 
is an important mechanism to offset 
this risk. Our historic and ongoing 
investment in robust and high-quality 
opportunity development and project 
management systems is also central to 
the management of such risks.

The agreement of Woodside’s joint 
venture partners to a particular course 
of action is often required in order to 
commercialise hydrocarbons, and we 
may have limited influence or control over 
these decisions. We address this risk by 
actively engaging with our joint venture 
partners to promote alignment  
on significant decisions.

Government and regulatory risk 

Given that Woodside’s business activities 
are subject to extensive regulation, 
unforeseen change introduced by 
government may adversely impact the 
company’s financial standing.

Government action, or conversely 
inaction, may also negatively affect our 
ability to undertake future development 
activities or maximise value from existing 
assets. For example, Woodside’s financial 
performance and its ability to deliver 
value from existing assets and proposed 
developments is exposed to changes in 
governmental approach to carbon pricing. 
With Woodside increasing its global 
footprint, the company is proactively 
maintaining ongoing and constructive 
relationships with both domestic and 
international governments and regulators.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL REPORTSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONMarket risk 

External market conditions, including 
commodity prices and demand for our 
products, may impact Woodside’s future 
financial performance.

Commodity prices are variable and are 
impacted in part by global economic 
factors beyond Woodside’s control. 
Adverse commodity impacts are 
managed in a number of ways. For 
example, any reductions in global 
LNG prices are managed through our 
diversified portfolio of long-term sale 
and purchase agreements. In practical 
terms, this provides some downside price 
protection. Uncontracted LNG volumes 
are sold at the prevailing LNG spot price, 
which is subject to greater price volatility. 

The financial value obtained from 
production is significantly exposed to 

fluctuations in the oil price. Woodside 
mitigates the uncertainty associated with 
product demand by selling LNG under 
long-term ‘take or pay’ sale agreements, 
in addition to the spot market. There 
is greater uncertainty associated with 
sales of product on the spot market. The 
volume of product available for sale to 
our customers in the longer term is also 
influenced by our ability to successfully 
commercialise hydrocarbons, which is 
discussed above. 

We are also exposed to fluctuations 
in currency exchange rates and, as a 
result, Woodside’s financial results can 
be negatively impacted. The impact 
of this risk is mitigated because the 
majority of Woodside’s hydrocarbon 
sales, and a portion of debt costs, are 
denominated in US dollars. Our exposure 
to volatility in the Australian dollar is 

STRATEGY OUTLOOK AND RISK

partially offset by our domestic gas 
revenue, which is priced in Australian 
dollars. The impact of currency volatility 
becomes more pronounced when 
Woodside is undertaking new domestic, 
onshore developments. Our current 
exposure to these new projects is low. 
Woodside generally considers that active 
commodity and currency hedging does 
not provide value to our shareholders, 
but does consider the appropriateness 
of such hedging from time to time and 
in specific circumstances. Any hedging 
activity is only undertaken in accordance 
with limits approved by the Woodside 
Board. For the estimated impact of a 
change in oil price or exchanges rates on 
NPAT, please go to  17 .

Unreasonable prejudice

Forward looking statements

As permitted by sections 299(3) and 
299A(3) of the Corporations Act 2001, 
we have omitted certain information 
from this operating and financial review 
in relation to our business strategy, future 
prospects and likely developments in our 
operations and the expected results of 
those operations in future financial years. 
We have done this on the basis that 
such information, if disclosed, would be 
likely to result in unreasonable prejudice 
to Woodside (for example, because the 
information is premature, commercially 
sensitive, confidential or could give a 
third party a commercial advantage). 
The omitted information relates to our 
internal budgets, forecasts and estimates, 
details of our business strategy, and LNG 
contractual pricing.

This report contains forward looking 
statements, including statements of 
current intention, statements of opinion 
and expectations regarding Woodside’s 
present and future operations, possible 
future events and future financial 
prospects. Such statements are not 
statements of fact and may be affected 
by a variety of known and unknown 
risks, variables and changes in underlying 
assumptions or strategy which could 
cause Woodside’s actual results or 
performance to differ materially from 
the results or performance expressed or 
implied by such statements. There can be 
no certainty of outcome in relation to the 
matters to which the statements relate, 
and the outcomes are not all within the 
control of Woodside. 

Further information on some important 
factors that could cause actual results 
or performance to differ materially from 
those projected in such statements is 
contained in the “Risk” section above. 
Woodside makes no representation, 
assurance or guarantee as to the 
accuracy or likelihood of fulfilment of 
any forward looking statement or any 
outcomes expressed or implied in any 
forward looking statement. The forward 
looking statements in this report reflect 
expectations held at the date of this 
report. Except as required by applicable 
law or the ASX Listing Rules, Woodside 
disclaims any obligation or undertaking 
to publicly update any forward looking 
statements, or discussion of future 
financial prospects, whether as a result  
of new information or of future events.

Figure 1 – Woodside risk management process

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Establish the context

RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk identification

Risk analysis

Risk evaluation

Risk treatment

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e
i
v
e
r

,
r
o
t
i
n
o
M

Figure 1 displays the Woodside risk 
management process. It applies clearly 
defined criteria to evaluate and report on risk 
and considers the potential impact of risk 
across six categories of consequence.

19

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW 
 
 
 
 
NORTH WEST SHELF

The North West Shelf Project 
recognised several major 
milestones in 2014 as it achieved 
30 years of domestic gas 
operations and 25 years of  
LNG exports. 

ƒƒ Signed a non-binding Letter of Intent 

Location

2014 Key performance highlights
ƒƒ Top-quartile LNG reliability, averaging 

97.4%.

ƒƒ FID for Persephone was taken.
ƒƒ Execution of two major LNG 

turnarounds and refurbishment 
activities at the Karratha Gas Plant 
(KGP).

ƒƒ Exceeded production expectations 

following start-up of the North Rankin 
Redevelopment Project.

with Hess Exploration Australia (Hess) 
to process resources from its permits 
in the Carnarvon Basin.

Future objectives
ƒƒ Focus on continuous improvement 
to achieve cost savings across our 
operating assets.

ƒƒ Progress the GWF-1 and Persephone 

Projects. 

ƒƒ Complete Fortuna 3D seismic data 

evaluation.

ƒƒ Consider FID on GWF-2.
ƒƒ Continue evaluation of additional  

third-party gas processing 
opportunities at KGP.

20

NWS Project 
Interest

NWS Venture
Domestic Gas joint 
venture (JV)
Incremental Pipeline JV
China LNG JV
Cossack Wanaea 
Lambert and Hermes 
(crude oil)

Operator Woodside

16.67%

50.00%1
16.67%1
12.50%
33.33%

Facilities

North Rankin Complex
Goodwyn A platform 
Angel platform
Okha FPSO
Karratha Gas Plant

Offshore facilities ~135 km  
north-west of Karratha, WA

Water depth 80  – 130 metres

Products

LNG, pipeline gas,  
condensate, crude oil and LPG

First 
production

1984 (pipeline gas)

1. During 2014 Woodside’s average share of pipeline gas 
production was approximately 47%. Woodside’s exact 
share of domestic gas production depends on the 
quantities and aggregate rate of production.

NWS key metrics (Woodside share)

2013 2014

Sales revenue 

(US$ million) 3,230

2,986

EBIT

(US$ million) 2,170

1,922

(MMboe)

36.3

37.2

(MMbbl)

10.4

9.1

Net gas 
production 

Net liquids 
production

Proved plus 
probable 
developed and 
undeveloped 
reserves

NWS contribution to Woodside’s 
net production

95.1

MMboe

NWS LNG
NWS domestic gas
NWS LPG
NWS condensate
NWS oil
Rest of business

%
24
14
1
7
3
51

In 2014, NWS contributed 46.3 MMboe to 
Woodside’s net production of 95.1 MMboe.

NWS LNG reliability

6
7.
9

6
.
5
9

4
7.
9

8
.
2
9

2
.
4
9

)

(

%
y
t
i
l
i

b
a
i
l
e
r
e
g
a
r
e
v
A

(MMboe) 506.9

462.9

10 11

12

13 14

In 2014, our focus on operational excellence 
delivered top-quartile LNG reliability at NWS.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn 
 
In 2014, the Woodside-operated 
NWS Project continued its journey to 
operational excellence, delivering top-
quartile reliability and health and safety 
performance. This year, we exceeded our 
production targets and achieved an LNG 
reliability of 97.4%.

Operations excellence and 
delivery of committed projects
We remain committed to maximising 
value from NWS Project operating 
assets and sanctioned projects with a 
focus on top-quartile asset utilisation and 
streamlined operations and maintenance.

In the second half of the year, the NWS 
Project celebrated 30 years of domestic 
gas production from the KGP and 25 
years of LNG exports. These significant 
achievements are testament to our long 
track record of reliable production and 
delivery.

Production performance

Our share of production from the NWS 
Project was 46.3 MMboe, comprising 
37.2 MMboe of gas and 9.1 MMbbl  
of liquids. Pipeline gas production 
continued to meet customer demand, 
with 13.3 MMboe delivered in Western 
Australia with 99.7% reliability.

LNG marketing

We delivered 256 cargoes (total project) 
of LNG in 2014, of which 18 were sold on 
the spot market. In August, we delivered 
our 4,000th cargo of LNG – reinforcing 
our long-term relationships in the  
Asia-Pacific region.

Financial contribution

Our share of sales revenue from the 
NWS Project was US$2,986 million in 
2014, approximately 40% of Woodside’s 
total operating revenue.

To ensure a focus on continuous 
improvement, an efficiency challenge was 
launched in early 2014. As a result, we 
undertook around 300 initiatives across 
all onshore and offshore operating assets. 
For further information on our productivity 
program, see  15 .

In 2014, we delivered top-quartile  
LNG reliability and have maintained our 
performance through high activity levels 
on our assets.

We successfully completed two major 
turnarounds at KGP. We delivered a 
turnaround of LNG Train 3 in May, and 
LNG Train 1 in October, with major 
maintenance and refurbishment scopes 
delivered on schedule and within budget.

In 2014, the Karratha Life Extension 
Program delivered three major 
refurbishment scopes as part of 
turnaround activity on LNG Train 1, 
Domgas Train 1 and Domgas Train 2. 
Next year, the Program will continue 
its focus on the long-term technical 
integrity and reliability of KGP with further 
refurbishment scopes on the domestic 
gas plant, stabilisation units and 
fractionation units.

At the end of 2014, the GWF-1 Project 
was 86% complete. The A$2.5 billion 
(100% project). GWF-1 Project will 
develop the Goodwyn and Tidepole 
fields via a subsea tieback to the existing 
Goodwyn A platform. Subsea installation 
was completed in December. The Project 
remains on budget and on schedule for 
start-up in early 2016. 

Efficient development of NWS 
reserves
The development of existing NWS 
Project reserves remains a key objective 
and will assist in extending our production 
plateau. 

In November, the NWS Project 
participants approved the A$1.2 billion 
(100% project) Persephone Project. 
Persephone is the next major 
development for the NWS Project and 
will involve a two-well, 7 km subsea 
tieback from the Persephone field to  
the existing North Rankin Complex. 

The Project will access approximately  
140 MMboe (100% project) to maintain 
offshore supply to the KGP. Start-up is 
expected in early 2018.

Following constructive engagement with 
the State Government, an agreement 
was made to enable the NWS Project to 
export an additional 86 million tonnes of 
LNG over the life of the project. This will 
take the form of a variation to the NWS 
State Agreement, which is subject to 
ratification by State Parliament. 

OPERATIONS

The GWF-2 Project commenced FEED 
in September. Since entering FEED, 
we have issued and received tenders 
for major project packages relating 
to pipeline installation and subsea 
installation. The Project will develop 
the Keast, Dockrell, Sculptor, Rankin, 
Lady Nora and Pemberton fields via a 
subsea tieback to the existing Goodwyn 
A platform. It continues to progress 
towards a FID in the second half of 2015.

We continue to evaluate Lambert Deep 
as a potential tieback to the existing 
Angel platform. 

Extend our business beyond 
known reserves

We continue to seek ways to  
enhance value and extend the life  
of the NWS Project. 

In May, we successfully completed 
the Fortuna 3D Marine Seismic Survey 
following more than five months of data 
acquisition. The information acquired 
will be used to maximise hydrocarbon 
recovery and use of our existing 
infrastructure. Data processing has 
commenced, with preliminary results 
expected in the second half of 2015. 

During December, the NWS Project 
participants signed a non-binding Letter 
of Intent with Hess to process resources 
from its permits in the Carnarvon Basin. 
It is intended that, subject to the parties 
entering into binding agreements, 
Hess will deliver gas to the Project’s 
offshore infrastructure for processing at 
the KGP and will market and deliver its 
own volumes. A tie-in and operational 
integration FEED studies agreement is 
expected to be executed in early 2015.

Outlook

In 2015, Woodside will leverage its 
reputation as a safe and reliable operator 
to maximise value from exisiting 
infrastructure and extend the production 
plateau of the Project.

We will continue to focus on 
performance excellence initiatives in 
order to achieve our goals in safety, 
reliability and efficient operations. 

Success in operations excellence and 
delivery of committed projects will 
underpin the NWS Project’s value and 
allow us to deliver our future growth 
potential.

21

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWOPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

PLUTO LNG

Our innovative approach to 
remote onshore operations will 
deliver a competitive advantage 
in the global LNG market. 

2014 Key performance highlights

ƒƒ Top-quartile LNG reliability, averaging 

97.1%. 

Pluto
Interest

ƒƒ Established the Perth-based Pluto 
Support Centre to provide remote 
support to operations for the new Pluto 
organisational model. 

Operator

Facilities

Location

ƒƒ Drilling activities completed for Xena 

Phase 1.

Future objectives

ƒƒ Continue to support remote operations 

from the Pluto Support Centre to 
deliver improved operational efficiency 
in a competitive LNG market. 

ƒƒ Undertake the first planned major 

turnaround, scheduled for Q2 2015 for 
inspection, maintenance and minor 
debottlenecking. 

ƒƒ Xena first gas is expected in the 

second half of 2015.

ƒƒ Undertake drilling activities  

including production wells and the 
Pyxis exploration well. 

ƒƒ Maintain safe and reliable production. 

22

90% 
90%
100%

WA-34-L
WA-350-P
WA-404-P

Woodside

Pluto platform
Pluto Gas Plant

Pluto and Xena fields, 190 km  
north-west of Karratha, WA 
(the location of the gas plant)

Pluto contribution to Woodside’s 
net production 

95.1

MMboe

Water depth

400 – 1,000 metres

Products

LNG and condensate

First  
production

2012

Pluto key metrics  
(Woodside share)

Pluto LNG
Pluto condensate
Rest of business

%
39
3
58

In 2014, Pluto contributed 40.2 MMboe to 
Woodside’s net production of 95.1 MMboe.

Pluto LNG reliability

2013 2014

1
7.
9

Operating 
revenue

(US$ million) 2,098

3,440

EBIT

(US$ million)

954

2,310

Net gas 
production 

Net liquids 
production

Proved plus 
probable 
developed and 
undeveloped 
reserves

(MMboe)

32.2

37.3

(MMbbl)

2.6

2.9

(MMboe) 884.6

842.4

)

(

%
y
t
i
l
i

b
a
i
l
e
r
e
g
a
r
e
v
A

7
.
0
9

2
7.
8

12 13 14

In 2014, our focus on operational excellence 
delivered top-quartile LNG reliability at Pluto.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL REPORTSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 
 
Pluto continued to make a strong 
contribution to Woodside’s production 
and enhanced its reputation as a reliable 
and dependable supplier of LNG.

Operational performance 
Production results were significantly 
above plan, primarily due to strong 
reliability and system optimisation. 
Woodside’s share of production from 
Pluto was 40.2 MMboe in 2014, 
comprising 37.3 MMboe of LNG  
and 2.9 MMbbl of condensate. 

In April, a planned maintenance 
turnaround of five days was completed 
on schedule, on budget, and without 
a recordable safety incident. The 
turnaround scope included activities 
at the plant, the offshore platform and 
intelligent pigging of the trunkline. 

Production remained at full rates with 
three of the five Pluto production wells at 
maximum capacity, following shutting in 
of PLA03 in late 2014.

LNG marketing
Pluto delivered 65 cargoes of LNG in 
2014 and, since start-up in 2012, we  
have delivered a total of 163 cargoes1  
(total project). 

Three Sales and Purchase Agreements 
(SPAs) were executed during 2014 which 
build on our long-term relationships with 
major Japanese and Korean energy 
buyers. Woodside signed a three-year 
SPA with Chubu Electric in January for 
the sale of up to approximately 1.5 million 
tonnes of LNG and another with Korea 
Gas in February for the sale of up to 
approximately 2.2 million tonnes of LNG. 
Both SPAs commenced in April, and LNG 
delivered under these agreements will 
primarily be sourced from Pluto. 

1. Includes some partial cargoes.

Reinforcing our focus on operational 
efficiency, Woodside harnessed the 
latest technologies to support its 
Pluto operations in Karratha with the 
establishment of the Pluto Support Centre.

In addition an SPA for three years and up 
to six cargoes was executed with Kansai 
Electric in March.

Financial contribution
Our share of operating revenue from 
Pluto production performance was  
US$3,440 million, approximately 46%  
of Woodside’s total operating revenue. 

Pluto organisational model 
In 2014, work progressed to support  
the new organisational operating model 
for Pluto operations. This aims to deliver 
efficiencies and innovations in a rapidly 
changing and competitive LNG market.  
A key component of the new model 
is the Pluto Support Centre which 
commenced operation in December 
2014.

The Pluto Support Centre is a purpose-
built facility designed around the 
functional needs required to support 
Pluto remotely. It will facilitate a strong 
link between the Pluto site-based staff 
and those providing asset support from 
Perth. Extensive change management 
and rigorous project assurance plans 
were undertaken throughout 2014 to 
ensure that the workforce embraced the 
new technology and work environment. 

The operating model is similar to a 
floating LNG facility. This creates an 
opportunity for Woodside to gain 
practical experience in remote support, 
with the aim of transferring concepts and 
technologies to other assets. Long-term 
benefits of the Pluto Support Centre will 
see lower operating costs and improved 
maintenance outcomes for Pluto. 

Xena development
Xena is part of the Pluto foundation 
project. Phase 1 of the development  
is expected to cost approximately 
US$370 million (100% project) and 
access 250 billion cubic feet of reserves 
(100% project) while providing increased 
well capacity. Drilling and completion of 
the Xena phase 1 well was finalised in 

OPERATIONS

December. Activities planned for 2015 
include installing the subsea hardware 
and connecting it to the Pluto system. 
The project is on budget and schedule for 
first gas in the second half of 2015.

Conservation Agreement
We continued to support various projects 
under our Conservation Agreement  
with the Australian Government. The 
agreement commits up to A$34 million 
(100% project) towards protecting and 
promoting the living culture and National 
Heritage values of the Burrup Peninsula, 
Western Australia. To date, we have 
contributed more than A$15 million 
(100% project) to Conservation 
Agreement related projects. 

A key initiative we supported in 2014 was 
the Murujuga Ranger Project. This project 
employs Aboriginal men and women 
as rangers to conduct land and sea 
patrols, record flora and fauna species 
and, with cultural integrity, manage the 
protection of the cultural, natural and 
marine conservation areas. In 2015, we 
will continue to progress current projects 
under the Conservation Agreement and 
build on our strong relationships with 
the Roebourne community and project 
proponents.

 Further information on Woodside’s 
engagement with the Indigenous 
community will be available in the 
2014 Sustainable Development 
Report on  38 .

Outlook
The first planned major turnaround of 
approximately one month duration is 
scheduled for Q2 2015. The turnaround 
scope involves onshore plant activities to 
maintain the integrity of plant equipment 
and also presents an opportunity to 
address outstanding foundation project 
items, as well as minor debottlenecking 
and offshore work to support the Xena 
tie-in. 

To support current production and future 
growth, we plan to undertake drilling 
activities in 2015, including intervention 
to restore production at PLA05, the Pyxis 
exploration well and a potential sixth 
production well. We also plan seismic 
and development studies to support 
future development of Pluto.

Woodside is committed to supporting 
and working with its people to ensure 
that the newly established Pluto Support 
Centre delivers operational efficiencies 
and long-term economic benefits, while 
maintaining high standards of health, 
safety and environmental management. 
We will also continue to deliver innovative 
improvement programs under the  
new organisational model. 

23

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWAUSTRALIA OIL

The standardised operating 
model for our FPSO fleet will 
deliver long-term value and 
best practice operations for 
Woodside’s oil assets.

Australia Oil (non-NWS)  
key metrics (Woodside share)

Australia Oil (non-NWS) contribution 
to Woodside’s net production 

2013

2014

Sales revenue 

(US$ million)

519

825

EBIT

(US$ million)

(154)

(163)

Net liquids 
production

Proved plus 
probable 
developed and 
undeveloped 
reserves

(MMbbl)

4.7

8.4

(MMboe)

41.6

33.2

95.1

MMboe

Enfield
Laminaria-Corrallina 
Stybarrow
Vincent
Rest of business

%
<2
1
>1
5
91

In 2014, Australia Oil (non-NWS) contributed 
8.4 MMbbl to Woodside’s net production of 
95.1 MMboe, up from 4.7 MMbbls in 2013.

2014 Key performance highlights 

ƒƒ A full year of production and improved 
facility uptime from the Vincent FPSO, 
which returned in Q4 2013 from 
planned shipyard maintenance and 
refurbishment.

ƒƒ The Northern Endeavour FSPO 

achieved 15 years of oil production in 
November. 

Future objectives

ƒƒ Capture synergies across our FPSO 

fleet to efficiently manage a portfolio of 
assets producing from declining fields. 

ƒƒ Focus on continuous improvement to 
capture value-adding oil opportunities 
through maximising existing 
infrastructure. 

ƒƒ Apply a standardised operating model 
to ensure reliability and productivity 
from our FPSO fleet.

ƒƒ Integrate the Balnaves production 
facility, subject to transaction close.

ƒƒ Increased focus on productivity 

improvements to deliver cost savings 
in a lower oil price environment. 

ƒƒ Prepare for end of field activities on 
producing assets. We expect end of 
field life for Stybarrow in the second 
half of 2015 and for Laminaria Corallina 
from the end of 2016.

24

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnOPERATIONS

Laminaria-Corallina oil fields

Enfield oil field

Interest
Operator
Facilities
Location

WA-28-L
Woodside
Nganhurra FPSO
~40 km off the  
North West Cape, WA
400 – 500 metres
Water depth
Products
Crude oil
First production July 2006

60%

Interest

Operator
Facilities
Location

59.90%1

66.67% 

Laminaria 
Corallina
AC/L5
Woodside
Northern Endeavour FPSO
Timor Sea, 550 km  
north-west of Darwin
~340 metres
Crude oil

Water depth
Products
First production 1999

Enfield has produced 74.3 MMbbl (100% project) of oil since  
start-up in 2006. Annual production at Enfield of 2.2 MMbbl  
(1.3 MMbbl Woodside share) for 2014 continued to reflect 
reliable performance. Production was consistent with 
anticipated natural field decline in 2014. 

Vincent oil field

Interest
Operator
Facilities
Location

60%

WA-28-L
Woodside
Ngujima-Yin FPSO
45 km off the  
North West Cape, WA
350 – 400 metres
Crude oil

Water depth
Products
First production August 2008

Vincent has produced 46.2 MMbbl (100% project) of oil since 
start-up in 2008. Annual production at Vincent was 8.4 MMbbl 
(5.0 MMbbl Woodside share), reflecting an entire year of 
production from the Ngujima-Yin FPSO (which returned from 
planned shipyard maintenance and refurbishment in Q4 2013). 

Vincent has demonstrated improved facility uptime in 2014 
and delivered an increased Australia Oil contribution to total 
production in 2014. Phase IV in-fill drilling commenced on plan in 
Q4 2014 and is on track for start-up in 2015. 

Stybarrow oil field

Interest
Operator

Facilities

Location

WA-32-L
BHP Billiton

50%

Stybarrow Venture FPSO

~50 km off the  
North West Cape, WA
825 metres
Crude oil

Water depth
Products
First production November 2007

Stybarrow has produced 59.9 MMbbl (100% project) of oil 
since start-up in 2007. Production of 2.0 MMbbls (1.0 MMbbl 
Woodside share) in 2014 reflects natural reservoir decline. We 
expect end of field life for Stybarrow in the second half of 2015.

1. Interests on a post-unitisation basis, i.e. after agreeing to 
pool Woodside’s interest with other field owners and to 
exploit the field as a single venture.

Laminaria-Corallina oil fields have delivered over 200 MMbbl 
(100% project) of oil production since commencement in 1999. 
Lower production of 1.6 MMbbl (1.0 MMbbl Woodside share) 
for 2014 was consistent with anticipated natural field decline. 

End of field life is expected from the end of 2016, though exact 
timing will depend on future oil prices, production performance 
and ongoing operational expense. As with all Woodside assets,  
we will seek to maximise the residual value of our investment  
in the Northern Endeavour FPSO and associated infrastructure. 

Greater Enfield

In 2014, our studies focused on aggregating undeveloped 
oil resources in the Exmouth sub-basin, including Laverda 
and Cimatti, focusing on maximising the use of existing 
infrastructure. Phase 1 of Greater Enfield area development 
(Laverda, Norton and Cimatti) is being re-assessed in light of the 
current low oil price environment.

Laverda

Interest
Operator
Location

60%

WA-36-R
Woodside
~50 km off the  
North West Cape, WA

Water depth

~800 metres

Outlook

We will continue to focus on improving reliability and 
productivity from our fleet of FPSOs and identifying value-
adding oil opportunities. In 2015, we will integrate the way we 
work across our FPSO fleet to deliver consistency to improve 
operational efficiencies and cost performance as we prepare for 
end of field activities on producing assets. 

We believe Woodside holds an advantageous position, with 
an oil operating model developed and refined over years of 
operating experience. This will create and deliver long-term 
value to our Australian oil operations and can also be leveraged 
for global opportunities. 

Northern Endeavour achieved 15 years of  
oil production in November 2014.

25

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWOUR PEOPLE

Delivering superior shareholder 
returns is built upon our  
values-led culture, which enables 
the attraction and retention of 
an engaged, diverse and high 
performing workforce.

2014 Key performance highlights
ƒƒ Our 2015 graduate intake of 103, is a 

45% increase on 2014.

ƒƒ Over 890 formal and informal leaders 
attended the Leader-led Development 
Program.

ƒƒ Broadened the leadership 

development curriculum, introducing 
27 new or refreshed programs.

ƒƒ Implemented the enhanced Graduate 
Development Program for the 2015 
intake.

ƒƒ Awarded eight community cadetships 
and seven Indigenous scholarships, in 
support of our Reconciliation Action 
Plan (RAP).

Future objectives
ƒƒ Continue to embed the Leadership 
Development and Management 
Framework through the application of 
assessment and development tools.

ƒƒ Commence delivery of a further  

three-year Gender Diversity Strategy.

ƒƒ Establish a working parents program 
to further enable effective transition 
for employees returning from parental 
leave.

ƒƒ Conduct an employee engagement 

survey every two years to assist with 
future strategic planning.

ƒƒ Refresh our existing Indigenous 

Employment Strategy to enhance 
Indigenous employment and retention.

26

Graduate recruitment1

Indigenous employment

1
3
2

3
8

4
6

5
3
2

8
2
1

9
4

7
6
1

5
7

5
5
1

4
5

3
4
1

4
4

8
5

4
8

2
9

1
0
1

9
9

10

11

12

13

14

l

s
e
e
y
o
p
m
e
l
a
t
o
T

Contractors2
Pathways
Employees – permanent/fixed term

The number of Indigenous employees 
(permanent/fixed term) remained stable 
during 2014. Woodside continued supporting 
Indigenous pathways, with 13 participants 
successfully converting to Woodside 
employment in 2014.

2. No Indigenous contractors were employed in 2012 or 

2013 as a result of the start-up of Pluto LNG.

3
0
1

9
5

1
7

7
3

1
5

3
3

1
5

5
3

6
4

3
2

8
1

6
1

3
2

4
3

4
4

10

11

12

13

14

Male
Female

Woodside has increased its graduate 
intake, with a focus on sustaining a 
diverse workforce. We recruited 103 
graduates in 2014, up from 71 in 2013. 

1. Offers and acceptances.

2014 resourcing levels

0
2
3

4
8
0
,
4

4
6
7
,
3

s
n
o
i
t
i
s
o
P

Positions as at January 2014
Reductions achieved
Current positions

In 2014, we achieved a 8% reduction in 
positions. 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn 
Building capability 

Developing a diverse workforce 

OPERATIONS

In 2014, we continued to focus on growing our workforce for 
a long-term sustainable future. Our key strategy is to increase 
entry level opportunities year on year, developing and promoting 
from within and emphasising our values-led culture. 

We revised our remuneration model to provide greater 
differentiation in financial rewards for high performance. 
Our employee value proposition includes above-industry 
superannuation contributions and globally competitive training 
and development programs. 

The objective of our Graduate Development Program is to 
recruit and develop future leaders and build our values-based 
culture. The Program was further enhanced in 2014, focusing on 
both technical and leadership skills to ensure that our graduates 
reach professional independence in an industry leading 
timeframe. The 2015 graduate intake (recruited in 2014) was 
a 45% increase on the 2014 graduate intake, and includes 12 
international graduates. Women represent 43% of this intake. 

In 2014, 149 participants undertook technical development 
through the Woodside production training academy.  
A testament to the quality of the training received,  
85% of all trainees and apprentices secured employment  
at the successful conclusion of their programs. 

We are committed to developing our people so we can meet 
our own leadership and technical talent requirements from 
within. Throughout the year, we focused specific effort on 
training 894 leaders, both formal and informal, in leader-led 
development. This approach will enable our current leaders 
to identify and develop our future leaders from within our 
business.

Our Leadership and Management Development Framework 
was further embedded in 2014, with the introduction of new 
tools to assess leader effectiveness and expansion of our 
leadership development curriculum. More than 1,900 people 
participated in leadership development programs.

Productivity progress

As part of our productivity program we aim to improve 
organisational efficiency by 10 to 20% by end 2016. This will be 
achieved through managing our resources more efficiently and 
working smarter. At the end of 2014, we are on track to deliver 
against the target. We achieved a 8% reduction in positions and 
are confident of continued progress in 2015.

Woodside is committed to developing a values-led culture that 
supports diversity. This is evident through the development and 
use of gender diversity and Indigenous employment strategies. 
Progress in this area includes the application of a flexible 
working toolkit and awarding Indigenous cadetships  
and scholarships. 

In 2014, women held 12.4% of middle and senior management 
roles, unchanged from 2013. Female turnover is approximately 
7.5%, an improvement on the 2013 turnover of 9.4%. We 
continue to sponsor university scholarships for talented women 
and support industry bodies to advocate for, and raise the profile 
of women in the resources sector. Women comprise 27.5% of 
our workforce, a slight increase on 2013. 

Our updated gender diversity strategy will commence in 2015. 
The measurable objectives acknowledge that future increases 
in female representation will be gradual while we continue 
to increase the ratio of graduates to experienced hires. Our 
performance against the 2014 measurable objectives is set  
out on  58 .

At the end of 2014, Woodside had 99 Indigenous employees, 
which equates to 2.6% of our Australian workforce. We 
continued community engagement, strengthening existing 
relationships, and developing new relationships with schools 
and universities, community organisations and industry bodies. 
In support of our Reconciliation Action Plan commitments, 
we hosted 12 work experience students and awarded eight 
community cadetships, seven scholarships, five new cadetships 
and three graduate places to Indigenous university students. 
There were 44 participants in our trainee and apprentice 
programs, with 68% of those finishing the program converting 
to Woodside employment. 

Education and training remained a focus to improve diversity 
outcomes in 2014, with the implementation of a new diversity 
program for leaders. The diversity awareness for leaders 
training outlines steps that can be taken to minimise and 
manage unconscious bias. Cultural awareness training has been 
embedded into our induction program to raise awareness and 
build an understanding of Indigenous traditional societies and 
contemporary issues.

 For further information on our Diversity Policy and RAP 
commitments, visit our website.

 Additional information on our people will be available in our  
2014 Sustainable Development Report on  17 .

Outlook

In support of future growth, we will focus on building long-term 
sustainable capability from within and continue to enhance our 
Graduate Development Program to industry-leading standards. 
Supported by the Leadership and Management Development 
Framework, our leaders will model how we work together to 
achieve our corporate goals and develop future leaders from 
within. Woodside is committed to further embedding a values-
led culture to promote a diverse and engaged workforce.

Some of our graduate community at the annual away day. 

27

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWOPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY AND 
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

To achieve our goal of top-quartile 
safety performance, we must 
continue to do the right thing, 
hold ourselves to account and, 
above all, keep each other safe.

2014 Key performance highlights

Future objectives

ƒƒ Reduced lost time injury frequency 

ƒƒ Progress towards achieving global  

top-quartile health and safety 
performance by 2017.

ƒƒ Focus on human factors and 

excellence in leadership to continually 
improve our health and safety culture.

ƒƒ Enhance Woodside’s ‘Our Safety 
Culture’ framework with improved 
support materials.

ƒƒ Continue to:

Ĉ improve staff health and personal 
wellbeing through awareness and 
training programs;

Ĉ increase emergency management 
and response competencies across 
the organisation to ensure high levels 
of prevention, preparedness and 
response; and

Ĉ improve and embed process safety 
through a focus on people, plant and 
processes. 

(LTIF) by 49% to 0.22. 

ƒƒ Recorded a 37% improvement in  
total recordable injury rate (TRIR).

ƒƒ Recorded 50% reduction on Tier 2 

process safety events (PSEs).

ƒƒ Launched the ‘Fit for Life’ health 

program.

ƒƒ Refreshed the ‘Our Safety Culture’ 
framework to provide examples of 
practical ways the framework can be 
used. 

ƒƒ Developed and implemented Major 

Accident Event and Major Environment 
Event Dashboards.

ƒƒ Completed a pilot program to 

streamline our health and safety 
management system, which reduced 
documentation by over 50%, thereby 
improving internal efficiencies.

ƒƒ Woodside’s Fraud and Corruption 

Control Program was rated among the 
highest in its peers by Citi and Dow 
Jones Sustainability Index. 

ƒƒ Implemented a travel security 

management and training framework.

28

Total recordable injury rate performance

Woodside (actual)
Woodside (target)
OGP1 top quartile (actual)
OGP1 top quartile (expected)

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

d
e
k
r
o
w
s
r
u
o
h
n
o

i
l
l
i

m

r
e
p
R
R
T

I

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

1  Woodside has benchmarked its TRIR against global  

top-quartile performance of the International Association 
of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). 

Tier 2 Process safety events

5

4

In 2012, Woodside commenced 
classifying PSEs in accordance 
with American Petroleum 
Institute Recommended 
Practice 754, to enable global 
benchmarking.

2

12 13 14

A typical Tier 1 PSE is loss of containment of hydrocarbons 
greater than 500 kg (in any one-hour period). 

A typical Tier 2 PSE is loss of containment of hydrocarbons 
greater than 50 kg but less than 500 kg (in any one-hour 
period).

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL REPORTSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 
 
 
 
Our approach

During 2014, we continued to implement 
our strategic health and safety roadmap, 
making solid progress towards delivering 
on our aspiration of global top-quartile 
health and safety performance. We 
benchmarked our performance and 
maturity of our health and safety 
management systems against our peers 
in the International Association of Oil 
& Gas Producers (IOGP). This verified 
that our strategy to achieve top-quartile 
performance by 2017 is sound. Focus 
areas in 2014 included: 

ƒƒ streamlining our health and safety 

management systems and processes;

ƒƒ embedding process safety 

management systems into our 
business;

ƒƒ improving contract management 
processes for health, safety and 
environment; and

ƒƒ improving employee health and 

wellbeing programs.

2014 performance

There were zero work-related fatalities  
in 2014. Our lost time injury frequency 
(LTIF) reduced by 49% to 0.22 per million 
work hours. We also improved our 
overall total recordable injury rate (TRIR) 
by 37% and reduced recordable injuries 
by 38% compared to 2013. Shoulder 
or hand injuries featured in 58% of total 
recordable injuries (medical treatment, 
and restricted or lost workday cases).

While our employee TRIR remained 
steady, the significant improvement 

Lost time injury and lost time injury 
frequency

0.94

0.71

0.62

0.43

y
r
u
n

j

i

e
m

i
t

t
s
o
L

1
2

8
1

8 6
1

0.22

3

10

11

12

13 14

d
e
k
r
o
w
s
r
u
o
h
n
o

i
l
l
i

m

r
e
p
F
T
L

I

in personal safety performance is 
attributed to increased engagement 
with our contractors, resulting in a 41% 
improvement in our contractor TRIR  
on 2013. 

We recorded zero Tier 1 process safety 
events (PSEs) and two Tier 2 PSEs during 
the year.

Key initiatives delivered 
Process safety
During 2014, we launched a new 
performance excellence initiative to 
improve the delivery of Woodside’s 
process safety management 
requirements. We continually measure 
and assess our process safety 
management system to ensure that it 
remains effective and continues to drive 
improvements in performance.

Health and wellbeing 
The ‘Fit for Life’ health program was 
rolled out in 2014 to raise awareness 
and provide the foundation for positive 
behaviour change by staff under three 
themes: healthy bodies, healthy living and 
healthy minds. As part of the program, 
an online health portal was developed to 
provide staff with access to confidential 
health assessment tools and health 
information. 

Contractor engagement
Woodside continues to engage 
with our Australian and international 
contractors through activities such as 
health and safety forums which build 
our relationships, improve contractor 
understanding of Woodside performance 
expectations and ensure alignment with 
our health and safety culture. Our internal 
contracting processes were revised 
during 2014 as part of streamlining 
Woodside’s management system to 
better communicate our performance 
expectations with contractors.

Stand Together for Safety

A strong focus in 2014 was on enhancing 
Woodside’s safety culture. We  
celebrated this year’s Stand Together  
for Safety week with a number of 
companywide activities around the 
theme ‘when it comes to safety we’re all 
connected’. This helped all employees to 
consider how everyone’s day-to-day work 
is interlinked, and the need to continue to 
work together to maintain a safe working 
environment. 

Our crisis and emergency management 
preparedness was enhanced, with local 
training complementing regular training 
at all Incident Coordination Centres and 
facilities. Competency and capabilities were 
increased to deal with all major  
hazard events, including oil spill.

OPERATIONS

Security and emergency 
management

In a dynamic domestic and international 
security environment, Woodside’s 
security and emergency management 
team worked to ensure that the 
company’s travel and operations globally 
remain protected from new, emerging 
and existing security threats.

Woodside’s exposure to fraud and 
corruption was further controlled 
through the completed roll-out of the 
Fraud and Corruption Control Program. 
This included a range of mechanisms 
such as third-party audits, anti-bribery, 
corruption and fraud training and a new 
due diligence process. The company has 
a dedicated anti-bribery and corruption 
lawyer to complement existing anti-fraud 
and corruption resources.

Outlook

In 2015, our focus will be on continuing 
to embed the key elements of our health 
and safety strategy, including process 
safety, human factors, mental health 
and contractor performance, in order to 
consistently deliver outstanding health 
and safety performance in all areas 
of our business. Additionally, we will 
maintain a robust platform for protection 
of Woodside’s people and assets in all 
national and international locations. 

Major Accident Event and Major 
Environment Event Dashboards

Ensuring the integrity of our technical 
barriers in managing major hazards 
present within our facilities is vital. 

In 2014, we adopted and implemented 
industry best practice in the 
management of process safety by 
developing dashboards that provide an 
overview of the condition of technical 
barriers at our facilities.

The Major Accident Event and Major 
Environmental Event Dashboards 
provide a clear basis for understanding 
and interpreting the potential 
cumulative risk based on the status of 
technical barriers on our facilities. The 
dashboards support decision making, 
planning of activities and provide a 
means of monitoring and reporting in 
line with the governing safety case.

 Additional information will be 
available in our 2014 Sustainable 
Development Report on  17 .

29

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW 
 
 
 
 
 
ENVIRONMENT

We are committed to reducing adverse effects on the environment and aim to be 
recognised as an industry leader in environmental management and protection.

Our approach
Woodside’s approach to environmental 
management is outlined in our Health, 
Safety and Environment Policy and the 
mandatory environmental operating 
standards that apply to all facilities and 
operations. We manage environment 
risk and make decisions based on robust 
science delivered in part through our 
strategic partnerships with researchers 
and stakeholders.

Environmental performance
During 2014, we achieved a 29% 
reduction in flared gas intensity 
and recorded a 1% increase in total 
greenhouse gas emissions. 

Four environmental incidents were 
reported to State and Commonwealth 
regulators as part of our licence approval 
conditions. Two incidents occurred on 
the Northern Endeavour FPSO: a spill 
to ocean (4.4 bbl of diesel) and the 
discharge to ocean of cooling water 
contaminated with light condensate. 

There were also two flaring events 
that resulted in dark smoke emissions 
following equipment trips and re-starts 
at the Karratha and Pluto gas plants. 
No environmental fines or penalties in 
relation to environmental incidents  
were received.

 Information on Woodside’s Health, 
Safety and Environment Policy can 
be found on our website.

Controlling environmental impacts
In 2014, Woodside undertook a 
dedicated improvement project to 
enhance its oil spill response capabilities. 
The project delivered significant 
improvements in several areas, including 
more comprehensive contingency 
plans, expanded mutual aid agreements 
with other industry operators and 
additional contracts with spill response 
services that support our Australian and 
international operations. In addition, 
environmental baseline surveys were 
undertaken offshore Western Australia 
at Rankin Banks, Glomar Shoals and 
Ningaloo Reef to better understand these 
regions.

Global biodiversity
During 2014, environmental management 
support was provided for our activities 
in Africa, Canada, Ireland, Myanmar and 
New Zealand.

We worked with joint venture participants 
to deploy six noise loggers as part of a 
research project to record whale activity 
in the offshore waters of Ireland. The 
results will provide a better understanding 
of the abundance and seasonality of 
whales and will support environmental 
approvals required for our exploration 
activities in Ireland.

Climate change
Changes in the Australian Government’s 
climate action policy led to the repeal of 
the Clean Energy Act 2011 and passage 
of legislation to implement the Emissions 
Reduction Fund. We support an effective 
greenhouse gas regulatory regime that 
can achieve Australia’s international 
climate action commitments.

Outlook
In 2015, we will seek to minimise our 
impacts on land, sea, air and wildlife 
while remaining focused on avoiding loss 
of containment events or adverse effects 
to the environment in and adjacent to 
our areas of operation. We will strive 
to continually improve energy and flare 
efficiency to reduce greenhouse  
gas emissions.

Woodside will continue to utilise robust 
science to support the management 
of environment risks associated with 
our activities and position ourselves as 
a partner of choice across our growing 
global portfolio. 

Flared gas and intensity1  

9.3

8.0

7
2
3

6
4
2

7.5

7
1
2

14.2

10.0

1
2
4

0
5
3

6
2
1

9
7

5
6

9
2
1

3
7
1

10

11

12

13

14

Total gas flared for operated ventures (kilotonnes)

Woodside equity portion of flaring (kilotonnes)

Intensity flared gas 
(tonne/kilotonnes hydrocarbon production)

1. Excludes commissioning.

The intensity of flared gas in 2014 showed a 
decline from the peak in 2013 due to improved 
plant performance.

 Further information on environmental 
management  will be available in 
our 2014 Sustainable Development 
Report on  28 .

Woodside’s risk-based approach to the 
management of marine biofouling (marine 
pests) on our contracted vessels and rigs 
was recognised in 2014 with the inaugural 
Western Australia Department of Fisheries 
Excellence in Marine Biosecurity Award. 
The award recognises our leadership, 
innovation and commitment to excellence 
in marine biosecurity. This work has 
established Woodside as an industry leader 
in the risk-based management of biofouling. 

2014 Key performance highlights

ƒƒ Reduced flaring by 29% attributable to 
facility start-up improvements and high 
reliability in facility operation.

ƒƒ Awarded the inaugural Western 

Australian Department of Fisheries 
Excellence in Marine Biosecurity 
Award.

ƒƒ Delivered robust science in partnership 
with researchers and stakeholders to 
support environment risk management 
and decision making for new  
country entry.

Future objectives

ƒƒ Deliver global top-quartile 

environmental performance to support 
our Australian and global activities.

ƒƒ Improve energy and flare efficiency to 
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ƒƒ Embed a high performance 

environmental culture in frontline 
supervisors and workforce.

30

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnOVERVIEW

OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
REPORT

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

OPERATIONS

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Our ability to maintain and protect our social licence to operate relies on 
Woodside engaging proactively with communities and key stakeholders. 

2014 Key performance highlights

ƒƒ Contributed A$22.6 million worth 
of social investment1 to our host 
communities.

ƒƒ Our staff contributed 6,300 

volunteering hours, valued at  
A$1.1 million, and we were named 
Western Australian Corporate 
Volunteer of the Year. 

ƒƒ Our voluntary social investment 

contribution equated to 0.70% of a 
three-year averaged profit before tax 
from 2012 to 2014.

ƒƒ Launched the Woodside Development 

Fund – a ten year, A$20 million 
commitment to early childhood 
development and funded more than 
A$1.7 million of programs. 

Future objectives

ƒƒ Implement and report on outcomes 

achieved to date through the Woodside 
Development Fund and support new 
initiatives.

ƒƒ Maintain our target of contributing 

0.5% profit before tax (on a three-year 
rolling basis) to community programs.

ƒƒ Continue to invest in initiatives 

that enable increased spending on 
contracts with Indigenous-owned 
businesses. 

ƒƒ Strengthen connections between our 
social and cultural contributions to 
create continuous pathways leading to 
employment and leadership.

1.  Includes cash value, in-kind and voluntary hours 

(Woodside share).

Our approach
Woodside is guided by its Sustainable 
Communities and Indigenous 
Communities policies to support the 
economic and social development of  
local communities and maintain long-
term relationships. 

Our social investment is focused on 
creating long-term capacity and capability 
to ensure that host communities benefit 
from Woodside’s presence. It generates 
business value in the form of community 
support and reputational benefits; risk 
reduction; productivity gains; job creation; 
and competitive advantage. It is directly 
linked to our profitability with a target of 
0.5% profit before tax. 

We take into account a community’s 
interests and concerns when establishing 
social contribution plans. Three priority 
areas have been selected to align 
stakeholder interests across the broad 
geographical spread of our business 
activities:
ƒƒ  education and early childhood 

development within host communities; 

ƒƒ cultural values and community identity 

of host communities; and

ƒƒ environmental initiatives, in particular 

marine and coastal programs.

In Western Australia, we maintain 
relationships with Aboriginal communities 
in the Pilbara, Kimberley and South-West 
regions. Our relationships with Aboriginal 
people in these regions are framed by our 
2011–2015 Reconciliation Action Plan. 

The implementation of the new 
Community Relations Framework and 
practice guides has supported improved 
performance in community relations. This 
is particularly important as we enter new 
countries.

In 2014, we initiated early engagements 
with First Nations groups in Canada to 
support proposals in north-west British 
Columbia; and with Maori in New Zealand 
relating to our exploration interests in the 
Taranaki and Great South Basins.

Woodside facilitated and funded the 
largest Aboriginal heritage restoration 
project in Western Australia’s history 
which concluded in 2014. More than 1,700 
boulders engraved with Aboriginal rock art 
were relocated back to country and the 
site was successfully rehabilitated. Senior 
Aboriginal Law holders have expressed 
their satisfaction regarding the process  
and the outcome.

Our performance 
Woodside is a member of the London 
Benchmarking Group and uses its 
methodology to track, measure, 
benchmark and report on our social 
investment performance.

In 2014, our direct social contribution  
was A$22.6 million1. This includes 
donations of A$10 million to the Australia 
New Zealand Army Corps Centenary 
Public Fund. 

Our employees contributed  
6,300 volunteering hours, valued at  
A$1.1 million. As a recognition of our 
significant volunteering efforts, Woodside 
was named Western Australian 
Corporate Volunteer of the Year 2014. 

Woodside Development Fund
In February 2014, we announced 
the establishment of the Woodside 
Development Fund, which commits 
A$20 million over the next ten years 
to early childhood development. The 
Fund’s principles are based on supporting 
collaborative efforts through aligned 
measurable outcomes.

In developing the Fund, we consulted 
extensively with more than 20 
government, community and academic 
organisations, and more than 100 
individual expert stakeholders. Our 
focus will be reducing developmental 
vulnerability of children in communities  
of interest by 2025. 

 Please register to join our community 
forum at canvas@woodside.com.au

 Further information on the Woodside 
Development Fund and our approach to 
social investment can be found on our 
website and will be available in the 2014 
Sustainable Development Report  36 .

Outlook

In 2015, we will focus on the delivery 
of social investment priority areas to 
align with stakeholder interests across 
the broad geographical spread of our 
business activities.

We will also continue to apply the 
Community Relations Framework to 
support Woodside’s current business  
and growth opportunities.

31

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWLNG MARKETING UPDATE

Core capabilities in marketing, trading and shipping are key to the expansion 
of our global LNG supply portfolio.

Woodside’s Executive Vice President (EVP) 
Marketing, Trading and Shipping Reinhardt 
Matisons (front right) and Kogas EVP and 
Chief Operating Officer LNG Procurement 
and Marketing Division Young Sik Kwon 
(front left), witnessed by executives of both 
companies, sign an LNG supply agreement 
in Singapore in February 2014.

Key uncertainties in the medium term 
include the potential restart of some 
nuclear reactors in Japan, all of which are 
currently offline following the Fukushima 
nuclear disaster in March 2011, and 
the ramp-up timing of new supply 
from Australia and the USA. There is 
significant risk of delay for some projects 
under construction, therefore the market 
has the potential to be tighter in the 
period to 2020. The LNG market will be 
impacted by volatility in oil price, effects 
of world economic growth, energy 
demand and more directly through oil-
linked LNG pricing, which is the basis for 
most long-term sales in Asia.

Risk of longer-term supply 
shortage 

Long-term projects that offer new supply 
are necessary to meet forecast demand 
and replace declining production from 
current operations. There is an ongoing 
need for investment in order for these 
projects to be online in time. This can 
be challenging in a climate of oil price 
volatility. The WoodMackenzie outlook 
suggests that without commitment to 
new supply, there will be a shortfall from 
approximately 2022, and the need for 
LNG will increase to more than  
200 mtpa by the end of the next decade. 
A prolonged oil price slump will threaten 
future project development and impact 
returns on existing LNG projects.

LNG is a growth industry
In 2014, net global LNG imports 
remained at about 240 million tonnes. 
The market is expected to rapidly 
expand, with more than 100 mtpa of 
additional supply capacity currently under 
construction and expected to be online 
by 2020. Much of this incremental supply 
has already been contracted under long-
term off-take agreements.

From 2020, the expected annual average 
growth rate for global LNG demand is 
about 3%1. Key demand drivers include 
power generation, industry and the 
emerging transport sector. The robust 
outlook for LNG sits within the wider 
context of long-term annual growth for 
gas of about 2%2 and global primary 
energy demand of about 1%2.

Long-term LNG growth 

The Asia-Pacific region will continue to 
account for 70–80% of global demand. 
In this region, demand growth is shifting 
away from the cornerstone markets of 
Japan, Korea and Taiwan and shifting 
towards China, India and South-East 
Asia. In many developing LNG markets, 
ongoing regulatory reforms of gas pricing 
are resulting in higher prices for the end-
user. This is positive for the role of LNG in 
the gas supply mix. 

The global LNG market is becoming more 
diverse, with Singapore, Malaysia and 
Lithuania entering the market as buyers 

in the last two years. It is anticipated that 
Poland, Egypt, Jordon and Uruguay will 
begin importing LNG in the next two 
years. Some growth in new markets is 
being facilitated by floating storage and 
regasification terminals, which enable 
faster market entry.

Near-term volatility in the global 
demand and supply balance

In 2014, changing market dynamics 
resulted in a reduction in spot prices  
of about 50%, from approximately  
US$19 per million British thermal units 
(MMBtu) to US$10 per MMBtu. The 
short-term sales sector accounts for 
about one quarter of total global trade. 
These 2014 price trends in the short-term 
market reflected demand and supply 
factors including: 

ƒƒ weakening oil prices;

ƒƒ mild weather in key Asian markets;

ƒƒ return to higher utilisation of nuclear 

capacity in South Korea; 

ƒƒ subdued South American demand;

ƒƒ continuation of low gas demand  

in Europe; 

ƒƒ incremental new supply, notably  
mid-year start-up of Papua New 
Guinea (PNG) LNG; and 

ƒƒ globally, higher average availability of 

existing plant relative to 2013. 

1. WoodMackenzie, LNG Tool, December 2014.
2. International Energy Agency (IEA) (World Energy Outlook –  2014). 

32

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnWith US LNG expected to represent 
about 15–20% of the global market, 
it is likely that additional US LNG will 
meet some of the global demand post 
2022. However, for demand to be met, 
new projects in other supply regions are 
required. Globally, there are a number of 
proposals for new non-US projects, both 
brownfield expansion and greenfield. 
There is strong competition between 
proposed projects in Australia, East 
Africa and Canada to secure foundation 
sales from 2022 and proceed to a FID. 
Australia and Canada have the advantage 
of offering political and fiscal stability, 
established oil and gas infrastructure and 
proximity to premium Asian markets. 

Global LNG supply and demand 

~200 mtpa supply 
must come online 
to support 2030 
demand

new FiDs 
requirement grows 
rapidly ~20 mtpa 
required online 
in 2023

new FiDs required 
now to support 
2022 demand

500

400

300

a
p
t
m

200

100

0

2014

2030

Probable development
Projects under construction
Operational
WoodMackenzie demand

Diversity in pricing mechanisms
The recent introduction of US LNG has 
contributed to new pricing mechanisms 
in the Asian market. It is expected that oil-
linked pricing will continue to be dominant 
in long-term sales arrangements. In a 
high oil price environment, US LNG prices 
linked to the US-traded Henry Hub (HH) 
gas price may be lower than oil-linked 
prices. However, the drop in oil prices in 
the second half of 2014 has highlighted 
that this may not be the case when US 
LNG starts to be delivered.

Some recent negotiations have involved 
hybrid LNG price mechanisms, featuring 
a mix of oil-linkage and some component 
linked to traded gas prices, such as HH or 
the United Kingdom National Balancing 
Point. Fundamentally, most end-buyers 
and governments from LNG importing 
countries desire competitively priced 
LNG, while also pursuing greater LNG 
supply diversification. Regardless of 
the indexing regime, long-term off-take 

commitments at robust prices above 
the average long-term cost of supply are 
required to underpin investment in new 
greenfield projects. 

Global shipping fleet growth
The increase in LNG shipping demand 
can be attributed to the growing LNG 
demand in Asia-Pacific, South America 
and the Middle East. In 2014, there were 
more than 1003 spot charters and more 
than ten3 short-term charters; this is an 
unprecedented level of activity for the 
industry. Modern tri-fuel diesel electric 
vessels with low boil-off, such as the 
Woodside Goode and Woodside Rogers, 
are the industry preference. Shipping 
demand is expected to grow in line with 
supply, with new ships representing 
35%3 of the current fleet on the water.

Customer-valued production
Over the last two years, Woodside 
completed price review negotiations for 
existing sales agreements for the Pluto 
and NWS projects. Pluto foundation sale 
negotiations were concluded in 2013, 
while only one price review for NWS 
was concluded during the year, with 
others continuing into 2015. Further 
NWS Sales and Purchase Agreements 
will be subject to price review in 2015. 
Therefore, Woodside’s share of NWS 
LNG production, subject to price review 
in 2015, equates to approximately  
1.75 mtpa. Price outcomes for Pluto and 
NWS in the last two years confirm that 
production from these projects is highly 
valued by our long-term customers. Price 
review outcomes for Pluto foundation 
sales came into effect in the first half of 
2014. Woodside also concluded three 
mid-term sales agreements underpinned 
by Pluto volumes, which reflects strong 
relationships with Asian customers. 

Browse equity volumes will play a 
significant role in Woodside’s LNG 
portfolio growth. We will seek to 
underpin a Browse FID with long-term 
contracts at competitive market prices. 
Browse LNG will be a high-heating value 
product and is expected to appeal to 
customers in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. 
Woodside’s Australian LNG is also 
attractive to new markets such as India, 
China, Kuwait, Vietnam, Indonesia and 
Singapore, which require Australian LNG 
to balance their supply portfolios. 

LNG additions to the Woodside 
portfolio
In 2014, we diversified our sources 
of supply with the purchase of 
approximately 0.85 mtpa of US LNG from 
the proposed Corpus Christi project in 

3. Source Poten & Partners Industry Market update, December 2014. 
4. Purchase remains subject to conditions precedent.
5. The acquisition is subject to transaction close.

OPERATIONS

south Texas. The supply term is a base 
period of 20 years from about 20194. This 
purchase adds a differentiated pricing 
basis, geographical source and heating 
value to the Woodside LNG supply 
portfolio. It enables Woodside to offer 
pricing regimes to match customers’ 
specific requirements.

During 2014, our dedicated trading office 
in Singapore continued chartering of our 
trading vessel (the Woodside Goode), 
secured long-term US LNG supply from 
Cheniere and executed mid-term supply 
contracts and numerous third-party LNG 
trades.

In 2014, we managed excess LNG from 
equity production at Pluto and NWS. 
The benefits of this optimisation activity 
were attributed to the business units and 
totalled over US$40 million.

Increasing volatility in both oil and spot 
LNG pricing and at times limited physical 
liquidity is making this optimisation 
function even more critical to ensuring 
individual assets extract maximum value 
for their molecules and minimise market 
risk. Activities include the management 
of price spreads, volume flexibilities, 
cargo storage and shipping.

The Woodside Goode has been fully 
utilised throughout 2014 with the majority 
of its activity in the Far East. It has also 
loaded cargoes from Europe and the 
Middle East.

Future growth and diversification
Woodside continues to nurture and 
grow customer relationships across 
the increasing base of LNG buyers in 
the Asia-Pacific region. Our focus is 
on expanding the range of marketing 
volumes, activities and customer 
offerings. With existing long-term 
sales, Woodside is pursuing near-term 
value accretive arrangements with both 
existing and new customers through 
LNG spot and mid-term sales and LNG 
shipping transactions. 

We will continue to build a diverse 
supply portfolio, underpinned by reliable 
Australian LNG and supplemented by 
US-sourced volumes to pursue additional 
long-term sales arrangements. Key 
growth initiatives include progressing the 
Browse FLNG Project, a move to equity 
lifting of uncommitted LNG production 
from Pluto and NWS, and the acquisition5 
of equity in the Wheatstone and Kitimat 
LNG projects. 

33

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWRESERVES STATEMENT

Developed reserves decreased by 13.6% (Proved) and 10.6% (Proved plus 
Probable) following annual production and updated reservoir studies for a 
number of assets.

2014 Key performance highlights

Woodside’s reserves1,2,3,4 and Contingent resources5 overview*

ƒƒ Strong reservoir performance at Angel 
resulted in a revision which positively 
affected both production and reserves.

ƒƒ The Contingent Resource (2C) 

estimate of Browse increased by  
159 Bcf dry gas following integration  
of the Tridacna seismic data.

ƒƒ The Toro discovery was booked as a 

new Contingent resource.

Proved reserves*

d
e
p
o
l
e
v
e
d
n
U
d
n
a
d
e
p
o
l
e
v
e
D

)
e
o
b
M
M

(
s
e
v
r
e
s
e
r

8
0
3
,
1

2
9
2
,
1

4
6
2

8
4
2

1
3
2
,
1

3
3
5

3
4
1
,
1

0
5
6

8
4
0
,
1

2
6
5

10

11

12

13

14

s
e
v
r
e
s
e
r
d
e
p
o
l
e
v
e
D

)
e
o
b
M
M

(

Proved Developed and Undeveloped 
reserves decreased by 94.9 MMboe due 
to production, divestment of Neptune and 
annual reserves revision.

Proved plus Probable reserves*

l

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
d
n
U
d
n
a
d
e
p
o
e
v
e
D

l

0
8
6
,
1

0
1
6
,
1

4
5
3

5
2
3

4
4
5
,
1

6
5
7

7
3
4
,
1

2
5
8

9
3
3
,
1

1
6
7

10

11

12

13

14

s
e
v
r
e
s
e
r
d
e
p
o
e
v
e
D

l

)

e
o
b
M
M

(

)

e
o
b
M
M

(
s
e
v
r
e
s
e
r

Proved plus Probable Developed 
and undeveloped reserves 
decreased by 98.1 MMboe due to 
production, divestment of Neptune 
and annual reserves revision.

34

Proved11 Developed12 and Undeveloped13

Proved Developed

Proved Undeveloped
Proved plus probable14 Developed and Undeveloped
Proved plus probable Developed

Proved plus probable Undeveloped

Contingent resources

Key metrics

2014 reserves replacement ratio15
Organic 2014 reserves replacement ratio16

Three-year reserves replacement ratio

Organic three-year reserves replacement ratio
Reserves life17
Annual production18

Net acquisitions and divestments

Dry gas6

Condensate7

Oil

Total

Bcf8
5,263.3

2,799.2

2,464.1
6,653.6
3,723.7

2,929.9

7,766.9

MMbbl9
94.9

MMbbl
30.0

44.7

50.2
117.1
58.8

58.3

26.0

3.9
54.1
49.1

5.0

MMboe10
1,048.3

561.9

486.4
1,338.5
761.1

577.3

235.6

144.6

1,742.9

Proved

4

6

12

13

10.6

99.1

(1.5)

Proved plus 
probable
1

4

2

4

13.5

99.1

(3.1)

%

%

%

%

Years

MMboe

MMboe

Proved (1P) Developed and Undeveloped reserves annual reconciliation  
by product*

Reserves at 31 December 2013
Revision of previous estimates19
Extensions and discoveries20

Acquisitions and divestments

Annual production

Reserves at 31 December 2014

Dry gas
Bcf
5,707.8

Condensate
MMbbl
102.9

Oil
MMbbl
38.9

Total
MMboe
1,143.2

6.7

0.0

(0.9)

450.2

5,263.3

0.5

0.0

0.0

8.5

94.9

4.0

0.0

(1.3)

11.6

30.0

5.7

0.0

(1.5)

99.1

1,048.3

Proved plus probable (2P) Developed and Undeveloped reserves annual 
reconciliation by product*

Reserves at 31 December 2013

Revision of previous estimates

Extensions and discoveries

Acquisitions and divestments

Annual production

Reserves at 31 December 2014

Dry gas
Bcf
7,092.4

Condensate
MMbbl
125.2

Oil
MMbbl
67.0

Total
MMboe
1,436.5

13.3

0.0

(1.8)

450.2

6,653.6

0.4

0.0

0.0

8.5

117.1

1.4

0.0

(2.8)

11.6

54.1

4.1

0.0

(3.1)

99.1

1,338.5

Best Estimate Contingent resources (2C) annual reconciliation by product*

Contingent resources at 31 December 2013

Transfer to reserves

Revision of previous estimates

Extensions and discoveries

Acquisitions and divestments

Dry gas
Bcf
7,488.6

Condensate
MMbbl
230.9

Oil
MMbbl
147.6

Total
MMboe
1,692.3

0.0

174.2

105.0

(0.9)

0.0

3.0

1.8

0.0

0.0

(1.5)

0.0

(1.5)

0.0

32.1

20.2

(1.7)

Contingent resources at 31 December 2014

7,766.9

235.6

144.6

1,742.9

*Small differences are due to rounding. 

Refer to  36  for notes to the reserves statement.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved Developed and Undeveloped reserves summary by region*

Greater Pluto21
North West Shelf22
Greater Exmouth23
Other Australia24

Reserves

Dry gas
Bcf
3,212.2

2,051.1

0.0

0.0

5,263.3

Condensate
MMbbl
49.0

Oil
MMbbl
0.0

45.9

0.0

0.0

94.9

13.4

15.1

1.5

30.0

Total
MMboe
612.6

419.0

15.1

1.5

1,048.3

Proved Developed reserves summary by region*

Greater Pluto

North West Shelf

Greater Exmouth

Other Australia

Reserves

Dry gas
Bcf
1,399.5

1,399.7

0.0

0.0

2,799.2

Condensate
MMbbl
18.4

Oil
MMbbl
0.0

26.3

0.0

0.0

44.7

11.8

12.7

1.5

26.0

Proved Undeveloped reserves summary by region*

Greater Pluto25
North West Shelf25
Greater Exmouth

Other Australia

Reserves

Dry gas
Bcf
1,812.7

651.3

0.0

0.0

2,464.1

Condensate
MMbbl
30.6

Oil
MMbbl
0.0

19.6

0.0

0.0

50.2

1.6

2.4

0.0

3.9

Proved plus Probable Developed and Undeveloped reserves  
summary by region*

Total
MMboe
264.0

283.6

12.7

1.5

561.9

Total
MMboe
348.6

135.4

2.4

0.0

486.4

Greater Pluto

North West Shelf

Greater Exmouth

Other Australia

Reserves

Dry gas
Bcf
4,427.2

2,226.4

0.0

0.0

6,653.6

Condensate
MMbbl
65.7

Oil
MMbbl
0.0

51.4

0.0

0.0

117.1

20.9

31.5

1.7

54.1

Total
MMboe
842.4

462.9

31.5

1.7

1,338.5

Proved plus Probable Developed reserves summary by region*

Greater Pluto

North West Shelf

Greater Exmouth

Other Australia

Reserves

Dry gas
Bcf
2,226.2

1,497.6

0.0

0.0

3,723.7

Condensate
MMbbl
29.1

Oil
MMbbl
0.0

29.7

0.0

0.0

58.8

18.7

28.7

1.7

49.1

Proved plus Probable Undeveloped reserves summary by region*

Greater Pluto

North West Shelf

Greater Exmouth

Other Australia

Reserves

Dry gas
Bcf
2,201.0

728.9

0.0

0.0

2,929.9

Condensate
MMbbl
36.6

Oil
MMbbl
0.0

21.7

0.0

0.0

58.3

2.2

2.8

0.0

5.0

Best Estimate Contingent resources summary by region*

Greater Browse26
Greater Sunrise27
Greater Pluto

Greater Exmouth

North West Shelf

Other Australia

Dry gas
Bcf
4,819.0

1,716.8

659.6

357.2

148.7

65.5

Condensate
MMbbl
141.8

Oil
MMbbl
0.0

75.6

10.6

2.6

4.7

0.5

0.0

0.0

114.1

20.3

10.2

Total
MMboe
419.6

311.1

28.7

1.7

761.1

Total
MMboe
422.7

151.8

2.8

0.0

577.3

Total
MMboe
987.2

376.7

126.4

179.4

51.0

22.1

Contingent resources

7,766.9

235.6

144.6

1,742.9

*Small differences are due to rounding. 

Refer to  36  for notes to the reserves statement.

OPERATIONS

Proved plus Probable reserves 
(Developed and Undeveloped)

1,338.5
MMboe

Developed
Greater Pluto Undeveloped
NWS Undeveloped
Other Undeveloped

%
57
32
11
<1

At year-end 2014, 57% of the Proved plus 
Probable reserves were categorised as 
Developed, down from 59% in 2013.

1P Reserves by region 
(Developed and Undeveloped)

1,048.3
MMboe

Greater Pluto
NWS
Greater Exmouth
Other Australia

2P Reserves by region 
(Developed and Undeveloped)

1,338.5
MMboe

Greater Pluto
NWS
Greater Exmouth
Other Australia

2C Contingent resource 
by region

1,742.9
MMboe

Greater Browse
Greater Sunrise
Greater Pluto
Greater Exmouth
NWS
Other Australia

%
58
40
1
<1

%
63
35
2
<1

%
57
22
7
10
3
1

35

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWOPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

Governance and assurance

Woodside, as an Australian company listed on the Australian 
Securities Exchange, reports its petroleum resource estimates 
using definitions and guidelines consistent with the 2007 
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)/World Petroleum Council 
(WPC)/American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)/
Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE) Petroleum 
Resources Management System (PRMS).

Woodside has several processes to provide assurance for 
reserves reporting, including the Woodside Reserves Policy, the 
Petroleum Resources Management Operating Standard, staff 
training and minimum competency levels and external reserves 
audits. On average, more than 96% of Woodside’s Proved 
reserves have been externally verified by independent review 
over the past four years.

Unless otherwise stated, all petroleum resource estimates are 
quoted as net Woodside share at standard oilfield conditions of 
14.696 pounds per square inch (psi) (101.325 kilo pascals (kPa)) 
and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.56 degrees Celsius). 

Qualified petroleum reserves and resources  
evaluator statement

The reserves statement is based on and fairly represents 
information and supporting documentation prepared by 
qualified petroleum reserves and resources evaluators. The 
reserves statement has been approved by Mr Ian F. Sylvester, 
Woodside’s Vice President of Reservoir Management, who is a 
full-time employee of the company and a member of the Society 
of Petroleum Engineers. Mr Sylvester’s qualifications include a 
Master of Engineering (Petroleum Engineering) from Imperial 
College, University of London, England, and more than 20 years 
of relevant experience. Mr Sylvester has consented in writing to 
the inclusion of this information in this report.

19 

20 

‘Revision of previous estimates’ shows changes 
in previous estimates of reserves or Contingent 
resources, either up or down, resulting from new 
information normally obtained from development 
drilling and production history or resulting from a 
change in economic factors.

‘Extensions and discoveries’ represent additions to 
reserves or Contingent resources that result from 
increased areal extensions of previously discovered 
fields, discovery of reserves in new fields or new 
reservoirs in old fields.

21  The ‘Greater Pluto’ region comprises the Pluto-

Xena, Larsen, Martell, Martin, Noblige, Remy, Alaric 
and Cadwallon fields. 

22  The ‘North West Shelf’ (NWS) includes all oil and 
gas fields within the North West Shelf Project 
Area. As the NWS consists of a portfolio of fields, 
probabilistic aggregation is more appropriate than 
arithmetic summation, as inter-field dependencies 
reflecting different reservoir characteristics between 
fields are incorporated. Probabilistic aggregation 
of individual fields in the NWS accounts for 13.5% 
of NWS Proved (Developed and Undeveloped) 
dry gvas reserves, and 17.2% of NWS Proved 
(Developed and Undeveloped) condensate reserves.

23  The ‘Greater Exmouth’ region comprises Vincent, 
Enfield, Stybarrow-Eskdale, Greater Laverda, 
Cimatti, Ragnar and Toro fields.

24 

‘Other Australia’ includes the Laminaria-Corallina 
and Argus fields. 

25  Material concentrations of reserves in the 

Greater Pluto and North West Shelf regions have 
remained undeveloped for longer than 5 years 
from the date they were initially reported as the 
incremental reserves are expected to be recovered 
through future developments to meet long term 
contractual commitments. The incremental 
projects are included in the company business 
plan, demonstrating the intent to proceed with the 
developments.

26 

‘Greater Browse’ comprises the Brecknock, 
Calliance and Torosa fields. For the Browse FLNG 
development, the reference point is defined as 
the outlet of the FLNG facility, which means that 
Contingent resources are reported excluding the 
fuel and flare required for production and processing 
up to the reference point.

27 

‘Greater Sunrise’ comprises the Sunrise and 
Troubadour fields.

Notes to the reserves statement

1 

2 

‘Reserves’ are estimated quantities of petroleum 
that have been demonstrated to be producible 
from known accumulations in which the company 
has a material interest from a given date forward, 
at commercial rates, under presently anticipated 
production methods, operating conditions, prices 
and costs. 

Assessment of the economic value of a project, 
in support of a reserves booking, uses Woodside 
Portfolio Economic Assumptions (PEAs). The PEAs 
are reviewed on an annual basis or more often if 
required. The review is based on historical data and 
forecast estimates for economic variables such 
as product prices and exchange rates. The PEAs 
are approved by the Woodside Board. Specific 
contractual arrangements for individual projects are 
also taken into account.

3  Woodside uses both deterministic and probabilistic 

methods for estimation of petroleum resources at 
the field and project levels. Unless otherwise stated, 
all petroleum estimates reported at the company or 
region level are aggregated by arithmetic summation 
by category. Note that the aggregated Proved level 
may be a very conservative estimate due to the 
portfolio effects of arithmetic summation.

4  Woodside reports reserves net of the fuel and 

flare required for production, processing and 
transportation up to a reference point. For offshore 
oil projects, the reference point is defined at the 
outlet of the FPSO. For onshore LNG projects, 
the reference point is defined as the inlet to 
the downstream (onshore) processing facility. 
Downstream fuel and flare represents 12.4% of 
Woodside’s Proved (Developed and Undeveloped) 
reserves, and 12.4% of Proved plus Probable 
(Developed and Undeveloped) reserves.

‘Contingent resources’ are those quantities of 
petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be 
potentially recoverable from known accumulations, 
but the applied project(s) are not yet considered 
mature enough for commercial development due to 
one or more contingencies. Contingent resources 
may include, for example, projects for which 
there are currently no viable markets, or where 
commercial recovery is dependent on technology 
under development, or where evaluation of the 
accumulation is insufficient to clearly assess 
commerciality. Woodside reports Contingent 
resources net of the fuel and flare required for 
production, processing and transportation up to a 
reference point and non-hydrocarbons not present 
in sales products. Contingent resources estimates 
may not always mature to reserves and do not 
necessarily represent future reserves bookings.  
All Contingent resource volumes are reported at  
the ‘Best Estimate’ (P50) confidence level.

’Dry gas’ is defined as ‘C4 minus’ petroleum 
components including non-hydrocarbons.  
These volumes include LPG (propane and butane) 
resources. Dry gas reserves and Contingent 
resources include ‘C4 minus’ hydrocarbon 
components and non-hydrocarbon volumes  
that are present in sales product. 

5 

6 

36

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

‘Condensate’ is defined as ‘C5 plus’ petroleum 
components.

‘Bcf’ means billions (109) of cubic feet of gas  
at standard oilfield conditions of 14.696 psi  
(101.325 kPa) and 60 degrees Fahrenheit  
(15.56 degrees Celsius).

‘MMbbl’ means millions (106) of barrels of oil and 
condensate at standard oilfield conditions of  
14.696 psi (101.325 kPa) and 60 degrees  
Fahrenheit (15.56 degrees Celsius).

‘MMboe’ means millions (106) of barrels of oil 
equivalent. Consistent with international practice, 
dry gas volumes are converted to oil equivalent 
volumes via a constant conversion factor, which 
for Woodside is 5.7 Bcf of dry gas per 1 MMboe. 
Volumes of oil and condensate are converted from 
MMbbl to MMboe on a 1:1 ratio.

‘Proved reserves’ are those reserves which analysis 
of geological and engineering data suggests, to 
a high degree of certainty (90% confidence), are 
recoverable. There is relatively little risk associated 
with these reserves.

‘Developed reserves’ are those reserves that are 
producible through currently existing completions 
and installed facilities for treatment, compression, 
transportation and delivery, using existing operating 
methods and standards.

‘Undeveloped reserves’ are those reserves for 
which wells and facilities have not been installed or 
executed but which are expected to be recovered 
through future investments.

‘Probable reserves’ are those reserves which 
analysis of geological and engineering data suggests 
are more likely than not to be recoverable. There is 
at least a 50% probability that the quantities actually 
recovered will exceed the sum of estimated Proved 
plus Probable reserves.

15  The ‘reserves replacement ratio’ is the reserves 

(Developed and Undeveloped) change during the 
year, before the deduction of production, divided by 
production during the year. The ‘three-year reserves 
replacement ratio’ is the reserves (Developed and 
Undeveloped) change over three years, before the 
deduction of production for that period, divided by 
production during the same period. 

16  The ‘organic annual reserves replacement ratio’ is 

the reserves (Developed and Undeveloped) change 
during the year, before the deduction of production 
and adjustment for acquisition and divestments, 
divided by production during the year.

17  The ‘reserves life’ is the reserves (Developed and 

Undeveloped) divided by production during the year.

18 

‘Annual production’ is the volume of dry gas, 
condensate and oil produced during the year and 
converted to MMboe for the specific purpose 
of reserves reconciliation and the calculation 
of reserves replacement ratios. The reserves 
statement annual production differs from production 
volumes reported in the company’s annual and 
quarterly reports due to differences between sales 
and reserves product definitions, reserves reported 
gross of downstream fuel and flare and the MMboe 
conversion factors applied.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL REPORTSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONOVERVIEW

OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
REPORT

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

GROWTH

We are concentrating on aggregating positions around existing focus areas.

ORGANIC

IN-ORGANIC

DEVELOPMENTS

GLOBAL 
EXPLORATION

BUSINESS 
OPPORTUNITIES

In our pursuit of organic growth opportunities, 
we are focused on maturating our existing 
resources into reserves. Our world-class 
resource base includes Browse and Sunrise. 

Wheatstone platform, image courtesy of Apache

We are growing and rebalancing our global 
exploration portfolio to generate future 
growth opportunities for the company.  
Our focus is on consolidating our portfolio  
in Australasia, the Atlantic margins and  
Sub-Saharan Africa. 

We continually evaluate commercial 
opportunities which meet our target 
investment criteria. Recent examples of 
our inorganic growth include the acquisition 
of key Apache assets and LNG feasibility 
studies in British Columbia. 

The acquisition is subject to transaction close.

37

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWOPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

DEVELOPMENTS

Commercialisation of the world-
class Browse resources using 
FLNG technology will enhance 
our core business by leveraging 
our extensive floating and 
subsea operations experience.

Image courtesy of Shell

BROWSE

Key performance highlights

ƒƒ Technical elements of the basis of 
design (BOD) phase completed. 

ƒƒ Key pre-front-end engineering and 
design (FEED) work completed.

ƒƒ Primary approvals significantly 

progressed.

ƒƒ Additional strategic activities 

and technical work to de-risk the 
development underway.

Future objectives 

ƒƒ Pursue cost efficiencies for the 
development as a result of the 
substantial shift in market conditions.

ƒƒ Complete technical work to de-risk the 

development.

ƒƒ Complete additional strategic activities 
(including securing primary approvals 
and managing the impacts of the 
maritime boundary change).

ƒƒ FEED phase entry in mid-2015. 

ƒƒ Woodside is targeting a final 

investment decision (FID) in 2016.

Interest

Operator
Location

TR/5; R2; WA-30-R  
WA-31-R; WA-32-R  
WA-28-R; WA-29-R 

34% 
34%
17%

Woodside
Offshore 425 km  
north of Broome, WA

Water depth 350–700 metres
Contingent 
Resources1

4.8 trillion cubic feet (Tcf)  
of dry gas 
141.8 MMbbl condensate

1  Woodside share. Net resources are subject to 

unitisation outcomes.

Location of joint venture permits in the Browse area

Darwin

WA-30-R

R 2

TR/5

WA-32-R

WA-29-R

WA-275-P

WA-28-R

Torosa

Brecknock

Calliance

WA-31-R

WA-28-R

 Browse joint venture permits 

Broome

 Gas fields

Derby

0

100

200

kilometres

Horizontal Datum: GDA 1994

38

Port Hedland

Karratha

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL REPORTSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONlease moving into State jurisdiction. 
Legislation was subsequently passed 
by the WA Parliament in November 
to accommodate the coastal waters 
boundary change. This boundary change 
will not affect the Browse retention 
leases until they are renewed by the Joint 
Authority and WA Minister for Mines and 
Petroleum.

The Australian Industry Participation 
Plan (AIPP) was approved in May by 
the Commonwealth Australian Industry 
Participation Authority. The AIPP outlines 
the Browse joint venture participants’ 
commitment to providing full, fair and 
reasonable opportunity for local industry 
to contribute to activities and to maximise 
local industry participation where it is 
capable and competitive on the basis of 
health, safety, environment, quality, cost 
and delivery.

In June, the Browse joint venture 
participants submitted renewal 
applications for the State and 
Commonwealth Browse retention 
leases in line with the requirements of 
the relevant State and Commonwealth 
legislation. Discussions are ongoing with 
the State and the Commonwealth on 
retention lease renewal. 

Cooperative work continues with 
the State in relation to the State’s 
Domestic Gas Policy and the Browse 
joint venturers’ commitment to a WA-
anchored supply chain. 

The draft Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) was released for a period 
of public comment in November, which 
concluded in December. Responses to 
public comments are being prepared 
for inclusion in the final EIS document, 
which is due for submission to the 
Commonwealth Minister for Environment 
in mid-2015. A State environmental 
referral was submitted to the WA 

In September 2014, both governments 
agreed to defer CMATS arbitration and 
work towards a settlement.

We continue to engage with both 
governments to facilitate the timely 
progression of the development, 
including discussions on multiple 
development concepts, both on and 
offshore options.

Browse FLNG Development 
update 

Woodside, as operator of the Browse 
FLNG Development, is progressing 
floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) 
as the preferred development concept 
to commercialise globally significant 
resources in the Browse Basin, located 
offshore approximately 425 km north  
of Broome in Western Australia (WA).

The Brecknock, Calliance and Torosa 
fields – collectively known as the Browse 
resources – are estimated to contain 
gross (100%) contingent resources (2C) 
of 15.4 Tcf of dry gas and 453.0 million 
barrels of condensate (net Woodside 
assumed unitised share of 4.8 Tcf of 
dry gas and 141.8 million barrels of 
condensate).

The BOD phase determines the major 
design parameters and execution 
methodologies to enable optimal 
development of the Browse gas fields. 
The technical elements of BOD, as well 
as key pre-FEED work, were completed 
in December. Additional strategic 
activities and technical work to de-risk 
the development ahead of FEED phase 
entry are now in progress. Woodside 
anticipates FEED phase entry in mid-
2015 and is targeting a FID in 2016. 

We are taking advantage of the 
substantial shift in market conditions  
to pursue cost efficiencies for the 
Browse FLNG Development. 

Approvals 

In May, the National Offshore Petroleum 
and Titles Administrator advised that 
proposed changes to the coastal 
waters boundary of WA around North 
Scott Reef would potentially impact 
one of the Commonwealth retention 
leases covering the Torosa field, 
with part of the area of the retention 

SUNRISE
Woodside 33.44% (operator)

The Greater Sunrise fields hold a 
contingent resource of 5.13 Tcf of dry gas 
and 225.9 million barrels of condensate 
(net Woodside share of 1.7 Tcf of dry gas 
and 75.6 million barrels of condensate).

In April 2013, the Timor-Leste 
Government referred a dispute with the 
Australian Government relating to the 
treaty on Certain Maritime Arrangements 
in the Timor Sea (CMATS) to international 
arbitration in accordance with the dispute 
resolution procedure in the Timor Sea 
Treaty. 

GROWTH

Environmental Protection Authority in 
December to determine whether or  
not to assess the referral and, if so, the 
level of assessment.

The preliminary Field Development Plan 
outlining the nature of the proposed 
development, and the method of 
operation and production, was submitted 
to the Commonwealth and State 
regulators for review in January 2015. 
We anticipate submitting the final Field 
Development Plan in the second half  
of 2015. 

Marketing 

We will seek to underpin a Browse 
FLNG Development FID with long-term 
contracts at competitive market prices. 
Browse LNG will be a high heating 
value product that is expected to be 
appealing to customers in Japan, Korea 
and Taiwan. Woodside’s Australian LNG 
is also attractive to new and growing 
markets such as India, Kuwait, Vietnam, 
Indonesia and Singapore, which will 
require Australian LNG to balance 
its supply portfolios. Solid marketing 
progress is being made towards a target 
for customer commitments to Browse 
in 2015. 

Outlook

We remain well placed to complete 
additional strategic activities and technical 
work to de-risk the development ahead 
of FEED phase entry. We have proposed 
a work program (subject to renewal 
of the Browse retention leases) that 
includes completing:

ƒƒ all technical and commercial activities; 

ƒƒ project and operations readiness 

activities; and 

ƒƒ the securing of the remaining primary 
and long-lead secondary approvals 
required to support a positive FID. 

Woodside hosted Timor-Leste interns 
as part of the Timor-Leste Professional 
Development Program. Interns met with 
CEO Peter Coleman and Timor-Leste 
Minister for Petroleum and Natural 
Resources, Alfredo Pires, during their 
placement.

39

Darwin

WA-30-R

R 2

TR/5

WA-32-R

WA-29-R

WA-275-P

WA-28-R

Torosa

Brecknock

Calliance

WA-31-R

WA-28-R

Derby

Broome

Port Hedland

Karratha

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWGLOBAL EXPLORATION

Exploration is focused on 
growing a balanced global 
portfolio to provide future 
growth opportunities for the 
business. 

Exploration strategy in 2014
During 2014, we remained focused on 
our strategy to rebalance and grow the 
materiality and depth of our exploration 
portfolio. We continued to acquire 
acreage in new basins, based on our 
in-depth studies of three key focus 
regions – Australasia, sub-Saharan Africa 
and the Atlantic margins. We increased 
our exposure to emerging and frontier 
petroleum provinces, including oil-
prone basins, providing balance to the 
predominantly mature basin position held 
in Australia. 

As a strategic driver of future value 
creation, the growth of Woodside’s 
exploration portfolio has been a key 
priority for the business throughout 
the year. The success of our strategy 
is demonstrated by new entries into 
emerging and frontier acreage in 
Cameroon, Canada (Nova Scotia), Gabon, 
Morocco and Tanzania. This continues the 
portfolio building achievements of 2013, 
which added Ireland, Myanmar and New 
Zealand, and provides further opportunity 
to leverage the company’s deepwater 
and technology capabilities.

Australian exploration activity 
Drilling activity in 2014 included  
two exploration wells in the Exmouth 
sub-basin. In WA-255-P, the Rydal-1  
well (non-operated) resulted in a  
non-commercial oil discovery.

In WA-430-P, the Toro-1 well was 
spudded in May 2014, resulting in a 
gas discovery announced in July 2014. 
Well results continue to be evaluated as 
part of a potential greater Ragnar Hub 
development opportunity.

During the second half of 2014, the Outer 
Canning drilling campaign commenced, 
marking the first test of new plays in this 
frontier basin. The Hannover South-1 
well in WA-466-P was spudded in July 
2014, and Steel Dragon-1 in WA-464-P 
was spudded in November 2014. Both 
wells resulted in dry holes. The Anhalt-1 
top hole was spudded in November and 
conductor set, prior to returning to the 
Steel Dragon-1 location in November 
to complete the well. Anhalt-1 drilling 
recommenced in November with results 
expected during Q1 2015. 

Seismic activity in 2014 included the 
NWS Fortuna Survey (4,058 km2), which 
was completed in May and will provide 
the foundation for future NWS exploration 
and appraisal programs. Preliminary 
results from seismic interpretation are 
expected in the second half of 2015.

In the Exmouth sub-basin, the Centaurus 
(1,240 km2) and Babylon (1,306 km2)  
3D seismic surveys were completed.  
In the Browse permit WA-495-P, the  
Lord 3D marine seismic survey  
(3,366 km2) was completed. Seismic 
processing for these surveys is expected 
to be finalised in the first half of 2015  
and followed by interpretation.

Active portfolio management remained 
a key focus for the Australian portfolio 
in 2014, with the company surrendering 
four lower prospectivity permits during 
2014 (AC/P48, WA-451-P, WA-269-P, 
WA-275-P). In addition, Woodside 
farmed down 11.1% in Outer Canning 
permits WA-462-P and WA-466-P to 
BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd. 

2014 Performance highlights

ƒƒ Continued to rebalance and grow our 
global exploration portfolio, with new 
entries into Cameroon, Canada (Nova 
Scotia), Gabon, Morocco and Tanzania.

ƒƒ Consolidated positions in Myanmar 

and Morocco, with a successful bid in 
March for an additional four blocks in 
Myanmar. We finalised an agreement for 
a reconnaissance licence in Morocco in 
November.

ƒƒ The Toro-1 well discovered gas in 

Exmouth sub-basin permit WA-430-P.
ƒƒ Acquired 11,678 km2 of 3D seismic data 
in six regions: NWS Fortuna, Centaurus 
(Exmouth sub-basin), Babylon (Exmouth 
sub-basin), Lord (Browse basin), Muneo 
(Korea) and Block AD-7 (Myanmar). 

ƒƒ Established new offices in Dublin 

(Ireland), Wellington (New Zealand) 
and Yangon (Myanmar) to support our 
exploration activities in these regions.

Future objectives

ƒƒ High impact exploration activities in 

2015, including:
Ĉ up to three wells in Australia (Outer 

Canning, Pluto and Exmouth regions);

Ĉ up to three international wells 

(Cameroon, Korea and Myanmar); and
Ĉ conduct seismic surveys in Morocco, 
Myanmar, New Zealand, Peru and 
Tanzania. 
ƒƒ Continue to: 

Ĉ pursue opportunities that leverage 

our deepwater skills and technology 
capabilities; and

Ĉ grow and high-grade our global 

exploration portfolio with an emphasis 
on emerging petroleum provinces 
that offer materiality.

ƒƒ Concentrate on aggregating positions 
around our existing focus areas in 
Australasia, the Atlantic margins and  
Sub-Saharan Africa.

40

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnGROWTH

Morocco 
Rabat Deep Offshore permits I-VI 
Woodside 25% (non-operator) 

Rabat Ultra Deep Offshore 
Reconnaissance Licence  
Woodside 75% (operator) 

In July, Woodside finalised an agreement 
with Chariot Oil and Gas to farm in to 
the Rabat Deep Offshore permits I-VI 
offshore north-western Morocco. Under 
the agreement, Woodside acquired an 
initial 25% participating interest in the 
permits with an option to increase its 
participating interest to 50% and take 
operatorship. The interpretation of seismic 
data acquired in 2014 is now underway 
ahead of a future decision to drill. 

In November, Woodside entered into a 
contract for an exclusive Reconnaissance 
Licence with the Office National des 
Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM). 
The licence covers a block known as the 
Rabat Ultra Deep Offshore area, located 
just west of the Rabat Deep Offshore 
permits I-VI, and covers an area of  
36,737 km2. Woodside is planning to 
acquire a 2D seismic survey in 2015.  
The joint venture comprises Woodside, 
(75%) and ONHYM (25%).

This reduced our equity in both permits 
to 43.9%1. Partial divestment supports 
our disciplined approach to portfolio 
management in frontier provinces.

2432, 2433 and 2434, which cover 
14,100 km2. The future work program 
is anticipated to include the drilling of 
exploration wells from 2017.

In December, Woodside farmed into 
WA-358-P, extending our exploration 
position in the Exmouth sub-basin 
offshore Western Australia. During the 
same month, Woodside also secured an 
operating interest in WA-356-P as part of 
the acquisition of Apache assets2.

1. BP can elect to withdraw from the acreage after 
the first well in each permit has been drilled.
2. The acquisition is subject to transaction close.

International exploration activity
Cameroon
Woodside 30% (non-operator)

In October, Woodside entered into 
an agreement with Noble Energy and 
Glencore to obtain a 30% participating 
interest in the Tilapia Production 
Sharing Contract (PSC) off the coast of 
Cameroon.

The 3,875 km2 block is located in the 
Douala Basin. The joint venture plans to 
drill the Cheetah exploration well in 2015. 

Canada (Nova Scotia)
Woodside 20% (non-operator)

In December, Woodside finalised an 
agreement with BP to farm in to offshore 
blocks in the Scotian Basin, located 
off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. 
Woodside has a 20% participating 
interest in exploration licences 2431, 

Gabon
Woodside 40% (non-operator)

In August, Woodside acquired a 40% 
participating interest in a PSC for Block 
F15 (now named Doukou Dak) in the 
Gabon Coastal Basin. The block covers 
2,700 km2 and is located in the south-
western offshore area of Gabon. 

Ireland
FEL 5/13  
Woodside 90% (operator) 

FEL 3/14  
Woodside 85% (operator) 

FEL 4/14  
Woodside 85% (operator) 

FEL 5/14  
Woodside 60% (operator) 

During 2014, Woodside was granted 
Frontier Exploration Licences (FELs) 3/14, 
4/14 and 5/14 (FEL 5/13 had previously 
been granted at the end of 2013). In early 
2014, an office was established in Dublin. 

We also made progress on work 
program commitments, including seismic 
reprocessing and environmental studies 
involving the deployment of passive 
acoustic loggers for monitoring cetacean 
activity. 

Our areas of activity – global exploration

Ireland

Morocco
Spain
(Canary 
Islands)

Cameroon
Gabon

Republic of Korea

Canada (Nova Scotia)

Myanmar

Tanzania

Australia

Peru

New Zealand

Exploration acreage

41

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW 
OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

Myanmar Country Manager Daniel Clery (right), leads the Yangon office established in  
early 2014.

Myanmar
A-6 Woodside 50% (joint operator)  
MPRL 50% (joint operator)

AD-7 Woodside 40% (operator for drilling) 
Daewoo International 60% (overall operator) 

A-7 Woodside 45% (operator) 

AD-5 Woodside 55% (operator) 

A-4 Woodside 45% (non-operator) 

AD-2 Woodside 45% (non-operator)

In early 2014, Woodside established 
an office in Yangon to support future 
exploration activities.

The Padauk 3D seismic survey data 
was acquired in Block A-6 in early 2013. 
Following the interpretation of 3D data, 
the joint venture will decide on the 
location and drilling of a commitment well 
in late 2015.

In March 2014, 3D seismic acquisition 
(1,204 km2) was completed with our 
venture participant in AD-7. In 2015, 
interpretation will be completed and  
the joint venture will make a decision  
on whether to drill an exploration well  
in the block. 

During Q1 2014, Woodside was 
successful in bidding on four new 
blocks (A-7, AD-5, A-4 and AD-2) in the 
Myanmar Government 2013 Offshore 
Bid Round. The addition of these new 
blocks provides a material position in the 
underexplored Rakhine Basin off north-
west Myanmar. Following the expected 
execution of PSCs for these blocks in  
Q1 2015, the joint venture will commence 
its work obligations. 

42

New Zealand
Woodside 70% (operator)

Woodside is in a joint venture with New 
Zealand Oil & Gas Ltd in two offshore 
permits – PEP 55793 in the Taranaki 
Basin and PEP 55794 in the Great South 
Basin. The permits came into force on  
1 April 2014. 

A comprehensive program of stakeholder 
engagement has supported environmental 
approvals received from the New Zealand 
Department of Conservation. Seismic 
operations for the Vulcan 3D seismic 
survey (1,030km2) in the Taranaki Basin 
commenced in January 2015. The Toroa 
3D seismic survey (1,140km2) in the Great 
South Basin is due to commence in Q1 
2015. During 2014, Woodside established 
an office in Wellington to assist with 
managing exploration interests in New 
Zealand.

Peru
Woodside 35% (non-operator)

During the second half of 2014, the joint 
venture commenced a 2D seismic survey 
over block 108. This survey is expected 
to be completed in Q1 2015, having 
acquired 550 km of 2D seismic data. 
During 2015, the seismic data will be 
processed and interpreted.

Republic of Korea
Woodside 50% (operator exploration)

In the Ulleung Basin Block 8/6-1N, the 
504 km2 Muneo 3D seismic survey was 
completed in June 2014. Planning is 
underway to drill a well in the deepwater 
part of the basin in Q4 2015.

Spain (Canary Islands)
Woodside 30% (non-operator)

Woodside elected not to participate in the 
Sandia-1X well that was spudded by the 
operator (Repsol) in Q4 2014. Woodside 
continues to work with the joint venture 
on the future exploration work program.

Tanzania
Woodside 70% (non-operator) 

In July 2014, an agreement was 
finalised with Beach Energy to farm 
in to the prospective rift basin of Lake 
Tanganyika in western Tanzania. Under 
the agreement, Woodside acquired an 
initial 70% participating interest in the 
Lake Tanganyika South Block and the 
respective Production Sharing Agreement 
(PSA). The agreement is subject to 
required government and regulatory 
approvals.

In November, an infill 2D seismic program 
commenced to firm up drillable prospects 
for possible drilling in future phases of 
the PSA. Subsequent to year-end, the 2D 
seismic program was completed.  
The survey program acquired 1,333 full 
fold line km of marine data on the lake 
and 116 full fold line km on the land, 
including transition zone data.

Outlook

In 2015, we will continue to grow and 
high-grade our global exploration portfolio 
with an emphasis on emerging petroleum 
provinces, while also concentrating on 
aggregating positions around our existing 
focus areas in Australasia, the Atlantic 
margins and Sub-Saharan Africa. We 
will execute work programs across our 
new acreage portfolio, including seismic 
studies and drilling to deliver on our key 
strategic objective of finding commercial 
oil and gas.

In 2015, drilling activity in Australia will 
continue in the Outer Canning permits, 
with Anhalt-1 in WA-462-P due to reach 
its objective in Q1. The rig will then 
mobilise to the Carnarvon Basin to drill 
the Pyxis exploration well in the Pluto 
Production Licence (WA-34-L) and the 
Malaguti (WA-271-P) exploration well in 
the Exmouth sub-basin. 

Internationally, drilling activities in 2015 
will include up to three wells – one in 
Cameroon, one in Myanmar, and one in 
Republic of Korea. Seismic surveys are 
planned in Morocco, Myanmar, New 
Zealand, Peru and Tanzania.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL REPORTSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONOVERVIEW

OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
REPORT

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

We are committed to expanding our global portfolio through premium 
developments and securing significant new growth opportunities.

Apache acquisition
In line with the company’s strategy 
to grow our portfolio, we entered into 
a binding transaction with Apache 
Corporation to acquire their Wheatstone 
LNG, Balnaves oil and Kitimat LNG 
project interests. The acquisition was 
made at an aggregate purchase price 
of US$2.75 billion, which is a discount 
to sunk costs. A closing adjustment for 
working capital and net cash flows from 
effective date to closing, representing the 
estimated subsequent investment in the 
acquired assets, primarily Wheatstone 
will be incurred.

The acquisition leverages our LNG 
operating and marketing, FPSO 
operations and subsea capabilities, while 
providing increased growth options 
and opportunities for synergies with 
existing operations. It is a natural fit with 
our current portfolio, and will build our 
development pipeline and increase our 
LNG production profile. The transaction 
process followed detailed due diligence 
and met our internal investment criteria. 

The acquisition has an effective date of 
1 July 2014, and is subject to regulatory 
approvals, and joint venture participant 

consent for the Kitimat LNG project. 
Woodside and Apache have commenced 
the process of obtaining the necessary 
regulatory approvals and joint venture 
participant consents, and are targeting 
financial close by end Q1 2015. The 
transaction will have no material impact 
on Woodside’s 2014 financial accounts.

Wheatstone LNG project
Wheatstone is a world-class asset that 
delivers material near-term production 
and cash flow. The project comprises:

ƒƒ Wheatstone facilities: 8.9 mtpa two-
train LNG development (1.16 mtpa 
Woodside share) and a 200 TJ/d 
domestic gas plant (26 TJ/d Woodside 
share); final investment decision was 
taken in 2011, and is 55% complete1, 
with first gas expected in late 2016; 
approximately 80% of LNG volumes 
are under long-term contracts; and

Woodside. It commenced production in 
August 2014 through the leased Armada 
Claire FPSO. 

Kitimat LNG project
Kitimat offers a ground floor entry 
position in the most advanced LNG 
opportunity in Western Canada. 
Woodside will work with Chevron to 
finalise transitional and operatorship 
arrangements. 

The Liard basin holds significant potential. 
Our focus over the next 12 months is on 
drilling in this basin to underpin an LNG 
development, while maintaining our 
strong upstream position. 

The current development concept 
comprises:

ƒƒ downstream infrastructure with initial 

capacity of ~10 mtpa2  
(5 mtpa Woodside share); and

ƒƒ Julimar-Brunello resource: Woodside 
will supply gas from the Julimar- 
Brunello fields to Wheatstone.

ƒƒ upstream resource in Horn River  
and Liard, covering approximately 
320,000 net acres. 

Balnaves oil project
Balnaves is a light oil field adjacent to the 
Brunello gas field in the Carnarvon basin 
and will deliver immediate production to 

In the current oil price environment it 
is prudent to review our rate of capital 
expenditure on Kitimat.

Wheatstone

Balnaves

Kitimat

Project facilities

Julimar-Brunello

Downstream

Horn River and Liard acreage

Carnarvon

Carnarvon

 Horn River and Liard

13%4

65%3

Gas and liquids capacity

Gas and liquids

65%3

Oil

50%4

Gas capacity

50%3

Gas

Basin

Equity

Product

Note: Reserves and resources of acquired assets will be provided upon transaction close.
1. Source: Chevron Wheatstone Project Update, 30 January 2015.
2. National Energy Board approval for export of 10 mtpa LNG. 

3. Woodside operator.
4. Non-operator

Wheatstone LNG, image courtesy of Chevron Australia

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

43

OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

Woodside is assessing the feasibility of constructing an LNG export facility in the Prince Rupert region of British Columbia, Canada.

Canada  

United States – Gulf of Mexico 

In January 2014, Woodside signed a Sole Proponent Agreement 
with the Government of British Columbia to access land at 
Grassy Point to undertake feasibility studies for a potential LNG 
development.

In May 2014, Woodside sold its 20% non-operated working 
interest in the producing Neptune Field – Atwater Valley  
(blocks 574, 575 and 618, along with an interest in the 
associated tension platform) to W & T Energy. 

Woodside is committed to continuing its presence in the  
USA and utilising its USA-based infrastructure to provide 
technical and asset-management services for other companies 
within the Woodside group. 

Israel 

In May 2014, Woodside advised that it had elected to terminate 
the Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the 
Leviathan joint venture. We had sought to acquire a 25% 
participating interest in each of the 349/Rachel and 350/Amit 
petroleum licences located offshore in Israeli waters.

Negotiations between the parties failed to reach a  
commercially acceptable outcome that would have allowed 
fully-termed agreements to be executed. Our decision not to 
proceed highlights our disciplined capital management and 
decision making. 

The three-year agreement is subject to meeting key milestones 
including annual payments, obtaining an export licence and 
commencing an environmental assessment process. 

During the year, Woodside initiated an assessment of 
the economic and technical feasibility of the Grassy Point 
opportunity, including geotechnical surveys on the site.  
In parallel, we commenced consultation activities with  
First Nations, government and community stakeholders.

Woodside initiated the environmental assessment process in 
August 2014, following submission of a Project Description to 
the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office. The 
proposed Grassy Point LNG development was subsequently 
deemed reviewable by the regulator. Woodside continues 
to progress the required environmental approvals under this 
process, including a multi-round consultation process with  
First Nations and other stakeholders.

Subsequent to year end, Woodside was granted a licence from 
the National Energy Board to export up to 20 mtpa of natural 
gas from the Grassy Point site for a period up to 25 years. The 
licence is a key obligation under the Sole Proponent Agreement 
and will be effective upon endorsement by the Governor in 
Council.

While Woodside has progressed the environmental  
assessment process, any decision to proceed with an  
LNG development at Grassy Point remains subject to a  
variety of internal and external approvals. 

44

BRITISHCOLUMBIAVictoriaEdmontonALBERTASASKATCHEWANYUKONNORTHWEST TERRITORIESCalgaryVancouverPrince GeorgePrince RupertKitimatGrassy PointWOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL REPORTSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGOVERNANCE

GoVERnanCE

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCE

45

BRITISHCOLUMBIAVictoriaEdmontonALBERTASASKATCHEWANYUKONNORTHWEST TERRITORIESCalgaryVancouverPrince GeorgePrince RupertKitimatGrassy PointOVERVIEW

OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
REPORT

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

a

b

c

d

a) MICHAEL A CHANEY, AO  

b) PETER J COLEMAN  

Chairman – BSc, MBA, Hon LLD (UWA), 
FAICD

CEO and Managing Director –BEng, MBA, 
FATSE

  Current directorships/other interests 
  Director: Australian Unity Limited  

(since 2014).

  Director since November 2005  

Chairman since July 2007
Independent: Yes 
Age: 64 
Residence: Perth, Australia

  Experience
  22 years with Wesfarmers Limited, 

including Managing Director and CEO 
from 1992 to 2005. Three years with 
investment bank Australian Industry 
Development Corporation (1980 to 
1983), and prior to that eight years as 
a petroleum geologist working on the 
North West Shelf and in the USA and 
Indonesia. Previously a non-executive 
dire  ctor of BHP Billiton Limited (19 95 
to 2005) and BHP Billiton Plc (2001   
to 2005).

  Committee membership 
  Chair of the Nominations Committee. 

Attends other Board committee 
meetings.

  Current directorships/other interests 
  Chair: National Australia Bank Limited 
(director since 2004) and Gresham 
Partners Holdings Limited (director 
since 1985).

  Director: The Centre for Independent 

Studies Ltd (since 2000).

  Chancellor: The University of Western 

Australia (since 2006).

  Member:  Prime Minister’s Business 
Advisory Council (since 2013) and 
Commonwealth Science Council 
(since November 2014).

46

  Director since May 2011

Independent: No

  Age: 54
  Residence: Perth, Australia

  Experience
  More than 30 years in the global oil 

and gas business, including 27 years’ 
experience with the ExxonMobil 
group, culminating as Vice President 
Development Company, with 
responsibility for leading development 
and project work in Asia-Pacific region. 
Appointed an Adjunct Professor in 
Corporate Strategy by the University  
of Western Australia in 2012.

  Committee membership
  Attends Board committee meetings.

  Current directorships/other interests 
  Chair: Australia-Korea Foundation (since 

December 2014).

  Member: The University of Western 

Australia Business School Board (since 
2011), Executive Committee of the 
Australia Japan Business Co-operation 
Council (since 2011), Australian Institute 
of Company Directors, Australia-India 
Chief Executive Officers’ (CEO) Forum 
and Monash Engineering Foundation.

c) MELINDA A CILENTO
  BA, BEc (Hons), MEc
  Director since December 2008

Independent: Yes

  Age: 49
  Residence: Melbourne, Australia

  Experience
  Significant public and private sector 

  Co-chair: Reconciliation Australia (Director 

since 2010).

  Commissioner (part-time): Productivity 
Commission (since December 2014).

  Member: Advisory Panel of the Australian 

Scholarships Foundation, Australian 
Securities and Investments Commission 
External Advisory Panel (since 2013) 
and NAB Advisory Council on Corporate 
Responsibility (since 2013).

d) FRANK C COOPER, AO
  BCom, FCA
  Director since February 2013

Independent: Yes

  Age: 59
  Residence: Perth, Australia

  Experience
  More than 35 years’ experience in 
corporate tax, specialising in the 
mining, energy and utilities sector, 
including most recently as a partner of 
PricewaterhouseCoopers. Director of 
Alinta Infrastructure Limited and Alinta 
Funds Management Limited (2005  
to 2006).

  Committee membership 
  Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee, 
Member of the Human Resources 
& Compensation and Nominations 
Committees.

  Current directorships/other interests 
  Director: The Fathering Project Pty Ltd 
and St John of God Australia Ltd (since 
January 2015). 

experience in economic policy 
development and analysis. Deputy 
Chief Executive (2006 to 2010) and 
Chief Economist (2002 to 2010) of the 
Business Council of Australia. Previously 
worked with County Investment 
Management (now Invesco) as Head of 
Economics, the Department of Treasury 
and the International Monetary Fund.

  Chair: Insurance Commission of Western 
Australia, University of Western Australia 
Strategic Resources Committee and West 
Australian Football Commission. 

  Member: Senate of the University of 

Western Australia, State Health Research 
Advisory Council and State Council of the 
Australian Institute of Company Directors.

  Committee membership
  Member of the Human Resources 
& Compensation, Sustainability and 
Nominations Committees.

  Trustee: St John of God Health Care 

(since January 2015).

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014 
 
 
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

e

f

g

h

i

e) CHRISTOPHER M HAYNES, OBE
  BSc, DPhil, CEng, FIMechE
  Director since June 2011

Independent: Yes

  Age: 67
  Residence: United Kingdom

  Experience

38-year career with Shell including as 
Executive Vice President, Upstream 
Major Projects within Shell’s Projects 
and Technology Business, General 
Manager of Shell’s operations in 
Syria and a secondment as Managing 
Director of Nigeria LNG Ltd. From 
1999 to 2002 Dr Haynes was 
seconded to Woodside as General 
Ma nager of the North West Shelf 
Venture. Dr Haynes retired from Shell 
in August 2011.

  Committee membership

Member of the Audit & Risk, 
Sustainability & Nominations 
Committees .

  Current directorships/other interests 

Director: WorleyParsons Limited 
(since 2012).

f)  ANDREW JAMIESON, OBE

FREng, CEng, FIChemE
  Director since February 2005

Independent: Yes

  Age: 67
  Residence: United Kingdom

  Experience

Former Executive Vice President Gas 
and Projects of Shell Gas and Power 
International BV with more than  
30 years’ experience with Shell in 
Europe, Australia and Africa. From 
1997 to 1999 Dr Jamieson was 
seconded to Woodside as General 
Manager North West Shelf Venture. 
Retired from Shell in June 2009.

  Committee membership

Chair of the Human Resources & 
Compensation Committee, Member 
of the Sustainability and Nominations 
Committees.

  Current directorships/other interests 

  Committee membership

Chair: Seven Energy International 
Limited (Director since 2011).

Director: Hoegh LNG Holdings Ltd 
(since 2009) and Velocys PLC  
(since 2010). 

Non-Executive Director: Hoegh LNG 
Partners (since 2014).

g) DAVID I McEVOY
  BSc (Physics), Grad Dip (Geophysics)
  Director since September 2005

Independent: Yes

  Age: 68
  Residence: Sydney, Australia

  Experience

34-year career with ExxonMobil 
involving extensive international 
exploration and development 
experience.

  Committee membership

Chair of the Sustainability Committee, 
Member of the Audit & Risk and 
Nominations Committees.

  Current directorships/other interests 
Director: AWE Limited (since 2006).
Directorships of other listed entities 
within the past three years: Acer 
Energy Limited (2002 to November 
2012) and Po Valley Energy Ltd  
(2004 to May 2012).

h) SARAH E RYAN

  PhD (Petroleum and Geophysics), BSc 
(Geophysics) (Hons 1), BSc (Geology)

  Director since December 2012

Independent: Yes

  Age: 48
  Residence: Sunshine Coast, Australia

  Experience

More than 20 years’ experience in 
the oil and gas industry in various 
technical, operational and senior 
management positions, including  
15 years with Schlumberger Limited. 
Currently an energy adviser for 
institutional investment firm Earnest 
Partners, having previously been 
responsible for research and portfolio 
management from 2007 until January 
2014. 

Member of the Audit & Risk, 
Sustainability and Nominations 
Committees.

  Current directorships/other interests 
Director: Akastor ASA (since 2011).

i)  GENE T TILBROOK
  BSc, MBA
  Director since December 2014

Independent: Yes

  Age: 63
  Residence: Perth, Australia

  Experience

Broad experience in corporate 
strategy, investment and finance. 
Senior executive of Wesfarmers 
Limited between 1985 and 2009, 
including in roles as Executive Director 
Finance and Executive Director 
Business Development.

  Committee membership

Member of the Audit & Risk, Human 
Resources & Compensation and 
Nominations Committees.

  Current directorships/other interests 
Director: Aurizon Holdings Limited, 
Orica Limited, Fletcher Building 
Limited (until Q1 2015), GPT Group 
Limited and the Bell Shakespeare 
Company.

  President: Australian Institute of 

Company Directors (Western Australia 
division).

  Councillor: Curtin University.

NOT PICTURED

  ROB COLE
  BSc, LLB (Hons)

Mr Rob Cole resigned effective on 
26 November 2014 after two years 
of service on Woodside’s Board of 
Directors as Executive Director.  
Mr Cole also resigned as Executive 
Vice President Corporate and 
Commercial. 

47

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

We believe high standards of governance and transparency 
are essential.

1 Corporate governance  
at Woodside

Woodside is committed to a high level 
of corporate governance and fostering 
a culture that values ethical behaviour, 
integrity and respect. We believe that 
adopting and operating in accordance 
with high standards of corporate 
governance is essential for sustainable 
long-term performance and value 
creation.

This statement reports on Woodside’s 
key governance principles and practices. 
These principles and practices are 
reviewed regularly and revised as 
appropriate to reflect changes in law and 
developments in corporate governance. 

Woodside’s Compass is core to our 
governance framework. It sets out our 
mission, vision and strategic direction and 
core values of integrity, respect, working 
sustainably, working together, discipline 
and excellence. It’s the overarching guide 
for everyone who works for Woodside. 

Woodside’s corporate governance model 
is illustrated below. The Woodside 
Management System (WMS) sets out 
how Woodside provides management 
governance and assurance. It defines 
how Woodside will deliver its business 
objectives and the boundaries within 
which Woodside employees and 

contractors are expected to work. The 
WMS establishes a common approach to 
how we operate, wherever the location.

In March 2014, the ASX Corporate 
Governance Council released the third 
edition of its Corporate Governance 
Principles and Recommendations 
(ASXCGC Recommendations), which 
Woodside has chosen to early adopt. 
Throughout the year, Woodside 
continued the corporate governance 
practices disclosed in our 2013 
Corporate Governance Statement (which 
complied with the second edition of 
the ASXCGC Recommendations) and, 
where appropriate, has updated its 
arrangements and reporting to reflect the 
new ASXCGC Recommendations.

 Information on Woodside’s 
governance framework is also 
provided in the corporate governance 
section of Woodside’s website.

The website contains copies of Board and 
committee charters and copies of many 
of the policies and documents mentioned 
in this Statement. The website is updated 
regularly to ensure it reflects Woodside’s 
most current corporate governance 
information.

2 Board of directors

2.1 Board role and responsibilities

The Constitution provides that the 
business and affairs of the company 
are to be managed by or under the 
direction of the Board. The Board 
has approved a formal Board Charter 
which details the Board’s role, powers, 
duties and functions. Other than as 
specifically reserved to the Board 
in the Board Charter, responsibility 
for the management of Woodside’s 
business activities is delegated to the 
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is 
accountable to the Board. The Board 
Charter and the delegation of Board 
authority to the CEO are reviewed 
regularly. 

The central role of the Board is to set the 
company’s strategic direction, to select 
and appoint a CEO and to oversee the 
company’s management and business 
activities. 

In addition to matters required by law to 
be approved by the Board, the following 
powers are reserved to the Board for 
decision:

ƒƒ the appointment and removal of the 
CEO, any other executive directors 
and the Company Secretary and 
determination of their remuneration 
and conditions of service;

Shareholders

Board

n
o
i
t
a
g
e
e
D

l

A
c
c
o
u
n
t
a
b

i
l
i
t
y

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Human Resources  
& Compensation
Committee

Chief Executive Officer

Nominations 
Committee

Sustainability 
Committee

Independent 
Assurance

External 
Auditors

Internal 
Audit

Major Project  
Assurance Checks

Management Governance and Assurance

Strategy

Risk  
Management

Mission
Vision
Values
Policies

Management Standards

Authorities  
Framework

Operating 
Structure

Management Review 
and Improvement

Operating Standards

Management  
Committees

Woodside Management System

48

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnƒƒ approving senior management 

succession plans and significant 
changes to organisational structure;

ƒƒ authorising the issue of shares, 

options, equity instruments or other 
securities;

ƒƒ authorising borrowings, other than 
in the ordinary course of business, 
and the granting of security over the 
undertaking of the company or any of 
its assets; 

ƒƒ authorising expenditures which exceed 
the CEO’s delegated authority levels;

ƒƒ approving strategic plans and budgets;

ƒƒ approving the acquisition, 

establishment, disposal or cessation 
of any significant business of the 
company;

ƒƒ approving dividends;

ƒƒ approving annual and half-year reports 
and disclosures to the market that 
contain or relate to financial projections, 
statements as to future financial 
performance or changes to the policy 
or strategy of the company;

ƒƒ approving policies of company-wide or 

general application;

ƒƒ appointing the Chairman of the Board;

ƒƒ the appointment of directors who will 
come before shareholders for election 

at the next annual general meeting 
(AGM); and

ƒƒ establishing procedures which ensure 

that the Board is in a position to 
exercise its powers and to discharge its 
responsibilities as set out in the Board 
Charter. 

 A copy of the Board Charter is 
available in the corporate governance 
section of Woodside’s website.

ƒƒ the role of the Chairman and the 

CEO should not be filled by the same 
person;

ƒƒ the CEO should be a full-time 
employee of the company;

ƒƒ the majority of the Board should 

comprise directors who are both non-
executive and independent;

ƒƒ the Board should represent a broad 
range of qualifications, diversity, 
experience and expertise considered of 
benefit to the company; and

2.2 Board composition

ƒƒ the number of Shell-nominated 

The Board is comprised of eight 
non-executive directors and the CEO. 
Details of the directors, including their 
qualifications, experience, date of 
appointment and independent status, are 
set out in Table 1. Detailed biographies 
are available on  46  and  47 .

The Board and its committees actively 
seek to ensure that the Board continues 
to have the right balance of skills, 
knowledge, experience and diversity 
necessary to direct the company in 
accordance with high standards of 
corporate governance. In assessing the 
composition of the Board, the directors 
have regard to the following principles:

ƒƒ the Chairman should be non-executive 

and independent;

directors, as a proportion of the Board, 
should normally be in the proportion 
that Shell’s holding of fully paid ordinary 
shares in the company bears to all of 
the issued fully paid ordinary shares in 
the company. 

The directors on the Board collectively 
have a combination of skills and 
experience in the competencies set out 
in Table 2. These competencies are set 
out in the skills matrix that the Board 
uses to assess the skills and experience 
of each director and the combined 
capabilities of the Board.

Section 2.6 on Board succession 
planning provides further information on 
the mix of skills and diversity the Board 
seeks to achieve in membership of  
the Board. 

Status  
(Independent or Executive)

Table 1 – Details of directors

Name of director

Term in office

Qualifications

M Chaney (Chairman)

Director since November 2005 
Chairman since July 2007

BSc, MBA, Hon LLD (UWA), FAICD

Independent

P Coleman (CEO and 
Managing Director)

Director since May 2011

BEng, MBA

Director since December 2008

BA, BEc (Hons), MEc

Director since February 2013

BCom, FCA

Director since June 2011

BSc, DPhil, CEng, FIMechE

Director since February 2005

F.R.Eng., C.Eng., F. Inst Chem E

Independent

Director since September 2005

BSc (Physics), Grad Dip (Geophysics)

Independent

Director since December 2012

PhD (Petroleum and Geophysics), BSc 
(Geophysics) (Hons 1), BSc (Geology)

Independent

Executive 

Independent

Independent

Independent

M Cilento

F Cooper

C Haynes

A Jamieson

D McEvoy

S Ryan

G Tilbrook

Director since December 2014

BSc, MBA

Independent

Table 2 – Areas of competence and skills of the Board of directors

Area

Competence

Leadership

Business Leadership, Public Listed Company Experience

Business and Finance

Accounting, Audit, Business Strategy, Competitive Business Analysis, Corporate Financing, Financial 
Literacy, Gas/LNG Marketing, Legal, Mergers & Acquisitions, Petroleum Agreements / Fiscal Terms,
Risk Management,  Tax – Petroleum

Sustainability and 
Stakeholder Management

Community Relations, Corporate Governance, Environmental Issues, Government Affairs, Health & 
Safety, Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Remuneration

Technical

International

Oil & Gas Technology, Petroleum Exploration, Petroleum Development, Petroleum Production Operations

International Exploration and Production

49

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEThe Board considers that collectively 
the directors have the range of skills, 
knowledge and experience necessary 
to direct the company. The non-
executive directors contribute operational 
and international experience, an 
understanding of the industry in which 
Woodside operates, knowledge of 
financial markets and an understanding 
of the health, safety, environmental and 
community matters that are important 
to the company. The CEO brings an 
additional perspective to the Board 
through a thorough understanding of 
Woodside’s business. 

The directors on the Board represent 
a diverse range of nationalities and 
backgrounds. There are two women on 
the Board. The Board recognises that 
there is a gender imbalance, and that 
opportunities exist to address this upon 
future retirements of non-executive 
directors. The Board has adopted an 
objective of having at least 30% female 
representation on the Board by 2016.

The Constitution provides that the 
company is not to have more than 12,  
nor less than three, directors.

2.3 Chairman

The Chairman of the Board, Mr Michael 
Chaney, is an independent, non-executive 
director and a resident Australian citizen. 

The Chairman is responsible for 
leadership and effective performance 
of the Board and for the maintenance 
of relations between directors and 
management that are open, cordial and 
conducive to productive cooperation. The 
Chairman’s responsibilities are set out in 
more detail in the Board Charter. 

 A copy of the Board Charter is 
available in the corporate governance 
section of Woodside’s website.

Mr Chaney is also chairman of National 
Australia Bank Limited (NAB). The Board 
considers that neither his chairmanship of 
NAB, nor any of his other commitments 
(listed on  46 ), interfere with the discharge 
of his duties to the company. The Board 
is satisfied that Mr Chaney commits the 
time necessary to discharge his  
role effectively.

2.4 Director independence

The independence of a director is 
assessed in accordance with Woodside’s 
Policy on Independence of Directors.

 A copy of the Policy on 
Independence of Directors is 
available in the corporate governance 
section of Woodside’s website.

50

In accordance with the policy, the Board 
assesses independence with reference 
to whether a director is non-executive, 
not a member of management and 
who is free of any business or other 
relationship that could materially interfere 
with, or could reasonably be perceived to 
materially interfere with, the independent 
exercise of their judgement.

In making this assessment, the 
Board considers all relevant facts and 
circumstances. Relationships that the 
Board will take into consideration when 
assessing independence are whether  
a director:

ƒƒ is a substantial shareholder of the 

company or an officer of, or otherwise 
associated directly with, a substantial 
shareholder of the company;

ƒƒ is employed, or has previously been 
employed in an executive capacity 
by the company or another Group 
member, and there has not been a 
period of at least three years between 
ceasing such employment and serving 
on the Board;

ƒƒ is, or has within the last three years 
been, a partner, director or senior 
employee of a material professional 
adviser to the company or another 
Group member; 

ƒƒ is, or has been within the last 

three years, in a material business 
relationship with the company or 
another Group member, or an officer 
of, or otherwise associated with, 
someone with such a relationship;

ƒƒ has a material contractual relationship 
with the company or another Group 
member other than as a director;

ƒƒ has close family ties with any person 
who falls within any of the categories 
described above; or

ƒƒ has been a director of the company 
for such a period that his or her 
independence may have been 
compromised.

The test of whether a relationship or 
business is material is based on the 
nature of the relationship or business 
and on the circumstances and activities 
of the director. Materiality is considered 
from the perspective of the company 
and its Group members, the persons or 
organisations with which the director has 
an affiliation and from the perspective 
of the director. To assist in assessing 
the materiality of a supplier or customer 
the Board has adopted the following 
materiality thresholds:

ƒƒ a material customer is a customer of 
Woodside which accounts for more 
than 2% of Woodside’s consolidated 
gross revenue; and

ƒƒ a supplier is material if Woodside 
accounts for more than 2% of the 
supplier’s consolidated gross revenue.

The Board reviews the independence of 
directors before they are appointed, on an 
annual basis and at any other time where 
the circumstances of a director change 
such as to require reassessment. The 
Board has reviewed the independence 
of each of the directors in office at the 
date of this report and has determined 
that eight of the nine directors are 
independent. Mr Peter Coleman is not 
considered independent as he is an 
executive director and a member of 
management.

Dr Christopher Haynes and Dr Andrew 
Jamieson were nominated to the 
Woodside Board by Shell and were both 
previously executives of Shell. Dr Haynes 
and Dr Jamieson retired from Shell 
on 31 August 2011 and 30 June 2009 
respectively and continue to serve on the 
Woodside Board. 

The Board is satisfied that Dr Haynes 
and Dr Jamieson have no continuing 
association with Shell that would 
interfere with their independent exercise 
of judgement, and that each is an 
independent director. 

Dr Haynes serves on the board of 
directors of WorleyParsons Limited, 
a supplier of engineering services to 
Woodside. The value of services provided 
by the WorleyParsons Limited group of 
companies to Woodside in 2014 was 
under the Board’s materiality threshold 
relating to suppliers. The Board, having 
regard to the nature and value of the 
commercial relationship between 
Woodside and WorleyParsons Limited, 
is satisfied that Dr Haynes remains 
independent. Where a matter involving 
WorleyParsons Limited comes before the 
Board, the Directors’ Conflict of Interest 
Guidelines apply (refer section 2.5).

Certain non-executive directors hold 
directorships or executive positions in 
companies with which Woodside has 
commercial relationships. Details of other 
directorships and executive positions held 
by non-executive directors are set out on  
46  and  47 .

Four of the non-executive directors have 
been employed by Woodside in the 
past and a significant period of time has 
elapsed since they ceased employment. 
Dr Haynes and Dr Jamieson were both 
seconded to Woodside as General 
Manager of the North West Shelf 
Venture from 1999 to 2002 and from 
1997 to 1999 respectively. Dr Ryan was 
employed by Woodside as a member 
of the North West Shelf petroleum 
production team from 1993 to 1996.  
Mr Chaney was employed by Woodside 
as a petroleum geologist in the 1970s.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnThe independent status of directors 
standing for election or re-election is 
identified in the notice of AGM. If the 
Board’s assessment of a director’s 
independence changes, the change is 
disclosed to the market.

2.5 Conflicts of interest

The Board has approved Directors’ 
Conflict of Interest Guidelines which 
apply if there is, or may be, a conflict 
between the personal interests of a 
director, or the duties a director owes 
to another company, and the duties the 
director owes to Woodside. Directors 
are required to disclose circumstances 
that may affect, or be perceived to affect, 
their ability to exercise independent 
judgement so that the Board can assess 
independence on a regular basis. 

A director with an actual or potential 
conflict of interest in relation to a matter 
before the Board does not receive the 
Board papers relating to that matter and 
when the matter comes before the Board 
for discussion, the director withdraws 
from the meeting for the period the 
matter is considered and takes no part 
in the discussions or decision-making 
process. 

Minutes reporting on matters in which a 
director is considered to have a conflict 
of interest are not provided to that 
director. However, the director is given 
notice of the broad nature of the matter 
for discussion and is updated in general 
terms on the progress of the matter.

2.6 Board succession planning

The Board manages its succession 
planning with the assistance of the 
Nominations Committee. The committee 
annually reviews the size, composition 
and diversity of the Board and the mix of 
existing and desired competencies across 
members and reports its conclusions 
to the Board. In conducting the review, 
the skills matrix referred to in section 
2.2 is used to enable the committee to 
assess the skills and experience of each 
director and the combined capabilities of 
the Board. The results of this review are 
considered in the context of Woodside’s 
operations and strategy. Where the 
committee identifies existing or projected 
competency gaps, it recommends 
a succession plan to the Board that 
addresses those gaps. The Board does 
not currently consider that there are any 
existing or projected competency gaps.

Recognising the importance of Board 
renewal, the committee takes each 
director’s tenure into consideration in its 
succession planning. As a general rule, 
a director would not usually be expected 
to nominate for re-election once he or 
she has served ten years on the Board. 

Exceptions to this principle may be made 
where the Nominations Committee 
considers that an individual director 
brings special skills to the Board which 
are difficult to replace at the time and 
the Board has assessed the director as 
remaining independent.

The Nominations Committee is 
responsible for evaluating Board 
candidates and recommending 
individuals for appointment to the Board. 
The committee evaluates prospective 
candidates against a range of criteria 
including the skills, experience, expertise 
and diversity that will best complement 
Board effectiveness at the time. The 
Board may engage an independent 
recruitment firm to undertake a search  
for suitable candidates.

In its evaluation of candidates for the 
Board, the Nominations Committee 
will have regard to normally accepted 
nomination criteria, including:

ƒƒ honesty and integrity;

ƒƒ the ability to exercise sound business 

judgement;

ƒƒ appropriate experience and 
professional qualifications;

ƒƒ absence of conflicts of interest or  

other legal impediments to serving  
on the Board;

ƒƒ willingness to devote the required  

time; and

ƒƒ availability to attend Board and 

committee meetings.

In considering overall Board balance, the 
Nominations Committee will give due 
consideration to the value of a diversity 
of backgrounds and experiences among 
the members, and to having some of 
the directors based in the centres of 
operation of Woodside.

With the exception of the Managing 
Director, directors appointed by the Board 
are subject to shareholder election at the 
next AGM. 

Woodside undertakes appropriate 
background and screening checks prior 
to nominating a director for election 
by shareholders, and provides to 
shareholders all material information in 
its possession concerning the director 
standing for election or re-election in the 
explanatory notes accompanying the 
notice of meeting.

 A copy of the Nominations 
Committee Charter and a description 
of Woodside’s procedure for the 
selection and appointment of new 
directors and the re-election of 
incumbent directors are available in 
the corporate governance section of 
Woodside’s website.

During 2014, the Board conducted an 
extensive search for suitable candidates 
for the Board. The search culminated  
in the appointment by the Board of  
Mr Gene Tilbrook with effect on  
4 December 2014. 

Mr Rob Cole resigned as an executive 
director with effect on 26 November 2014.

2.7 Directors’ retirement and  
re-election

With the exception of the Managing 
Director, directors must retire at the third 
AGM following their election or most 
recent re-election. At least one director 
must stand for election at each AGM. 
Any director appointed to fill a casual 
vacancy since the date of the previous 
AGM must submit themselves to 
shareholders for election at the  
next AGM.

Board support for a director’s re-election 
is not automatic and is subject to 
satisfactory director performance  
(in accordance with the evaluation 
process described in section 2.9).

2.8 Directors’ appointment, induction 
training and continuing education

All new non-executive directors are 
required to sign and return a letter 
of appointment which sets out the 
key terms and conditions of their 
appointment, including duties, rights and 
responsibilities, the time commitment 
envisaged and the Board’s expectations 
regarding their involvement with 
committee work. Executive directors and 
senior executives enter into employment 
agreements which govern the terms of 
their employment.

Induction training is provided to all new 
directors. It includes a comprehensive 
induction manual, discussions with 
the CEO and senior executives and 
the option to visit Woodside’s principal 
operations either upon appointment 
or with the Board during its next site 
tour. The induction materials and 
discussions include information on 
Woodside’s strategy, culture and values; 
key corporate and Board policies; the 
company’s financial, operational and risk 
management position; the rights and 
responsibilities of directors; and the role 
of the Board and its committees and 
meeting arrangements.

All directors are expected to maintain 
the skills required to discharge their 
obligations to the company. Woodside 
provides professional development 
opportunities for directors to develop 
and maintain the skills and knowledge 
needed to perform their role as directors 
effectively. Directors attend continuing 
professional education sessions including 
industry seminars and approved 

51

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEeducation courses which are paid for 
by the company, where appropriate. In 
addition, the company provides the Board 
with regular educational information 
papers and presentations on industry-
related matters and new developments 
with the potential to affect Woodside.

2.9 Board performance evaluation

The Nominations Committee is 
responsible for determining the process 
for evaluating Board performance. 
Evaluations are conducted annually and 
have produced improvements in Board 
processes and overall efficiency.

The Board performance evaluation 
process is conducted by way of 
questionnaires appropriate in scope and 
content to effectively review:

ƒƒ the performance of the Board and 
each of its committees against the 
requirements of their respective 
charters; and

ƒƒ the individual performance of the 

Chairman and each director.

The questionnaires are completed by 
each director and the responses compiled 
by an external consultant. The reports on 
Board and committee performance are 
provided to all directors and discussed by 
the Board.

The report on the Chairman’s performance 
is provided to the Chairman and two 
committee chairmen for discussion.

The report on each individual director 
is provided to the individual and copied 
to the Chairman. The Chairman meets 
individually with each director to discuss 
the findings of their report.

The performance of each director retiring 
at the next AGM is taken into account by 
the Board in determining whether or not 
the Board should support the re-election 
of the director.

The Human Resources & Compensation 
Committee reviews and makes 
recommendations to the Board on the 
criteria for the evaluation of the 
performance of the CEO. The Board 
conducts the evaluation of the 
performance of the CEO.

The Remuneration Report on pages  64  
to  77  discloses the process for evaluating 
the performance of senior executives, 
including the CEO. In 2014, performance 
evaluations for the Board, its committees, 
directors and senior executives took place 
in accordance with the process disclosed 
above and in the Remuneration Report.

2.10 Board access to information and 
independent advice

Subject to the Directors’ Conflict  
of Interest Guidelines referred to in 
section 2.5, directors have direct access 

52

to members of company management 
and to company information in the 
possession of management.

The Board has agreed a procedure under 
which directors are entitled to obtain 
independent legal, accounting or other 
professional advice at the company’s 
expense. Directors are entitled to 
reimbursement of all reasonable costs 
where a request for such advice is 
approved by the Chairman. In the case 
of a request made by the Chairman, 
approval is required by a majority of the 
non-executive directors.

2.11 Directors’ remuneration

Details of remuneration paid to directors 
(executive and non-executive) are set out 
in the Remuneration Report on pages 
64  to  78 . The Remuneration Report also 
contains information on the company’s 
policy for determining the nature and 
amount of remuneration for directors and 
senior executives and the relationship 
between the policy and company 
performance.

Shareholders will be invited to consider 
and approve the Remuneration Report at 
the 2015 AGM.

2.12 Board meetings

During the year ended 31 December 
2014, the Board held seven Board 
meetings. In addition, a strategic planning 
session was held in conjunction with 
the April Board meeting. A number of 
directors also made site visits during the 
year. Details of directors’ attendance at 
Board meetings are set out in Table 3 
on  55 .

The Chairman, in conjunction with 
the CEO and the Company Secretary, 
sets the agenda for each meeting. Any 
director may request matters be included 
on the agenda.

Typically at Board meetings the agenda 
will include:

ƒƒ minutes of the previous meeting and 

matters arising;

ƒƒ the CEO’s report;

ƒƒ the CFO’s report;

ƒƒ reports on major projects and current 

issues;

ƒƒ specific business proposals;

ƒƒ reports from the chairs of the 

committees on matters considered at 
committee meetings; and

ƒƒ minutes of previous committee 

meetings.

The Board works to an annual agenda 
encompassing periodic reviews of 
Woodside’s operating business units and 
site visits; approval of strategy, business 
plans, budgets and financial statements; 
and review of statutory obligations and 

other responsibilities identified in the 
Board Charter.

The CFO and the Company Secretary 
attend meetings of the Board by 
invitation. Other members of senior 
management attend Board meetings 
when a matter under their area of 
responsibility is being considered or as 
otherwise requested by the Board.

At each scheduled Board meeting there 
is a session for non-executive directors to 
meet without management present. This 
session is led by the Chairman.

Copies of Board papers are circulated 
in advance of the meetings in either 
electronic or hard copy form. Directors 
are entitled to request additional 
information where they consider further 
information is necessary to support 
informed decision-making.

2.13 Company secretaries

Details of the Company Secretaries 
are set out on  62  in the Directors’ 
Report. The appointment and removal 
of a Company Secretary is a matter for 
decision by the Board. The Company 
Secretaries are responsible for ensuring 
that Board procedures are complied 
with and that governance matters are 
addressed. All directors have direct 
access to the Company Secretaries who 
are accountable directly to the Board, 
through the Chairman, on all matters  
to do with the proper functioning of  
the Board.

3 Committees of the Board

3.1 Board committees, membership 
and charters

The Board has the ability under the 
company’s constitution to delegate 
its powers and responsibilities to 
committees of the Board. This allows the 
directors to spend additional and more 
focused time on specific issues.

The Board has four standing committees 
to assist in the discharge of its 
responsibilities. These are the:

ƒƒ Audit & Risk Committee;

ƒƒ Nominations Committee;

ƒƒ Human Resources & Compensation 

Committee; and

ƒƒ Sustainability Committee.

The committees operate principally in 
a review or advisory capacity, except 
in cases where powers are specifically 
conferred on a committee by the Board.

Each committee has a charter, detailing 
its role, duties and membership 
requirements. The committee charters 
are reviewed regularly and updated as 
required. Prior to the commencement 
of each year, the committees set an 
annual agenda for the coming year with 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnreference to the committee charters and 
other issues the committee members 
or Board consider appropriate for 
consideration by the committees.

 Each committee’s charter is available 
in the corporate governance section 
of Woodside’s website.

Membership of the committees is based 
on directors’ qualifications, skills and 
experience. Each standing committee is 
comprised of:

ƒƒ only non-executive directors;

ƒƒ at least three members, the majority of 

whom are independent; and

ƒƒ a chairman appointed by the Board 
who is one of the independent  
non-executive directors.

The Audit & Risk Committee and the 
Human Resources & Compensation 
Committee have additional membership 
requirements which are discussed in 
sections 3.2 and 3.4.

The composition of each committee and 
details of the attendance of members at 
meetings held during the year are set out 
in Table 3 on  55 .

All directors are entitled to attend 
meetings of the standing committees. 
Papers considered by the standing 
committees are also available to all 
directors who are not on that committee. 
Minutes of the standing committee 
meetings are provided to all directors 
and the proceedings of each meeting 
are reported by the chairman of the 
committee at the next Board meeting.

Each committee is entitled to seek 
information from any employee of the 
company and to obtain any professional 
advice it requires in order to perform  
its duties.

Each standing committee participates in 
a regular review of its performance and 
effectiveness. As a result of the 2014 
review, the Board is satisfied that the 
committees have performed effectively 
with reference to their charters.

Ad hoc committees are convened to 
consider matters of special importance 
or to exercise the delegated authority of 
the Board.

3.2 Audit & Risk Committee

The role of the Audit & Risk Committee 
is to assist the Board to meet its 
oversight responsibilities in relation 
to the company’s financial reporting, 
compliance with legal and regulatory 
requirements, internal control structure, 
risk management procedures and the 
internal and external audit functions.

 The Audit & Risk Committee’s 
charter, which sets out further 
details on the role and duties of 
the committee, is available in the 
corporate governance section of 
Woodside’s website.

It is intended that the members of 
the Audit & Risk Committee between 
them should have the accounting and 
financial expertise, and a sufficient 
understanding of the industry in which 
Woodside operates, to be able to 
effectively discharge the committee’s 
responsibilities. 

The chairman of the Audit & Risk 
Committee cannot be the Chairman of 
the company.

Members of the Audit & Risk Committee 
are identified in Table 3 on  55  which sets 
out their attendance at meetings. Their 
qualifications are listed on  46  and  47 .

Key activities undertaken by the Audit & 
Risk Committee during the year included:

ƒƒ monitoring developments in 

accounting, financial reporting and 
taxation relevant to Woodside;

ƒƒ approval of the scope, plan and fees for 

the 2014 external audit;

ƒƒ reviewing the independence and 

performance of the external auditor;

ƒƒ reviewing significant accounting 

policies and practices;

ƒƒ reviewing Internal Audit reports and 

approval of the 2015 Internal Audit plan;

ƒƒ reviewing the Group’s key risks and 
risk management framework and 
confirming that the framework  
was sound;

ƒƒ reviewing reports from management 
on the effectiveness of the Group’s 
management of its material  
business risks;

ƒƒ monitoring matters arising under 
the Code of Conduct and the 
Whistleblower Policy;

ƒƒ reviewing and making 

recommendations to the Board on 
amendments to the committee’s 
charter; and

ƒƒ reviewing and making 

recommendations to the Board for the 
adoption of the Group’s half-year and 
annual financial statements.

The external auditors, the Chairman, 
the CEO, the CFO, the Group Financial 
Controller, the head of Internal Audit, the 
head of Risk and Compliance and the 
head of Taxation are regular attendees 
at Audit & Risk Committee meetings. 
At each committee meeting, time is 
scheduled for the committee to meet 

without management present, and to 
meet with the external auditors without 
management present.

The committee meets at least semi-
annually with Woodside’s internal 
auditors without management present.

3.3 Nominations Committee

The role of the Nominations Committee 
is to assist the Board to review Board 
composition, performance and 
succession planning. This includes 
identifying, evaluating and recommending 
candidates for the Board.

 The Nominations Committee’s 
charter, which sets out further 
details on the role and duties of 
the committee, is available in the 
corporate governance section of 
Woodside’s website.

All non-executive directors are 
currently members of the Nominations 
Committee.

Table 3 on  55  sets out their attendance 
at committee meetings.

Key activities undertaken by the 
Nominations Committee during the  
year included:

ƒƒ review of the size and composition of 

the Board;

ƒƒ Board succession planning;

ƒƒ making recommendations to the Board 

regarding the directors seeking  
re-election at the 2015 AGM; and

ƒƒ approval of the process for the annual 

Board performance evaluation.

3.4 Human Resources & 
Compensation Committee

The role of the Human Resources & 
Compensation Committee is to assist the 
Board in establishing human resources 
and compensation policies and  
practices which:
ƒƒ enable the company to attract, retain 
and motivate employees who achieve 
operational excellence and create value 
for shareholders; and

ƒƒ reward employees fairly and 

responsibly, having regard to the 
results of the Group, individual 
performance and general  
remuneration conditions.

 The Human Resources & 
Compensation Committee’s charter, 
which sets out further details on the 
role and duties of the committee, is 
available in the corporate governance 
section of Woodside’s website.

53

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEconsultants from Woodside’s 
management, including the process for 
the selection of consultants and their 
terms of engagement. Remuneration 
consultants are engaged by, and report 
directly to, the committee. Further 
information on the activities of the 
Human Resources & Compensation 
Committee in relation to the use of 
remuneration consultants during 2014 
is provided in the Remuneration Report 
on  71 .

The Chairman, the CEO and the head 
of the Human Resources function 
are regular attendees at the Human 
Resources & Compensation Committee 
meetings. The CEO was not present 
during any committee or Board agenda 
item where his remuneration was 
considered or discussed.

3.5 Sustainability Committee

The role of the Sustainability Committee 
is to assist the Board to meet its 
oversight responsibilities in relation to the 
company’s sustainability policies  
and practices.

 The Sustainability Committee’s 
charter, which sets out further 
details on the role and duties of 
the committee, is available in the 
corporate governance section of 
Woodside’s website.

Members of the Sustainability 
Committee are identified in Table 3  
on  55  which sets out their attendance  
at meetings.

Key activities undertaken by the 
Sustainability Committee during the  
year included:

ƒƒ review of the Group’s environmental, 
health, safety and process safety 
performance, incidents and 
improvement plans;

ƒƒ consideration of heritage and land 

access matters affecting the company; 

ƒƒ consideration of security and 

emergency management performance;

ƒƒ review of delivery against Woodside’s 

Reconciliation Action Plan 
commitments;

ƒƒ review of community relations 

activities and social investment themes 
and planned expenditure;

ƒƒ reviewing and making 

recommendations to the Board on the 
Health, Safety & Environment Policy, 
Indigenous Communities Policy and 
Sustainable Communities Policy; and

ƒƒ approval of the annual Sustainable 

Development Report.

 Further information on the activities 
of the Sustainability Committee 
will be provided in the Sustainable 
Development Report to be released 
in March 2015, which will be 
made available in the sustainable 
development section of Woodside’s 
website.

The Chairman, the CEO, the Chief 
Operating Officer and the head of 
the Health, Safety, Environment and 
Quality function are regular attendees at 
Sustainability Committee meetings.

4 Shareholders

4.1 Shareholder communication

Directors recognise that shareholders, 
as the ultimate owners of the company, 
are entitled to receive timely and relevant 
high quality information about their 
investment. Similarly, prospective new 
investors are entitled to be able to make 
informed investment decisions when 
considering the purchase of shares. 
Woodside has an investor relations 
program to facilitate effective two-way 
communication with investors. 

Woodside’s Continuous Disclosure 
and Market Communications Policy 
encourages effective communication 
with the company’s shareholders  
by requiring:

ƒƒ the disclosure of full and timely 

information about Woodside’s activities 
in accordance with the disclosure 
requirements contained in the ASX 
Listing Rules and the Corporations Act;

ƒƒ all information released to the market 
to be placed on Woodside’s website 
promptly following release;

ƒƒ the company’s market announcements 

to be maintained on Woodside’s 
website for at least three years; and

ƒƒ that all disclosures, including notices 
of meetings and other shareholder 
communications, are drafted clearly 
and concisely.

 A copy of the Continuous Disclosure 
and Market Communications 
Policy is available in the corporate 
governance section of Woodside’s 
website. 

Briefings on the financial results, 
and other briefings with institutional 
investors and analysts containing material 
information not previously released to the 
market, are webcast and made available 
on Woodside’s website. 

The committee’s charter requires at least 
one member to have been a director of 
Woodside for not less than three years 
and states that it is desirable that at least 
one member has an understanding of 
remuneration policies and practices.

Members of the Human Resources & 
Compensation Committee are identified 
in Table 3 on  55  which sets out their 
attendance at meetings.

Key activities undertaken by the Human 
Resources & Compensation Committee 
during the year included:

ƒƒ monitoring legislative and corporate 

governance developments in relation to 
employment and remuneration matters 
relevant to Woodside;

ƒƒ reviewing the company’s remuneration 
policies and practices, approving the 
use of remuneration consultants to 
provide recommendations in respect 
of the remuneration of Woodside’s 
key management personnel and 
considering advice on the remuneration 
of Woodside’s key management 
personnel;

ƒƒ reviewing the company’s recruitment 

and retention strategies;

ƒƒ approval of the appointment and 

remuneration packages of executives 
reporting directly to the CEO;

ƒƒ monitoring progress against 

measurable objectives in respect of 
gender diversity; and

ƒƒ reviewing and making 

recommendations to the Board on:

ƒƒ remuneration for non-executive 

directors;

ƒƒ the remuneration of the CEO;

ƒƒ the criteria for the evaluation of the 

performance of the CEO;

ƒƒ incentives payable to the CEO;

ƒƒ employee-equity based plans; and

ƒƒ the annual Remuneration Report.

Review of the 2014 performance of the 
CEO and executive succession planning 
was conducted by the Board.

The Human Resources & Compensation 
Committee assists the Board to 
ensure that Woodside’s remuneration 
arrangements are equitable and 
consistent with the delivery of superior 
performance that is aligned to the 
creation of value for shareholders. To 
ensure it is fully informed when making 
remuneration decisions, the committee 
draws on services from a range of 
external sources, including remuneration 
consultants where appropriate.

Woodside’s guidelines on the use 
of remuneration consultants set 
out requirements to ensure the 
independence of remuneration 

54

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnShareholders are notified in advance of 
the date of investor briefing webcasts. 
Presentation material from briefings or 
speeches containing material information 
not previously released is disclosed to 
the market via ASX and posted to the 
website. Transcripts of material briefings 
are provided to the market via ASX and 
posted to the website shortly following 
the briefing. 

The company produces a short form 
annual and half-year shareholder review. 
The Annual Report, the Sustainable 
Development Report and the short form 
shareholder reviews are available on the 
company’s website, or shareholders can 
elect to receive hard copies. Shareholders 
can elect to receive email notification 
when these reports are posted to the 
website. Shareholders can also receive 
email notification of Woodside’s ASX 
announcements and media releases.

 Any person wishing to receive 
email alerts of significant market 
announcements can subscribe 
through Woodside’s website.

Woodside encourages direct electronic 
contact from shareholders – Woodside’s 
website has a “Contact Us” section 
which allows shareholders to submit 
an electronic form with questions 
or comments directly, as well as a 
“Shareholder Services” section which, 
among other things, clearly sets out 

the email address for Woodside’s 
share registry, Computershare, so that 
Computershare can be contacted directly.

The company recognises the importance 
of shareholder participation in general 
meetings and supports and encourages 
that participation. The company has direct 
voting arrangements in place, allowing 
shareholders unable to attend the AGM 
to vote on resolutions without having 
to appoint someone else as a proxy. 
Shareholders are also able to register 
their voting instructions electronically. 

The company’s AGM is webcast live and 
is archived for viewing on Woodside’s 
website. The company also makes 
available podcasts of the AGM. Copies 
of the addresses by the Chairman and 
the CEO are disclosed to the market 
and posted to the company’s website. 
The outcome of voting on the items of 
business are disclosed to the market and 
posted to the company’s website after 
the AGM.

All of Woodside’s directors attended the 
company’s 2014 AGM and are expected 
to attend the 2015 AGM. 

The company’s external auditor 
attends the company’s AGM to answer 
shareholder questions about the conduct 
of the audit, the preparation and content 
of the audit report, the accounting 
policies adopted by the company and the 
independence of the auditor in relation to 
the conduct of the audit.

4.2 Continuous disclosure and market 
communications

Woodside is committed to ensuring that 
shareholders and the market are provided 
with full and timely information and that 
all stakeholders have equal opportunities 
to receive externally available information 
issued by Woodside. 

A Disclosure Committee manages 
compliance with market disclosure 
obligations and is responsible for 
implementing and monitoring reporting 
processes and controls and setting 
guidelines for the release of information. 

The Disclosure Committee is comprised 
of senior executives. The Disclosure 
Committee reports at least annually 
to the Board on the performance of 
Woodside’s reporting processes and 
controls. Continuous disclosure matters 
are considered at each Board meeting. 

The Board approves any announcement 
relating to the annual and half year 
financial reports and any other 
information for disclosure to the market 
that contains or relates to financial 
projections, statements as to future 
financial performance or changes to the 
policy or strategy of the company (taken 
as a whole). 

Woodside’s Continuous Disclosure 
and Market Communications 
Policy, referred to in section 4.1, 
and associated guidelines reinforce 
Woodside’s commitment to continuous 
disclosure and outline management’s 
accountabilities and the processes to be 
followed for ensuring compliance. 

Table 3 – Directors in office, committee membership and directors’ attendance at meetings during 2014.

Director

Board

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Human Resources 
& Compensation 
Committee

Sustainability 
Committee

Nominations  
Committee

1, 2 Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Executive directors
P Coleman
R Cole3 
Non-executive directors
M Chaney
M Cilento
F Cooper
C Haynes
A Jamieson
D McEvoy
S Ryan
G Tilbrook4

Legend:

Current Chairman
Current member
Prior member

7
6

7
7
7
7
7
7
7
1

7
6

7
7
7
7
7
7
7
1

6
5

6
5
6
6
6
5
6
1

5
5

5

1

5
4

4
5
5
5
5
3
4
1

6
5

5
6
5
6
6
5
6
1

2
1

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1

6

6
6
6
6

6
6

6
6
1

Notes:
1  

‘Held’ indicates the number of meetings held during the period of each director’s tenure. Where a director is not a member but 
attended meetings during the period, then only the number of meetings attended, rather than held, is shown.
‘Attended’ indicates the number of meetings attended by each director.

2 
3  Mr Cole retired as a director with effect on 26 November 2014. 
4  Mr Tilbrook was appointed a director on 4 December 2014.

55

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEThe policy also describes Woodside’s 
guiding principles for market 
communications. Each Woodside 
employee is required to ensure potentially 
price-sensitive information concerning 
Woodside is assessed with reference to 
the Continuous Disclosure and Market 
Communications Policy and associated 
guidelines as soon as the employee 
becomes aware of the information.

 A copy of the Continuous Disclosure 
and Market Communications 
Policy is available in the corporate 
governance section of Woodside’s 
website. 

5 Promoting responsible and 
ethical behaviour

5.1 Woodside Compass, Code of 
Conduct, Anti-Bribery and Corruption 
Policy (ABC Policy) and Whistleblower 
Policy

Woodside’s Compass sets out the 
company’s core values of integrity, 
respect, working sustainably, working 
together, discipline and excellence. 
Everyone who works for Woodside 
is expected to behave in a manner 
consistent with the values. 

The Compass is promoted through many 
communication channels, including 
posters, intranet campaigns, booklets and 
key messaging, to maintain its visibility 
and encourage self-reflection. Behaviour 
and conduct is formally assessed with 
respect to the Compass values during 
performance reviews for each employee. 

Woodside has a Code of Conduct and 
an ABC Policy which outline Woodside’s 
commitment to appropriate and ethical 
corporate practices. The Code of Conduct 
and the ABC Policy cover matters such 
as compliance with laws and regulations, 
responsibilities to shareholders and 
the community, sound employment 
practices, confidentiality, privacy, 
conflicts of interest, giving and accepting 
business courtesies and the protection 
and proper use of Woodside’s assets.

 The Woodside Compass, Code of 
Conduct and ABC Policy are available 
in the corporate governance section 
of Woodside’s website.

All directors, officers and employees 
are required to comply with the Code of 
Conduct and the ABC Policy. Managers 
are expected to take reasonable steps 
to ensure that employees, contractors, 
consultants, agents and partners under 
their supervision are aware of the 
Code and the ABC Policy to foster an 
environment that encourages ethical 
behaviour and compliance with the 
Code and the ABC Policy. Directors and 

56

employees are required to complete 
online Code of Conduct training upon 
appointment and thereafter annually. 

Failure to comply with the Code of 
Conduct and the ABC Policy is a serious 
breach of Woodside’s policy and will 
be investigated. Breaches may result 
in disciplinary action ranging from a 
formal warning through to termination of 
employment. All breaches are required to 
be recorded.

  The Sustainable Development 
Report, which will be released in 
March 2015 and made available in 
the sustainable development section 
of Woodside’s website, provides 
further information on the Woodside 
Compass, Code of Conduct and 
ABC Policy.

Directors and all employees are required 
to provide annual certification of their 
compliance with the Code of Conduct 
and the Securities Dealing Policy. In 
addition, all executives and key finance 
managers complete a questionnaire 
from the directors on a half-yearly basis 
which includes questions on compliance 
by the managers and all employees 
and contractors within their area of 
responsibility with the Code of Conduct, 
the Securities Dealing Policy, the 
Whistleblower Policy and the Continuous 
Disclosure and Market Communications 
Policy. The responses to the 
questionnaire, together with a report on 
breaches of the Code of Conduct and 
matters raised through the Whistleblower 
helpline (refer below), are considered by 
the Audit & Risk Committee. 

Woodside’s Whistleblower Policy 
documents Woodside’s commitment 
to maintaining an open working 
environment in which employees and 
contractors are able to report instances 
of unethical, unlawful or undesirable 
conduct without fear of intimidation  
or reprisal. 

The purpose of the Whistleblower Policy 
is to:

ƒƒ help detect and address unacceptable 

conduct;

ƒƒ help provide employees and 

contractors with a supportive working 
environment in which they feel able to 
raise issues of legitimate concern to 
them and to Woodside;

ƒƒ provide an external confidential helpline 

which can be used for reporting 
unacceptable conduct; and

ƒƒ help protect people who report 

unacceptable conduct in good faith.

 A summary of the Whistleblower 
Policy is available in the corporate 
governance section of Woodside’s 
website.

5.2 Securities ownership and dealing

Woodside’s Securities Dealing Policy 
applies to all directors, employees, 
contractors, consultants and advisers. 
This policy provides a brief summary 
of the law on insider trading and other 
relevant laws; sets out the restrictions on 
dealing in securities by people who work 
for, or are associated with, Woodside; 
and is intended to assist in maintaining 
market confidence in the integrity of 
dealings in the company’s securities. 
The policy is aligned with the ASX Listing 
Rules on trading policies and associated 
ASX guidelines. 

The policy prohibits directors and 
employees from dealing in the company’s 
securities when they are in possession 
of price-sensitive information that is not 
generally available to the market. It also 
prohibits dealings by directors and certain 
restricted employees during “black-out” 
periods, including during the periods 
between the end of the financial half-year 
and the announcement of the half-year 
results and the end of the financial 
full-year and the announcement of the 
full-year results. Directors are required 
to seek the approval of the Chairman 
(or in the case of the Chairman, the 
CEO) before dealing in the company’s 
securities or entering into any financial 
arrangement by which Woodside 
securities are used as collateral. 
Restricted employees are required to 
notify their manager and the General 
Counsel before dealing in the company’s 
securities. In addition, executives 
reporting directly to the CEO, and the 
Company Secretaries, have notification 
requirements in respect of entering into 
any financial arrangement by which 
Woodside securities are used  
as collateral. 

The Board has adopted a requirement 
for non-executive directors to have a 
minimum holding of 2,000 shares in 
Woodside. Non-executive directors who 
have less than the minimum holding are 
required to direct 25% of their net fees to 
the purchase of shares in Woodside until 
the minimum holding requirement  
is satisfied. 

Non-executive directors (other than 
any directors who are both nominated 
and employed by Shell) are eligible to 
participate in Woodside’s non-executive 
directors’ share plan. Under the plan 
a proportion of the director’s after tax 
remuneration is applied to the purchase 
of shares in Woodside. These shares are 
acquired on market at market value at 
predetermined intervals. 

Any dealing in Woodside securities by 
directors is notified to the ASX within 
five business days of the dealing. It is 
a condition of the Securities Dealing 
Policy that directors, and executives 
participating in an equity-based incentive 
plan, are prohibited from entering into any 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOntransaction which would have the effect 
of hedging or otherwise transferring to 
any person the risk of any fluctuation in 
the value of any unvested entitlement 
in Woodside securities. This prohibition 
is also contained in the terms of the 
Executive Incentive Plan.

 A copy of the Securities Dealing 
Policy is available in the corporate 
governance section of Woodside’s 
website.

5.3 Political donations

Woodside’s Code of Conduct prohibits 
donations to any political party, politician 
or candidate for public office in any 
country without prior Board approval. 
Woodside is required by law to report 
all political donations to the Australian 
Electoral Commission. 

Details of Woodside’s political donations 
are available on the Australian Electoral 
Commission’s website.

In certain circumstances Woodside 
representatives may attend a party 
political function which charges an 
attendance fee without Board approval. 
Attendance at these functions must 
be approved by the Vice President of 
Corporate Affairs, and a register of 
attendances and the cost of attending 
each function is maintained by Woodside 
at a corporate level.

6 Risk management and internal 
control

6.1 Approach to risk management  
and internal control

The Board recognises that risk 
management and internal compliance 
and control are key elements of good 
corporate governance. 

Woodside’s Risk Management 
Policy describes the manner in which 
Woodside:

ƒƒ provides a consistent process for the 
recognition and management of risks 
across Woodside’s business; and

ƒƒ confers responsibility on Woodside 

staff at all levels to proactively identify, 
manage, review and report on risks 
relating to the objectives those staff 
are accountable for delivering.

 A copy of the Risk Management 
Policy is available in the corporate 
governance section of Woodside’s 
website.

Woodside recognises that risk is 
inherent to its business and that effective 
management of risk is vital to delivering 
on its objectives, success and continued 
growth. Woodside is committed to 

managing all risk in a proactive and 
effective manner. Woodside’s approach 
to risk enhances opportunities, reduces 
threats and sustains Woodside’s 
competitive advantage. 

The Woodside Group operates a 
standardised enterprise-wide risk 
management process that provides an 
over-arching and consistent framework 
for the identification, assessment, 
monitoring and management of 
material business risks. Woodside 
has a Risk and Compliance function, 
separate to Internal Audit, and aligns 
the company’s risk management 
process with the International Standard 
for risk management (ISO 31000 Risk 
Management). Risks are identified, 
assessed and prioritised using a 
common methodology. Assessed risk 
is escalated to increasingly senior levels 
of management based on corporate 
materiality thresholds.

6.2 Risk management roles and 
responsibilities

The Board is responsible for reviewing 
and approving Woodside’s risk 
management strategy, policy and key 
risk parameters, including determining 
the Group’s appetite for country risk and 
major investment decisions. 

The Board is also responsible for 
satisfying itself that management has 
developed and implemented a sound 
system of risk management and internal 
control. The Board has delegated 
oversight of the Risk Management Policy, 
including review of the effectiveness of 
Woodside’s internal control system and 
risk management process, to the Audit & 
Risk Committee. 

Management is responsible for 
promoting and applying the Risk 
Management Policy. This responsibility 
involves identifying and assessing 
business and operational risks, 
developing and implementing 
appropriate risk treatment strategies and 
controls, monitoring the effectiveness 
of risk controls and reporting on 
risk management capability and 
performance. Within each major 
business and functional area there 
is a designated senior risk role, with 
specific responsibilities to ensure 
appropriate application of Woodside’s risk 
management process and regular risk 
review and reporting. 

The Risk and Compliance function 
is responsible for Woodside’s risk 
management process, development of 
risk management capability, and providing 
risk management reports to the executive 
team and the Audit & Risk Committee on 
the corporate risk profile and the Group’s 
risk management performance. 

In 2014, both the Audit & Risk Committee 
and the Board reviewed the risk profile 
for the Group and received reports from 
management on the effectiveness 

of the Group’s management of its 
material business risks. The reported 
risks considered Woodside’s health 
and safety, environmental, financial, 
legal and compliance, social and cultural 
and reputational exposures. More 
information on Woodside’s risks are set 
out on  18   19 . In 2014, the Audit & Risk 
Committee reviewed the company’s risk 
management framework and confirmed 
that the framework was sound.

Internal Audit is responsible for providing 
an independent appraisal of the adequacy 
and effectiveness of the Group’s risk 
management and internal control system.

6.3 Internal Audit

Internal Audit is independent of both 
business management and of the 
activities it reviews. Internal Audit 
provides assurance that the design 
and operation of the Group’s risk 
management and internal control system 
is effective. A risk-based audit approach 
is used to ensure that the higher risk 
activities in each business unit or function 
are targeted by the audit program. Audits 
are conducted in a manner that conforms 
to international auditing standards. 
Internal Audit has all necessary access 
to management and information and 
is staffed by industry professionals 
including qualified accountants and 
engineers. 

The Audit & Risk Committee oversees 
and monitors Internal Audit’s activities 
and reviews Internal Audit’s performance. 
It approves the annual audit program 
and receives reports from Internal 
Audit concerning the effectiveness of 
internal control and risk management. 
The Audit & Risk Committee approves 
the appointment of the head of Internal 
Audit. The head of Internal Audit is 
jointly accountable to the Audit & Risk 
Committee and the Senior Vice President 
Corporate & Legal & General Counsel. 
The committee members have access 
to Internal Audit without the presence of 
other management. Internal Audit has 
unfettered access to the Audit & Risk 
Committee and its chairman. 

Internal Audit and external audit are 
separate and independent of each other.

6.4 CEO and CFO assurance

The Board receives regular reports on the 
Group’s financial and operational results. 

Before the adoption by the Board of 
the 2014 half-year and full-year financial 
statements, the Board received written 
declarations from the CEO and the 
CFO that the financial records of the 
company have been properly maintained 
in accordance with section 286 of the 
Corporations Act, and the company’s 
financial statements and notes comply 
with accounting standards and give a true 
and fair view of the consolidated entity’s 
financial position and performance for the 
financial period. 

57

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEThe CEO and the CFO have also stated 
in writing to the Board that the statement 
relating to the integrity of Woodside’s 
financial statements is founded on a 
sound system of risk management 
and internal control which is operating 
effectively. 

In addition, all executives and key finance 
managers complete a questionnaire from 
the directors on a half-yearly basis. The 
questions relate to the financial position 
of the company, market disclosure, 
the application of company policies 
and procedures (including the Risk 
Management Policy), compliance with 
external obligations and other governance 
matters. This process assists the CEO 
and the CFO in making the declarations 
to the Board referred to above.

7 External auditor relationship
In accordance with Woodside’s 
External Auditor Policy, the Audit & Risk 
Committee oversees detailed External 
Auditor Guidelines covering the terms 
of engagement of Woodside’s external 
auditor. The guidelines include provisions 
directed to maintaining the independence 
of the external auditor and assessing 
whether the provision of any non-audit 
services by the external auditor that 
may be proposed is appropriate. Such 
provisions are referenced to the Code 
of Ethics published by the International 
Federation of Accountants.

The External Auditor Guidelines contain a 
set of controls which address threats to 
the independence of the external auditor 
including, in particular, any threat which 
may arise by reason of self-interest, 
self-review, advocacy, familiarity or 
intimidation. 

The External Auditor Guidelines classify a 
range of non-audit services which could 
potentially be provided by the external 
auditor as:
ƒƒ acceptable within limits;
ƒƒ requiring the approval of the CFO;
ƒƒ requiring the approval of the Audit & 

Risk Committee; or

ƒƒ not acceptable.

The services considered not acceptable 
for provision by the external auditor 
include:
ƒƒ internal audit;
ƒƒ acquisition accounting due diligence 
where the external auditor is also the 
auditor of the other party;

ƒƒ transactional support for acquisitions or 
divestments where the external auditor 
is also the auditor of the other party;
ƒƒ book-keeping and financial reporting 
activities to the extent such activities 
require decision-making ability and/or 
posting entries to the ledger;

ƒƒ the design, implementation, operation 
or supervision of information systems 

58

and provision of systems integration 
services;

diversity initiatives and measuring their 
effectiveness;

ƒƒ independent expert reports;
ƒƒ financial risk management; and
ƒƒ taxation planning and taxation 

transaction advice.

The External Auditor Guidelines require 
rotation of the audit partner and audit 
review partner at least every five years 
and prohibit the reinvolvement of a 
previous audit partner in the audit service 
for two years following rotation. 

In addition to incorporating safeguards 
to ensure compliance with sections 
324CI and 324CK of the Corporations 
Act in respect of employment of a former 
partner of the audit firm or member of 
the audit team as a director or senior 
employee of Woodside, the Guidelines 
also require assessment of the 
significance of a potential threat to the 
external auditor’s independence before 
any employment of a former partner or 
audit team member. Any employment 
of a member of the audit team or a 
partner of the audit firm also requires the 
approval of the Audit & Risk Committee. 

 Information on the procedures for 
the selection and appointment of the 
external auditor and for the rotation 
of external audit engagement 
partners is available in the corporate 
governance section of Woodside’s 
website.

8 Diversity
Woodside recognises that workforce 
diversity provides a key competitive 
advantage and our success is a reflection 
of the quality and skills of our people. To 
this end, Woodside leadership continues 
to focus on the development of a 
workplace climate that promotes diversity 
as a key contributor to our business.

 For further information on our 
Diversity Policy and Reconciliation 
Action Plan commitments, visit our 
website.

Woodside’s policy is to recruit and 
manage on the basis of competence 
and performance regardless of age, 
nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, 
sexuality, physical ability or cultural 
background. 

Woodside aims to meet its ongoing 
commitment to diversity by, among  
other things:
ƒƒ respecting the unique attributes that 

each individual brings to the workplace 
and fostering an inclusive values- 
led culture;

ƒƒ providing diversity education and 
training as well as undertaking 

ƒƒ the Board reviewing Woodside’s 

diversity strategy; and

ƒƒ the Board annually reviewing the 

measurable objectives it has set for 
achieving improvement in the diversity 
mix of Woodside and the progress in 
achieving those objectives. 

In 2014 Woodside progressed activities 
contained within its three year Indigenous 
Employment Strategy. In order to provide 
a pipeline of future Indigenous talent, 
Woodside hosted 12 Indigenous work 
experience students and awarded 15 
scholarships, five new cadetships, and 
three graduate places to university 
students. Woodside had 44 Indigenous 
trainees and apprentices participating in 
programs in 2014. We are pleased that 
of the 44 participants, 13 successfully 
transitioned to Woodside employment 
in 2014, and 21 will continue on the 
programs in 2015. As at the end of 2014, 
Woodside employed 99 Indigenous 
people, which equates to 2.6% of 
Woodside’s Australian-based workforce. 
This is a decrease from 101 people in 
2013. Women comprise 38% of our 
Indigenous workforce. Turnover of 
Woodside’s Indigenous employees is 
14%. We promoted cultural awareness 
training to the whole organisation in 2014, 
with 241 employees attending. Cultural 
awareness training is embedded into the 
company’s induction program, ensuring 
that employees are trained early in their 
Woodside career.

Woodside continued to undertake 
initiatives in 2014 aimed at improving 
gender diversity across the organisation. 
Key activities carried out to support 
the 2012-2014 Gender Diversity 
Strategy included a continued focus on 
improving gender diversity outcomes 
through graduate recruitment and 
development. We are pleased to 
see females representing 39% of 
our 2015 technical graduate intake, a 
3% increase on 2014 and above our 
target of 35%. The implementation 
of graduate development program 
improvements will also enable earlier 
operational site experience and improve 
long term development and succession 
preparedness of female graduates. 

To further support the development of 
part-time employees a ‘Working Flexibly 
at Woodside’ toolkit was implemented 
in 2014 enabling effective design and 
management of part-time and flexible 
roles.

The annual remuneration review 
continues to demonstrate effective pay 
parity for males and females doing similar 
roles. 

Education remains a focus to 
improve diversity outcomes. In 2014, 
Woodside’s development curriculum 
was supplemented by a new program. 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn“Diversity Awareness for Leaders” 
outlines how to minimise and manage 
unconscious bias in making decisions and 
managing people. 

Community engagement continued 
in 2014, with Woodside sponsoring 
university scholarships for talented 
women, presenting at internal and 
external forums focused on diversity and 
continuing support to industry bodies 
to advocate for and raise the profile of 
women in the resources sector. 

Females comprise 27.5% of our 
workforce, a slight increase from 27% 
in 2013. In 2014, women held 12.4% of 
middle and senior management roles. 

Female turnover is approximately 7.5%, 
an improvement on the 2013 turnover  
of 9.4%.

Woodside’s updated three year Gender 
Diversity Strategy will start in 2015. The 
measurable objectives acknowledge that 
future increases in the representation of 
women will be gradual as we continue 

to increase the ratio of graduates to 
experienced hires.

2015 measurable objectives
ƒƒ Increase the overall percentage of 
women employed by Woodside;
ƒƒ Maintain overall female turnover that 
is equal to or less than organisational 
turnover;

ƒƒ Achieve gender balance in Woodside’s 

graduate intake and increase 
female representation in trainee and 
apprentice pathways;

ƒƒ Increase the percentage of women in 

mid-level professional roles; 

ƒƒ Achieve mid-level professional female 
turnover that is equal to or less than 
total mid-level professional  turnover;
ƒƒ Increase the percentage of women in 
middle and senior management roles;
ƒƒ Maintain senior female turnover that 
is  equal to or less than total senior 
management turnover;

ƒƒ Increase the number of senior women 
who are ready to move into executive 
leadership roles; 

ƒƒ Increase the percentage of women in 

executive roles; and

ƒƒ Increase the percentage of women on 

the Board.

Woodside will report on progress against 
these objectives in its 2015 Annual 
Report.

 Further information regarding 
Woodside’s commitment to diversity 
will be available in Woodside’s 2014 
Sustainable Development Report 
which will be released in March 2015 
and made available in the sustainable 
development section of Woodside’s 
website.

2014 measurable objectives 

Progress

Achieve gender balance in Woodside’s  
graduate intake

Of the 2015 graduate intake in total, 43% were female with 39% of our 
technical intake being female.

Increase the percentage of women in  
senior management roles

Senior female representation remained at 12.4% in 2014. 

Maintain remuneration equity between men and 
women in the same role at the same level

The annual remuneration review process continued to demonstrate that 
effective remuneration parity exists between men and women in the 
same role.

Achieve female senior management turnover that 
is equal to or less than total senior management 
turnover

An increase in senior female voluntary turnover with an actual result of 
7.1% which is still significantly below total senior management turnover 
of 8.8%.

Achieve overall female turnover that is equal to or 
less than organisational turnover

Overall female voluntary turnover has decreased from 9.4% in 2013 to 
7.5% in 2014, slightly above the total organisational voluntary turnover 
of 7.3%.

Increase the overall percentage of females employed 
by Woodside

Gender representation has increased slightly with females representing 
27.5% of Woodside’s workforce.

Deliver Diversity development programs, including 
Equal Employment Opportunity training, recruitment 
and promotion training and ‘Leading Diverse Teams’ 
programs.

‘Recruitment Selection’ training ran throughout 2014 with 96 managers 
attending.

‘Diversity – we give everyone a fair go’ (Equal Employment Opportunity) 
program was provided online through 2014 and completed by  
447 employees. 

‘Diversity Awareness for Leaders’ workshops were attended by  
50 managers.

Table 4 – Woodside workforce gender profile

Female

Female %

Administration

Technical

Supervisory/Professional

Middle Management

Senior Management

Total

Board Members

186

392

386

78

4

1,046

2

62.4

26.8

27.9

12.6

9.8

27.5

22.2

Male

112

1,068

997

543

37

2,757

7

Senior management and other categories above are defined by reference to Woodside’s internal remuneration bands.

Male %

37.6

73.2

72.1

87.4

90.2

72.5

77.8

59

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE9 ASX Corporate Governance Council recommendations checklist
The Corporate Governance Statement was approved by the Board and is current as at 18 February 2015.

Woodside has chosen to early adopt the third edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles 
and Recommendations (ASXCGC Recommendations). This table cross-references the ASXCGC Recommendations to the relevant 
sections of the Corporate Governance Statement and the Remuneration Report.

ASX Corporate Governance Council Recommendations

Principle 1:

Lay solid foundations for management and oversight

Reference

Comply

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

A listed entity should disclose:
a) the respective roles and responsibilities of its board and management; and
b) those matters expressly reserved to the board and those delegated to management.

A listed entity should:
a)  undertake appropriate checks before appointing a person, or putting forward to security holders a candidate for 

election, as a director; and

b)  provide security holders with all material information in its possession relevant to a decision on whether or not 

to elect or re-elect a director.

2.1

2.6

A listed entity should have a written agreement with each director and senior executive setting out the terms of 
their appointment.

2.8,  
Remuneration Report

The company secretary of a listed entity should be accountable directly to the board, through the chair, on all 
matters to do with the proper functioning of the board.

A listed entity should:
a)  have a diversity policy which includes requirements for the board or a relevant committee of the board to set 

measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity and to assess annually both the objectives and the entity’s 
progress in achieving them;

b)  disclose that policy or a summary of it; and
c)  disclose as at the end of each reporting period the measurable objectives for achieving gender diversity set by 
the board or a relevant committee of the board in accordance with the entity’s diversity policy and its progress 
towards achieving them, and either:
1.   the respective proportions of men and women on the board, in senior executive positions and across the 

whole organisation (including how the entity has defined “senior executive” for these purposes); or
2.   if the entity is a “relevant employer” under the Workplace Gender Equality Act, the entity’s most recent 

“Gender Equality Indicators”, as defined in and published under that Act.

2.13

8





 

 

 

A listed entity should:
a)  have and disclose a process for periodically evaluating the performance of the board, its committees and 

2.9



individual directors; and

b)  disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether a performance evaluation was undertaken in the reporting 

period in accordance with that process.

A listed entity should:
a)  have and disclose a process for periodically evaluating the performance of its senior executives; and
b)  disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether a performance evaluation was undertaken in the reporting 

Remuneration Report



period in accordance with that process.

Principle 2: Structure the board to add value 

2.1

The board of a listed entity should:
a)  have a nomination committee which:

3.1, 3.3



1.  has at least three members, a majority of whom are independent directors; and
2.  is chaired by an independent director, 

and disclose:

3.  the charter of the committee;
4.  the members of the committee; and
5.   as at the end of each reporting period, the number of times the committee met throughout the period and 

the individual attendances of the members at those meetings; or

b)  if it does not have a nomination committee, disclose that fact and the processes it employs to address board 
succession issues and to ensure that the board has the appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, experience, 
independence and diversity to enable it to discharge its duties and responsibilities effectively.

A listed entity should have and disclose a board skills matrix setting out the mix of skills and diversity that the 
board currently has or is looking to achieve in its membership.

2.2

A listed entity should disclose:
a)  the names of the directors considered by the board to be independent directors;
b)  if a director has an interest, position, association or relationship of the type described in Box 2.3 (which appears 
on page 16 of the ASXCGC Recommendations and is entitled “Factors relevant to assessing the independence 
of a director”), but the board is of the opinion that it does not compromise the independence of the director, 
the nature of the interest, position, association or relationship in question and an explanation of why the board 
is of that opinion; and

2.2, 2.4

c)  the length of service of each director.

A majority of the board of a listed entity should be independent directors.

The chair of the board of a listed entity should be an independent director and, in particular, should not be the 
same person as the CEO of the entity.

A listed entity should have a program for inducting new directors and provide appropriate professional 
development opportunities for directors to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge needed to perform their 
role as directors effectively.

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

 



 

 

 



2.2, 2.4

2.2, 2.3, 2.4

2.8

5.1

Principle 3: Act ethically and responsibly

A listed entity should:
a)  have a code of conduct for its directors, senior executives and employees; and
b)  disclose that code or a summary of it.

3.1

60

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn 
Principle 4: Safeguard integrity in corporate reporting

4.1 

The board of a listed entity should:
a) have an audit committee which:

3.1, 3.2



1.   has at least three members, all of whom are non-executive directors and a majority of whom are 

independent directors; and

2.   is chaired by an independent director, who is not the chair of the board,

and disclose:

3.   the charter of the committee;
4.   the relevant qualifications and experience of the members of the committee; and
5.   in relation to each reporting period, the number of times the committee met throughout the period and the 

individual attendances of the members at those meetings; or

b)  if it does not have an audit committee, disclose that fact and the processes it employs that independently verify 
and safeguard the integrity of its corporate reporting, including the processes for the appointment and removal 
of the external auditor and the rotation of the audit engagement partner.

4.2

4.3

The board of a listed entity should, before it approves the entity’s financial statements for a financial period, 
receive from its CEO and CFO a declaration that, in their opinion, the financial records of the entity have been 
properly maintained and that the financial statements comply with the appropriate accounting standards and give 
a true and fair view of the financial position and performance of the entity and that the opinion has been formed on 
the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively.

6.4

A listed entity that has an AGM should ensure that its external auditor attends its AGM and is available to answer 
questions from security holders relevant to the audit.

4.1

Principle 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure

5.1

A listed entity should:
a)  have a written policy for complying with its continuous disclosure obligations under the Listing Rules; and
b)  disclose that policy or a summary of it.

Principle 6: Respect the rights of security holders

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.4

A listed entity should provide information about itself and its governance to investors via its website.

A listed entity should design and implement an investor relations program to facilitate effective two-way 
communication with investors.

A listed entity should disclose the policies and processes it has in place to facilitate and encourage participation at 
meetings of security holders.

A listed entity should give security holders the option to receive communications from, and send communications 
to, the entity and its security registry electronically.

Principle 7: Recognise and manage risk

7.1

The board of a listed entity should:
a)  have a committee or committees to oversee risk, each of which:

4.2

4.1

4.1

4.1

4.1

3.1, 3.2

1.   has at least three members, a majority of whom are independent directors; and
2.   is chaired by an independent director,

and disclose:

3.   the charter of the committee;
4.   the members of the committee; and
5.   as at the end of each reporting period, the number of times the committee met throughout the period and 

the individual attendances of the members at those meetings; or

b)  if it does not have a risk committee or committees that satisfy a) above, disclose that fact and the processes it 

employs for overseeing the entity’s risk management framework.

7.2

7.3

7.4

The board or a committee of the board should:
a)  review the entity’s risk management framework at least annually to satisfy itself that it continues to be sound; 

3.2, 6.2

and

b)  disclose, in relation to each reporting period, whether such a review has taken place.

A listed entity should disclose:
a)  if it has an internal audit function, how the function is structured and what role it performs; or
b)  if it does not have an internal audit function, that fact and the processes it employs for evaluating and 

continually improving the effectiveness of its risk management and internal control processes.

6.3

A listed entity should disclose whether it has any material exposure to economic, environmental and social 
sustainability risks and, if it does, how it manages or intends to manage those risks.

6.1, 6.2, 6.4

Principle 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly

8.1

The board of a listed entity should:
a)  have a remuneration committee which:

3.1, 3.4

1.  has at least three members, a majority of whom are independent directors; and
2.   is chaired by an independent director,

and disclose:

3.  the charter of the committee;
4.  the members of the committee; and
5.  as at the end of each reporting period, the number of times the committee met throughout the period and 

the individual attendances of the members at those meetings; or

b)  if it does not have a remuneration committee, disclose that fact and the processes it employs for setting the 

level and composition of remuneration for directors and senior executives and ensuring that such remuneration 
is appropriate and not excessive.

8.2

8.3

A listed entity should separately disclose its policies and practices regarding the remuneration of non-executive 
directors and the remuneration of executive directors and other senior executives.

Remuneration Report

A listed entity which has an equity-based remuneration scheme should:
a)  have a policy on whether participants are permitted to enter into transactions (whether through the use of 

5.2,  
Remuneration Report

derivatives or otherwise) which limit the economic risk of participating in the scheme; and

b)  disclose that policy or a summary of it.

 

 



 

 

 

 







 



 



61

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE 
 
 
OVERVIEW

OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
REPORT

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

DIRECTORS’ REPORT (including Remuneration Report)

The directors of Woodside Petroleum 
Ltd present their report (including the 
Remuneration Report) together with the 
financial report of the consolidated entity, 
being Woodside Petroleum Ltd and its 
controlled entities, for the year ended  
31 December 2014.

Directors
The directors of Woodside Petroleum 
Ltd in office at any time during or since 
the end of the 2014 financial year and 
information on the directors (including 
qualifications and experience and 
directorships of listed companies held  
by the directors at any time in the last  
three years), is set out on  46  and  47 . 

The number of directors’ meetings held 
(including meetings of committees of 
the Board) and the number of meetings 
attended by each of the directors of 
Woodside Petroleum Ltd during the 
financial year are shown in Table 3 on  55 . 

Details of director and senior executive 
remuneration are set out in the 
Remuneration Report. 

The particulars of directors’ interests in 
shares of the company as at the date of 
this report are set out on  78 .

Principal activities
The principal activities and operations of 
the Group during the financial year were 
hydrocarbon exploration, evaluation, 
development, production and marketing. 

Other than as previously referred to in 
the annual report, there were no other 
significant changes in the nature of the 
activities of the consolidated entity during 
the year.

Consolidated results
The consolidated operating profit 
attributable to the company’s 
shareholders after provision for  
income tax was US$2,414 million 
(US$1,749 million in 2013).

Review of operations
A review of the operations of the 
Woodside Group during the financial year 
and the results of those operations are 
set out on  1  to  44 .

Significant changes in state  
of affairs
The review of operations ( 1  to  44 ) sets 
out a number of matters which have had 
a significant effect on the state of affairs 
of the consolidated entity. Other than 
those matters, there were no significant 
changes in the state of affairs of the 
consolidated entity during the  
financial year.

Events subsequent to end of 
financial year

Dividends
Since the reporting date, the directors 
have declared a fully franked dividend 
of US144 cents (2013: US103 cents), 
payable on 25 March 2015. The amount 
of this dividend will be US$1,186 million 
(2013: US$849 million). No provision 
has been made for this dividend in the 
financial report as the dividend was not 
declared or determined by the directors 
on or before the end of the financial year.

Likely developments and  
expected results
In general terms, the review of operations 
of the Group gives an indication of likely 
developments and the expected results 
of the operations. In the opinion of 
the directors, disclosure of any further 
information would be likely to result in 
unreasonable prejudice to the Group.

Environmental compliance
Woodside is subject to a range of 
environmental legislation in Australia and 
other countries in which it operates. 

Details of Woodside’s environmental 
performance are provided on  30 .

Through its Health, Safety and 
Environment Policy, Woodside plans 
and performs activities so that adverse 
effects on the environment are avoided 
or kept as low as reasonably practicable. 

Woodside did not incur any 
environmental fines or penalties  
during 2014.

Dividends
The directors have declared a final 
dividend out of profits of the company in 
respect of the year ended 31 December 
2014 of US144 cents per ordinary share 
(fully franked) payable on 25 March 2015. 

A fully franked final dividend of  
US103 cents per ordinary share was paid 
to shareholders on 26 March 2014 in 
respect of the year ended 31 December 
2013. Together with the fully franked 
interim dividend of US111 cents per share 
paid to shareholders on 24 September 
2014, the total dividend paid during the 
2014 year was US214 cents per share 
fully franked. 

Woodside’s dividend reinvestment plan 
remained suspended during the year.

Company secretaries
The following individuals have acted as 
company secretary during 2014: 

Michael Abbott 
BJuris, LLB, BA, MBA 
Senior Vice President Corporate & Legal 
& General Counsel and Joint Company 
Secretary 

Mr Abbott joined Woodside in 2007 and 
was appointed to the role of Senior Vice 
President Corporate & Legal & General 
Counsel in December 2014. He was 
appointed Joint Company Secretary 
effective 3 May 2012. Mr Abbott holds 
Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts 
degrees and a Masters of Business 
Administration. 

More information on Mr Abbott can be 
found on  11 .

Warren Baillie 
LLB, BCom, Grad. Dip. CSP 
Company Secretary 

Mr Baillie joined Woodside in 2005 and 
was appointed Company Secretary 
effective 1 February 2012. Mr Baillie 
holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of 
Commerce degrees and is a solicitor and 
chartered secretary. He is a member of 
the National Board and WA State Council 
of the Governance Institute of Australia.

62

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEW

OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
REPORT

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

REMUNERATION REPORT (audited)

Contents
Overview  

Executive remuneration  

CEO remuneration  

Other equity plans  

Securities Dealing Policy  

Contracts for KMP Executives  

Related Party Transactions 

Non-executive directors  

Human Resources & Compensation Committee  

Use of remuneration consultants  

Reporting notes  

Summary index of tables

Table

Description

1

2

3 

4

5 

6

7

8

9

Woodside’s KMP during 2014

Woodside five-year performance

Summary of executive remuneration structure

Allocation of executive remuneration between fixed and Variable Annual Reward 

Overview of the EIP awards

How STAs are determined

Vesting schedule for VPRs

Summary of contractual provisions for executive KMP

Annual base Board and committee fees for NEDs

10 

Fees paid to remuneration consultants

11

12

13

14

15

16

17 

18

19 

20 

21

22

23 

24 

Compensation of executive KMP for the year ended 31 December 2014 and 2013

Vesting schedule for RTSR-tested VPRs awarded for the Performance Years 2009 to 2011

LTA Peer Group for Performance Years 2009 to 2011

STA Peer Group and LTA Peer Group Performance Years 2012 to 2014 – International Oil and Gas Companies

Summary of LTA terms for Performance Years 2009 to 2014

Summary of deferred STA terms for Performance Years 2010 to 2014

Summary of executive KMPs’ interests in Time-tested VPRs

Summary of executive KMPs’ interests in Restricted Shares

Summary of executive KMPs’ interests in RTSR-tested VPRs

Summary of executive KMPs’ interests in Equity Rights under the WEP

Summary of executive KMPs’ interests in Equity Rights under the SWEP

Total remuneration paid to non-executive directors in 2014 and 2013

KMP shareholdings

Executive KMPs’ interests in VPR and ER

64 

65 

68

69

69

70

70

70

71

71 

71

64

64

65

66

66

67

68

70

71

71

72

73

73

73

73

74

74

74

75

75

76

76

77

77

63

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE

Overview

Guide to this report

This Remuneration Report outlines the remuneration 
arrangements in place and outcomes achieved for Woodside’s 
key management personnel (KMP) during 2014. Woodside’s 
KMP are those people who have a meaningful capacity to shape 
and influence the Group’s strategic direction and performance 
through their actions, either collectively (in the case of the Board) 
or as individuals acting under delegated authorities (in the case 
of the CEO and his direct reports). The names and positions of 
the individuals who were KMP during 2014 are set out in  
Table 1 below. 

Given the capacity KMP have in affecting Woodside’s 
performance and the returns delivered to shareholders, it is 
critical to design and implement remuneration policies for 
KMP that support the business strategy and align the interests 
of executive KMP with those of shareholders. This report 
explains the manner in which the Board, assisted by the Human 
Resources & Compensation Committee (Committee), achieves 
this objective. 

In preparing this report, the Board has endeavoured to provide 
sufficient detail and transparency so that investors can form 
their own views about the appropriateness of the remuneration 
arrangements in place at Woodside. While remuneration 
arrangements for executives are complex and involve a variety 
of components and performance measures, the report contains 
summaries intended to give investors an understanding of how 
these components fit together. There is also a Glossary at the 
back of the report (on  136) which explains many of the terms and 
abbreviations used throughout the report. 

Linking remuneration to strategy and performance
The Board believes that appropriate remuneration policies 
motivate executives to strive for better performance outcomes 
for the Company and shareholders, while at the same time 
ensuring Woodside retains key talent. The Company’s executive 
incentive arrangements are designed to ensure ongoing 
alignment with Woodside’s strategic direction and values. 

The key terms of the executive incentive arrangements are:

ƒƒ a short-term award (STA) delivered two-thirds as cash and 
one-third as deferred equity subject to a three year service 
condition; and

ƒƒ a long-term award (LTA), the vesting of which is linked to 

service and relative total shareholder return:

Ĉ tested over a minimum 4-year performance period; 

Ĉ one-third (33%) tested against a peer group of top 50 ASX-

listed companies; and

Ĉ two-thirds (67%) tested against a peer group of 17 oil and 

gas companies. 

Table 2 shows the key financial measures of company 
performance over the past five years.

Outcomes
The key remuneration outcomes for Woodside executives in 
2014 were as follows:

ƒƒ The value of the STA corporate scorecard for 2014 was  

1.8 out of a maximum possible result of 2.  
For more detail go to  67 .

Table 1 – Woodside’s KMP during 2014

Executive directors
P Coleman (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer) (CEO)
R Cole (Executive Director and Executive Vice President, Corporate and Commercial)
(ceased to be an executive director and KMP on 26 November 2014) 
Senior executives
R Edwardes (Executive Vice President Development)
S Gregory (Senior Vice President Sustainability & Technology)
P Loader (Executive Vice President Global Exploration)  
G Roder (Executive Vice President Business Development & Growth)
L Tremaine (Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)
M Utsler (Chief Operations Officer) 

Non-executive directors
M A Chaney (Chairman)

M A Cilento

F Cooper

C M Haynes

A Jamieson

D I McEvoy

S Ryan

G Tilbrook

Table 2 – Woodside five-year performance

Year ended 31 December

Net Profit After Tax 

Earnings Per Share1
Dividends Per Share 
Production

Share closing price (last 
trading day of the year)

(US$ million)

(US cents)
(US cents)
(MMboe)

(A$) 

2014

2,414

293
255
95.1

38.01

2013

1,749

213
249
87.0

38.90

2012

2,983

366
130
84.9

33.88

2011

1,507

190
110
64.6

30.62

20103

1,575

204
105
72.7

42.56

Relative TSR2

(1 year)

1st Quartile

4th Quartile

2nd Quartile

4th Quartile

4th Quartile

1. Basic and diluted earnings per share from total operations.
2. As discussed under the STA component of EIP on 67. 
3. Amounts were translated to US dollars using monthly average exchange rates. The share closing price (last trading day) for 2009 was $47.20.

64

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnƒƒ The STA pool for 2014 was A$28,960,223 for 89 participants 

Executive remuneration

including the executive KMP and the CEO.  
Refer to  67 .

Remuneration Policy

ƒƒ Time-tested Variable Pay Rights (VPRs) that were allocated in 
2011 as deferred STA in respect of the 2010 performance year 
vested during 2014.

ƒƒ The LTA allocated in 2010 was subject to performance testing 
during 2014 and failed to reach the vesting hurdle. As such, 
this award will be subject to a second performance test in 
2015.

ƒƒ The LTA allocated in 2009 was subject to a second test in 
2014 and failed to reach the vesting hurdle and lapsed.

ƒƒ Awards of Equity Rights (ERs) were made under the 

Woodside Equity Plan (WEP) in October 2014 and the first 
vesting under the WEP took place on 30 November 2014.  
The CEO did not receive awards under this plan.  
For more detail go to  69 .

Woodside’s Remuneration Policy aims to reward executives 
fairly and responsibly in accordance with the regional (and 
in some instances, international) market and ensure that 
Woodside:

ƒƒ provides competitive rewards that attract, retain and motivate 

executives of the highest calibre;

ƒƒ sets demanding levels of performance which are clearly linked 

to an executive’s remuneration;

ƒƒ structures remuneration at a level that reflects the executive’s 

duties and accountabilities;

ƒƒ benchmarks remuneration against appropriate comparator 

groups;

ƒƒ aligns executive incentive rewards with the creation of value 

for shareholders; and

ƒƒ Awards of ERs were made under the Supplementary 

ƒƒ complies with applicable legal requirements and appropriate 

Woodside Equity Plan (SWEP) in October 2014. The CEO  
did not receive awards under this plan.  
For more detail go to  69 .

2013 Remuneration Report

Woodside’s Remuneration Report for 2013 was adopted at 
the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 30 April 2014 with a 
clear majority of 469,090,547 votes in favour of the motion 
(representing 95.19% of the votes received).

standards of governance.

Executive remuneration is reviewed annually having regard to 
individual and business performance and relevant comparative 
information.

Executive remuneration structure

Woodside’s remuneration structure for executives, including 
executive KMP, has several components, which are explained in 
the table below:

Table 3 – Summary of executive remuneration structure

Component

How is it determined?

When is it paid?

Fixed remuneration Fixed remuneration is determined on the basis of the 

Regularly throughout the year

 STA

Variable 
Annual 
Reward 
(VAR)

LTA

scope of the executive’s role and their individual level of 
knowledge, skill and experience.

STA payments are based on performance against a 
corporate scorecard and individual performance against 
KPIs. 

The corporate scorecard is based on relative total 
shareholder return (RTSR), production, safety and  
delivery against business plan commitments. 

Individual KPIs vary but can include measures relating 
to health and safety, environment, human resources, 
financial and operational measures.

Vesting of LTA is subject to achievement of RTSR  
targets, with 33% measured against the ASX 50 and  
the remaining 67% tested against an international  
group of oil and gas companies.

LTA is granted in the form of Variable Pay Rights (VPRs).

Other equity plans Executives may receive awards under other equity plans 

for various reasons including to:

ƒƒ provide executives with the opportunity to 

participate in ownership of shares;

ƒƒ support a competitive base remuneration position 

having regard to internal and external relativities; and

ƒƒ retain key talent.

Generally, awards are calculated with reference to 
salary and performance as assessed under Woodside’s 
performance review process.

Subject to performance, two-thirds is paid in cash in 
March of the following year. 

The remaining third is delivered as a deferred equity 
award of Restricted Shares that vests after three 
years’ further continuous service.

Subject to performance, LTA may vest after a four  
year performance period. 

If the LTA does not vest it will be re-tested on the fifth 
anniversary, but will only vest if RTSR exceeds the 
ranking achieved in the prior year and is at or above the 
median of the relevant comparator group. 

Awards under the Woodside Equity Plan (WEP) and 
Supplementary Woodside Equity Plan (SWEP) are 
subject to a three year vesting period. 

65

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEProportion of remuneration at risk

Executive Incentive Plan (EIP)

The Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) is used to deliver Short Term 
Awards and Long Term Awards to executives, other than the 
CEO. The CEO’s individual arrangements are described on  68 . 

The EIP aims to reward executives for meeting or exceeding 
their individual performance targets, while at the same time 
linking their reward to the creation of long-term sustainable 
wealth for shareholders.

Table 5 illustrates how EIP awards will be determined for the 
2014 Performance Year, as well as their lifecycle in future years. 
A more detailed explanation of each component is provided later 
in this report on  67  to  69  .

The target allocation of remuneration between fixed 
remuneration and VAR for Woodside’s executives is shown in 
Table 4. The actual percentages received will vary from year to 
year for each executive depending on performance outcomes. 
Participation in other equity plans is not taken into account for 
the calculation of the percentages shown in the table.

Table 4 – Allocation of executive remuneration 
between fixed and Variable Annual Reward

Position

CEO

Not at risk

Fixed Annual 
Reward

At risk

Variable Annual  
Reward

%

30

STA

%

30

LTA

%

40

Executive KMP

45–50

30–33

20–22

Table 5 – Overview of the EIP awards

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Performance Year 

Executives must be 
employed for at least part of 
the Performance Year and 
achieve at least an acceptable 
level of performance in 
their individual performance 
assessment to be eligible for 
an EIP award

Eligible executives receive 
a Variable Annual Reward 
(VAR) under the EIP

VAR for a Performance Year 
is calculated as a percentage 
of fixed remuneration, which 
is determined by the Board 
taking into account relevant 
data on levels of variable 
reward being offered in the 
market

VAR consists of:

60% STA 

Determined in accordance 
with the STA pooling and 
performance assessment 
process. Two thirds of the 
STA is paid in early 2015 as 
cash, while the other third is 
awarded as Restricted Shares

40% LTA 

Awarded as Variable Pay 
Rights (VPRs)

66

at risk

Restricted Shares

Subject to a three-year 
deferral period ending in 
2018

at risk

VPRs 

Subject to RTSR 
performance over 
a four-year period 
ending in 2019

VPRs that do not 
vest after the four-
year period may 
vest after a five-year 
period, subject to 
RTSR performance

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnShort-term award (STA)

Individual KPIs for 2014 STAs

Key features of STA

Who participates? Executives, including all executive KMP, 
other than the CEO, participate in the EIP. The CEO has 
similar arrangements under his contract.

What are the performance conditions? STA outcomes are 
determined based on performance against the corporate 
scorecard and performance against individual KPIs.

How is performance assessed? The Board assesses 
performance against the corporate scorecard. For executive 
KMP, individual performance assessments are conducted by 
the CEO against their agreed KPIs and demonstrated values 
and behaviour, and are approved by the Committee. 

How is it delivered? Two-thirds is paid in cash and one-
third is awarded as Restricted Shares subject to a three 
year deferral period. The number of Restricted Shares is 
calculated by dividing the deferred STA value by the Pricing 
Date Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP). 
What were the outcomes in 2014? The value of the STA 
corporate scorecard for 2014 was 1.8 out of a maximum 
possible result of two. 

The STA pool for 2014 was A$28,960,223 for 89 participants 
including the executive KMP. 

Time-tested Variable Pay Rights (VPRs) that were allocated 
in 2011 as deferred STA in respect of the 2010 performance 
year vested during 2014.

Table 6 – How STAs are determined

At the start of the year, 
KPIs for each executive 
are set out in an individual 
performance agreement

Following the end of 
the year, individual 
performance is assessed 
against KPIs

STA is determined for each executive 
where individual performance is 
acceptable

Executives are sorted into ‘pool groups’ to 
ensure a fair allocation of STA

Each pool is adjusted by a multiple of zero 
to two, based on corporate scorecard 
performance

Each executive is allocated a proportion 
of the relevant pool, based on individual 
performance relative to other executives in 
the same pool

STA is delivered two thirds in cash and one 
third in Restricted Shares, with a three-year 
deferral period

No STA is awarded 
to individuals 
whose performance 
is assessed as 
unacceptable

A range of individual key performance indicators (KPIs) were 
adopted for 2014 reflecting the varied responsibilities of 
executives who participate in the STA. KPIs are chosen to align 
individual performance with the achievement of Woodside’s 
business plan and objectives. Examples of KPIs adopted for 
2014 include the following:

ƒƒ  health and safety (e.g. total recordable case frequency, high 

potential incident frequency);

ƒƒ environment (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, flared gas);

ƒƒ human resources (e.g. voluntary turnover);

ƒƒ financial (e.g. revenue, operating costs, earnings before 
interest and tax, return on average capital employed, 
production costs, drilling costs); and

ƒƒ operational (e.g. production volumes, project progress).

Corporate scorecard measures and outcomes for  
2014 STAs

Company performance is assessed against a corporate 
scorecard of key measures that align with Woodside’s overall 
business performance.

At the start of 2014, the Board adjusted Woodside’s corporate 
scorecard to provide a more balanced assessment of 
performance. The 2014 scorecard is based on four equally 
weighted measures:  

ƒƒ Relative total shareholder return (RTSR): Indicator of overall 
company performance relative to the performance of 17 oil 
and gas peer companies (seeTable 14 on  73 ) and the ASX 50. 

ƒƒ Production: Underpins the company’s revenue and profit. 

ƒƒ Safety: A strong safety performance is required to maintain 
a licence to operate and retain the company’s position as a 
partner and employer of choice. 

ƒƒ Delivery against business plan commitments: This 

measures the company’s delivery of commitments made to 
market and progress towards securing future growth. 

The measures for the scorecard were chosen because of the 
impact they have on shareholder value. 

For the 2014 Performance Year, the Board determined  
a scorecard outcome of 1.8 out of a maximum of two.  
In summary, for 2014:

ƒƒ Woodside achieved an RTSR result of third position against  
the peer companies and 31st position against the ASX 50.

ƒƒ Annual  production of 95.1 million barrels of oil equivalent was 
achieved - this was substantially above the range set in the 
scorecard (of 84 to 93 MMboe);

ƒƒ Woodside achieved its lowest ever recordable injury rate 
(TRIR) of 1.90, well below the KPI range (of 3.2 to 2.8 per 
million man hours). Two Tier 1 and Tier 2 process safety 
event’s (PSEs) occurred in the year. 

ƒƒ Woodside has delivered strong operational and financial 

performance and has exceeded the majority of 2014 business 
plan commitments. In particular, production, asset utilisation, 
opex and flaring are all ahead of targets. Portfolio balance 
has improved through increased acreage. The performance 
excellence improvement effort across the company has 
delivered total benefits of over US$560 million.

This performance outcome resulted in a total available STA of 
A$28,960,223 across all pools.

Deferral of STAs

The STA for a Performance Year is delivered two-thirds in cash, 
and one-third is made as an award of Restricted Shares subject 
to a three year deferral period. 

67

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEGenerally, vesting of the deferred STA is subject to the 
executive’s employment not being terminated with cause, or 
by resignation, for three years after allocation. The deferred 
STA may vest prior to the expiry of the three years upon a 
change of control event, or on the death or total and permanent 
disablement of the executive. Deferred STA will also generally 
vest upon redundancy, retirement or the cessation of a fixed 
term employment contract with effect from a date determined 
by the Board. There are no further performance conditions for 
vesting of deferred STA.

A summary of the terms of unvested deferred STA awarded to 
KMP is provided in Table 16 on  74 . Details of Restricted Shares 
awarded to KMP are provided in Table 18 on  74 . 

Long-term award (LTA)

Key features of LTA

Who participates? Executives, including executive KMP 
other than the CEO, participate in the EIP. The CEO has similar 
arrangements under his contract.

What are the performance conditions? Vesting of 33% of 
the LTA is subject to relative total shareholder return (RTSR) 
performance against the ASX 50. Vesting of the remaining 
67% is subject to RTSR performance against an international 
group of oil and gas companies.

What is the performance period? Performance is initially 
tested over a four year performance period.

How is performance assessed? RTSR performance is 
calculated by an external adviser. 

What were the outcomes in 2014? The LTA allocated in 2011 
was subject to performance testing during 2014 and failed to 
reach the vesting hurdle. As such, this award will be subject to 
a second performance test in 2015. The LTA allocated in 2010 
was subject to a second test in 2014 and failed to reach the 
vesting hurdle and lapsed. 

LTA – valuation

LTA for the 2014 Performance Year is granted in the form of 
VPRs. The number of VPRs awarded is calculated by dividing 
the value of the executive’s LTA by the fair value of a VPR 
(as calculated in accordance with the relevant accounting 
standards). 

This valuation methodology is used because it takes into account 
factors such as non-payment of dividends, share price volatility 
and the possibility that the VPRs may not ultimately vest, and so 
better reflects the true value of a VPR at the time of grant. 

LTA performance hurdles 

Once the number of VPRs is determined, the VPRs are divided 
into two portions with each portion subject to a separate RTSR 
performance hurdle tested over an initial four year period. 

For the 2014 Performance Year, one-third (33%) of the VPRs 
will be tested against a comparator group that comprises the 
entities within the ASX 50 index at 1 December 2014. The 
remaining two-thirds (67%) of the VPRs will be tested against 
an international group of oil and gas companies. The oil and 
gas companies used for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Performance 
Years are set out in Table 14 on  73 . This international peer group 
was chosen as Woodside competes globally for resources, 
market and people; operating in an international commodity 
business. 

68

How LTAs align with strategy

The LTA has been designed to align with our company strategy 
through carefully chosen peer groups that include both 
competitors for investor funds, and domestic and overseas oil 
and gas players. RTSR was chosen as the LTA performance 
measure in order to ensure that Woodside’s executives’ 
remuneration is aligned with the company’s performance in 
relation to the performance of the two peer groups. The Board 
believes that this parameter best reflects creation of shareholder 
wealth and is both transparent and widely understood. 

The LTA performance period is initially tested after four years 
as Woodside operates in a capital intensive industry with 
investment timelines averaging five to ten years. This makes 
it imperative that executives take decisions that are in the long 
term interest of shareholders focused on value creation taking 
into account the commodity price cycles of the oil and gas 
industry. 

Measurement of LTAs

The total shareholder return in respect of Woodside and both 
peer groups is calculated by an external adviser in accordance 
with the EIP rules on the fourth anniversary of the allocation of 
these VPRs. The outcome of the test is measured against the 
schedule below:

Table 7 – Vesting schedule for VPRs1
Woodside RTSR percentile position  
within peer group
Less than 50th percentile
Equal to 50th percentile
Equal to or greater than 75th percentile

Vesting VPRs

no vesting
50% vest
100% vest

Vesting between these percentile points is on a pro rata basis.

1. Schedule used for RTSR tested VPRs awarded for 2012 – 2014 Performance Years.

Any VPRs which do not vest at this time are subject to a second 
RTSR test on the fifth anniversary of the allocation date, but 
further vesting in accordance with the schedule will only occur if 
Woodside achieves a superior RTSR ranking at the second test 
date compared to that achieved on the first test date and equals 
or exceeds the 50th percentile threshold. Any VPRs that do not 
vest on the fifth anniversary lapse.

LTA – other terms 

VPRs lapse if the executive’s employment is terminated with 
cause, or by resignation, prior to vesting.

VPRs may vest prior to the satisfaction of the vesting conditions 
upon a change of control event, or on the death or total 
and permanent disablement of the executive. In the event 
of redundancy, retirement or the cessation of a fixed term 
employment contract of a participant, VPRs continue in the plan 
and remain subject to the normal performance measures.

A summary of the terms and conditions of unvested VPRs under 
each award made to executives under the EIP is provided in 
Table 15 on  73 . A summary of executive KMP interests in VPRs 
is provided in Table 19 on  75 .

CEO remuneration

Mr Coleman’s remuneration is governed by his contract of 
employment which, in summary, for 2014 is comprised of:

ƒƒ 30% fixed remuneration;

ƒƒ 30% STA component; and

ƒƒ 40% LTA component.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnSTA

The grant of an STA to the CEO is determined based on the 
scorecard and individual performance as determined by the 
Board. The scorecard and performance against the scorecard 
measures is described on  67  of this report under the section 
titled ‘Corporate scorecard measures and outcomes for 2014 
STAs’.

Each year the Board determines and documents the factors 
which will be used to assess the annual individual performance 
of the CEO. The individual performance of the CEO is reviewed 
by the Board against the following factors which were chosen 
because of their impact on shareholder value:

ƒƒ setting and pursuing the growth agenda;

ƒƒ achieving effective execution;

ƒƒ building enterprise and organisational capacity;

ƒƒ enhancing culture and reputation; and

ƒƒ ensuring shareholder focus.

At the completion of the Performance Year each non-executive 
director contributes to the documented review of the CEO’s 
performance for that year. This is used to determine the CEO’s 
individual performance factor for the Performance Year.

The STA for the CEO is calculated by multiplying the CEO’s fixed 
remuneration by the scorecard multiple and the CEO’s individual 
performance factor. Restricted Shares have the same terms and 
conditions as those awarded to other executives as described 
on  67 .

LTA

The LTA entitlement for the 2014 Performance Year will be 
allocated in February 2015 and will be subject to RTSR testing 
for the first time in February 2019. The vesting conditions for 
the LTA allocation reflect those outlined on  68  and summarised 
in Table 15 on  73  in respect of the 2014 LTA allocation for other 
executives. 

A summary of the CEO’s equity awards is provided in Tables 17 
to 19 on pages  74  to  75 .

Sign-on bonus

In the year when he commenced as CEO, Mr Coleman was 
awarded a one-off sign-on incentive with a grant date of 30 May 
2011 to recognise certain rights he was giving up with his former 
employer. Woodside acquired 66,004 Woodside shares on trust 
for Mr Coleman. The sign-on award was structured such that 
one-third of these shares vested on each anniversary after the 
date of his appointment. In accordance with the award rules, the 
final tranche of one-third of the shares vested on 30 May 2014 
being the third anniversary of Mr Coleman’s employment. 

This was the final vesting of entitlements under this award. 

Other Equity Plans

Woodside Equity Plan (WEP) 

Woodside has a history of providing employees with the 
opportunity to participate in ownership of shares in the 
company. This has supported staff retention and alignment of 
employees with shareholder interests. As part of the strategy 
to attract, retain and motivate employees, the Board approved 
the introduction from November 2011 of a broad-based, long-
term equity plan called the WEP to recognise and reward the 
commitment of eligible employees.

The WEP is available to all Australian based permanent 
employees including executives, other than the CEO and any 
other Executive Director. 

Woodside’s intention is to enable eligible employees to build up 
a holding of equity in the Company as they progress through 
their career at Woodside.

The number of Equity Rights (ERs) offered to each eligible 
employee is calculated with reference to salary and performance 
as assessed under the performance review process as 
described for STA at  67 . There are no further ongoing 
performance conditions upon allocation of each individual’s ERs. 
The linking of performance to an allocation allows Woodside to 
recognise and reward eligible employees for high performance. 

Each ER entitles the participant to receive a Woodside share on 
the vesting date three years after the effective grant date.

The first vesting under the WEP took place on  
30 November 2014. 

Table 20 on  75  provides a summary of executive KMP interests 
in ERs under the WEP. 

Supplementary Woodside Equity Plan (SWEP)

In October 2011, the Board approved a remuneration strategy 
which includes the use of equity to support a competitive base 
remuneration position. To this end, the Board approved the 
establishment of the Supplementary Woodside Equity Plan 
(SWEP) to enable the offering of targeted retention awards of 
ERs for key capability. The SWEP was designed to be offered 
to a small number of employees identified as being retention 
critical. The SWEP awards have service conditions and no 
performance conditions. 

Consistent with this strategy, the Board approved an award of 
ERs under the SWEP for four of the executive KMP, in order to 
address imbalances in external and internal relativities. 

This is the first time awards have been issued under the SWEP 
since the Board approved the plan in October 2011. 

Each ER entitles the participant to receive a Woodside share  
on the vesting date three years after the effective grant date of  
1 October 2014. 

Table 21 on  76  provides a summary of executive KMP’s 
interests in ERs under the SWEP. 

ERs under both the WEP and the SWEP may vest prior to the 
vesting date on a change of control or on a pro rata basis, at the 
discretion of the CEO, limited to the following circumstances; 
redundancy, retirement (after six months’ participation), 
death, termination due to medical illness or incapacity or total 
and permanent disablement of a participating employee. An 
employee whose employment is terminated by resignation or 
for cause prior to the vesting date will forfeit all of their ERs.

Legacy plans – STAs and LTAs 2009 to 2011

The deferred portion of STA for the Performance Years from 
2009 to 2011 inclusive was delivered in the form of time-
tested VPRs. Details of time-tested VPRs awarded for previous 
performance periods are provided in Table 17 on  74 .

The LTA for the Performance Years from 2009 to 2011 inclusive 
was granted in the form of VPRs, the vesting of which is linked 
to service and relative total shareholder return. Performance is 
initially tested over a three year performance period.

Peer groups for all VPRs tested against an RTSR hurdle are set 
out in Tables 13 and 14 on  73 . 

Securities Dealing Policy 
Woodside’s Securities Dealing Policy prohibits executives 
who participate in an equity-based plan from hedging any of 
their unvested Woodside securities, including VPRs, ERs and 
Restricted Shares. 

69

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEDirectors proposing to enter into arrangements to limit the 
economic risk of a vested holding in Woodside securities 
must obtain the approval of the Chairman (or, where the 
notifying director is the Chairman, the CEO) prior to entering 
into the arrangement and immediately provide details of the 
arrangements entered into. 

Executives who report directly to the CEO and the Company 
Secretaries must submit a completed compliance certificate in 
respect of arrangements to limit the economic risk of a vested 
holding in Woodside securities to their direct manager and then 
to the General Counsel for acknowledgement. 

Adherence to this policy by executives is monitored by six 
monthly directors’ questionnaires to management. Further 
information on Woodside’s Securities Dealing Policy is provided 
in section 5.2 of the Corporate Governance Statement on  56 . 

In addition to the restrictions imposed under the Securities 
Dealing Policy, KMP are prohibited by law from hedging any of 
their unvested entitlements or any of their vested entitlements 
that remain subject to a holding lock.

Contracts for executive KMP

All KMP have a contract of employment. Table 8 below contains 
a summary of the key contractual provisions of the contracts of 
employment for the executive KMP.

Related Party Transactions
During the year, as part of the CEO’s relocation costs, 
A$200,000 was paid in connection with transfer duty in 
Western Australia.

Non-executive directors (NEDs)

Key features of NEDs remuneration

What remuneration do NEDs receive? NEDs receive 
Board and Committee fees, which are inclusive of statutory 
superannuation (or payments in lieu for overseas based NEDs). 

Does the Chairman receive higher fees? The Chairman 
receives a higher Board fee than other NEDs, but does not 
receive extra fees for Committee work. Committee Chairs 
receive higher base Committee fees than other Committee 
members.

Do NEDs receive performance-based remuneration or 
retirement benefits? No.

Were there any changes in 2014? Following peer analysis 
and independent advice, the Board determined that there 
would be a 3% increase to fees for NEDs and a 6.5% increase 
to the Chairman’s fees in 2014. These increases have been 
accommodated within the aggregate fee limit of A$3.75 million 
approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM. 

Remuneration Policy

Woodside’s Remuneration Policy for NEDs aims to attract, 
retain, motivate and to remunerate fairly and responsibly  
having regard to: 

ƒƒ the level of fees paid to NEDs relative to other major 

Australian companies;

ƒƒ the size and complexity of Woodside’s operations; and

ƒƒ the responsibilities and work requirements of Board 

members.

Fees paid to NEDs are recommended by the Human Resources 
& Compensation Committee (Committee) based on advice 
from external remuneration consultants, and determined by 
the Board, subject to an aggregate limit of A$3.75 million per 
financial year, which was approved by shareholders at the  
2014 AGM. 

During the year, the Board sought independent advice regarding 
director fee levels among peer companies. Having regard 
to the information and recommendations received from its 
independent remuneration consultant, and based on comparison 
to peers, the Board determined that there would be a 3% 
increase to fees for NEDs and a 6.5% increase to the Chairman’s 
fees in 2014. These increases have been accommodated within 
the aggregate fee limit approved by shareholders. 

Table 8 – Summary of contractual provisions for executive KMP

Name

P Coleman
R Cole3

R Edwardes

S Gregory 

P Loader

G Roder

L Tremaine

M Utsler 

Employing company

Woodside Petroleum Ltd

Woodside Energy Ltd

Contract duration

Unlimited

Unlimited

Woodside Energy Ltd

Fixed Term Contract until 31 December 2016

Woodside Energy Ltd

Woodside Energy Ltd

Unlimited

Fixed Term Contract until 1 July 2018

Woodside Energy Ltd

Fixed Term Contract until 31 August 2017

Woodside Energy Ltd

Woodside Energy Ltd

Unlimited
Fixed Term Contract until 2 December 2018

Termination notice  
period company1,2

Termination notice  
period executive

12 months

12 months

6 months

12 months

6 months

6 months

12 months
6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

3 months

1. Termination provisions – Woodside may choose to terminate the contract immediately by making a payment in lieu of notice equal to the fixed remuneration the executive would have received 

during the ‘Company Notice Period’. In the event of termination for serious misconduct or other nominated circumstances, executives are not entitled to this termination payment. Any 
payments made in the event of a company-initiated termination of an executive contract will be consistent with the Corporations Act 2001.

2. On termination of employment, executives will be entitled to the payment of any fixed remuneration calculated up to the termination date, any leave entitlement accrued at the termination 

date and any payment or award permitted under the EIP Rules. Executives are restrained from certain activities for specified periods after termination of their employment in order to protect 
Woodside’s interests. 

3. Mr Cole departed Woodside on 5 December 2014.

70

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnThe Woodside shareholding guideline for NEDs requires NEDs 
to hold a minimum holding of 2,000 Woodside shares and NEDs 
who have less than the minimum holding are required to direct 
25% of net (after tax) fees to the purchase of Woodside shares 
until the minimum holding requirement is satisfied. The NEDs 
may utilise the Non-Executive Directors’ Share Plan (NEDSP) to 
acquire the shares on market at market value. As the shares are 
acquired with net fees the shares in the NEDSP are not subject 
to any forfeiture conditions.

NED remuneration structure

NEDs remuneration consists of base Board fees and committee 
fees, including statutory superannuation contributions or 
payments in lieu (currently 9.5%). Other payments may be 
made for additional services outside the scope of Board and 
committee duties. NEDs do not earn retirement benefits 
other than superannuation and are not entitled to any form of 
performance-linked remuneration. 

Table 9 below shows the annual base Board and committee 
fees for NEDs.

In addition to these fees, NEDs are entitled to reimbursement of 
reasonable travel, accommodation and other expenses incurred 
attending meetings of the Board, committees or shareholders, 
or while engaged on Woodside business. NEDs are not entitled 
to compensation on termination of their directorships.

Human Resources & Compensation Committee

The Committee assists the Board to determine appropriate 
remuneration policies and structures for NEDs and executives. 
Further information on the role of the Committee is described in 
section 3.4 of the Corporate Governance Statement set out in 
this Annual Report on  53 . 

Use of remuneration consultants

The Committee directly engages independent external advisers 
to provide input to the process of reviewing NED and executive 
remuneration. The Committee receives executive remuneration 
recommendations directly from external independent 
remuneration consultants. Table 10 shows the fees payable to 
independent external remuneration consultants during 2014.

Under communications and engagement protocols 
adopted by the Company, the market data reports and the 
recommendations were provided directly to the Committee 
chairman, and the consultants provided a statement to the 
Committee that the reports and recommendations had been 
prepared free of undue influence from KMP. The Committee  
had full oversight of the review process and therefore it, and  
the Board, were satisfied that the recommendations made by 
Egan Associates were free from undue influence by KMP. 

Table 10 – Fees paid to remuneration consultants

Board fees are not paid to the CEO or other Executive Directors, 
as the time spent on Board work and the responsibilities 
of Board membership are considered in determining the 
remuneration package provided as part of the normal 
employment conditions.

Remuneration 
consultant

Egan Associates

The total remuneration paid to, or in respect of, each NED in 
2014 is set out in Table 22 on  76 .

Egan Associates

Services provided

Fees

Market data and remuneration 
recommendations  
(NED fees)
Market data and remuneration 
recommendations  
(2015 CEO remuneration)

A$25,410

A$27,720

Table 9 – Annual base Board and committee fees for NEDs

Position

Chairman of the Board1
Non-executive directors2

Committee Chairman

Committee Member

Board
$A
723,3003
212,7003

1. Inclusive of committee work.
2. Board fees paid to non-executive directors, other than the Chairman.
3. Annual fee from 1 July 2014.

Audit & Risk 
Committee
$A

Human Resources 
& Compensation 
Committee
$A

Sustainability  
Committee
$A

Nominations 
Committee
$A

56,0003
27,9003

47,4003
23,7003

47,4003
23,7003

Nil

Nil

Reporting notes

Reporting in United States dollars

In this report, the remuneration and benefits reported have  
been presented in US dollars, unless otherwise stated.  
This is consistent with the change in functional currency of  
the company from Australian dollars to US dollars from  
1 January 2010. 

Compensation for Australian-based employees is paid in 
Australian dollars and, for reporting purposes, converted to  
US dollars based on the applicable exchange rate at the date of 
payment. Valuation of equity awards is converted at the spot 
rate applying when the equity award is granted.

71

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCETable 11 – Compensation of executive KMP for the year ended 31 December 2014 and 2013

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the components of remuneration for each of the executive KMP, calculated  
in accordance with accounting standards.

Fixed Annual Reward

Variable Annual Reward

Short Term

Post 
employment

Short Term

Share based 
payments

s
e
e
f
,
s
e
i
r
a
l
a
S

s
e
c
n
a
w
o

l
l
a
&

&
s
t
fi
e
n
e
B

c
n
i
(
s
e
c
n
a
w
o

l
l
a

1
)
y
r
a
t
e
n
o
m
-
n
o
n

y
n
a
p
m
o
C

o
t
s
n
o
i
t
u
b
i
r
t
n
o
c

n
o
i
t
a
u
n
n
a
r
e
p
u
s

$

$

$

m
r
e
t
-
t
r
o
h
S

2
)
h
s
a
c
(
d
r
a
w
a

$

3
s
n
a
l
P
e
r
a
h
S

$

2,174,957

146,653

16,479

2,950,283

3,092,961

2,227,583 

194,687 

16,516 

1,456,904 

2,579,669 

883,779

807,319

57,569

71,936

479,811

23,836

16,479

16,516

16,479

632,382

334,964

371,151

368,746

338,304

277,773

213,922

16,551

7,949

179,149

161,602

743,085

36,085

484,543

204,099

402,476

24,369

921

101,260

24,028

808,791

10,414

38,224

568,012

346,443

e
c
i
v
r
e
s
g
n
o
L

e
v
a
e
l

$

76,423

75,147

25,762

25,602

31,428

80,014

17,290

9,432

22,710

797,230

10,845

75,722

336,625

173,707

22,637

681,326

52,779

20,555

676,415

556,717

23,838

720,197

35,137

10,996

310,731

363,868

68,804

n
o
i
t
a
n
m
r
e
T

i

s
t
fi
e
n
e
b

$

l
a
t
o
T

n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r

$

8,457,756

6,550,506

1,950,935

1,661,270

1,167,631

659,187

1,485,102

562,486

1,794,594

1,416,766

2,011,630

1,509,733

2,155,419

164,515

e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P

d
e
t
a
l
e
r

%

71

62 

50

45

53

52

46

22

51

36

61

45

47

14

1,072,898

34,639

130,274

2,069

758,898

24,729

7,232

26,193

795,782

227,228

21,967

966

24,872

2,007

(859,846)

(107,112)

519,090

361,952

854,144

40,203

17,362

375,466

441,858

54,793

1,783,826

46

597,749

279,256

765,099

(141,452)

890,113

2,390,765

235,960

37,897

51,840

524,353

(127,990)

436,787

1,158,847

32

45

593,284

35,420

122,308

267,259

1,178,326

(82,019)

923,504

3,038,082

48

Executives

Year

P Coleman,  
Chief Executive Officer4

R Edwardes, Executive Vice 
President Development5

S Gregory, Senior Vice President 
Sustainability and Technology

P Loader, Executive Vice President 
Global Exploration6,7

G Roder,  
Executive Vice President Business 
Development and Growth8

L Tremaine, Executive Vice 
President and Chief Financial 
Officer

M Utsler,  
Chief Operations Officer6,9

R Cole, Executive Director and 
Executive Vice President Corporate 
and Commercial10

F Ahmed, Executive Vice President 
Technology11

P Moore, Executive Vice President 
Exploration12

V Santostefano,  
Chief Operations Officer13

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

1.  Reflects the value of allowances and non- monetary benefits (including travel, health insurance, car parking and any associated fringe benefit tax). 

2.  The amount represents the short-term incentive earned in the respective year, which is actually paid in the following year.

3.  ‘Share plan’ incorporates all equity based plans. In accordance with the requirements of AASB 2 Share-based Payment, the fair value of rights as at their date of grant has been determined 
by applying the Black-Scholes option pricing technique or binomial valuation method combined with a Monte Carlo simulation with the exception of Mr Gregory’s 2009 VPRs which are to 
be settled in cash as a result of his international secondment. The fair value of rights is amortised over the vesting period, such that ‘total remuneration’ includes a portion of the fair value of 
unvested equity compensation during the year. The amount included as remuneration is not related to or indicative of the benefit (if any) that individual executives may ultimately realise should 
these equity instruments vest. 

4.  On Mr Coleman’s commencement, 66,004 Woodside Petroleum Limited shares were acquired and held in trust for Mr Coleman. Details were provided under the heading sign-on bonus in 

the 2011 Remuneration Report. The proportionate fair value for the shares is included in the Share-based Payments.

5.  Mr Edwardes’ 2013 share based payment amortisation expense has been accelerated based on his contract end date of 6 May 2015 and his 2014 share based payment amortisation expense 

has been accelerated based on his contract end date of 31 December 2016.

6.  As non-residents for Australian tax purposes Mr Loader and Mr Utsler have elected to receive a cash payment in lieu of all superannuation contributions, in accordance with the 

Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. The cash payment is subject to (PAYG) income tax and paid as part of their normal monthly salary. The amount is included in salaries, 
fees and allowances.

7.  Mr Loader’s 2014 share based payment amortisation expenses have been accelerated based on his contract end date of 1 July 2018.

8.  Mr Roder’s 2013 and 2014 share based payment amortisation expenses have been accelerated based on his contract end date of 31 August 2017.

9.  Mr Utsler’s 2014 share based payment amortisation expense has been accelerated based on his contract end date of 2 December 2018.

10. Mr Cole ceased being KMP on 26 November 2014 and departed Woodside on 5 December 2014. Mr Cole’s Long Service Leave has been adjusted in accordance with the Accounting 
Standards to reflect his departure. As required by the Accounting Standards, the figure reported as ‘termination benefits’ for Mr Cole includes the value of accrued statutory leave 
entitlements. These are not termination benefits for the purposes of the statutory cap on termination benefits. The ‘termination benefits’ figure also includes payment in lieu of notice.

11. On 31 July 2013, Mr Ahmed departed Woodside. Mr Ahmed’s Long Service Leave has been adjusted in accordance with the Accounting Standards to reflect his departure. As required by 
the Accounting Standards, the figure reported as ‘termination benefits’ for Mr Ahmed includes the value of accrued statutory leave entitlements. These are not termination benefits for the 
purposes of the statutory cap on termination benefits. The ‘termination benefits’ figure also includes the accelerated costs of a payment in lieu of 11 months’ notice.

12. On 1 August 2013, Mr Moore departed Woodside. Mr Moore’s Long Service Leave has been adjusted in accordance with the Accounting Standards to reflect his departure. As required by 
the Accounting Standards, the figure reported as ‘termination benefits’ for Mr Moore includes the value of accrued statutory leave entitlements. These are not termination benefits for the 
purposes of the statutory cap on termination benefits. The ‘termination benefits’ figure also includes the accelerated costs of a payment in lieu of nine months’ notice.

13. Mr Santostefano ceased being KMP on 30 November 2013 and departed Woodside on 30 June 2014. Mr Santostefano’s Long Service Leave has been adjusted in accordance with the 

Accounting Standards to reflect his departure. As required by the Accounting Standards, the figure reported as ‘termination benefits’ for Mr Santostefano includes salary due in 2014 through 
to when Mr Santostefano ceased employment in June and the value of accrued statutory leave entitlements. These are not termination benefits for the purposes of the statutory cap on 
termination benefits. The ‘termination benefits’ figure also includes the accelerated costs of a payment in lieu of four months’ notice.

72

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 12 – Vesting schedule for RTSR-tested VPRs 
awarded for the Performance Years 2009 to 2011

Table 13 – LTA Peer Group for Performance Years  
2009 to 2011

The table below sets out the relative TSR rankings that are 
required for vesting of the VPRs that were granted in respect of 
the 2009 to 2011 Performance Years.

Woodside RTSR percentile 
position within Peer Group
Less than 50th percentile
Equal to 50th percentile
Equal to 75th percentile

Equal to 100th percentile

Vesting of RTSR-tested VPRs

no vesting
50% vest
100% vest
150% vest (i.e. 50% uplift for 
topping LTA Peer Group)

Vesting between these percentile points is on a pro rata basis. While a VPR generally only 
confers an entitlement to a single share on vesting (or its cash value), when greater than 
100% vesting is achieved additional shares are allocated in respect of each RTSR-tested 
VPR to achieve the necessary uplift.

When testing occurs in relation to awards that are subject to an 
RTSR hurdle (being the LTA for the 2009 to 2011 Performance 
Years and both the STA and LTA for the 2012 to 2014 
Performance Years), Woodside’s total shareholder return will 
be ranked against the total shareholder returns of the relevant 
list of companies set out below. For 2012 to 2014 STA and 
LTA awards, it will also be ranked against the total shareholder 
returns of the ASX 50.

Apache Corporation
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
BG Group PLC
CNOOC Limited
Inpex Corporation
Marathon Oil Company
Murphy Oil Corporation
Pioneer Natural Resources Company
Repsol YPF, S.A.
Santos Ltd
Talisman Energy Inc

Table 14 – STA Peer Group and LTA Peer Group 
Performance Years 2012 to 2014 –  
International Oil and Gas Companies

Apache Corporation
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation
BG Group PLC
ConocoPhillips
ENI S.p.A
Hess Corporation
Inpex Corporation
Marathon Oil Company
Murphy Oil Corporation
Oil Search Limited
Origin Energy Limited
Pioneer Natural Resources Company
Repsol YPF, S.A
Santos Ltd
Statoil ASA
Talisman Energy Inc
Tullow Oil PLC

Table 15 and Table 16 summarise the terms and conditions of the equity instruments granted under the LTA and STA for 
Performance Years 2009 to 2014. 

Table 15 – Summary of LTA terms for Performance Years 2009 to 2014

Terms and conditions

Allocation Date

2014 VPR 
allocation

2013 VPR 
allocation

20 February 
2015

21 February 
2014

Pricing Date

1 January 2014

1 January 2013

2012 VPR 
allocation 

22 February 
2013

7 December 
2012

2011 VPR 
allocation

1 March 2012

2010 VPR 
allocation

25 February 
2011

2009 VPR 
allocation

5 March 2010

31 December 
2011

31 December 
2010

31 December 
2009

Grant Date

1 January 2014

1 January 2013

1 January 2012

1 January 2011

1 January 2010

1 January 2009

Allocation Price1

A$19.51

A$20.00

A$19.65

A$31.93

A$42.78

A$47.86

Vesting Date2

Retesting Date

20 February 
2019

20 February 
20203

21 February 
2018

21 February 
20193

22 February 
2017

22 February 
20183

1 March 2015

1 March 20164

25 February 
2014

25 February 
20154

5 March 2013

5 March 20145

1.  For allocations made for the years prior to 2012, the allocation price was determined by calculating the Volume Weighted Average Price of Woodside shares for the trading days in the month 

of December of the respective Performance Year. For the 2014 Performance Year, the allocation price is the fair value of a variable pay right as at 1 January 2014.

2.  Provision is made for accelerated vesting in certain events such as total and permanent disability, death or a change in control of Woodside.

3.  Any VPRs that do not vest as a result of the first test will be retested over a five-year performance period. 

4.  Retesting is applied to the RTSR-tested VPRs if the RTSR threshold is not achieved at the vesting date.

5.  2009 allocation failed the retest in 2014 and this allocation has now lapsed.

73

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCETable 16 – Summary of deferred STA terms for Performance Years 2010 to 2014 

Terms and conditions

2014 allocation

2013 allocation

2012 allocation

2011 allocation

2010 allocation

Deferral Instrument

Restricted Shares

Restricted Shares

Restricted Shares

Time-tested VPRs

Time-tested VPRs

Allocation Date

20 February 2015

21 February 2014

22 February 2013

1 March 2012

25 February 2011

Pricing Date

Grant Date

Volume Weighted 
Average Price

Vesting Date1

31 December 2014

31 December 2013

31 December 2012

31 December 2011

31 December 2010

1 January 2014

1 January 2013

1 January 2012

1 January 2011

1 January 2010

A$36.09

A$37.90

A$34.09

A$31.93

A$42.78

20 February 2018

21 February 2017

22 February 2016

1 March 2015

25 February 2014

1.  Provision is made for accelerated vesting in certain events such as total and permanent disability, death or a change in control of Woodside.

Table 17 and Table 18 summarise the interests of executive KMP in deferred STA that were granted as VPRs  
(for the 2009 to 2011 Performance Years) and Restricted Shares (for the 2012 to 2014 Performance Years).

Table 17 – Summary of executive KMPs’ interests in Time-tested VPRs1 

Allocation date

Vesting date2

Awarded but 
not vested

Vested in 
2014

% of total 
vested

Lapsed in 
2014

Fair value3 of VPRs by 
Performance Year

Name

P Coleman
R Cole4

March 2012

March 2015

14,791

February 2011

February 2014

March 2012

March 2015

6,301

S Gregory5

L Tremaine

February 2011

February 2014

February 2011

February 2014

March 2012

March 2015

4,470

4,302

661

1,924

100

100

100

6,301 

38.87

38.32

38.87

38.32

38.32

38.87

1.  For valuation purposes all VPRs are treated as if they will be equity settled. The fair value for the cash settled awards is recalculated at the end of every reporting period. 

2.  Vesting date and exercise date are the same. Vesting is subject to a three-year service condition. The minimum total value of the grants for future financial years is nil if relevant vesting 

conditions are not satisfied. An estimate of the maximum possible total value in future financial years is the fair value as shown above multiplied by the number of  
VPRs awarded. 

3.  In accordance with the requirements of AASB 2 Share-based Payment, the fair value of rights as at their date of grant has been determined by applying the Binomial or Black Scholes option 
pricing technique. The fair value of rights is amortised over the vesting period, such that ‘total remuneration’ includes a portion of the fair value of unvested equity compensation during the 
year. The amount included as remuneration is not related to or indicative of the benefit (if any) that individual executives may ultimately realise should these equity instruments vest.

4.  A total of 6,301 Time-tested VPRs were forfeited on Mr Cole’s departure on 5 December 2014.

5.  Mr Gregory did not meet the definition of KMP under AASB 124 for years prior to 2013. Previous years comparative figures are not shown.

Table 18 – Summary of executive KMPs’ interests in Restricted Shares 

Name
P Coleman

Allocation date
February 2013

Vesting date1
February 2016

Awarded but 
not vested
33,720

Vested in 
2014

% of total 
vested

Lapsed in 
2014

Value of Restricted Shares by 
Performance Year
30.98

February 2014

February 2017

February 2015

February 2018

19,924

45,334 

R Cole2

February 2013

February 2016

R Edwardes

February 2013

February 2016

February 2014

February 2017

February 2014

February 2017

February 2015

February 2018

S Gregory3

February 2014

February 2017

February 2015

February 2018

P Loader

February 2014

February 2017

G Roder

February 2013

February 2016

February 2015

February 2018

February 2014

February 2017

February 2015

February 2018

L Tremaine

February 2013

February 2016

February 2014

February 2017

7,882

5,134

4,710

5,075

 9,717 

2,566

 5,198

1,450

 7,445 

3,829

4,603

 8,728

6,933

4,249

February 2015

February 2018

 10,393

M Utsler

February 2014

February 2017

February 2015

February 2018

322

 12,228

 7,882

 5,134

35.18

34.80 

30.98

35.18

30.98

35.18

 34.80

35.18

 34.80

35.18

 34.80

30.98

35.18

 34.80

30.98

35.18

 34.80

35.18

 34.80

1.  Vesting date and exercise date are the same. Vesting is subject to satisfaction of vesting conditions. The minimum total value of the grants for future financial years is nil if relevant vesting 
conditions are not satisfied. An estimate of the maximum possible total value in future financial years is the fair value at grant date multiplied by the number of Restricted Shares awarded.

2.  A total of 13,016 Restricted Shares were forfeited on Mr Cole’s departure on 5 December 2014.

3.  Mr Gregory did not meet the definition of KMP under AASB 124 for years prior to 2013. Previous years comparative figures are not shown.

74

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 19 – Summary of executive KMPs’ interests in RTSR-tested VPRs1 

The following table summarises the interests of executive KMP in RTSR-tested VPRs that were granted as LTA for the 2009 to 2014 
Performance Years.

Name

Allocation date

Final vesting  
date2,3

Awarded but not 
vested

Vested in  
2014

% of total 
vested

Lapsed in  
2014

Fair value4  
of VPRs

P Coleman

March 2012

March 2016

February 2013

February 2018

February 2014

February 2019

February 2015

February 2020

R Cole5

March 2010

March 2014

February 2011

February 2015

March 2012

March 2016

February 2013

February 2018

February 2014

February 2019

R Edwardes

February 2013

February 2018

February 2014

February 2019

February 2015

February 2020

S Gregory6

March 2010

March 2014

February 2014

February 2019

February 2015

February 2020

P Loader

February 2014

February 2019

February 2015

February 2020

G Roder

February 2013

February 2018

L Tremaine

February 2014

February 2019

February 2015

February 2020

March 2010

March 2012

March 2014

March 2016

February 2013

February 2018

February 2014

February 2019

February 2015

February 2020

M Utsler

February 2014

February 2019

February 2015

February 2020

1.  For valuation purposes all VPRs are treated as if they will be equity settled.

51,769

150,665

156,940

 167,316

6,305

7,526

10,661

19,430

20,010

11,923

19,780

 21,078

1,064

10,000

 11,276

7,536

 16,150

5,774

17,940

 18,932

1,641

7,564

14,631

16,560

 18,036

1,676

 21,219

6,305

7,526

10,661

19,430

20,010

1,064

1,641

21.36

15.90

20.77

17.45

14.82

20.02

21.36

15.90

20.77

15.90

20.77

17.45

14.82

20.77

17.45

20.77

17.45

15.90

20.77

17.45

14.82

21.36

15.90

20.77

17.45 

20.77

17.45 

2.  Vesting date and exercise date are the same. Vesting is subject to satisfaction of vesting conditions. The minimum total value of the grants for future financial years is nil if relevant vesting 

conditions are not satisfied. An estimate of the maximum possible total value in future financial years is the fair value at grant date multiplied by the number of VPRs awarded.

3.  Vesting date is 5 March 2014 (re-test date) in respect of March 2010 allocations, 25 February 2014 or 25 February 2015 in respect of February 2011 allocations and 1 March 2015 or 1 March 
2016 in respect of March 2012 allocations. Vesting date is 22 February 2017 or 22 February 2018 in respect of February 2013 allocations, 21 February 2018 or 21 February 2019 in respect of 
February 2014 allocations and 20 February 2019 or 20 February 2020 in respect of the February 2015 allocations.

4.  In accordance with the requirements of AASB 2 Share-based Payment, the fair value of rights as at their date of grant has been determined by applying the Binomial or Black Scholes option 
pricing technique. The fair value of rights is amortised over the vesting period, such that ‘total remuneration’ includes a portion of the fair value of unvested equity compensation during the 
year. The amount included as remuneration is not related to or indicative of the benefit (if any) that individual executives may ultimately realise should these equity instruments vest. 

5.  A total of 57,627 RTSR-tested VPRs were forfeited on Mr Cole’s departure on 5 December 2014.

6.  Mr Gregory did not meet the definition of KMP for the years prior to 2013. Comparative figures are not shown.

Table 20 and Table 21 summarise the interests of executive KMP in Equity Rights granted under the WEP and SWEP, respectively. 

Table 20 – Summary of executive KMPs’ interests in Equity Rights under the WEP

Name
R Cole

Grant date

30 November 2011

S Gregory2

30 November 2011

1 October 2013

1 October 2014

L Tremaine

30 November 2011

1 October 2012

1 October 2013

1 October 2014

Number of  
Equity Rights  
granted

Number of  
Equity Rights which have 
lapsed/forfeited

Number of  
Equity Rights which have 
vested during 2014

Fair value of Equity 
Rights1

1,830

 1,370

3,100

2,300

1,830

2,000

3,100

2,300

1,830

1,370

1,830

30.49

30.49 

30.47

31.26 

30.49

31.99

30.47

31.26

1.  Vesting date and exercise date are the same. Vesting is subject to a three-year service condition. The fair value of Equity Rights as at their date of grant has been determined by reference 
to the share price at acquisition. The fair value of Equity Rights is amortised over the vesting period, such that ‘total remuneration’ includes a portion of the fair value of unvested equity 
compensation during the year. The amount included as remuneration is not related to or indicative of the benefit (if any) that individual executives may ultimately realise should these equity 
instruments vest. The minimum total value in future financial years is nil if relevant vesting conditions are not satisfied. An estimate of the maximum possible total value in future financial 
years is the fair value as shown above multiplied by the number of Equity Rights awarded.

2.  Mr Gregory did not meet the definition of KMP for the years prior to 2013. Comparative figures are not shown.

75

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 21 – Summary of executive KMPs’ interests in Equity Rights under the SWEP

Name
R Cole2

P Loader

L Tremaine

M Utsler

Grant date

1 October 2014

1 October 2014

1 October 2014

1 October 2014

Number of  
Equity Rights  
granted

Number of  
Equity Rights which have 
lapsed/forfeited

Number of  
Equity Rights which have 
vested during 2014

Fair value of Equity 
Rights1

 14,350

14,350

11,960

11,960

14,350

 31.26

 31.26

 31.26

 31.26

1.  Vesting date and exercise date are the same. Vesting is subject to a three-year service condition. The fair value of Equity Rights as at their date of grant has been determined by reference 
to the share price at acquisition. The fair value of Equity Rights is amortised over the vesting period, such that ‘total remuneration’ includes a portion of the fair value of unvested equity 
compensation during the year. The amount included as remuneration is not related to or indicative of the benefit (if any) that individual executives may ultimately realise should these equity 
instruments vest. The minimum total value in future financial years is nil if relevant vesting conditions are not satisfied. An estimate of the maximum possible total value in future financial 
years is the fair value as shown above multiplied by the number of Equity Rights awarded.

2.  A total of 14,350 Equity Rights were forfeited on Mr Cole’s departure on 5 December 2014.

Table 22 – Total remuneration paid to non-executive directors in 2014 and 2013 

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the components of remuneration for each of the company’s  
non-executive directors. 

Cash salary and fees

Pension super

Salaries, fees and 
allowances

Company contributions to 
superannuation

$

632,197

655,144

231,062

243,557

265,694

247,113

256,820

270,387

275,752

289,991

255,854

269,697

234,803

247,512

16,685

$

59,294

59,782

21,666

22,225

18,440

22,580

23,991

24,609

22,017

22,586

1,275

Total

$

691,491

714,926

252,728

265,782

284,134

269,693

256,820

270,387

275,752

289,991

279,845

294,306

256,820

270,098

17,960

49,133

4,421

53,554

M A Chaney

M A Cilento

F C Cooper

C Haynes

A Jamieson

D I McEvoy

S Ryan

G Tilbrook1

E Fraunschiel2

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

2014

2013

1.  Effective 4 December 2014, Mr Tilbrook was appointed as a non-executive director of Woodside.

2.  On 28 February 2013, Mr Fraunschiel retired as a non-executive director of Woodside.

76

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 23 – KMP shareholdings

The following table summarises the movements in the shareholdings of KMP (including their personally related entities1)for the 2014 
financial year.

2014

2013

Name

Opening 

holding2 NEDSP3 Acquisition/ 

(disposal)

Non-executive Directors

M A Chaney

20,000

2,086

860

2,397

5,380

8,040

918

1,100

1,002

1,080

957

88,724

40,983

5,253

4,994

3,829

14,350

M A Cilento

F C Cooper

C Haynes

A Jamieson 

D I McEvoy

S Ryan
E Fraunschiel4
G Tilbrook5

Executives

P Coleman
R Cole6

R Edwardes 

S Gregory 

P Loader

G Roder

L Tremaine

M Utsler
F Ahmed7
P Moore8
V Santostefano9

Net change 
–other

Closing 
holding

20,000

2,086

1,960

3,399

6,460

8,040

1,875

4,751

4,751

19,924

11,266

5,075

927

1,450

4,603

8,003

322

(52,249)

108,648

10,328

5,921

1,450

8,432

22,353

322

Opening 

holding2 NEDSP3 Acquisition/ 

(disposal)

Net change 
–other

Closing 
holding

860

1,064

1,145

918

20,000

2,086

1,333

4,235

8,040

81,930

55,004

28,502

543

2,300

5,972

6,886

13,149

38,164

(81,930)

(14,556)

(19,984)

(50,676)

33,720

12,481

4,710

2,694

3,829

8,378

7,670

6,835

12,512

20,000

2,086

860

2,397

5,380

8,040

918

88,724

40,983

5,253

4,994

3,829

14,350

1.  Personally related entities include a KMP’s spouse, dependants or entities over which they have direct control or significant influence.

2.  Opening holding represents amounts carried forward in respect of KMP or amounts held by KMP who commenced during the year.

3.  Related to participation in the Non-executive Directors’ Share Plan (NEDSP).

4.  Mr Fraunschiel departed Woodside on 28 February 2013.

5.  Mr T ilbrook commenced with Woodside on 4 December 2014.

6.  Mr Cole departed Woodside on 5 December 2014.

7.  Mr Ahmed departed Woodside on 31 July 2013.

8.  Mr Moore departed Woodside on 1 August 2013.

9.  Mr Santostefano departed Woodside on 30 June 2014.

Table 24 – Executive KMPs’ interests in VPR and ER

The following table summarises the movements in the interests of KMP in VPRs and ERs during the 2014 financial year.

Name

Executives

P Coleman
R Cole1
R Edwardes 

S Gregory 
P Loader2

G Roder

L Tremaine
M Utsler3
F Ahmed4
P Moore5
V Santostefano6

2014

2013

At 1 
January 
2014

Allocated 
in 2014

Vested in 
2014

Net change 
–other

At 31 
December 
2014

At 1 
January 
2013

Allocated 
in 2013

Vested in 
2013

Net change 
–other

At 31 
December 
2013

217,225

156,940

56,355

34,360

(6,150)

(84,565)

11,923

18,826

5,774

41,403

19,780

12,300

19,496

17,940

30,820

16,026

(2,031)

(1,064)

(3,754)

(1,677)

374,165

31,703

28,031

19,496

23,714

66,792

16,026

66,560

41,524

12,016

150,665

19,430

11,923

7,747

25,117

33,264

25,688

36,542

5,774

17,731

16,503

10,788

21,359

(4,599)

(937)

(1,445)

(3,692)

(4,269)

(3,786)

(46,075)

(32,207)

(54,115)

217,225

56,355

11,923

18,826

5,774

41,403

1.  Mr Cole departed Woodside on 5 December 2014.

2.  Mr Loader commenced with Woodside on 1 July 2013.

3.  Mr Utsler commenced with Woodside on 2 December 2013.

4.  Mr Ahmed departed Woodside on 31 July 2013.

5.  Mr Moore departed Woodside on 1 August 2013.

6.  Mr Santostefano departed Woodside on 30 June 2014.

77

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD GOVERNANCEGOVERNANCEDIRECTORS’ REPORT (continued)

Indemnification and insurance of 
directors and officers
The company’s constitution requires the 
company to indemnify each director, 
secretary, executive officer or employee 
of the company or its wholly-owned 
subsidiaries against liabilities (to the 
extent the company is not precluded by 
law from doing so) incurred in or arising 
out of the conduct of the business of 
the company or the discharge of the 
duties of any such person. The company 
has entered into deeds of indemnity 
with each of its directors, secretaries, 
certain senior executives, and employees 
serving as officers on wholly-owned or 
partly-owned companies of Woodside in 
terms of the indemnity provided under 
the company’s constitution. 

From time to time, Woodside engages 
its external auditor, Ernst & Young, to 
conduct non-statutory audit work and 
provide other services in accordance with 
Woodside’s External Auditor Guidelines. 
The terms of engagement include an 
indemnity in favour of Ernst & Young:

ƒƒ against all losses, claims, costs, 
expenses, actions, demands, 
damages, liabilities or any proceedings 
(liabilities) incurred by Ernst & Young 
in respect of third party claims arising 
from a breach by the Group under the 
engagement terms; and

ƒƒ for all liabilities Ernst & Young has to 

the Group or any third party as a result 
of reliance on information provided by 
the Group that is false, misleading or 
incomplete.

The company has paid a premium 
under a contract insuring each director, 
officer, secretary and employee who 
is concerned with the management 
of the company or its subsidiaries 
against liability incurred in that capacity. 
Disclosure of the nature of the liability 
covered by and the amount of the 
premium payable for such insurance is 
subject to a confidentiality clause under 
the contract of insurance. The company 
has not provided any insurance for the 
external auditor of the company or a body 
corporate related to the external auditor.

Non-audit services and auditor 
independence declaration
Details of the amounts paid or payable to 
the external auditor of the company, Ernst 
& Young, for audit and non-audit services 
provided during the year are disclosed in 
note 26 to the Financial Report.

Based on advice provided by the Audit 
& Risk Committee, the directors are 
satisfied that the provision of non-audit 
services by the external auditor during 

78

the financial year is compatible with the 
general standard of independence for 
auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 
for the following reasons:
ƒƒ all non-audit services were provided in 
accordance with Woodside’s External 
Auditor Policy and External Auditor 
Guidelines; and

ƒƒ all non-audit services were subject to 
the corporate governance processes 
adopted by the company and have 
been reviewed by the Audit & Risk 
Committee to ensure that they do not 
affect the integrity or objectivity of the 
auditor.

Further information on Woodside’s policy 
in relation to the provision of non-audit 
services by the auditor is set out in 
section 7 of the Corporate Governance 
Statement on  58 .

The auditor independence declaration, 
as required under section 307C of the 
Corporations Act, is set out on this page 
and forms part of this report.

Proceedings on behalf of the 
company
No proceedings have been brought 
on behalf of the company, nor has any 
application been made in respect of 
the company, under section 237 of the 
Corporations Act.

Rounding of amounts
The amounts contained in this report 
have been rounded to the nearest million 
dollars under the option available to the 
company under Australian Securities and 
Investments Commission Class Order 
98/0100 dated 10 July 1998.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of 
the directors.

M A Chaney, AO
Chairman

Perth, Western Australia
18 February 2015

P J Coleman
Chief Executive Officer and
Managing Director

Perth, Western Australia
18 February 2015

Auditor’s Independence 
Declaration to the Directors of 
Woodside Petroleum Ltd
In relation to our audit of the financial 
report of Woodside Petroleum Ltd for the 
financial year ended 31 December 2014, 
to the best of my knowledge and belief, 
there have been no contraventions of 
the auditor independence requirements 
of the Corporations Act 2001 or any 
applicable code of professional conduct.

Ernst & Young

Directors’ relevant interests in 
Woodside shares as at date of 
report

R J Curtin
Partner

Director

MA Chaney
MA Cilento
PJ Coleman1,2
F Cooper
CM Haynes
A Jamieson
DI McEvoy
SE Ryan
GT Tilbrook

Relevant interest in 
shares

Perth, Western Australia
18 February 2015

Liability limited by a scheme approved under 
Professional Standards Legislation.

20,000
2,086
108,648
1,960
3,399
6,460
8,040
1,875
7,153

1.  Mr Coleman holds variable pay rights under 

Woodside’s Executive Incentive Plan, details of 
which are set out in the Remuneration Report on 
pages 68 to 69.

2.   Mr Coleman will be allocated restricted shares 
and variable pay rights under Woodside’s 
Executive Incentive Plan on 20 February 2015,  
as set out in the Remuneration Report on pages 
74 to 75.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnOVERVIEW

OPERATIng AnD 
FInAnCIAl REVIEW

gOVERnAnCE

FInAnCIAl 
REPORT

SHAREHOlDER 
InFORMATIOn

2014 FinanciaL 
REPORT

Contents

Consolidated income statement 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Consolidated statement of financial position 

Consolidated statement of cash flows 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Notes to and forming part of the financial report

1.  Summary of significant accounting policies 

2.  Operating segments 

3.  Revenue and expenses 

4.  Taxes 

5.  Earnings per share 

6.  Dividends paid and proposed 

7.  Cash and cash equivalents 

8.  Receivables 

9. 

Inventories 

10.  Exploration and evaluation assets 

11.  Oil and gas properties 

12.  Payables 

13.  Interest-bearing liabilities 

14.  Tax payable 

15.  Other liabilities 

16.  Provisions 

17.  Contributed equity 

18.  Other reserves  

19.  Parent entity information 

20.  Financial and capital risk management 

21.  Expenditure commitments 

22.  Employee benefits 

23.  Events after the end of the reporting period 

24.  Related party disclosures 

25.  Contingent liabilities and contingent assets 

26.  Auditor remuneration 

27.  Joint arrangements 

28.  Associated entities 

29.  Subsidiaries  

30.  Corporate information  

Directors’ declaration 

Independent audit report 

80

81

82

83

84

85

97

101

102

104

104

105

105

105

106

107

109

109

109

109

110

110

111

112

112

118

119

125

125

126

126

127

128

129

132

133

134

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

79

Consolidated inCome statement
For the year ended 31 December 2014

Operating revenue 
Cost of sales
Gross profit

Other income 
Other expenses
Profit before tax and net finance costs

Finance income

Finance costs
Profit before tax

Petroleum resource rent tax benefit
Income tax expense
Profit after tax

Profit attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent
non-controlling interest

Profit for the year

Notes

3(a)
3(b)

3(c)
3(d)

4(a) 
4(a) 

Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to equity holders of the parent (US cents)

5

The accompanying notes form part of the financial report.

2014 
US$m

 7,435 
(2,883)
 4,552 

 44
(924)
3,672 

15 

(178)
3,509 

 88 
(1,081)
 2,516 

 2,414 
 102 

 2,516 

 293 

2013 
US$m

 5,926 
(2,594)
 3,332 

 41 
(835)
 2,538 

 10 

(189)
 2,359 

 224 
(769)
 1,814 

 1,749 
 65 

 1,814 

 213 

80

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnConsolidated statement of Comprehensive inCome
For the year ended 31 December 2014

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

net change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:

Remeasurement (losses)/gains on defined benefit plan

Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent

non-controlling interest

Total comprehensive income for the year

The accompanying notes form part of the financial report.

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 2,516 

 1,814 

 - 

(6)

(6)

 1 

 15 

 16 

 2,510 

 1,830 

 2,408 

 102 

 2,510 

 1,765 

 65 

 1,830 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

81

FInAnCIAl REPORTConsolidated statement of finanCial position
As at 31 December 2014

Notes

7
8(a)
9(a)

8(b)
9(b)

10(a) 
11(a) 

4(c)

12
13(a) 
14

15(a)
16

13(b)
4(c)

15(b)
16

17(a)
17(b)
18

2014 
US$m

 3,268 
 478 
 247 
 - 
 49 

 4,042 

 63 
 12 
 30 
 2 
 1,268 
 17,534 
 79 
 1,052 
 20,040 
 24,082 

 605 
 629 
 440 
 2 
 76 
 189 
 1,941 

 1,957 
 1,637 
 10 
 123 
 1,755 
 5,482 
 7,423 
 16,659 

 6,547 
(38)
 920 
 8,395 
 15,824 
 835 
 16,659 

2013 
US$m

 2,223 
 453 
 192 
 4 
 23 

 2,895 

 - 
 8 
 32 
 32 
 1,063 
 18,490 
 80 
 1,170 
 20,875 
 23,770 

 575 
 1,177 
 317 
 10 
 30 
 255 
 2,364 

 2,587 
 1,533 
 10 
 114 
 1,204 
 5,448 
 7,812 
 15,958 

 6,547 
(42)
 923 
 7,797 
 15,225 
 733 
 15,958 

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Inventories
Other financial assets
Other assets

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Receivables
Inventories
Other financial assets 
Other assets
Exploration and evaluation assets
Oil and gas properties
Other plant and equipment 
Deferred tax assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets

Current liabilities
Payables
Interest-bearing liabilities 
Tax payable
Other financial liabilities 
Other liabilities
Provisions 
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities 
Deferred tax liabilities
Other financial liabilities 
Other liabilities
Provisions
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity 
Issued and fully paid shares
Shares reserved for employee share plans
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 
Non-controlling interest
Total equity 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial report.

82

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnConsolidated statement of Cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2014

Cash flows from/(used in) operating activities
Profit after tax for the year
Adjustments for:
non-cash items

Depreciation and amortisation 
Impairment of oil and gas properties and other assets
loss/(gain) on disposal of exploration and evaluation assets
loss/(gain) on disposal of oil and gas properties
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments
net finance costs
Tax expense
Exploration and evaluation written off
Other

Changes in assets and liabilities

Decrease in trade and other receivables
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
Decrease in provisions
Increase in other assets and liabilities
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations

Purchases of shares and payments relating to employee share plans
Interest received
Dividends received
Interest paid
Income tax paid 
Petroleum resource rent tax paid
Payments for restoration 
Payments for carbon tax 
Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from/(used in) investing activities
Payments for capital and exploration expenditure
Proceeds from disposal of exploration and evaluation assets
Proceeds from disposal of oil and gas properties
Income taxes paid on disposal of exploration and evaluation assets
Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from/(used in) financing activities
Repayments of borrowings
Contributions to non-controlling interests
Dividends paid
Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Effects of exchange rate changes 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

The accompanying notes form part of the financial report.

Notes

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 2,516 

 1,814 

 1,462 
 434 
 13 
 13 
 - 
 163 
 993 
 5 
 68 

 33 
(65)
(18)
 21 
 69 
 5,707 

(55)
 14 
 6 
(163)
(550)
(95)
(27)
(52)
 4,785 

(697)
 35 
 45 
 - 
(617)

(1,184)
(182)
(1,753)
(3,119)

 1,049 
 2,223 
(4)
 3,268 

 1,266 
 387 
(13)
(39)
 47 
 179 
 545 
 6 
 39 

 101 
 48 
(118)
 11 
(163)
 4,110 

 1 
 13 
 4 
(186)
(506)
(86)
(4)
(16)
 3,330 

(710)
 17 
 39 
(405)
(1,059)

(583)
(139)
(1,748)
(2,470)

(199)
 2,422 
 - 
 2,223 

7

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

83

FInAnCIAl REPORTConsolidated statement of Changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2014

y
l
l

u
f
d
n
a
d
e
u
s
s
I

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h
s
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S

l

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e
y
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r
o
f

s
n
a
l
p
e
r
a
h
s

Note 17 
(a)

Note 17 
(b)

s
t
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b
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m
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a
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i

s
g
n
n
r
a
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e
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e
d
o
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y
t
i
u
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t
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r
a
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e
h
t

Note 18 Note 18 Note 18 Note 18

g
n

i
l
l

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r
t
n
o
c
-
n
o
N

y
t
i
u
q
e
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a
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o
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t
s
e
r
e
t
n

i

At 1 January 2014

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income for the year

non-controlling interest

Employee share plan purchases

Employee share plan redemptions

Share-based payments

Dividends paid 

US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m

 6,547 

(42)

 164

 663 

110

(14)

 7,797   15,225 

 733   15,958 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(55)

 59 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(6)

(6)

 - 

 - 

(59)

 62 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 2,414 

 2,414 

 102 

 2,516 

 - 

(6)

 - 

(6)

 2,414 

 2,408 

 102 

 2,510 

(52)

 - 

 - 

 - 

(52)

(55)

 - 

 62 

(1,764)

(1,764)

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(52)

(55)

 - 

 62 

(1,764)

At 31 December 2014

 6,547 

(38)

 161 

 663 

 110 

(14)

 8,395   15,824 

 835   16,659 

At 1 January 2013

 6,547 

(44)

 101 

 663 

 110 

(15)

 7,786 

 15,148 

 679   15,827 

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income for the year

non-controlling interest

Employee share plan purchases

Employee share plan redemptions 

Share-based payments

Dividends paid 

 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 

(2)

 4 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 15 

 15 

 - 

 - 

(4)

 52 

 - 

 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 1 

 1 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 1,749 
 - 

 1,749 
 16 

 65 
 - 

 1,814 
 16 

 1,749 

 1,765 

 65 

 1,830 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(2)

 - 

 52 

(1,738)

(1,738)

(11)

(11)

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(2)

 - 

 52 

(1,738)

At 31 December 2013

 6,547 

(42)

 164 

 663 

 110 

(14)

 7,797   15,225 

 733   15,958 

The accompanying notes form part of the financial report.

84

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOn 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Summary of significant accounting policies

(a)  Basis of preparation

The financial report is a general purpose financial report, which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements 
of the Corporations Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian 
Accounting Standards Board. 

The financial report has been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments and certain 
other financial assets, which have been measured at fair value. 

The financial report is presented in US dollars. The amounts contained in this report have been rounded to the nearest 
million dollars under the option available to the group under Australian Securities and Investments Commission Class 
Order 98/0100 dated 10 July 1998, unless otherwise stated.

The financial report was authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 18 February 2015. 

Woodside Petroleum ltd is a for-profit entity. The nature of the operations and principal activities of the group are 
described in the directors’ report. 

Except as disclosed below, the accounting policies adopted are consistent with those disclosed in the Annual Financial 
Report for the year ended 31 December 2013. Certain comparative information has been reclassified to be presented  
on a consistent basis with the current year’s presentation. 

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

The group has adopted all new and amended Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations effective from  
1 January 2014 including:

•	 AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards to Remove Individual Key Management Personnel 

Disclosure Requirements [AASB 124];

•	 AASB 2012-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards — Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial 

Liabilities;

•	 AASB 2013-3 Amendments to AASB 136 — Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets;

•	 AASB 2013-4 Amendments to AASB 139 — Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting;

•	 AASB 1031 (2013) Materiality;

•	 AASB 1048 (2013) Interpretation of Standards; 

•	 AASB 2013-9 (part B) Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Materiality; and

•	

Interpretation 21 Levies.

new and amended Standards and Interpretations did not result in any significant changes to the group’s  
accounting policies.

The group has not elected to early adopt any other new or amended Standards or Interpretations that are issued  
but not yet effective (refer note 1(ab)). 

(b)  Statement of compliance

The financial report complies with Australian Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards, 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

(c)  Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the group and its subsidiaries as at 
31 December each year.

Subsidiaries are all those entities over which the group has power over the investee such that the group is able 
to direct the relevant activities, has exposure or rights to variable returns from its involvements with the investee 
and has the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor’s returns.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is obtained by the group and cease to be 
consolidated from the date at which control is transferred out of the group.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

85

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(c)  Basis of consolidation (continued)

The acquisition of subsidiaries is accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. At acquisition, the assets, 
liabilities and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary are measured at their fair values. Any excess of the cost of acquisition 
over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognised as goodwill. 

The financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using 
consistent accounting policies. All intercompany balances and transactions, including unrealised profits and losses 
arising from intra-group transactions, have been eliminated in full. 

A change in ownership of a subsidiary that does not result in a loss of control is accounted for as an equity transaction.

On loss of control of a subsidiary, all carrying amounts of assets, liabilities and non-controlling interests are 
derecognised. Any retained interest in the subsidiary is remeasured to its fair value and a gain or loss is recognised 
in the income statement.

Investments in subsidiaries are carried at cost less impairment charges in the separate financial statements of the 
parent company. Dividends received from subsidiaries are recorded as other income in the separate income statement 
of the parent company and do not impact the recorded cost of investment. The parent company will assess whether 
any indicators of impairment of the carrying amount of the investment in the subsidiary exist. Where such indicators 
exist, to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment in the subsidiary exceeds its recoverable amount, 
an impairment loss is recognised.

non-controlling interests are allocated their share of the net profit after tax in the consolidated income statement, their 
share of other comprehensive income, net of tax in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and are 
presented within equity in the consolidated statement of financial position, separately from parent shareholders’ equity.

(d)  Revenue

Revenue is recognised and measured at the fair value of consideration received or receivable to the extent that it is 
probable that the economic benefits will flow to the group and the revenue can be reliably measured.

Operating revenue
Revenue earned from the sale of oil, gas and condensate produced is recognised when the risks and rewards of 
ownership of the products are transferred to the customer. This policy is applied to the group’s different operating 
arrangements as follows:

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

revenue earned under a lease or licence conferring ownership rights to production, in which the group has 
a working interest with other producers, is recognised in earnings on the basis of the group’s interest in the 
relevant lease or licence (entitlements method). Revenue is not reduced for royalties and other taxes payable from 
production, except where royalties are payable in kind;

revenue from take or pay contracts is recognised in earnings when the product has been drawn by the customer or 
recorded as unearned revenue when not drawn by the customer;

revenue earned under a risk service contract is recognised when the group has a legally enforceable entitlement to 
the proceeds;

revenue earned under a production service contract is recognised on the basis of the group’s share of oil, gas or 
condensate allocated to the contractor party or parties under the contract; 

revenue earned from lng processing services is recognised when the services are rendered; and

revenue earned from sales of third party products (referred to as trading revenue) is recognised when the risks and 
rewards of ownership of the products are transferred to the customer. 

86

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(e)  Exploration and evaluation

Expenditure on exploration and evaluation is accounted for in accordance with the area of interest method.

The group’s application of the accounting policy for the cost of exploring and of evaluating discoveries is closely aligned 
to the US gAAP-based successful efforts method.

Exploration licence acquisition costs are capitalised and subject to half-yearly impairment testing.

All exploration and evaluation expenditure, including general permit activity, geological and geophysical costs and new 
venture activity costs, is expensed as incurred except where:

•	

the expenditure relates to an exploration discovery that, at the reporting date, has not been recognised as an  
area of interest, as an assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves is not yet 
complete; or

•	 an area of interest is recognised and it is expected that the expenditure will be recouped through successful 

exploitation of the area of interest, or alternatively, by its sale.

The costs of drilling exploration wells are initially capitalised pending the results of the well. Costs are expensed where 
the well does not result in the successful discovery of economically recoverable hydrocarbons and the recognition of an 
area of interest. Areas of interest are recognised at the field level. Subsequent to the recognition of an area of interest, 
all further evaluation costs relating to that area of interest are capitalised.

Each potential or recognised area of interest is reviewed half-yearly to determine whether economic quantities of 
reserves have been found, or whether further exploration and evaluation work is underway or planned to support the 
continued carry forward of capitalised costs.

Upon approval for the commercial development of an area of interest, accumulated expenditure for the area of interest 
is transferred to oil and gas properties.

The recoverability of the carrying amount of the exploration and evaluation assets is dependent on successful 
development and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale of the respective areas of interest.

Where a potential impairment is indicated, assessment is performed for each area of interest to which the exploration 
and evaluation expenditure is attributed. To the extent that capitalised expenditure is not expected to be recovered it 
is charged to the income statement.

In the statement of cash flows, those cash flows associated with capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure 
are classified as cash flows used in investing activities. Exploration and evaluation expenditure expensed is classified as 
cash flows used in operating activities.

(f)  Oil and gas properties

Oil and gas properties are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. Oil and gas properties 
include construction, installation or completion of production and infrastructure facilities such as pipelines and 
platforms, capitalised borrowing costs, transferred exploration and evaluation assets, development wells and the cost 
of dismantling and restoration.

Subsequent capital costs, including major maintenance, are included in the asset’s carrying amount only when it is 
probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can 
be measured reliably. Otherwise costs are charged to the income statement during the financial year in which they 
are incurred.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

87

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(g)  Depreciation and amortisation

Oil and gas properties and other plant and equipment are depreciated to their estimated residual values at rates based 
on their expected useful lives. The major categories of assets are depreciated as follows: 

Category

Method

Estimated useful 
lives (years)

Oil and gas properties

land

Buildings

not depreciated

Straight-line over useful life

Transferred exploration and evaluation assets  
and offshore plant and equipment

Unit of production basis over proved reserves or 
proved plus probable reserves

Onshore plant and equipment

Straight-line over the lesser of useful life and the 
life of proved plus probable reserves

Marine vessels and carriers

Straight-line over useful life 

Other plant and equipment

Straight-line over useful life

–

24–40

5–50

5–50

10–40

5–15

(h) 

Impairment of assets

The carrying amounts of all assets, other than inventory, financial assets and deferred tax assets, are assessed half-
yearly to determine whether there is an indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable 
amount is estimated. 

The recoverable amount of an asset is determined as the higher of its value in use and fair value less costs of disposal. 
Value in use is determined by estimating future cash flows after taking into account the risks specific to the asset and 
discounting them to its present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessment of the time 
value of money.

For any asset that does not generate largely independent cash flows, the recoverable amount is determined for the 
cash generating unit to which the asset belongs. If the carrying amount of an asset (or cash generating unit) exceeds 
its recoverable amount, the asset (or cash generating unit) is written down. 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash generating unit) is 
increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount 
does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no 
impairment loss had been recognised.

(i) 

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting 

From time to time, the group uses derivative financial instruments such as swaps, options, futures and forward 
contracts to hedge its risks associated with commodity price, interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations.

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
remeasured to their fair values in line with market fluctuations. The unrealised gain or loss on remeasurement is 
immediately recognised in the income statement, except where hedge accounting applies. 

88

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(i) 

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting (continued)

The fair values of derivative financial instruments that are traded on an active market are based on quoted market prices 
at the reporting date. The fair values of financial instruments not traded on an active market are determined using a 
valuation technique based on cash flows discounted to present value using current market interest rates.

Hedge accounting
When a derivative is designated as a hedge for accounting purposes, the relationship between the derivative and the 
hedged item is documented, as is its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. 
Also documented is the assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that 
are used in hedging transactions have been, and will continue to be, highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values 
or cash flows of hedged items.

For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are classified and accounted for as follows:

Hedge type and risk

Accounting treatment

Fair value hedge

Exposure to changes in the fair value of 
a recognised asset, liability or committed 
transaction

Cash flow hedge 

Changes in fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualified as 
fair value hedges are recorded in the income statement, together with any 
changes in the fair value of the hedged risk that are attributable to the asset, 
liability or committed transaction.

Exposure to variability in cash flows 
associated with a highly probable 
forecasted transaction or a committed 
foreign currency transaction

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives is recognised 
in other comprehensive income and in the hedging reserve in equity. The 
gain or loss relating to any ineffective portion is recognised in the income 
statement immediately.

Amounts accumulated in equity are taken to the income statement in the 
periods when the hedged item affects income, for instance, when the 
forecast sale that is hedged takes place.

Hedge of net investment

Exposure to changes in the net assets of 
foreign operations from foreign exchange 
movements

The accounting treatment is substantially similar to a cash flow hedge. 

gains or losses accumulated in the hedge of net investment reserve in equity 
are taken to the income statement on disposal of the foreign operation.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires, is sold or terminated, or when a hedge 
no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting. At that point in time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging 
instrument recognised in equity remains in equity until the forecasted transaction occurs. 

If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is 
transferred to the income statement.

Embedded derivatives
Derivatives embedded in the group’s contracts, that change the nature of a host contract’s risk and are not clearly 
and closely related to the host contract are initially recognised at fair value on the date the contract is entered into. 
Subsequent fair value movements of the derivative are recognised in the income statement.

(j) 

Provision for restoration

The group records the present value of the estimated cost of legal and constructive obligations to restore operating 
locations in the period in which the obligation arises. The nature of restoration activities includes the removal of facilities, 
abandonment of wells and restoration of affected areas.

A restoration provision is recognised and updated at different stages of the development and construction of a facility 
and then reviewed on an annual basis. When the liability is initially recorded, the estimated cost is capitalised by 
increasing the carrying amount of the related exploration and evaluation assets or oil and gas properties. 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

89

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(j) 

Provision for restoration (continued)

Over time, the liability is increased for the change in the present value based on a pre-tax discount rate appropriate to 
the risks inherent in the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recorded as an accretion charge within finance costs. 
The carrying amount capitalised in oil and gas properties is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset (refer to 
note 1(g)).

Costs incurred that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and do not have a future economic benefit 
are expensed.

(k) 

Joint arrangements 

Joint arrangements are arrangements of which two or more parties have joint control. Joint control is the contractual 
agreed sharing of control of the arrangement which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require 
unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. Joint arrangements are classified as either a joint operation or 
joint venture, based on the rights and obligations arising from the contractual obligations between the parties to the 
arrangement.

To the extent the joint arrangement provides the group with rights to the individual assets and obligations arising from 
the joint arrangement, the arrangement is classified as a joint operation and as such the group recognises its: 

•	 assets, including its share of any assets held jointly;

•	

•	

liabilities, including its share of any liabilities incurred jointly;

revenue from the sale of its share of the output arising from the joint operation;

•	 share of revenue from the sale of the output by the joint operation; and

•	 expenses, including its share of any expenses incurred jointly.

To the extent the joint arrangement provides the group with rights to the net assets of the arrangement, the investment 
is classified as a joint venture and accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, the cost of the  
investment is adjusted by the post-acquisition changes in the group’s share of the net assets of the venture. Refer to 
note 1(r) for further details of the equity method. 

(l) 

Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs incurred for the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets are capitalised during the period of time 
that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Assets are considered to be qualifying 
assets when this period of time is substantial (usually greater than 12 months).

The interest rate used to determine the amount of borrowing costs to be capitalised is the weighted average effective 
interest rate applicable to the group’s outstanding borrowings during the year.

(m)  Foreign currency

The functional and presentation currency of Woodside Petroleum ltd and all its subsidiaries is US dollars. 

Translation of foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency of the transacting entity at the 
exchange rates ruling at the date of transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at 
the reporting date are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at that date. Exchange differences in the consolidated 
financial statements are taken to the income statement, with the exception of differences on foreign currency 
borrowings that provide an effective hedge against a net investment in subsidiaries, which are taken directly to the 
hedge of net investment reserve until the disposal of the net investment, at which time they are recognised in the 
income statement.

Disposal of foreign operations
On disposal of a foreign operation, the proportionate share of exchange differences recognised in the foreign currency 
translation reserve relating to the particular foreign operation is recognised in the income statement.

90

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(n) 

Leases

The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease, is based on the substance of the arrangement and 
requires an assessment of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or  
assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset.

Assets held under leases that transfer to the group substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased 
asset are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the inception of the lease, at the lower of the fair 
value of the leased asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments.

lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve 
a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are recognised in the income 
statement over the lease term.

Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term.

Operating lease assets are not capitalised and payments are recognised in the income statement as an expense  
over the lease term. lease incentives received are recognised in the income statement as an integral part of the  
total lease expense.

(o)  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position comprise cash at bank and short-term deposits with 
an original maturity of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at face value in the statement of 
financial position. 

For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are reported net of outstanding  
bank overdrafts.

(p)  Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables, including receivables from related parties, are initially recognised at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost less an allowance for uncollectible amounts. Collectability and impairment 
are assessed on a regular basis. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against other 
expenses in the income statement.

(q) 

Inventories

Inventories include hydrocarbon stocks, consumable supplies and maintenance spares. Inventories are valued at the 
lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis and includes direct costs and an 
appropriate portion of fixed and variable production overheads where applicable. Inventories determined to be obsolete 
or damaged are written down to net realisable value.

 (r) 

Investments in associates 

The group’s investments in its associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting in the consolidated 
financial statements. An associate is an entity in which the group has significant influence and is neither a subsidiary 
nor a joint arrangement.

The financial statements of associates, prepared for the same reporting period as the group and applying consistent 
accounting policies, are used by the group to apply the equity method. The investment in the associate is carried in the 
consolidated statement of financial position at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the group’s share of net assets of 
the associate less any impairment. The income statement reflects the group’s share of the associate’s after tax profit or 
loss from operations.

Where there has been a change recognised directly in the associate’s equity, the group recognises its share of any 
changes and discloses this, where applicable, in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.

On loss of significant influence of an associate, any retained investment in the former associate is recognised at its fair 
value. A gain or loss, on loss of significant influence, is recognised in the income statement.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

91

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(s) 

Employee provisions

Provision is made for employee benefits accumulated as a result of employees rendering services up to the end of the 
reporting period. These benefits include wages, salaries, annual leave and long service leave.

liabilities in respect of employees’ services rendered that are not expected to be wholly settled within one year after 
the end of the period in which the employees render the related services are recognised as long-term employee 
benefits. These liabilities are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflow to be made to the 
employees using the projected unit credit method. In determining the present value of the estimated future cash 
outflow, consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and 
periods of service. Estimated future payments are discounted using appropriate discount rates. liabilities expected 
to be wholly settled within one year after the end of the period in which the employees render the related services 
are classified as short-term benefits and are measured at the amount due to be paid.

(t) 

Share-based payments 

Equity-settled transactions
The group provides benefits to its employees (including key management personnel) in the form of share-based 
payments whereby employees render services for shares (equity-settled transactions). The cost of equity-settled 
transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair values of the equity instruments at the date at which 
they are granted. The fair value is determined by using a Binomial or Black-Scholes option pricing technique combined 
with a Monte Carlo simulation methodology, where relevant. The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, 
together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the vesting conditions are fulfilled (the vesting 
period), ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the awards (the vesting date).

At each subsequent reporting date until vesting, the cumulative charge to the income statement is the result of:

•	

•	

the grant date fair value of the award;

the current best estimate of the number of awards that will vest, taking into account the likelihood of  
employee turnover; and

•	

the expired portion of the vesting period less amounts charged to capital projects.

The charge to the income statement for the year is the cumulative amount, as calculated above, less the amounts 
charged in the previous years. There is a corresponding entry to equity.

Until an award has vested, any amounts recorded are contingent and will be adjusted if more or fewer awards vest than 
were originally anticipated.

An additional expense is recognised for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share-based payment 
arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee, as measured at the date of modification.

Shares in the group reacquired on-market are classified and disclosed as reserved shares and deducted from equity 
(refer to note 1(y)). no gain or loss is recognised in the income statement on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of 
the group’s own equity instruments.

Cash-settled transactions
The group provides benefits to employees who have been on international assignment or secondment at any time 
during the vesting period in the form of cash-settled share-based payments. Employees render services in exchange  
for cash, the amounts of which are determined by reference to the price of the shares of Woodside Petroleum ltd.

The ultimate cost of these cash-settled share-based payments will be equal to the actual cash paid to the employees 
which will be the fair value at settlement date. The cumulative cost recognised until settlement is held as a liability. 
All changes in the liability are recognised in the income statement for the year.

The fair value of the liability is determined, initially and at each reporting date until it is settled, by using a Binomial 
or Black-Scholes option pricing technique combined with a Monte Carlo simulation methodology, where relevant.

92

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(u) 

Financial liabilities

Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less transaction costs. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised 
cost, except for those designated in a fair value hedge relationship as described previously. Any difference between 
the proceeds received and the redemption amount is recognised in the income statement over the period of the 
borrowings using the effective interest method.

Trade and other payables are carried at amortised cost when goods and services are received, whether or not billed to 
the group, prior to the end of the financial year.

Dividends payable are recognised when declared by the group.

(v)  Tax

Income tax
Income tax expense on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax expense.

Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year and any adjustment to tax payable 
in respect of previous years. 

Temporary differences arise between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial 
statements. Deferred tax expense is determined based on changes in temporary differences.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognised for 
deductible temporary differences, unused tax losses and unused tax credits only if it is probable that sufficient future 
taxable income will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses. Such deferred tax liabilities and 
assets are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than 
in a business combination) of assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit or loss nor the 
accounting profit or from investments in subsidiaries, associates and interests in joint ventures. This is to the extent that 
the group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and the temporary difference is not expected to 
reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent 
that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the 
liability is settled or the asset is realised, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantially 
enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the group intends 
to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Current and deferred tax expenses are recognised in the income statement, except to the extent that they relate to 
items recognised directly in equity, in which case they are recognised in equity.

Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT)
PRRT is considered, for accounting purposes, to be a tax based on income. Accordingly, current and deferred PRRT 
expense is measured and disclosed on the same basis as income tax.

Tax consolidation
The parent and its wholly owned Australian controlled entities have elected to enter into tax consolidation, with 
Woodside Petroleum ltd as the head entity of the tax consolidated group.

The tax expense/income, deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences of the 
members of the tax consolidated group are recognised in the separate financial statements of the members of the 
tax consolidated group, using the stand alone approach.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

93

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(w)  Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of gST except where the gST incurred on a purchase of goods 
and services is not recoverable from the taxation authority, in which case the gST is recognised as part of the cost 
of acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense item.

The net amount of gST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of receivables 
or payables in the statement of financial position.

Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a gross basis and the gST component of cash flows arising 
from investing and financing activities that is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is classified as an 
operating cash flow.

(x)  Royalties and excise duty

Royalties and excise duty under existing regimes are considered to be production-based taxes and are therefore 
accrued on the basis of the group’s entitlement to physical production.

(y) 

Issued capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity and recorded at the value of consideration received. The cost of issuing shares 
is shown in share capital as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Reserved shares
The group’s own equity instruments, which are reacquired for later use in employee share-based payment 
arrangements (reserved shares), are deducted from equity. no gain or loss is recognised in the income statement 
on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the group’s own equity instruments.

(z)  Carbon emissions

Carbon emission units purchased for compliance purposes under the Australian Carbon Pricing Mechanism are 
recognised at cost as an intangible asset. Carbon emission units granted by the Australian government are recognised 
at nominal value (nil value).

An emissions liability is recognised as a provision when actual emissions exceed the emission units granted by 
the Australian government. Any provision recognised is measured at the value of purchased units held, with any 
excess measured at the current market value of carbon units at the reporting date. The movement in the provision 
is recognised in the income statement.

(aa)  Critical accounting estimates, assumptions and judgements

In applying the group’s accounting policies, management continually evaluates judgements, estimates and assumptions 
based on experience and other factors including expectations of future events that may have an impact on the group. 
All judgements, estimates and assumptions made are believed to be reasonable based on the most current set of 
circumstances available to management. Actual results may differ from those judgements, estimates and assumptions. 
Significant judgements, estimates and assumptions made by management in the preparation of these financial 
statements are outlined below.

Impairment of assets
In determining the recoverable amount of assets, in the absence of quoted market prices, estimates are made 
regarding the present value of future cash flows. For oil and gas properties, expected future cash flow estimation is 
based on management’s best estimate on the following assumptions: reserves, future production profiles, future 
commodity prices, exchange rates and costs. These estimates are subject to risk and uncertainty, and hence changes in 
economic conditions can also affect the assumptions used and the rates used to discount future cash flow estimates. 
The basis for the estimates used for value-in-use assessments are set out on the following page.

94

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(aa)  Critical accounting estimates, assumptions, and judgements (continued)

Impairment of assets (continued)

Future commodity pricing
•	

lng is priced based on the terms set out in the relevant contracts between the Company and its customers. 
The majority of lng sales contracts are linked to an oil price marker, accordingly the lng prices used are 
consistent with oil price assumptions; and

•	

natural gas is priced to the terms set out in the relevant contracts between the Company and its customers.

Discount rates
The Company uses current market information to determine the appropriate discount rate and then adjusts this 
position where relevant for other factors including risks specific to the asset or Cash generating Unit (CgU) being 
assessed except where such risks have been incorporated in the cash flows.

Operating and Capital costs
Operating and capital cost assumptions are based on the Company’s latest budget, five year plan and project 
economic plans consistent with the basis used to estimate a project’s reserves and resources, commercial decision 
making and planning. These costs are escalated at the estimated inflation rate and converted to USD using foreign 
exchange rate assumptions. For more detail regarding these specific assumptions refer to note 11(b).

In testing for impairment, assets are assessed as the cash generating unit to which it belongs. The cash generating 
units assessed are on a field by field basis, apart from north West Shelf which is split into two cash generating units – 
oil and gas, and Pluto which is assessed as an individual cash generating unit.

Restoration obligations
The group estimates the future removal costs of offshore oil and gas platforms, production facilities, wells and pipelines 
at different stages of the development and construction of assets or facilities. In most instances, removal of assets 
occurs many years into the future. This requires judgemental assumptions regarding removal date, future environmental 
legislation, the extent of reclamation activities required, the engineering methodology for estimating cost, future 
removal technologies in determining the removal cost, and liability specific discount rates to determine the present 
value of these cash flows. For more detail regarding the policy in respect of provision for restoration refer to note 1(j).

Reserve estimates
Estimation of reported recoverable quantities of proved and probable reserves include judgemental assumptions 
regarding commodity prices, exchange rates, discount rates, and production and transportation costs for future cash 
flows. It also requires interpretation of complex geological and geophysical models in order to make an assessment of 
the size, shape, depth and quality of reservoirs, and their anticipated recoveries. The economic, geological and technical 
factors used to estimate reserves may change from period to period. 

Changes in reported reserves can impact assets’ carrying amounts, provision for restoration and recognition of 
deferred tax assets due to changes in expected future cash flows. Reserves are integral to the amount of depreciation, 
amortisation and impairment charged to the income statement. Reserve estimates are prepared in accordance 
with Woodside’s Hydrocarbon Resource Inventory Management Process and guidelines prepared by the Society of 
Petroleum Engineers.

Exploration and evaluation 
The group’s accounting policy for exploration and evaluation assets is set out in note 1(e). The application of this policy 
requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events and circumstances, in particular, 
the assessment of whether economic quantities of reserves have been found. Any such estimates and assumptions 
may change as new information becomes available. If, after having capitalised expenditure under the policy, the group 
concludes that it is unlikely to recover the expenditure by future exploitation or sale, then the relevant capitalised 
amount will be written off to the income statement. 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

95

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20141.  Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

(ab)  New and amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued but not yet effective

The following Standards and interpretations have recently been issued or amended but are not yet effective and have 
not been adopted by the group as at the financial reporting date.

Title

Application date 
of the Standard

Summary

AASB 9 Financial Instruments 

Periods beginning 
on or after 
1 January 2018

A finalised version of AASB 9 which contains accounting requirements for 
financial instruments, replacing AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition 
and Measurement. The Standard contains requirements in the areas 
of classification and measurement, impairment, hedge accounting and 
derecognition. 

AASB 15 Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers

Periods beginning 
on or after 
1 January 2017

AASB 2014-3 Amendments to 
Australian Accounting Standards 
– Accounting for Acquisitions of 
Interests in Joint Operations 

Periods beginning 
on or after 1 
January 2016 

AASB 15 provides a single, principles based five-step model to be applied to 
all contracts with customers.

guidance is provided on topics such as the point in which revenue is 
recognised, accounting for variable consideration, costs of fulfilling and 
obtaining a contract and various related matters. new disclosures about 
revenue are also introduced.

This Standard sets out the guidance on the accounting for acquisition of 
interests in joint operations in which the activity constitutes a business.

AASB 2010-7 Amendments to 
Australian Accounting Standards 
arising from AASB 9 (December 
2010) [AASB 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 101, 
102, 108, 112, 118, 120, 121, 127, 
128, 131, 132, 136, 137, 139, 
1023 & 1038 and Interpretations 
2, 5, 10, 12, 19 & 127]

AASB 119 - Defined Benefit 
Plans: Employee contributions  

AASB 2014-3 Clarification 
of acceptable methods of 
depreciation and amortisation 
(amendments to AASB 116 and 
AASB 138)

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 
2010–2012 Cycle

Periods beginning 
on or after 1 
January 2015

This Standard makes amendments to other Australian Accounting Standards 
and Interpretations arising from the introduction of AASB 9 Financial 
Instruments.

Periods beginning 
on or after 1 July 
2014

This Standard makes amendments relating to the requirement for 
contributions from employees or third parties that are linked to service.

Periods beginning 
on or after 1 
January 2016

This Standard clarifies that a depreciation method that is based on revenue 
that is generated by an activity that includes the use of an asset is not 
appropriate for property, plant and equipment.

Periods beginning 
on or after 
1 July 2014

This Standard sets out amendments to International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) and the related bases for conclusions and guidance made 
during the International Accounting Standards Board’s Annual Improvements 
process. These amendments have not yet been adopted by the AASB. 

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 
2011–2013 Cycle

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 
2012–2014 Cycle

Periods beginning 
on or after 
1 July 2014

Periods beginning 
on or after 
1 July 2014

This Standard provides clarification amendments to IFRS 1, IFRS 3, IFRS 13 
and IFRS 40.

This Standard provides clarification amendments to IFRS 5, IFRS 7, IFRS 9 
and IFRS 134.

Disclosure Initiative  
Amendments to IAS 1

Periods beginning 
on or after 1 
January 2016

This initiative amends AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements to 
address perceived impediments to preparers exercising their judgement in 
presenting their financial reports by making the following changes:

•	

•	

•	

clarification	that	information	should	not	be	obscured	by	aggregating	or	by	
providing immaterial information; 

clarification	that	the	list	of	line	items	to	be	presented	in	these	statements	
can be disaggregated and aggregated as relevant; and

additional	examples	of	possible	ways	of	ordering	the	notes	to	clarify	
that understandability and comparability should be considered when 
determining the order of the notes. 

 The potential effect of these Standards is yet to be fully determined. However, it is not expected that the new 
or amended Standards will significantly affect the group’s accounting policies, financial position or performance.

96

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20142.  Operating segments

The group has identified its operating segments based on the internal reports that are reviewed and used by the executive 
management team (the chief operating decision makers) in assessing performance and in determining the allocation of 
resources. The following operating segments are identified by management based on the nature and geographical location 
of the business or venture. 

North West Shelf Business Unit
Exploration, evaluation, development, production and sale of liquefied natural gas, pipeline natural gas, condensate, liquefied 
petroleum gas and crude oil from the north West Shelf ventures.

Pluto Business Unit
Exploration, evaluation, development, production and sale of liquefied natural gas and condensate in assigned permit areas.

Australia Oil Business Unit
Exploration, evaluation, development, production and sale of crude oil in assigned permit areas including laminaria-Corallina, 
Enfield, Vincent and Stybarrow ventures. 

Browse Business Unit
Exploration, evaluation and development of liquefied natural gas and condensate in assigned permit areas.

Other
This segment comprises the activities undertaken by Trading and Shipping, United States, Exploration, International, and 
Sunrise Business Units.

Unallocated items
Unallocated items comprise non-segmental items of revenue and expenses and associated assets and liabilities not allocated 
to operating segments as they are not considered part of the core operations of any segment.

Performance monitoring and evaluation
Management monitors the operating results of the Business Units separately for the purpose of making decisions about 
resource allocation and performance assessment. The performance of operating segments is evaluated based on profit before 
tax and net finance costs (profit before tax and interest) and is measured in accordance with the group’s accounting policies.

Financing requirements, finance income, finance costs and taxes are managed at a group level. 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

97

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20142.  Operating segments (continued)

(a)  Revenue and profit after tax for the year ended 31 December 2014

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2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

Revenue
Operating revenue 
Cost of sales
Costs of production
Shipping and direct sales costs
Trading costs
Oil and gas properties depreciation and amortisation 
Total costs of sales
Gross profit

Other fees and recoveries
Share of associates net profit
Other exchange gain/(loss) 
Exploration and evaluation
net defined benefit plan expense
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments
Depreciation of other plant and equipment
general, administrative and other costs
(loss) on disposal of oil and gas properties
(loss) on disposal of exploration and evaluation assets
Impairment of oil and gas properties
Profit before tax and net finance costs1
Finance income 
Finance costs
Profit before tax
Taxes
Profit after tax

 2,986 

 3,440 

 825 

(661)
(47)
 - 
(314)
(1,022)
 1,964 

 9 
 4 
(1)
(12)
 - 
 - 
 - 
 4 
(5)
 - 
(41)
 1,922 

(195)
(124)
 - 
(821)
(1,140)
 2,300 

 3
 - 
 1 
(2)
 - 
 - 
 - 
 8 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 2,310 

(261)
(3)
 - 
(275)
(539)
 286 

 6 
 - 
 - 
(24)
 - 
 - 
 - 
(38)
 - 
 - 
(393)
(163)

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 184 

 - 

 7,435 

(5)
(1)
(160)
(16)
(182)
2 

 1 
 - 
 - 
(268)
 - 
 - 
(1)
(35)
(8)
(13)
 - 
(322)

 10 
(10)
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 6 
 - 
 15 
 - 
(2)
 - 
(14)
(80)
 - 
 - 
 - 
(75)

(1,112)
(185)
(160)
(1,426)
(2,883)
 4,552 

 25 
 4 
 15 
(306)
(2)
 - 
(15)
(141)
(13)
(13)
(434)
 3,672 
 15 
(178)
 3,509 
(993)
 2,516 

1.  The performance of operating segments is evaluated based on profit before tax, finance income and finance costs. Financing requirements, finance income, 

finance costs and taxes are managed on a Group basis.

98

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.  Operating segments (continued)

(a)  Revenue and profit after tax for the year ended 31 December 2013

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Revenue
Operating revenue 
Cost of sales
Costs of production
Shipping and direct sales costs
Oil and gas properties depreciation and amortisation 
Total costs of sales
Gross profit

Other fees and recoveries
Share of associates net profit
Other exchange gain/(loss) 
Exploration and evaluation
net defined benefit plan expense
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments
Depreciation of other plant and equipment
general, administrative and other costs
Pluto mitigation and initial start-up costs
gain on disposal of oil and gas properties
gain on disposal of exploration and evaluation assets
Impairment of oil and gas properties
Profit before tax and net finance costs1
Finance income 
Finance costs
Profit before tax
Taxes
Profit after tax

2013 
US$m

2013 
US$m

2013 
US$m

2013 
US$m

2013 
US$m

2013 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 3,230 

 2,098 

 519 

(718)
(41)
(267)
(1,026)
 2,204 

 15 
 4 
(1)
(17)
 - 
(37)
 - 
 2 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 2,170 

(245)
(88)
(779)
(1,112)
 986 

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 - 
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 12 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 5 
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 - 
 - 
(58)
 954 

(265)
(1)
(123)
(389)
 130 

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(3)
(35)
 - 
 - 
 - 
(1)
 - 
 25 
 - 
(275)
(154)

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 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

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 - 
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 - 
 - 
 - 
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 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
(1)

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(10)
(4)
(36)
(50)
 29 

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 - 
 - 
(276)
 - 
 - 
 - 
(19)
 - 
 14 
 13 
(54)
(293)

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(4)
(11)
(2)
(17)
(17)

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 18 
 - 
(3)
(10)
(11)
(116)
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
(138)

(1,242)
(145)
(1,207)
(2,594)
 3,332 

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(317)
(3)
(47)
(11)
(128)
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(387)
 2,538 
 10 
(189)
 2,359 
(545)
 1,814 

1.  The performance of operating segments is evaluated based on profit before tax, finance income and finance costs. Financing requirements, finance income, 

finance costs and taxes are managed on a Group basis.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

99

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.  Operating segments (continued)

(b)  Segment assets and liabilities and other segment information

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t
O

d
e
t
a
d

i
l

o
s
n
o
C

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Other segment information

Investment in associates

Additions to oil and gas properties

Additions to exploration and evaluation assets

Additions to other plant and equipment

Segment assets

Segment liabilities

Other segment information

Investment in associates

Additions to oil and gas properties

Additions to exploration and evaluation assets

Additions to other plant and equipment

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2014 
US$m

 4,008   14,046

 935 

 233 

 485 

 4,375   24,082 

(1,875)

(484)

(842)

(35)

(89)

(4,098)

(7,423)

 2 

 - 

 - 

 408 

 396 

 163 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 24 

 - 

(2)

 - 

 14 

 - 

 85 

 135 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 12 

 14 

 2 

 967 

 268 

 14 

 2013 
US$m 

 2013 
US$m 

 2013 
US$m 

 2013 
US$m 

 2013 
US$m 

 2013 
US$m 

 2013 
US$m 

 3,931   14,303 

 1,450 

 149 

 451 

 3,486   23,770 

(1,628)

(422)

(577)

(34)

(85)

(5,066)

(7,812)

 2 

 - 

 - 

 218 

 96 

 263 

 11 

 - 

 6 

 - 

 24 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 79 

 - 

 - 

 14 

 39 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 2 

 2 

 591 

 161 

 30 

 30 

1  Unallocated assets comprise mainly of Group cash and cash equivalents and unallocated liabilities comprise mainly of the Group’s interest bearing liabilities.

(c)  Geographical information 

Revenue from external customers and non-current assets by geographical locations is detailed below. Revenue is 
attributable to geographic location based on the location of the customers.

Australia

Asia

United States 
of America

Other

Consolidated

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

Revenue from external customers

586

446 6,705 5,377

103

78

non-current assets1

18,957 19,530

11

-

-

154

41

20

25

7,435 5,926

21 18,988 19,705

1.  Non-current assets exclude deferred tax of US$1,052 (2013: US$1,170).

(d)  Major customer information 

The group has two major customers which account for 19% and 14% of external revenue within the Pluto and north 
West Shelf Business Units (2013: two customers; 18% and 12%).

100

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.  Revenue and expenses

(a) Operating revenue

Revenue from sale of goods
liquefied natural gas
north West Shelf
Pluto 

Pipeline natural gas
north West Shelf
United States of America

Condensate

north West Shelf
Pluto

Oil 

north West Shelf
laminaria
Enfield
Vincent
Stybarrow
United States of America

liquefied petroleum gas
north West Shelf

Total revenue from sale of goods

Other operating revenue

Processing and services revenue
Trading revenue

Total other operating revenue
Total operating revenue

(b)

Cost of sales

Cost of production

Production costs
Royalties and excise
Carbon costs
Insurance
Inventory movement

Shipping and direct sales costs
Trading costs

Oil and gas properties depreciation and amortisation 

land and buildings
Transferred exploration and evaluation 
Plant and equipment 
Marine vessels and carriers

Total cost of sales
Gross profit

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 1,654 
 2,909 
 4,563 

 376 
 1 
 377 

 568 
 333 
 901 

 308 
 85 
 146 
 511 
 83 
 22 
 1,155 

 80 
 80 
 7,076 

 198 
 161 
 359 
 7,435 

(705)
(400)
(24)
(23)
 40 
(1,112)

(185)
(160)
(345)

(58)
(46)
(1,315)
(7)
(1,426)
(2,883)
 4,552 

 1,645 
 1,702 
 3,347 

 366 
 5 
 371 

 754 
 246 
 1,000 

 377 
 99 
 200 
 25 
 195 
 74 
 970 

 88 
 88 
 5,776 

 150 
 - 
 150 
 5,926 

(732)
(461)
(36)
(41)
 28 
(1,242)

(145)
 - 
(145)

(61)
(42)
(1,099)
(5)
(1,207)
(2,594)
 3,332 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

101

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20143.  Revenue and expenses (continued)

(c) Other income 

Other fees and recoveries
Share of associates net profit
Other exchange gain
Total other income

(d) Other expenses

Exploration and evaluation 

Exploration expensed in current year
Exploration expensed previously capitalised
Amortisation of licence acquisition costs
Evaluation 

Total exploration and evaluation 

Other costs

net defined benefit plan expense
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments
Depreciation of other plant and equipment
general, administrative and other costs
Pluto mitigation and initial start-up costs
(loss)/gain on disposal of oil and gas properties
(loss)/gain on disposal of exploration and evaluation assets
Impairment of oil and gas properties1

Total other costs
Total other expenses
Profit before tax and net finance costs

1.  Details regarding impairment of oil and gas properties are contained in Note 11(b).

4.  

 Taxes

(a)

Tax expense comprises
PRRT

Current tax (benefit)/expense
Deferred tax expense related to movement in deferred tax balances

Income tax

Current tax expense
Over provided in prior years
Deferred tax expense related to movement in deferred tax balances

Total tax expense reported in the income statement

(b)

Reconciliation of tax expense to prima facie tax payable

Profit before tax
PRRT benefit
Profit before income tax

Tax expense calculated at 30%
Tax effect of items which are non-deductible/(assessable)

Research and development
Other

Foreign expenditure not brought to account
Over provided in prior years
Foreign exchange impact on tax expense
Income tax expense

PRRT benefit
Tax expense

102

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 25 
 4 
 15 
 44

(269)
(5)
(21)
(11)
(306)

(2)
 - 
(15)
(141)
 - 
(13)
(13)
(434)
(618)
(924)
 3,672 

 21 
 4 
 16 
 41 

(241)
(4)
(45)
(27)
(317)

(3)
(47)
(11)
(128)
 6 
 39 
 13 
(387)
(518)
(835)
 2,538 

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

(83)
(5)
(88)

 1,018 
(11)
 74 
 1,081 
 993 

 3,509 
88
 3,597 

 1,079 

(5)
(15)
 63 
(11)
(30)
 1,081 

(88)
 993 

 176 
(400)
(224)

 521 
(11)
 259 
 769 
 545 

 2,359 
 224 
 2,583 

 775 

(6)
(5)
 51 
(11)
(35)
 769 

(224)
 545 

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014  
 
4.  

 Taxes (continued)

(c)

Deferred tax

As at 1 January

Charged/ 
(credited) 
to income 
statement

Charged/ 
(credited) to 
equity

Acquisition/ 
(disposal)

As at 31 
December

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

2014

Deferred tax assets
Arising from temporary differences

Foreign jurisdiction
Domestic jurisdiction

Arising from PRRT

Deferred tax liabilities

Arising from temporary differences

Exploration and evaluation assets
Oil and gas properties

Financial instruments
Other liabilities

Provisions
Other

Arising from PRRT

2013
Deferred tax assets
Arising from temporary differences

Foreign jurisdiction
Domestic jurisdiction

Arising from PRRT

Deferred tax liabilities
Arising from temporary differences

Exploration and evaluation assets
Oil and gas properties
Financial instruments
Other liabilities
Provisions
Other

Arising from PRRT

11 
 - 
1,159 
1,170 

207 
1,149 

 1 
 128 

(432)
(45)
 525 
 1,533 

 11 
 - 
 881 
 892 

 184 
 915 
 33 
 36 
(427)
(20)
 647 
 1,368 

 - 
 - 
(107)
(107)

 95 
 272 

(2)
 55 

(189)
(12)
(112)
 107 

 - 
 - 
 290 
 290 

 23 
 229 
(32)
 97 
(8)
(31)
(122)
 156 

(d) Unrecognised deferred tax assets

Tax loss not recognised

Revenue loss

Deductible temporary difference1
Temporary differences associated with investments

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 

 - 
(3)
 - 
(3)

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 6 
 - 
 6 

(11)
 - 
 - 
(11)

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
(12)
(12)

 - 
 5 
 - 
(4)
 3 
(1)
 - 
 3 

2014 
US$m

 287 
 3,389 
 5 
 3,681 

 - 
 - 
 1,052 
 1,052 

 302 
 1,421 

(1)
 183 

(621)
(60)
 413 
 1,637 

 11 
 - 
 1,159 
 1,170 

 207 
 1,149 
 1 
 129 
(432)
(46)
 525 
 1,533 

2013 
US$m

 259 
 3,469 
 4 
 3,732 

1. 

Includes a deductible temporary difference of US$3,000 million related to the transition of the North West Shelf Project to the PRRT regime.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

103

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 20144.  

 Taxes (continued)

(e)  Tax losses

At the reporting date the group has unused and unrecognised tax losses of US$867 million (2013: US$774 million) that 
are available for offset against future taxable profits.

no deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of tax losses due to the uncertainty of future profit streams 
(2013: nil).

(f) 

Tax consolidation

The parent and its wholly owned Australian controlled entities have elected to enter tax consolidation, with Woodside 
Petroleum ltd as the head entity of the tax consolidated group. The members of the tax consolidated group are 
identified at note 29(a).

Entities within the tax consolidated group have entered into a tax funding arrangement and a tax sharing agreement 
with the head entity. Under the terms of the tax funding arrangement, Woodside Petroleum ltd and each of the entities 
in the tax consolidated group have agreed to make a tax equivalent payment to or from the head entity calculated on 
a stand alone basis based on the current tax liability or current tax asset of the entity. Such amounts are reflected in 
amounts receivable from, or payable to, other entities in the tax consolidated group.

The tax sharing agreement entered into between members of the tax consolidated group provides for the 
determination of the allocation of income tax liabilities between the entities, should the head entity default on its tax 
payment obligations. no amounts have been recognised in the financial statements in respect of this agreement as 
payment of any amounts under the tax sharing agreement is considered remote.

5.  Earnings per share

Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent (US$m)
Weighted average number of shares on issue
Basic and diluted earnings per share (US cents)1

2014

2013

 2,414 

 1,749 

 822,771,118 

 822,983,715 

 293 

 213 

1.  Earnings per share is calculated by dividing net profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parents by the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of shares makes allowance for shares reserved for employee share plans. Diluted earnings per share is not 
significantly different from basic earnings per share.

There have been no transactions involving ordinary shares between the reporting date and the date of completion of this 
financial report.

6.  Dividends paid and proposed

(a)

Dividends paid during the financial year

Prior year fully franked final dividend US$1.03, paid on 26 March 2014  
(2013: US$0.65, paid on 3 April 2013)
Fully franked special dividend: nil  (2013: US$0.63, paid on 29 May 2013)
Current year fully franked interim dividend US$1.11, paid 24 September 2014  
(2013: US$0.83, paid on 25 September 2013)

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 849 
 - 

 915 
 1,764 

 536 
 518 

 684 
 1,738 

(b) Dividend declared (not recorded as liability)

Final dividend US$1.44 to be paid on 25 March 2015 (2013: US$1.03, paid on 26 March 2014)

1,186

 849 

Dividend per share in respect of financial year

2014  
(US cents)

2013  
(US cents)

255

249

104

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014 
 
6.  Dividends paid and proposed (continued)

(c)

Franking credit balance

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

Franking credits available for the subsequent periods

2,257

 2,545 

7. 

Cash and cash equivalents

Components of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank 
Money market deposits
Total cash and cash equivalents1

1.  Reconciles to statement of cash flows.

8.  Receivables

(a)

Receivables (current)

Trade receivables1
Other receivables2
Dividend receivable3
Interest receivable3

(b)

Receivables (non-current)

loans receivable4

1.  Denominated in a mixture of Australian dollars and US dollars, interest free and settlement terms between 7 and 30 days.

2.  Other receivables are interest-free with various maturities.

3.  Dividends and interest receivables are receivable within 30 days of period end.

4.  Loans are receivable from non-controlling interests.

9. 

Inventories

(a) 

Inventories (current)

Petroleum products
goods in transit
Finished stocks

Warehouse stores and materials (at cost)

(b) 

Inventories (non-current)

2014 
US$m

 126 
 3,142 
 3,268 

2013 
US$m

 132 
 2,091 
 2,223 

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 300 
 174 
 3 
 1 
 478 

 63 
 63 

 284 
 167 
 2 
 - 
 453 

 - 
 - 

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 67 
 86 
 94 

 247 

 32 
 81 
 79 

 192 

Warehouse stores and materials (at cost)

 12 

 8 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

105

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201410.  Exploration and evaluation assets

(a)

Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of exploration and evaluation assets

Carrying amount at 1 January
Additions
Disposals at written down value
Amortisation of licence acquisition costs
Expensed (previously capitalised):

Exploration 
Evaluation 

Transferred exploration and evaluation
Carrying amount as at 31 December

(b)

Carrying amounts of exploration and evaluation assets

Regions
Australasia

Carnarvon basin
Browse basin
Outer Canning basin
Bonaparte basin

Asia

Myanmar

Africa

Morocco
gabon
The Americas

Peru
gulf of Mexico

Europe

Ireland
Canary Islands

1.  Carrying amounts relating to Outer Canning basin have been reclassified from the Carnavon basin in 2013.

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 1,063 
 268 
(17)
(21)

(5)
 - 
(20)
 1,268 

 783 
 247 
 37 
 164 

 10 

 10 
 3 

 4 
 - 

 1,120 
 161 
(34)
(45)

(4)
(2)
(133)
 1,063 

 686 
 162 
 71
 161 

 16 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 31 

 7 
3
 1,268 

 - 
-
 1,063 

106

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201411.  Oil and gas properties

(a)  Oil and gas properties

Land and 
buildings

Transferred 
exploration 
and evaluation 

Plant and 
equipment

Marine 
vessels and 
carriers

Projects in 
developments

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Year ended 31 December 2014

Carrying amount at 1 January 2014

 712 

 474 

 16,620 

 115 

Additions1

Disposals at written down value

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment loss

Completions and transfers
Carrying amount at 31 December 2014

 - 

(2)

(59)

 - 

 1 
 652 

 - 

(9)

(45)

 - 

 - 
 420 

 534 

(72)

(1,315)

(434)

 228 
 15,561 

At 31 December 2014

Historical cost
Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment 
Net carrying amount

Year ended 31 December 2013

 1,091 

 801 

 24,485 

(439)
 652 

(388)
 413 

(8,917)
 15,568 

 - 

 - 

(7)

 - 

 27 
 135 

 400 

(265)
 135 

Carrying amount at 1 January 2013

 785 

 522 

 16,825 

 120 

Additions

Disposals at written down value

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment loss

Completions and transfers

Carrying amount at 31 December 2013

 - 

 - 

(61)

 - 

(12)

 712 

 - 

(1)

(42)

(4)

(1)

 474 

 167 

(14)

(1,099)

(325)

 1,066 

 16,620 

At 31 December 2013

Historical cost
Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment 
net carrying amount

 1,100 

 835 

 24,110 

(388)
 712 

(361)
 474 

(7,490)
 16,620 

 - 

 - 

(5)

 - 

 - 

 115 

 373 

(258)
 115 

Total 

US$m

 18,490 

 967 

(83)

(1,426)

(434)

 20 
 17,534 

 569 

 433 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(236)
 766 

 824 

 27,601 

(58)
 766 

(10,067)
 17,534 

 1,123 

 424 

 - 

 - 

(58)

(920)

 569 

 19,375 

 591 

(15)

(1,207)

(387)

 133 

 18,490 

 627 

 27,045 

(58)
 569 

(8,555)
 18,490 

1.  Borrowing costs capitalised in oil and gas properties during the year were US$13 million (2013: US$29 million) at a weighted average interest rate of 4.1%  

(2013: 4.5%).

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

107

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201411.  Oil and gas properties (continued)

(b) 

Impairment of oil and gas properties

At 31 December 2014 the group assessed each cash generating unit to determine whether an indicator of impairment 
existed. Indicators of impairment include changes in future selling prices, future costs and reserves. As a result, the 
recoverable amounts of the cash generating units and some specific oil and gas assets were formally estimated, 
resulting in an impairment loss of US$434 million (2013: US$387 million) being recognised for the year. 

The following assumptions were used in the assessment of the cash generating units’ recoverable amounts:

•	 Discount rate – a range of pre-tax discount rates have been applied between 12% to 13% (2013: 12% to 13%);

•	 Oil price –  as a result of the oil price volatility experienced late in 2014, the 2014 impairment calculations have 
adopted an oil price based on the forward curve price at the date of assessment for 5 years then reverting to  
US$85/bbl (real 2014). Prices are adjusted based on premiums and discounts applied to the oil price marker based  
on the nature and quality of the product produced at the field; and

•	

Inflation rate – an inflation rate of 2.5% has been applied (2013: 2.5%).

•	 Foreign exchange rates – based on the forward exchange rates at the date of assessment of 5 years then reverting 

to $0.90 AUD:USD.

Asset class

d
n
a
t
n
a
l
p

,
y
t
r
e
p
o
r
P

t
n
e
m
p
u
q
e

i

d
n
a
s
l
e
s
s
e
v
e
n
i
r
a
M

s
r
e
i
r
r
a
c

t
n
e
m
p
o
l
e
v
e
d

n

i
s
t
c
e
j
o
r
P

(US$m)
 179 
 60 
 64 
 90 
 41 

(US$m)
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

(US$m)
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

d
n
a
n
o
i
t
a
r
o
p
x
e

l

d
e
r
r
e
f
s
n
a
r
T

n
o
i
t
a
u
l
a
v
e

(US$m)
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

l
a
t
o
T

(US$m)
 179 
 60 
 64 
 90 
 41 
 434 

Cash generating unit (CGU)

Segment 

d
n
a
d
n
a
Description  L

s
g
n
d

i

l
i

u
b

Australia Oil BU
Australia Oil BU
Australia Oil BU
Australia Oil BU
nWS BU

Oil field
Oil field
Oil field
Oil field
Oil field

(US$m)
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

2014
Enfield
Stybarrow
laminaria-Corallina
Vincent
nWS oil

2013
Enfield
Stybarrow
laminaria-Corallina

Pluto

neptune

Australia Oil BU
Australia Oil BU
Australia Oil BU

Pluto BU

USA BU

Oil field
Oil field
Oil field
Studies and 
developments
Oil field

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 

 154 
 87 
 34 

 - 

 54 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 154 
 87 
 34 

 58 

 58 

 - 

 54 
 387 

An impairment charge of US$434 million (2013: US$387 million) was recognised following an assessment of the 
expected future production, an increase in the carrying amount associated with the revised restoration costs estimate 
and decline in forward commodity prices.

Sensitivity analysis
It is estimated that changes in the key assumptions would result in an additional prima facie impairment for only the 
following CgUs in 2014:

Cash Generating Unit (CGU)
nWS oil
Vincent
Enfield
laminaria Corallina

Discount rate:  
increase 1% 
20
18
2
1

Sensitivity
Long term oil price 
reduction of US$5 (real)
19
25
3
-

FX long term increase  
of US$0.05 
11
18
8
-

108

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12.  Payables

(a)

Payables

Trade payables1
Other payables1
loan payables
Interest payables2

1.  Trade and other payables are interest-free and normally settled on 30 day terms.

2.  Details regarding interest-bearing liabilities are contained in Note 20(e).

13. 

Interest-bearing liabilities

(a)

Interest-bearing liabilities (current)1

Bonds
Debt facilities

(b)

Interest-bearing liabilities (non-current)1

Bonds
Debt facilities

1.  Details regarding interest-bearing liabilities are contained in Note 20(e).

14.   Tax payable

PRRT payable
Income tax payable

15.  Other liabilities

(a)  Other liabilities (current)

Unearned revenue
gas purchase commitments

(b)  Other liabilities (non-current)

Unearned revenue
gas purchase commitments
Defined benefit superannuation plan

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 286 
 295 
 - 
 24 
 605 

 216 
 253 
 66 
 40 
 575 

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 - 
 629 
 629 

 1,292 
 665 
 1,957 

2014 
US$m

 28 
 412 
 440 

 1,100 
 77 
 1,177 

 1,289 
 1,298 
 2,587 

2013 
US$m

 206 
 111 
 317 

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 73 
 3 
 76 

 97 
 12 
 14 
 123 

 27 
 3 
 30 

 109 
 14 
(9)
 114 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

109

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201416.  Provisions

Year ended 31 December 2014

At 1 January 2014

Change in provision

Unwinding of present value discount

At 31 December 2014

Current 

non-current 

Year ended 31 December 2013

At 1 January 2013

Change in provision

Unwinding of present value discount

At 31 December 2013

Current 

non-current 

Restoration 
of operating 
locations1

Employee 
benefits2

Other

Total 

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

 1,191 

 499 

 34 

 1,724 

 4 

 1,720 
 1,724 

 1,038 

 128 

 25 

 1,191 

 24 

 1,167 
 1,191 

 176 

(4)

 - 

 172 

 138 

 34 
 172 

 200 

(24)

 - 

 176 

 139 

 37 
 176 

 92 

(44)

 - 

 48 

 47 

 1 
 48 

 1,459 

 451 

 34 

 1,944 

 189 

 1,755 
 1,944 

 169 

 1,407 

(77)

 - 

 92 

 92 

 - 
 92 

 27 

 25 

 1,459 

 255 

 1,204 
 1,459 

1.  Details regarding restoration of operating locations are contained in Note 1(j) and Note 1(aa).

2.  Details regarding employee benefits are contained in Note 1(s) and Note 22.

17.  Contributed equity

(a)

Issued and fully paid shares

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

823,910,657 (2013: 823,910,657) ordinary shares1

 6,547 

 6,547 

(b)

Shares reserved for employee share plans

937,442 (2013: 902,040) ordinary shares

(38)

(42)

1.  All shares are a single class with equal rights to dividends, capital distributions and voting. The company does not have authorised capital nor par value in respect 

of its issued shares.

110

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201418.  Other reserves 

Year ended 31 December 2014

At 1 January 2014

Share-based payments

Share plan redemptions

Available-for-sale financial assets

Defined benefits remeasurements

At 31 December 2014

Year end 31 December 2013

At 1 January 2013

Share-based payments

Share plan redemptions

Available-for-sale financial assets

Defined benefits remeasurements

At 31 December 2013

Nature and purpose of reserves

Employee 
benefits 
reserve

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve

Hedge of net 
investment 
reserve

Investment 
fair value 
reserve 

Total 

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

164 

 62 

(59)

- 

(6)

161 

101 

 52 

(4)

- 

15 

164 

663 

110 

(14)

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

663 

110 

(14)

663 

110 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

663 

110 

(15)

 - 

 - 

 1 

 - 

(14)

923 

62 

(59)

 - 

(6)

920 

859 

52 

(4)

1 

15 

923 

Employee benefits reserve
Used to record share-based payments associated with the employee share plans and remeasurement adjustments relating to 
the defined benefit plan. 

Foreign currency translation reserve
Used to record foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of foreign entities from 
their functional currency to the group’s presentation currency.

Hedge of net investment reserve
Used to record gains and losses on hedges of net investments in foreign operations.

Investment fair value reserve
Used to record changes in the fair value of the group’s available-for-sale financial assets.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

111

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201419.  Parent entity information

Information relating to Woodside Petroleum Ltd 
Current assets
non-current assets
Current liabilities
non-current liabilities
Net assets

Issued and fully paid shares
Share reserved for employee share plans
Employee benefits reserves
Foreign currency translation reserve
Retained earnings
Total shareholders’ equity 

Profit of the parent entity
Total comprehensive income of the parent entity

Guarantees

2014 
US$m

 128 
 7,512 
(271)
(355)
 7,014 

 6,547 
(38)
 121 
 303 
 81 
 7,014 

 1,842 
 1,842 

2013 
US$m

 62 
 7,444 
(51)
(530)
 6,925 

 6,547 
(42)
 115 
 303 
 2 
 6,925 

 1,760 
 1,760 

Woodside Petroleum ltd and Woodside Energy ltd (a subsidiary company) are parties to a Deed of Cross guarantee as 
disclosed in note 29(b). The effect of the Deed is that Woodside Petroleum ltd has guaranteed to pay any deficiency in the 
event of winding up of the subsidiary company under certain provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. The subsidiary company 
has also given a similar guarantee in the event that Woodside Petroleum ltd is wound up.

Woodside Petroleum ltd has guaranteed the discharge by a subsidiary company of its financial obligations under debt facilities 
disclosed in note 20(e).

20.  Financial and capital risk management

(a)   Financial risk management objectives and policies

The group’s principal financial instruments, other than derivatives, comprise interest-bearing debt, cash and short-term 
deposits. Other financial instruments include trade receivables and trade payables, which arise directly from operations. 

Market (including foreign exchange, commodity price and interest rate risk), liquidity and credit risks arise in the normal 
course of the group’s business. Primary responsibility for identification and control of financial risk rests with a central 
treasury department (Treasury) under directives approved by the Board.

The group’s management of financial risk is aimed at ensuring net cash flows are sufficient to: 

•	 meet all its financial commitments as and when they fall due; 

•	 maintain the capacity to fund its committed project developments; 

•	 pay a reasonable dividend; and 

•	 maintain a long-term credit rating of not less than “investment grade”. 

The group monitors and tests its forecast financial position against these criteria and, in general, will undertake hedging 
activity only when necessary to ensure that these objectives are achieved. Other circumstances that may lead to 
hedging activities include the management of exposures relating to trading activities, the purchase of reserves and the 
underpinning of the economics of a new project. 

It is, and has been throughout the period, the group Treasury policy that no speculative trading in financial instruments 
shall be undertaken. The group’s forecast financial risk position with respect to key financial objectives and compliance 
with Treasury policy is regularly reported to the Board. The Audit & Risk Committee oversees the internal auditor review 
of the treasury function.

112

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201420.  Financial and capital risk management (continued)

(b)   Market risk

(i) 

Foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk arises from future commitments, assets and liabilities that are denominated in a currency 
that is not the functional currency in which they are measured. The functional currency of all entities with the 
group is US dollars. 

Currency exposure relates to transactions and balances in currencies other than US dollars. The majority of the 
operations’ revenue is denominated in US dollars whereas the majority of operating expenditure and capital 
expenditure is incurred in currencies other than US dollars (including Australian dollars). As a result, most 
operations within the group are exposed to foreign currency risk arising from costs denominated in Australian 
dollars. Monetary items denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into US dollar 
equivalents and any associated gain or loss is taken to the income statement.

Measuring the exposure to foreign exchange risk is achieved by regularly monitoring and performing sensitivity 
analysis on the group’s financial position. Currently there are no foreign exchange hedge programs in place. 
group Treasury manages the purchase of foreign currency to meet operational requirements.

The following table shows financial instruments by currency. The group is principally exposed to foreign exchange 
risk on those financial instruments denominated in Australian dollars.

2014

2013

Total
USD
US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m

Other

Other

Total

AUD

AUD

USD

Financial assets
Cash
Receivables
Other financial assets

Financial liabilities
Payables
Interest-bearing liabilities 1
Other financial liabilities

1.  Excludes transaction costs.

 3,170 
 461 
 28 
 3,659 

 195 
 2,600 
 10 
 2,805 

 91 
 79 
 2 
 172 

 396 
 - 
 2 
 398 

 7 
 1 
 - 
 8 

 3,268 
 541 
 30 
 3,839 

 2,147 
 344 
 28 
 2,519 

 14 
 - 
 - 
 14 

 605 
 2,600 
 12 
 3,217 

 168 
 3,783 
 17 
 3,968 

 65 
 110 
 8 
 183 

 373 
 - 
 3 
 376 

 11 
(1)
 - 
 10 

 2,223 
 453 
 36 
 2,712 

 34 
 - 
 - 
 34 

 575 
 3,783 
 20 
 4,378 

The following table summarises the sensitivity of the balance of financial instruments held at the reporting date to 
movement in the exchange rate of the US dollar to the Australian dollar, with all other variables held constant. The 
10% sensitivity is based on reasonably possible changes, over a financial year, using the observed range of actual 
historical rates for the preceding five-year period.

Judgements of reasonably possible movements

US$:A$ +10% (2013: +11%)

US$:A$ -10% (2013: -11%)

(ii)  Commodity price risk

Post tax profits  
(decrease)/increase

Other comprehensive income 
(decrease)/increase

2014 
US$m

 14 

(18)

2013 
US$m

 14 

(17)

2014 
US$m

 - 

 - 

2013 
US$m

 - 

 - 

The group’s revenue is exposed to commodity price fluctuations, in particular oil and gas prices. As at reporting 
date, the group had no financial instruments with material exposure to commodity price risk.

group Treasury measures exposure to commodity price risk by monitoring and stress testing the group’s forecast 
financial position to sustained periods of low oil and gas prices. This analysis is regularly performed on the group’s 
portfolio and, as required, for discrete projects and acquisitions.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

113

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201420.  Financial and capital risk management (continued)

(b)   Market risk (continued)

(iii) 

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the group’s financial position will fluctuate due to changes in market interest 
rates. The group’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates relates primarily to financial 
instruments with floating interest rates including long-term debt obligations and cash and short-term deposits.

The group aims to manage its interest rate risk by maintaining an appropriate mix of fixed and floating rate 
debt. To manage the ratio of fixed rate debt to floating rate debt, the group may enter into interest rate swaps. 
Derivatives are entered into against specific rate exposures only, as disclosed in note 20(f). no hedging programs 
were placed during 2014 (2013: nil).

Cash and short-term deposits are short-term in nature and are therefore monitored by group Treasury to achieve 
the optimal outcome.

At reporting date, the group had the following mix of financial assets and liabilities exposed to various benchmark 
interest rates that were not designated in cash flow hedges:

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities 1

1.  Excludes transaction costs.

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 3,268 

 2,223 

(1,300)

(1,383)

The following table summarises the sensitivity of the balance of financial instruments held at the reporting date, 
following a movement in the london Interbank Offered Rate (lIBOR), with all other variables held constant. 
The lIBOR +1.0%/-0.36% sensitivity is based on reasonably possible changes, over a financial year, using the 
observed range of actual historical rates for the preceding five-year period, bound by a lower limit of 0%.

Post tax profits  
(decrease)/increase

Other  comprehensive income 
(decrease)/increase

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

Judgements of reasonably possible movements
lIBOR +1.0% (2013: +1.0%)
lIBOR -0.36% (2013: -0.35%)

 17 
(6)

 10 
(4)

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 

114

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OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201420.  Financial and capital risk management (continued)

(c)   Liquidity risk

liquidity risk arises from financial liabilities of the group and the group’s subsequent ability to meet its obligations to 
repay financial liabilities as and when they fall due.

The liquidity position of the group is managed to ensure sufficient liquid funds are available to meet its financial 
commitments in a timely and cost-effective manner. 

group Treasury continually reviews the group’s liquidity position including cash flow forecasts to determine the forecast 
liquidity position and maintain appropriate liquidity levels. At 31 December 2014, the group has a total of US$6,818 
million available undrawn facilities and cash at its disposal. Financing facilities available to the group are disclosed in 
note 20(e). Refer to note 20(g) for details of the repayment obligations in respect of the amount of drawn facilities.

2014
Payables maturity analysis

2013
Payables maturity analysis

< 30 days 30 - 60 days > 60 days
US$m

US$m

US$m

Trade payables
Other payables
loan payables
Interest payable
Total payables

(d)   Credit risk

 149 
 294 
 - 
 2 
 445 

 -
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

137
 - 
 - 
 23 
160

Total
US$m

 286 
 294 
 - 
 25 
 605 

< 30 days 30 - 60 days > 60 days
US$m

US$m

US$m

 139 
 253 
 - 
 2 
 394 

 76 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 76 

 1 
 - 
 66 
 38 
 105 

Total
US$m

 216 
 253 
 66 
 40 
 575 

Credit risk is the risk that a contracting entity will not complete its obligation under a financial instrument, resulting in 
a financial loss to the group. Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the group, which comprise trade and other 
receivables and deposits with banks and financial institutions.

The group manages its credit risk on trade receivables and financial instruments by predominantly dealing with 
counterparties with an investment grade credit rating. Customers who wish to trade on unsecured credit terms are 
subject to credit verification procedures. Receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis. As a result, the 
group’s exposure to bad debts is not significant. The group’s maximum credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of 
its financial assets. The amounts held with these institutions are within the counterparty limits as approved by the Chief 
Financial Officer and the Board approved group Treasury Policy. 

2014
Receivables maturity analysis

2013
Receivables maturity analysis

< 30 days 30 - 60 days > 60 days
US$m

US$m

US$m

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Dividends receivable

loans receivable
Interest receivable
Total receivables

 300 
 167 
 1 

 - 
 1 
469

 - 
 3 
 - 

 - 
 - 
3

 - 
 4 
 2 

63 
 - 
69

Total
US$m

 300 
 174 
 3 

 63 
 1 
 541 

< 30 days 30 - 60 days > 60 days
US$m

US$m

US$m

 284 
 166 
 2 

 - 
 - 
 452 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 1 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 1 

Total
US$m

 284 
 167 
 2 

 - 
 - 
 453 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

115

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201420. 

Financial and capital risk management (continued)

(e) 

Financing facilities

364-day revolving credit facilities

The group has one dual currency (US and Australian dollars) 364-day revolving credit facility totalling US$50 million. 
Interest rates are based on lIBOR and are fixed at the commencement of the drawdown period. Interest is paid at the 
end of the drawdown period. The 364-day revolving credit facility is subject to various covenants and a negative pledge 
restricting future secured borrowings, subject to a number of permitted lien exceptions. neither the covenants nor the 
negative pledges have been breached at any time during the reporting year. 

Bi-lateral loan facilities 

The group has 12 bi-lateral loan facilities totalling US$950 million. Details of bi-lateral loan facilities at the reporting date 
are as follows:

Number of facilities

Term (years)

6
2
1
1
1
1

 5 
 5 
 5 
 4 
 3 
 4 

Currency

AUD, USD
Multiple
USD
AUD, USD
AUD, USD
USD

Extension option

Evergreen
Evergreen
not evergreen
Evergreen
Evergreen
Evergreen

Interest rates are based on lIBOR and are fixed at the commencement of the drawdown period. Interest is paid at 
the end of the drawdown period. Evergreen facilities may be extended continually by a year subject to the bank’s 
agreement. The bi-lateral loan facilities are subject to various covenants and a negative pledge restricting future secured 
borrowings, subject to a number of permitted lien exceptions. neither the covenants nor the negative pledges have 
been breached at any time during the reporting year.

Bridging facilities

The group entered into five 12-month bridging facilities in December 2014 totalling US$2,000 million. Interest rates 
are based on lIBOR and are fixed at the commencement of the drawdown period. Interest is paid at the end of the 
drawdown period. The bridging facilities are subject to various covenants and a negative pledge restricting future 
secured borrowings, subject to a number of permitted lien exceptions. neither the covenants nor the negative pledges 
have been breached at any time during the reporting year.

Bonds
The group has two unsecured bonds issued in the United States of America as defined in Rule 144A of the  
US Securities Act as set out below:

•	

•	

the 2019 US$600 million bond has a fixed rate coupon of 8.75% p.a. and matures on 1 March 2019; and

the 2021 US$700 million bond has a fixed rate coupon of 4.60% p.a. and matures on 10 May 2021.

Interest on the bonds is payable semi-annually in arrears. The bonds are subject to various covenants and a negative 
pledge restricting future secured borrowings, subject to a number of permitted lien exceptions. neither the covenants 
nor the negative pledges have been breached at any time during the reporting year.

116

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OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201420.  Financial and capital risk management (continued)

(e) 

Financing facilities (continued)

Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Facility

On 24 June 2008, the group entered into a committed loan facility totalling US$1,500 million (JBIC Facility). The 
JBIC facility comprises a 15-year, US$1,000 million tranche with JBIC (JBIC Tranche), and a five-year, US$500 million 
commercial tranche with a syndicate of eight Australian and international banks arranged by the Bank of Tokyo-
Mitsubishi UFFJ, ltd (Commercial Tranche). The Commercial Tranche has subsequently been repaid, with the final 
payment made on 28 February 2013. There is a prepayment option for the JBIC Tranche. Interest rates are based on 
lIBOR. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears and the principal amortises on a straight-line basis, with equal 
instalments of principal due on each interest payment date (every six months) starting on 7 January 2012. Under the 
JBIC facility, 90% of the receivables from designated Pluto lng Project Sale and Purchase Agreements, are secured 
in favour of the lenders through a trust structure, with a required reserve amount of US$30 million. To the extent that 
this reserve amount remains fully funded and no default notice or acceleration notice has been given, the revenue from 
the Pluto lng Project continues to flow directly to the group from the trust account. The JBIC Facility is subject to 
various covenants and a negative pledge restricting future secured borrowings, subject to a number of permitted lien 
exceptions. neither the covenants nor the negative pledge has been breached at any time during the reporting year.

Asian syndicated facility

On 8 December 2010, the group executed a five-year US$1,100 million syndicated loan facility with 34 banks. Funds 
from the loan were used to repay the US$1,100 million syndicated loan facility executed in May 2009. The loan is 
composed of a US$550 million term facility (Facility A) and a US$550 million revolving facility (Facility B). Interest rates 
are based on lIBOR for both facilities and are fixed at the commencement of the drawdown periods. Interest is paid 
at the end of the drawdown period. The syndicated loan is subject to various covenants, including a negative pledge 
restricting future secured borrowings, subject to a number of permitted lien exceptions. neither the covenants nor the 
negative pledge has been breached at any time during the reporting year.

(f)  Hedging and derivatives

Interest rates 
The group manages its exposure to interest rate risk by maintaining a mix of fixed rate and floating rate debt.  
In general, the fixed rate debt and floating rate debt ratio is managed through an appropriate choice of debt  
instrument. The group may enter into interest rate swaps to manage the ratio of fixed rate debt to floating rate debt.

The interest rate swaps expired on 15 november 2013. As at reporting date the group had no further interest  
rate swaps.

(g)  Maturity profile of interest-bearing liabilities

The maturity profile of the group’s interest-bearing liabilities is as follows:

 Due for payment in 

1 year or 
less
US$m

1-2 years
US$m

2-3 years
US$m

3-4 years
US$m

4-5 years
US$m

More than  
5 years
US$m

Total
US$m

2014

Interest-bearing liabilities 1

 734 

 172 

 171 

 171 

 744 

 1,086 

 3,078 

2013
Interest-bearing liabilities 1

1.  Excludes transaction costs.

 1,333 

 734 

 171 

 171 

 170 

 1,830 

 4,409 

The amounts disclosed in the table above are the undiscounted cash flows, representing principal and interest, and 
hence will not necessarily reconcile with the amounts disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial position.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

117

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201420.  Financial and capital risk management (continued)

(h) 

Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities

The carrying amount of financial assets and financial liabilities approximates their fair value, with the exception of the 
group’s two unsecured bonds which have a carrying amount of US$1,300 million (2013: US$2,400 million) and a  
fair value of US$1,500 million (2013: US$2,600 million). The group’s repayment obligations remain unchanged.

(i) 

Capital management

group Treasury is responsible for the group’s capital management including cash, debt and equity. Capital management 
is undertaken to ensure that a secure, cost-effective and flexible supply of funds is available to meet the group’s 
operating and capital expenditure requirements. This involves the use of corporate forecasting models, which facilitates 
analysis of the group’s financial position including cash flow forecasts to determine the future capital management 
requirements.

group Treasury maintains a stable capital base from which the group can pursue its growth aspirations, whilst 
maintaining a flexible capital structure that allows access to a range of debt and equity markets to both draw upon and 
repay capital. An example of the group’s capital management is the activation of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) 
during a period of high capital expenditure.

The DRP was approved by shareholders at the Annual general Meeting in 2003 for activation as required to fund future 
growth. The DRP was suspended by the Board in February 2013 until further notice.

group Treasury monitors a range of financial metrics including gearing and cash flow leverage, and Treasury policy 
breaches and exceptions. The gearing ratio which is net debt divided by total equity (excluding non-controlling interest) 
plus net debt is negative 4% (2013: 9%) at reporting date.

21.  Expenditure commitments

(a)  Operating lease commitments

Rentals payable on non-cancellable operating leases, due: 

within one year
after one year but not more than five years
later than five years

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 453 
 684 
 824 
 1,961 

 433 
 818 
 848 
 2,099 

The group leases assets for operations including floating production, storage and off-take vessels, helicopters, supply 
vessels, cranes, land, mobile offshore drilling units, office premises and computers. 

There are no restrictions placed upon the lessee by entering into these leases. Renewals are at the option of the 
specific entity that holds the lease. Certain leases contain a clause enabling upward revision of the rental charge on an 
annual basis based on the consumer price index. The group made payments under operating leases of US$431 million 
during the year (2013: US$347 million). A portion of this amount relates to arrangements containing non-lease elements, 
which are not practicable to separate.

(b)  Capital expenditure commitments

The group has capital expenditure commitments contracted for but not provided for in the financial report of 
US$89 million (2013: US$103 million).

Woodside entered into a binding transaction with Apache Corporation to acquire Apache’s Australian Wheatstone lng 
and Balnaves oil interests and Kitimat lng project interests in Canada, for an aggregate purchase price of  
US$2.75 billion. The acquisition has an effective date of 1 July 2014 and is subject to regulatory approvals,  
pre-emption for both Balnaves oil and Kitimat lng projects and joint venture participant consent for the Kitimat lng 
project. The transaction was not complete at 31 December 2014 and financial close is targeted by end Q1 2015.

118

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OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201421.  Expenditure commitments (continued)

(c) 

Exploration commitments

The group has exploration obligations for the following regions which are contracted for, but not provided for in the 
financial report.

Australasia

Browse basin 
Outer Canning basin
Carnarvon basin 
new Zealand

The Americas

gulf of Mexico 
Peru

Asia

Korea
Myanmar

Africa

Morocco
gabon

Europe

Ireland
Canary Islands

Total 

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 3 
 83 
 74 
 32 

 - 
 5 

 - 
 68 

 13 
 11 

 32 
50
 371 

 28 
 110 
 82 
 21 

 1 
 23 

 8 
 12 

 - 
 - 

 - 
149
 434 

These obligations may be varied from time to time and are expected to be fulfilled in the normal course of operations 
of the group.

22.   Employee benefits

(a)  Woodside employee share plans

(i)  Woodside equity plan

In november 2011, Woodside introduced the Woodside Petroleum ltd, Woodside Equity Plan (WEP) which is 
available to all Australian based employees including executives, other than the CEO and any executive directors. 
Woodside’s intention is to enable eligible employees to build up a holding of equity in the company as they 
progress through their career at Woodside. The number of Equity Rights (ERs) offered to each eligible employee 
will be calculated with reference to salary and performance. The linking of performance to an allocation allows 
Woodside to recognise and reward eligible employees for high performance. The WEP is intended to provide an 
opportunity to share in the growth of the company as well as provide a retention mechanism for participating 
employees. Participants do not make any payment in respect of the ERs at grant or at vesting.

Eligible participants receive an allocation of ERs. Each ER entitles the participant to receive a Woodside share on 
the vesting date three years after the grant date. ERs may vest prior to the vesting date on a change of control or, 
at the discretion of the CEO, limited to the following circumstances; redundancy, retirement, death, termination 
due to medical illness or capacity or total and permanent disablement of a participating employee. An employee 
whose employment is terminated by resignation, cessation of an employment contract or for cause prior to the 
vesting date will forfeit all of their ERs.

Shares will either be issued by Woodside or acquired on market to satisfy vesting ER entitlements. The number of 
ERs that vest may be adjusted for any interruptions to an employee’s service. Eligible participants who are on an 
international assignment may receive a cash amount subject to Board discretion.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

119

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201422.   Employee benefits (continued)

(a)  Woodside employee share plans (continued)

(i)  Woodside equity plan (continued)

Participants in the WEP cannot dispose of or otherwise deal with an ER and do not receive any dividends or have 
voting rights in respect of an ER. Allocations of ERs to participants will be adjusted in the event of Woodside 
making a bonus issue of shares or upon reconstruction of the company’s share capital.  

The WEP is accounted for as a share-based payment to employees for services provided. The fair value of the 
benefit provided will be estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing technique. 

The WEP had 3,495 employees participating at 31 December 2014.

The number of equity rights and movements in each WEP offer are as follows:

Grant date

1 October 2014
1 October 2013
1 October 2012
30 november 2011

Grant date

1 October 2013

1 October 2012

30 november 2011

On issue at 
beginning of 
year

 - 
 2,874,030 
 1,774,154 
 1,350,137 
 5,998,321 

On issue at 
beginning of 
year

 - 
 1,912,965 

 1,521,362 
 3,434,327 

2014

Granted during 
the year

Vested during 
the year

Forfeited/lapsed 
during 
the year

 2,000,489 
 5,868 
 3,404 
 6,917 
 2,016,678 

 - 
(6,167)
(11,760)
(1,244,145)
(1,262,072)

2013

 - 
(206,865)
(146,751)
(112,909)
(466,525)

Granted during 
the year

Vested during 
the year

Forfeited/lapsed 
during 
the year

 2,874,030 
 41,497 

 - 
 2,915,527 

 - 
(6,112)

(12,079)
(18,191)

 - 
(174,196)

(159,146)
(333,342)

On issue at  
end of year

 2,000,489 
 2,666,866 
 1,619,047 
 - 
 6,286,402 

On issue at  
end of year

 2,874,030 
 1,774,154 

 1,350,137 
 5,998,321 

The following table lists the inputs to the Black-Scholes option pricing technique used for each WEP offer:

Valuation assumption

Grant date 

Vesting date

Share price at  
grant date 

Employee benefit 
fair value 

Expected  
dividend return 

(A$/share)

(US$/ER)

1 October 2014

1 October 2017

1 October 2013

1 October 2016

1 October 2012

1 October 2015

30 november 2011 30 november 2014

 40.78 

 37.77 

 33.20 

 32.80 

 31.26 

 30.47 

 31.99 

 30.49 

(%)

 4.5 

 5.0 

 2.5 

 2.5 

Expected life 

(years)

 3 

 3 

 3 

 3 

120

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014 
22.   Employee benefits (continued)

(a)  Woodside employee share plans (continued)

(ii) 

Supplementary Woodside equity plan

In October 2011, Woodside introduced the Woodside Petroleum ltd, Supplementary Woodside Equity Plan 
(SWEP) which is available to a number of employees identified as being retention critical. Woodside’s intention is 
to award ERs to address imbalances in external and internal relativities. October 2014 was the first time awards 
have been issued under the SWEP since the Board approved the plan in October 2011. Participants do not make 
any payment in respect of the ERs at grant or at vesting.

Eligible participants receive an allocation of ERs. Each ER entitles the participant to receive a Woodside share on 
the vesting date three years after the grant date. ERs may vest prior to the vesting date on a change of control or, 
at the discretion of the CEO, limited to the following circumstances; redundancy, retirement, death, termination 
due to medical illness or capacity or total and permanent disablement of a participating employee. An employee 
whose employment is terminated by resignation, cessation of an employment contract or for cause prior to the 
vesting date will forfeit all of their ERs.

Shares will either be issued by Woodside or acquired on market to satisfy vesting ER entitlements. The number of 
ERs that vest may be adjusted for any interruptions to an employee’s service. Eligible participants who are on an 
international assignment may receive a cash amount subject to Board discretion.

Participants in the SWEP cannot dispose of or otherwise deal with an ER and do not receive any dividends or 
have voting rights in respect of an ER.

The SWEP is accounted for as a share-based payment to employees for services provided. The fair value of the 
benefit provided will be estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing technique.

The SWEP had three employees participating at 31 December 2014.

The number of equity rights and movements in the SWEP offer are as follows:

Grant date

1 October 2014

2014

On issue at 
beginning of year

 Granted during  
the year 

 Vested during 
the year 

 Forfeited/
lapsed during 
the year 

On issue at  
end of year

-

-

 52,620 

 52,620 

 - 

 - 

(14,350)

(14,350)

38,270

38,270

The following table lists the inputs to the Black-Scholes option pricing technique used for the SWEP plan:

Grant date

Vesting date

 Share price at 
grant date 

 Employee 
benefit fair value 

 Expected 
dividend return  

 Expected Life 

1 October 2014

1 October 2017

 40.78 

 31.26 

(A$/share)

(US$/ER)

(%)

 4.5 

(years)

 3 

 Valuation assumptions  

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

121

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014 
22.  Employee benefits (continued)

(b)   Executive share plans

Equity rights are granted on 1 January of each performance year. The Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) is accounted for as 
a share based payment to employees for services provided. The fair value of the benefit provided was estimated using 
the Binomial or Black-Scholes option pricing technique combined with a Monte Carlo simulation methodology, where 
relevant. Historical volatility has been used to estimate the volatility of the share price. 

On 7 December 2012, the Board approved a modification to the EIP rules for the 2012 performance year and each year 
thereafter. The modification affected both the Short Term Award (STA) and long Term Award (lTA). There have been no 
further modifications.

For the 2012 performance year onwards, the STA deferred equity component will be delivered in the form of restricted 
shares. Participants will receive any dividends paid on their restricted shares after they have been allocated.

The lTA for the 2012 performance year onwards is granted in the form of Variable Pay Rights (VPRs), the vesting of 
which is linked to service and Relative Total Shareholder Return (RTSR). The vesting of RTSR-tested VPRs is conditional 
on satisfactory ranking of Woodside’s RTSR, as calculated under the EIP rules, over a four or five-year period from 
allocation date in comparison with an international peer group and separately the ASX top 50. The international oil and 
gas lTA Peer group for grant of the RTSR-tested VPRs for the 2012 performance year onwards is set out in Table 14 of 
the Remuneration Report. This peer group has a weighting of 67%. The ASX 50 Index as at 1 December 2014 was taken 
as the second peer group. The selection of the ASX 50 as a second peer group with a weighting of 33% was made in 
order to reflect Woodside’s performance against similar organisations traded on the Australian Securities Exchange. The 
RTSR in respect of Woodside and both peer groups is calculated by an external adviser in accordance with the EIP rules 
on the fourth anniversary of the allocation of these RTSR-tested VPRs. The outcome of the test is measured against 
the schedule shown in Table 7 of the Remuneration Report. Any RTSR-tested VPRs which do not vest at this time are 
subject to a second RTSR test on the fifth anniversary of the allocation date. Any RTSR-tested VPRs that do not vest on 
the fifth anniversary lapse.

For further details regarding the 2008 to 2011 plans, refer to the Remuneration Report included in the 2014  
Directors’ Report. 

EIP time-tested variable pay rights (VPRs)/restricted shares

e
c
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a
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Restricted shares

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Valuation assumption

g
n
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F

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f

t
fi
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y
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m
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l

d
l
e
i
y
d
n
e
d
i
v
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d
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t
c
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p
x
E

(A$/
share)

(US$/VPR  
or share)

(%)

 - 
(632)
(3,150)

 -  264,300
 106,903 
 162,736 

(8,709)
(17,137)

 38.90 
 33.88 
 30.62 

 34.80 
 35.18 
 30.98 

 - 
 - 
 - 

(1,192)

(13,653)

 92,184 

 42.56 

 38.87 

(37,282)

(13,289)

 - 

 47.20 

 38.32 

 2.50 

 2.50 

 -
 -

 - 

 - 

2014
2013
2012

1 January 2014 20 February 2018
1 January 2013 21 February 2017  116,244 
1 January 2012 22 February 2016  183,023 

 -  264,300

Variable pay rights

2011

2010

1 January 2011 1 March 2015

 107,029 

1 January 2010 25 February 2014

 50,571

122

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22.  Employee benefits (continued)

(b)   Executive share plans (continued)

EIP relative total shareholder return (RTSR) tested VPRs

e
c
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a
m
r
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f
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t
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t
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i

f
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Valuation assumption

g
n
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S

e
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g

r
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l

r
i
a
f

t
fi
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d
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y
t
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i
t
a
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t
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t
n

i

e
e
r
f
k
s
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R

d
l
e
i
y
d
n
e
d
i
v
i
d

d
e
t
c
e
p
x
E

(A$/
share)

(US$/VPR 
or share)

(%)

(%)

(%)

2014 1 January 2014 20 February 2019

-

623,872

-

-

623,872  38.90 

 17.45 

 22 

 3.5 

 4.5 

2013 1 January 2013 21 February 2018  651,488 

 - 

 - 

(42,746)  608,742   33.88 

 20.77 

 30 

 2.9 

 5.0 

20 February 2020

2012 1 January 2012 22 February 2017  582,698 

 - 

 - 

(45,545)  537,153   30.62 

 15.90 

 36 

 3.9 

 2.5 

21 February 2019

22 February 2018

2011 1 January 2011 1 March 2015
1 March 2016

 309,582 

 - 

 - 

(22,269)  287,313   42.56 

 21.36 

 36 

 5.7 

 2.5 

2010 1 January 2010 25 February 2014  189,591 

25 February 2015

2009 1 January 2009 5 March 2013
5 March 2014

 152,084 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(13,894) 175,697   47.20 

 20.02 

 38 

 5.3 

 2.5 

-

(152,084)

-

 36.70 

 14.82 

 36 

 3.6 

 2.5 

Pay rights1
Pay rights are accounted for as a share-based payment, with fair value estimated using the Binominal or Black Scholes 
option pricing technique combined with a Monte Carlo simulation methodology, where relevant. Historical volatility has 
been used to estimate the volatility of the share price.

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t
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fi
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b
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o
p
m
E

l

e
u
l
a
v
r
i
a
f

(A$/
share)

(US$/VPR 
or share)2

20103 1 June 2010 15 March 2014  5,674 
15 March 2013  11,348 
15 March 2012  17,022

-
 - 
 -

-
(5,674)
-

(5,674)
-
(5,674)

 - 
 5,674 
 11,348

 43.59 
 43.59 
 43.59

 21.25 
 21.25 
 21.25

1.  Refer to Remuneration Report 2011 for details of pay rights.
2.  Valuation assumptions and employee benefit fair values are based on weighted averages.
3.  Pay rights granted 1 June 2010 are RTSR-tested.

(c)   CEO sign-on incentive shares

Valuation assumption

d
e
t
c
e
p
x
E

y
t
i
l
i
t
a
l
o
v

(%)2

 41 
 41 
 41

e
t
a
r

t
s
e
r
e
t
n

i

e
e
r
f
k
s
i
R

(%)2

 4.5 
 4.5 
 4.5

d
l
e
i
y
d
n
e
d
i
v
i
d

d
e
t
c
e
p
x
E

(%)2

 2.5 
 2.5 
 2.5

Mr Coleman gave up certain rights with his former employer to join Woodside as CEO. To recognise these interests, 
he was paid a one-off sign-on incentive. Woodside acquired Woodside shares to the value of US$3 million to be held in 
trust for Mr Coleman. One third of these shares vested each anniversary after the date of his appointment. 

The number of equity rights and movements in the CEO sign-on incentive share offer was as follows:

Year

2014
2013
2012
2011

Grant date

30 May 2011
30 May 2011
30 May 2011
30 May 2011

On issue at 
beginning of year

Granted during 
the year

Vested during  
the year

Forfeited/lapsed 
during the year

On issue at  
end of year

 22,002 
 44,003 
 66,004 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 66,004 

(22,002)
(22,001)
(22,001)
 - 

-
 - 
 - 
 - 

 - 
 22,002 
 44,003 
 66,004 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

123

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22.  Employee benefits (continued)

(c)   CEO sign-on incentive shares (continued)

The following table lists the inputs to the Black-Scholes option pricing technique used for each tranche of the CEO  
sign-on incentive:

Grant date

Vesting date

Share price at  
grant date  
(A$/share)

Employee benefit 
fair value  
(US$/ER) 1

 Valuation assumptions 

Expected dividend 
return (%)

Expected life 
(years)

30 May 2011
30 May 2011
30 May 2011

30 May 2012
30 May 2013
30 May 2014

 45.97 
 45.97 
 45.97 

 49.19 
 49.19 
 49.19 

 - 
 - 
 - 

 1 
 2 
 3 

1.  Fair value calculation is averaged over the vesting period.

(d)   Shares held for woodside share plans

Woodside holds shares for the purpose of vesting share plans. The following table illustrates the number of shares:

Opening balance
Purchases during the year
Vested during the year
Closing shares held for Woodside share plans

(e)   Employee benefits

Employee benefits for the financial year are as follows:

Employee benefits
Defined contribution plan costs
Defined benefit plan expense

2014

2013

 Number of 
shares 

 902,040 
 1,366,933 
(1,331,531)
 937,442 

 Cost

 US$m 

 42 
 55 
(59)
 38 

 number of 
shares 

 961,799 
 41,602 
(101,361)
 902,040 

2014 
US$m

 376 
 38 
 2 
 416 

 Cost 

 US$m 

 44 
 2 
(4)
 42 

2013 
US$m

 316 
 31 
 3 
 350 

(f)   Compensation of key management personnel

Key management personnel compensation for the financial year is as follows:

2014 
US$

2013 
US$

14,435,970
134,409
4,180,339
115,211
519,090
19,385,019 

 11,749,020 
 327,362 
 6,582,222 
(13,025)
 2,250,404 
 20,895,983 

Short-term employee benefits
Post employment benefits
Share-based payments
long-term employee benefits
Termination benefits

124

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201423.  Events after the end of the reporting period

Dividends

Since the reporting date, the directors have declared a fully franked dividend of US$1.44 (2013: US$1.03), payable on  
25 March 2015. The amount of this dividend will be US$1,186 million (2013: US$849 million). no provision has been made 
for this dividend in the financial report as the dividend was not declared or determined by the directors on or before the end 
of the financial year.

24.  Related party disclosures

(a)  Transactions with related parties

The following table provides the total amount of transactions that were entered into with related parties for the relevant 
financial year:

Sales to  
related parties
US$m

Purchases from 
related parties
US$m

Outstanding 
balances 
receivable from/
(payable to) 
related parties
US$m

Commitments
US$m

Entities with significant influence over the Group

Royal Dutch Shell Group (Shell Group)
Shell Company of Australia

- Purchases

Other members of Shell group
- Purchases

Other members of Shell group
- Sales

2014
2013

2014
2013

2014
2013

 - 
 - 

 - 
 - 

 38 
 146 

 25 
 39 

 4 
 24 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 2 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 4 

 - 
 - 

 - 
 7 

 - 
 - 

Royal Dutch Shell group (Shell group) is no longer deemed a related party effective from 17 June 2014. The transactions 
disclosed above relate to transactions that occurred when Shell group was deemed a related party. 

(b)  Terms and conditions of transaction with related parties

Sales to and purchases from related parties are made at arm’s length on normal market prices and on normal 
commercial terms. Applicable insurance premiums are negotiated at arm’s length with lead insurers via Woodside’s 
insurance brokers with Solen Versicherungen Ag following the terms set by the lead insurers. 

c) 

Transactions with directors

During the year, as part of the CEO’s relocation costs, A$200,000 was paid in connection with transfer duty in  
Western Australia (2013: nil).

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

125

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201425.  Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

(a)

Contingent liabilities at reporting date
not otherwise provided for in the financial report

Contingent liabilities1
guarantees2

(b)

Contingent assets at reporting date
not otherwise accounted for in the financial report

Contingent assets relating to claims made or pending3

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 46 
 8 
 54 

9
9

 18 
 7 
 25 

-
-

1.  Contingent liabilities relate predominantly to actual or potential litigation of the Group for which amounts are reasonably estimated but the liability is not probable and 

therefore the Group has not provided for such amounts in this financial report. Additionally, there are a number of other claims and possible claims that have arisen in the 
course of business against entities in the Group, the outcome of which cannot be foreseen at present and for which no amounts have been included in the table above. 

2.  The Group has issued guarantees relating to workers’ compensation liabilities.

3.  Contingent assets relate predominantly to claims receivable by the Group for which amounts are reasonably estimated but the receivables is not virtually certain and 

therefore the group has not provided for such amounts in this financial report.

26.  Auditor remuneration

Fees of the auditors of the company for:

Audit and review of financial reports

Ernst & Young

Audit

non-audit services
Ernst & Young

Other services

2014 
US$'000

2013 
US$'000

 1,432 
 1,432 

 1,638 
 1,638 

 1,054
 1,054

 1,256
 1,256

126

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014 
 
27.  Joint arrangements

(a) 

Joint operations

The group's interest in joint operations as at 31 December 2014 is detailed below. Exploration, development and 
production of hydrocarbons are the principal activities performed across these assets. Related party interests are 
indicated where applicable (refer to note 24).

Joint operations interests

Australasia
Producing and Developing Assets
north West Shelf joint venture
Enfield and Vincent
laminaria-Corallina
Stybarrow
Pluto

Exploration and Evaluation Assets

Browse basin 
Carnarvon basin

Bonaparte basin 
Outer Canning basin
new Zealand

Africa
Exploration and Evaluation Assets

Morocco
gabon

The Americas
Exploration and Evaluation Assets

Peru

Asia
Exploration and Evaluation Assets

Myanmar
Republic of Korea

Europe
Exploration and Evaluation Assets

Ireland
Canary Islands

Group Interest 
 %

 12.5 - 50.0 
 60.0 
 59.9 - 66.7 
 50.0 
 90.0 

 17.0 - 75.0 
 15.8 - 90.0 

 26.7 - 35.0 
 43.9 - 55.0 
 70.0 

 25.0 - 75.0
 40.0 

 35.0

 40.0 - 50.0 
 50.0 

60.0 - 90.0
30.0

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

127

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201427.  Joint arrangements (continued)

(b) 

Joint operations

The aggregate of the group’s interest in all joint operations is as follows:

Current assets
Receivables
Inventories
Other assets

Non-current assets
Inventories
Exploration and evaluation
Oil and gas properties

(c)  Commitments through joint operations

The aggregate of the group’s commitments through joint operations is as follows:

Capital 

Exploration commitments

(d) 

Joint ventures

Interests in joint ventures are as follows:

Entity 

Principal activity

north West Shelf gas Pty ltd

Marketing services for ventures in the sale of 
gas to the domestic market. 

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

 5 
 54 
 1 
 60 

 13
 849 
 8,725 
 9,587 
 9,647 

2014 
US$m

 89 

 331 

 420 

 4 
 50 
 7 
 61 

 7
 689 
 9,369 
 10,065 
 10,126 

2013 
US$m

 95 

 434 

529 

Group Interest %

2014

16.67

2013

16.67

north West Shelf liaison Company Pty ltd liaison for ventures in the sale of lng to the 

16.67

16.67

Japanese market. 

China Administration Company Pty ltd 
(formerly north West Shelf Australia lng)

Marketing services for ventures in the sale of 
lng to international markets. 

16.67

16.67

north West Shelf Shipping Service 
Company Pty ltd

lng vessel fleet adviser. 

16.67

16.67

These entities exist as integrated components of the overall north West Shelf Joint Venture structure and are held 
proportionately with the other venturers. There have been no changes to the investment in these entities during  
the year.

28.  Associated entities

Entity

Principal activity

Group Interest %

2014

2013

International gas Transportation Company1

lng vessel fleet management.

 16.67 

 16.67

1.  The associate is incorporated in Bermuda.

128

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201429.  Subsidiaries 

(a)  Subsidiaries

Name of entity

Parent Entity
Woodside Petroleum ltd

Subsidiaries

Woodside Energy ltd

Woodside Energy Holdings Pty ltd

Woodside Energy Holdings (USA) Inc.
Woodside Energy (USA) Inc.

gryphon Exploration Company

Woodside Energy (Peru) Pty ltd
Woodside Energy (Korea) Pte ltd
Woodside Energy (Myanmar) Pte ltd
Woodside Energy Mediterranean Pty ltd
Woodside Energy (Ireland) Pty ltd
Woodside Energy (new Zealand) limited
Woodside Energy (new Zealand 55794) limited
Woodside Energy (Morocco) Pty ltd
Woodside Energy (gabon) Pty ltd
Woodside Energy (Tanzania) limited
Woodside Energy (Cameroon) SARl

Woodside Energy Holdings International Pty ltd

Woodside Energy International (Canada) limited
Woodside Energy (Canada lng) limited

Woodside Energy (Algeria) Pty ltd
Metasource Pty ltd
Woodside guangdong Shipping (One) Pty ltd
Woodside guangdong Shipping (Two) Pty ltd
Woodside Energy Holdings (UK) Pty ltd

Woodside Energy (UK) ltd

Woodside Energy Iberia S.A.
Woodside Energy (n.A.) ltd

Woodside Energy (Kenya) Pty ltd
Woodside Energy (Carbon Capture) Pty ltd
Woodside Energy (Sl) Pty ltd
Woodside West Africa Pty ltd
Woodside Energy Technologies Pty ltd
Woodside Energy (norway) Pty ltd
Woodside Energy (M.E.) Pty ltd
Woodside Energy Middle East and Africa Pty ltd
Woodside Browse Pty ltd
Woodside Burrup Pty ltd
Pluto lng Pty ltd
Burrup Facilities Company Pty ltd
Burrup Train 1 Pty ltd

Woodside Energy Australia Asia Holdings Pte ltd

 Notes 

Country of 
incorporation

 (1,2,3) 

Australia

 (2,3,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (4) 
 (4)  
 (4)  
 (2,4) 
 (4)  
 (4)  
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (4,6) 
 (4,7) 
 (2,4,8) 
 (2,4,9) 
 (10,11) 
 (4,12) 
 (2,4) 
 (4,13) 
 (4,14) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (4) 
 (4) 
 (4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (5) 
 (5) 
 (5) 
 (4) 

Australia
Australia
USA
USA
USA
Australia
Singapore
Singapore
Australia
Australia
new Zealand
new Zealand
Australia
Australia
Tanzania
Cameroon
Australia
Canada
Canada
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
UK
Spain
UK
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Singapore

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

129

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201429.  Subsidiaries (continued)

(a)  Subsidiaries (continued)

Subsidiaries

 Notes 

Country of Incorporation

Woodside Energy Trading Singapore Pte ltd

WelCap Insurance Pte ltd
Woodside Energy Shipping Singapore Pte ltd
Woodside Energy Holdings (South America) Pty ltd

Woodside Energia (Brasil) Investimento em Exploracao de Petroleo ltda.

Woodside Finance ltd
Woodside Petroleum Holdings Pty ltd
Woodside Petroleum (Timor Sea 19) Pty ltd
Woodside Petroleum (Timor Sea 20) Pty ltd
Mermaid Sound Port and Marine Services Pty ltd
Woodside Petroleum (northern Operations) Pty ltd
Woodside Petroleum (W.A. Oil) Pty ltd

 (4) 
 (4) 
 (4) 
 (2,4,15) 
 (15) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 
 (2,4) 

Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Australia
Brazil
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

1. Woodside Petroleum Ltd is the ultimate holding company and the head entity within the tax consolidated group.

2.

3.

4.

5.

These companies were members of the tax consolidated group as at 31 December 2014.

Pursuant to ASIC Class Order 98/1418, relief has been granted to the controlled entity, Woodside Energy Ltd, from the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) requirements 

for the preparation, audit and publication of accounts. As a condition of the Class Order, Woodside Petroleum Ltd and Woodside Energy Ltd are parties to a Deed 

of Cross Guarantee.

All subsidiaries are wholly owned except those listed in Notes 5, 11 and 15 below.

Kansai Electric Power Australia Pty Ltd and Tokyo Gas Pluto Pty Ltd each hold 5% of the shares in these companies.

6. Woodside Energy (New Zealand) Limited was incorporated on 24 February 2014.

7. Woodside Energy (New Zealand 55794) Limited was incorporated on 24 February 2014.

8. Woodside Energy (Morocco) Pty Ltd was incorporated on 13 June 2014.

9. Woodside Energy (Gabon) Pty Ltd was incorporated on 21 July 2014.

10. Woodside Energy (Tanzania) Limited was incorporated on 6 August 2014.

11. As at 31 December 2014, Woodside Energy Holdings Pty Ltd and Woodside Energy Ltd held 99.9% and 0.1% of the shares in Woodside Energy (Tanzania) 

Limited respectively.

12. Woodside Energy (Cameroon) SARL was incorporated on 3 October 2014.

13. Woodside Energy International (Canada) Limited was incorporated on 9 December 2014.

14. Woodside Energy (Canada LNG) Limited was incorporated on 24 October 2014.

15. As at 31 December 2014, Woodside Energy Holdings (South America) Pty Ltd held 249,999,999 shares in Woodside Energia (Brasil) Investimento em 

Exploracao de Petroleo Ltda and Woodside Energy Ltd held the remaining one share. 

(b)   Deed of Cross Guarantee and Closed Group

Woodside Petroleum ltd and Woodside Energy ltd are parties to a Deed of Cross guarantee under which each 
company guarantees the debts of the other. By entering into the Deed, the entities have been granted relief from 
the Corporations Act 2001 requirements for the preparation, audit and publication of accounts, pursuant to Australian 
Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Class Order 98/1418. The two entities represent a Closed group for the 
purposes of the Class Order.

The consolidated income statement and statement of financial position of the members of the Closed group are set 
out below.

Closed Group consolidated income statement and statement of retained earnings

Profit before tax
Taxes

Profit after tax
Retained earnings at the beginning of the financial year
Dividends

Retained earnings at the end of the financial year

2014
US$m

1,349
(304)

1,045
6,356
(1,764)

5,637

2013
US$m

1,221
(276)

945
7,149
(1,738)

6,356

130

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201429.  Subsidiaries (continued)

(b)   Deed of Cross Guarantee and Closed Group (continued)

Closed Group consolidated statement of financial position

2014 
US$m

2013 
US$m

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Inventories
Other assets
Total current assets

Non-current assets
Receivables
Inventories
Other financial assets
Other assets
Exploration and evaluation assets
Oil and gas properties
Other plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets

Current liabilities
Payables
Tax payable
Other financial liabilities
Other liabilities
Provisions
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Other liabilities
Provisions
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Issued and fully paid shares
Shares reserved for employee share plans
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity

 93 
 934 
 120 
 30 
 1,177 

 4 
 11 
 19,414 
 - 
 964 
 4,235 
 79 
 107 
 24,814 
 25,991 

 371 
 300 
 18 
 73 
 184 
 946 

 10,178 
 430 
 10 
 122 
 1,349 
 12,089 
 13,035 
 12,956

 6,547 
(38)
 810 
 5,637 
 12,956 

 64 
 692 
 112 
 19 
 887 

 - 
 6 
 18,216 
 1 
 851 
 4,673 
 79 
 - 
 23,826 
 24,713 

 555 
 257 
 37 
 26 
 151 
 1,026 

 8,334 
 597 
 10 
 114 
 950 
 10,005 
 11,031 
 13,682 

 6,547 
(42)
 821 
 6,356 
 13,682 

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

131

FInAnCIAl REPORTnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 201429.  Subsidiaries (continued)

(c)  

Interests in subsidiaries with material non-controlling interest (NCI) 

The group has the following subsidiaries with material non-controlling interest: 

Name of entity

Principal place of 
business

Interest held  
by NCI 
%

Profit allocated 
to NCI  
US$m

Accumulated 
NCI  
US$m

Dividends paid 
to NCI
US$m

Burrup Train 1 Pty ltd
Burrup Facilities Company Pty ltd

Australia
Australia

10.0
10.0

 40 
 62 

 309 
 526 

 23
 29

The country of incorporation is the same as the principal place of business, unless stated otherwise. 

Summarised financial information about subsidiaries with material non-controlling interest

Summarised financial information including goodwill on acquisition and consolidation adjustments but before 
intercompany eliminations of subsidiaries with material non-controlling interests is as follows: 

Summarised statement of financial position 

Current assets
non-current assets
Current liabilities
non-current liabilities
Net assets

Summarised statement of comprehensive income

Revenue
Profit1

Burrup Facilities Company  
Pty Ltd

Burrup Train 1 Pty Ltd

2014 
US$m

 21 
 5,461 
(181)
(336)
 4,965 

2013 
US$m

 45 
 5,113 
(71)
(445)
 4,642 

2014 
US$m

 44 
 3,205 
(158)
(235)
 2,856 

2013 
US$m

 142 
 3,283 
(175)
(561)
 2,689 

Burrup Facilities Company  
Pty Ltd

Burrup Train 1 Pty Ltd

2014 
US$m

 1,212 
 619 

2013 
US$m

 877 
 370 

2014 
US$m

 1,990 
 402 

2013 
US$m

 1,498 
 285 

1.  Amount excludes finance costs which have been eliminated at Group consolidation level.

The sale or disposal of all, or substantially all, of the assets of Burrup Facilities Company Pty ltd and of Burrup Train 1 
Pty ltd require the unanimous resolution of the shareholders. 

30.  Corporate information 

Woodside Petroleum ltd is a company limited by shares incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Its shares are publicly traded 
on the Australian Securities Exchange.

132

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnnotes to and forming part of the finanCial reportFor the year ended 31 December 2014direCtors’ deClaration

In accordance with a resolution of directors of Woodside Petroleum ltd, we state that:

1. 

In the opinion of the directors:

(a)  the financial statements and notes thereto, and the disclosures included in the audited 2014 Remuneration Report, comply 

with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001;

(b)  the financial statements and notes thereto give a true and fair view of the financial position of the group as at  
31 December 2014 and of the performance of the group for the financial year ended 31 December 2014;

(c)  the financial statements and notes thereto also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in 

note 1(b);

(d)  there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and 

payable; and

(e)  there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Closed group identified in note 29 will be able to meet any 

obligations or liabilities which they are or may become subject to, by virtue of the Deed of Cross guarantee.

2.  This declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the directors in accordance with section 

295A of the Corporations Act 2001 for the year ended 31 December 2014.

For and on behalf of the Board

M A Chaney, AO
Chairman  
Perth, Western Australia

P J Coleman 
Chief Executive Officer and  
Managing Director 
Perth, Western Australia

18 February 2015

18 February 2015

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD FINANCIAL REPORT

133

FInAnCIAl REPORTindependent audit report

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Woodside Petroleum Ltd

Report on the financial report

We have audited the accompanying financial report of Woodside Petroleum ltd, which comprises the consolidated statement of 
financial position as at 31 December 2014, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, 
notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the directors’ declaration 
of the consolidated entity comprising the Company and the entities it controlled at the year’s end or from time to time during the 
financial year.

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance 
with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal controls as the directors determine are 
necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In 
note 1, the directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements, that the 
financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance 
with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit 
engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from 
material misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The 
procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the 
financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal controls relevant to 
the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal controls. An audit also 
includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the 
directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Independence
In conducting our audit we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. We have given to the 
directors of the company a written Auditor’s Independence Declaration, a copy of which is included in the Directors’ Report.

Opinion
In our opinion: 

a.  the financial report of Woodside Petroleum ltd is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

i   giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2014 and of its performance  

for the year ended on that date; and 

ii  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and 

b.  the financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in note 1.

Report on the remuneration report

We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 63 to 77 of the Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2014. 
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the remuneration report in accordance with 
section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our 
audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

Opinion
In our opinion, the remuneration report of Woodside Petroleum ltd for the year ended 31 December 2014, complies with section 
300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Ernst & Young

R J Curtin, Partner 
Perth, Western Australia
18 February 2015

liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

134

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014

OVERVIEWOPERATIng AnD FInAnCIAl REVIEWgOVERnAnCEFInAnCIAl REPORTSHAREHOlDER InFORMATIOnOVERVIEW

OPERATING AND 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

GOVERNANCE

FINANCIAL 
REPORT

SHAREHOLDER 
INFORMATION

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

As at 12 February 2015

SHAREHOLDER STATISTICS

Number of shareholdings
There were 227,798 shareholders. All issued shares carry voting rights on a one for one basis.

Distribution of shareholdings

Size of shareholding

1 - 1,000

1,001 - 5,000

5,001 - 10,000

10,001 - 100,000

100,001 and over

Total

Number of  
holders

167,629

53,408

4,607

2,049

105

227,798

Number of 
shares

65,041,151

107,860,318

31,866,261

41,296,883

577,846,044

823,910,657

% of issued 
capital

7.89

13.09

3.87

5.01

70.13

100.00*

*Small differences are due to rounding.

Unmarketable parcels
There were 2,817 members holding less than a marketable parcel of shares in the company.

Twenty largest shareholders

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

Shell Energy Holdings Australia Limited

JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

National Nominees Limited

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

AMP Life Limited

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd

Network Investment Holdings Pty Ltd

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

Pacific Custodians Pty Limited 

RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 

Argo Investments Limited

Navigator Australia Ltd 

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited 

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd 

Shares held

159,531,397

111,847,852

99,260,751

73,105,422

56,270,918

10,929,331

8,210,761

3,407,501

3,282,886

3,274,124

3,211,022

3,027,570

2,866,290

2,479,111

2,134,311

1,700,873

1,696,050

1,561,426

1,388,371

1,226,761

% of issued 
capital

19.36

13.58

12.05

8.87

6.83

1.33

1.00

0.41

0.40

0.40

0.39

0.37

0.35

0.30

0.26

0.21

0.21

0.19

0.17

0.15

Total

550,412,728

66.80

Substantial shareholders as disclosed in substantial shareholder notices given to the company are as follows:
Shell Energy Holdings Australia Limited#

111,847,852

13.58

#Shell Energy Holdings Australia Limited’s most recent notice of change of interests of substantial shareholder was given on 23 June 2014. 

135

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD SHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONAnnual General Meeting 

Dividend payments

The 2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
of Woodside Petroleum Ltd will be held 
at 10.00 am (AWST) on 16 April 2015, 
at the Perth Convention & Exhibition 
Centre, 21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth, 
Western Australia. Details of the business 
of the meeting will be provided in the 
AGM notice. 

The AGM will be webcast live on the 
internet. An archive version of the 
webcast will be placed on the Woodside 
website to enable the proceedings to be 
viewed at a later time. 

 Copies of the Chairman’s and the 
CEO’s speeches will be available on 
the company’s website.

Share registry: enquiries

Investors seeking information about 
their shareholdings should contact the 
company’s share registry:

Computershare Investor  
Services Pty Limited

Level 2, 45 St Georges Terrace 
Perth, Western Australia 6000

Postal address: GPO Box D182 
Perth, Western Australia 6840

Telephone: 1300 558 507 (within Australia)

+61 3 9415 4632 (outside Australia)

Facsimile: +61 3 9473 2500 

Email: web.queries@computershare.com.au 
Website: www.investorcentre.com/wpl

The share registry can assist with 
queries on share transfers, dividend 
payments, the dividend reinvestment 
plan, notification of tax file numbers 
and changes of name, address or bank 
account details. 

 Details of shareholdings can be 
checked conveniently and simply by 
visiting the share registry website at  
www.investorcentre.com/wpl.

For security reasons, you will need your 
Security Reference Number (SRN) or 
Holder Identification Number (HIN) when 
communicating with the share registry. 

The share registry website allows 
shareholders to make changes to address 
and banking details online. 

Woodside declares its dividends in 
US dollars as it is our functional and 
presentation currency. Woodside pays 
its dividends in Australian dollars unless a 
shareholder’s registered address is in the 
United Kingdom (UK) where they are paid 
in UK pounds sterling, or in the United 
States of America (USA) where they are 
paid in US dollars.

Shareholders who reside outside of the 
USA can elect to receive their dividend in 
US dollars. Shareholders must make an 
election to alter their dividend currency 
by the record date for the dividend by 
contacting the share registry on  
1300 558 507 (within Australia) or  
+61 3 9415 4632 (outside Australia).

Shareholders may have their dividends 
paid directly into any bank or building 
society account in Australia, the USA, 
or the UK. Payments are electronically 
credited on the dividend payment date 
and confirmed by payment advice. To 
request direct crediting of dividend 
payments, please contact the share 
registry or visit the share registry website 
(www.investorcentre.com/wpl).

 The history of dividends paid by 
the company can be found on the 
company’s website.

Dividend reinvestment plan

Woodside’s Dividend Reinvestment 
Plan (DRP) was suspended by the Board 
in February 2013 until further notice. 
However, shareholders with registered 
addresses in Australia and New Zealand 
can still elect to participate in the DRP, 
pending a decision by the Board to 
recommence the DRP at some future 
date. If the DRP is recommenced in 
the future, the Australian Securities 
Exchange (ASX) will be notified via an 
announcement lodged with the ASX 
Market Announcements Platform. If the 
DRP is recommenced, shareholders who 
have elected to participate in the DRP 
will have the dividends on some or all of 
their shares automatically reinvested in 
additional shares. Information on the DRP 
is available on the company’s website. 
Election forms are available from the 
company’s website or from the share 
registry.

Change of address or banking 
details

Shareholders should immediately notify 
the share registry of any change to their 
address or banking arrangements for 
dividends electronically credited to a bank 
account. 

 Changes can be made online  
at the share registry website  
www.investorcentre.com/wpl.

Australian Securities Exchange 
listing

Woodside Petroleum Ltd securities are 
listed on the ASX under the code WPL. 

 Share price information can be 
accessed on the company’s website.

American Depositary Receipts 

Citbank (Citi) sponsors a level one 
American Depositary Receipts (ADR) 
program in the USA. One Woodside 
share equals one ADR and trades over 
the counter under the symbol ‘WOPEY’.

ADR holders should deal directly with  
Citi on all matters related to their ADRs. 

Enquiries should be directed to:
Citibank Shareholder Services
P.O. Box 43077
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3077

Contact information

USA Toll Free Number: 1-877-CITI-ADR 

Number for international callers:  
1-781-575-4555 

Fax 1-201-324-3284

E-mail: Citibank@shareholders-online.com

Investor Relations: enquiries

Requests for specific information on  
the company can be directed to 
Investor Relations at:

Investor Relations 
Woodside Petroleum Ltd 
Woodside Plaza 
240 St Georges Terrace, 
Perth, WA 6000

Postal address: GPO Box D188 
Perth, WA 6840

Telephone: +61 8 9348 4000 
Facsimile: +61 8 9214 2777

Email: investor@woodside.com.au 
Website: www.woodside.com.au

136

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnBusiness directory

Key announcements 2014

Registered office Perth
Woodside Petroleum Ltd
240 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000 
Telephone: +61 8 9348 4000
Postal address: GPO Box D188
Perth, WA 6840

Broome
29 Coghlan Street, Broome, WA 6725
Telephone: 1800 036 654

Karratha 
3747 Balmoral Road, Karratha, WA 6714
Telephone: 1800 634 988

February

May

June

July

Woodside Enters MOU with Leviathan Joint Venture Participants

Woodside Records US$1.749 billion Profit in 2013

Woodside Terminates Leviathan MOU

Woodside Announces Selective Buy-back of 78.3 million Shares 
from Shell

Woodside to Buy LNG from Corpus Christi Liquefaction LLC

Shell Buy-back Update

August

Woodside Achieves Record First Half Profit

November

December

Appointment of Non-Executive Director
NWS Project Approves Development of Persephone Project
Browse FLNG Development Update

Woodside Purchases Apache Assets

Events calendar 2015

Key calendar dates for Woodside shareholders in 2015. 
Please note dates are subject to review.

January

February

March

April

June

July

August

September

October

December

15

18

25

27

25

14

15

16

30

16

19

TBA

TBA

TBA

15

31

Fourth quarter 2014 report

2014 full-year result and final dividend 
announcement

Ex-dividend date for final dividend

Record date for final dividend

Payment date for final dividend

Annual General Meeting (AGM) proxy returns 
close at 10.00 am (AWST)

First quarter 2015 report

AGM

Woodside half-year end

Second quarter 2015 report

2015 half-year result and interim dividend 
announcement

Ex-dividend date for interim dividend

Record date for interim dividend

Payment date for interim dividend

Third quarter 2015 report

Woodside year end

137

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD SHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONSHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONGlossary, units of measure and conversion factors

Glossary

$, $m
1P
2C
2P
AGM
AIPP 
ASX

Appraisal well

AUD
BOD

Brent

Brownfield

CMATS

Condensate

Cps 

Crude oil

Development well
DRP
EEP
EIS
EPS

Exploration licence

Farm in

FEED

FELs
FID

First half, second half

Flaring

FLNG
FPSO

US dollars unless otherwise stated, millions of dollars
Proved reserves 
Best estimate of contingent resources
Proved plus Probable reserves 
Annual General Meeting
Australian Industry Participation Plan
Australian Securities Exchange
A well drilled to follow up a discovery and evaluate its 
commercial potential
Australian dollars
Basis of design. Specification of owner's requirements

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Brent Crude deliverable 
futures contract (oil price)
An exploration or development project located within 
an existing province which can share infrastructure and 
management with an existing operation
Certain Maritime Arrangements in the Timor Sea
Hydrocarbons, which are gaseous in a reservoir, but which 
condense to form liquids as they rise to the surface
Cents per share
Oil that is produced from a reservoir after any associated gas 
has been removed
A well drilled for the purpose of recovering hydrocarbons
Dividend reinvestment plan
Employee equity plan
Environmental impact statement
Earnings per share
A licence to explore for oil or gas in a particular area issued to a 
company by a governing state
Where one company acquires an interest in an exploration 
permit or production licence by paying some of the past or 
future costs of another company which is relinquishing its 
interest
Front-end engineering and design. Preliminary design and cost 
and schedule confirmation before a final investment decision
Frontier Exploration Licences
Final investment decision
Halves of the calendar year (i.e. 1H is 1 January to 30 June,  
2H is 1 July to 31 December)
Flaring is the term used to describe the controlled burning of 
gas found in oil and gas reservoirs
Floating liquefied natural gas
Floating production storage and offloading vessel

Greenfield

GWF
HSE 
Infill well
IOGP
ISO
JV
KGP
LIBOR
LNG
LPG
LTIF
Net debt
NPAT
NWS
PEP
PRRT 
PSC
PSE

Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4

RAP

ROE

ROACE

SPA

Tier 1 PSE

Tier 2 PSE

TRIR

TSR

Development or exploration located outside the area of 
influence of existing operations/infrastructure
Greater Western Flank
Health, safety and environment
Drilled for the purpose of increasing production
International Association of Oil & Gas Producers
International Organisation for Standardisation
Joint venture
Karratha Gas Plant
London Inter-Bank Offer Rate
Liquefied natural gas
Liquefied petroleum gas
Lost time injury frequency
Total debt less cash and cash equivalents
Net profit after tax
North West Shelf Project
Petroleum exploration permit
Petroleum Resources Rent Tax
Production Sharing Contract
Process safety event
Quarters of the calendar year (i.e. Q1 is 1 January to 31 March, 
Q2 is 1 April to 30 June, Q3 is 1 July to 30 September, Q4 is  
1 October to 31 December)
Woodside’s Reconciliation Action Plan
Return on equity is a measure of company performance 
calculated as equity attributable to shareholders (excluding 
non-controlling interests) divided by reported NPAT (excluding 
non-controlling interests) expressed as a percentage  

Return on average capital employed is calculated as net profit 
after tax and net finance costs (after tax) divided by average 
debt and equity
Sales and Purchase Agreement

A typical Tier 1 PSE is loss of containment of hydrocarbons 
greater than 500 kg (in any one-hour period)

A typical Tier 2 PSE is loss of containment of hydrocarbons 
greater than 50 kg but less than 500 kg (in any one-hour period)

The number of recordable injuries (fatalities + lost workday 
cases + restricted workday cases + medical treatment cases) 
per 1,000,000 hours worked

Total shareholder return

Unit production costs

Production costs ($ million) divided by production  
volume (MMboe)

Free cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities less cash flow from 
investing activities

Gearing

Net debt divided by (net debt + equity)

USA 
USD
WA

United States of America
US dollars
Western Australia

Glossary of terms for the Remuneration Report  
found on  63  to  77

Units of measure

Committee

The Human Resources & Compensation Committee 

EIP

ER

The executive incentive plan 

Equity rights. ERs are awarded under the WEP and SWEP and 
each one entitles participants to receive a fully paid share in 
Woodside on the vesting date

Executive

A senior employee who the Board has determined to be 
eligible to participate in the EIP

Executive Directors

Peter Coleman and Robert Cole (Robert ceased to be an 
Executive Director on 26 November 2014) 

Executive KMP

The Executive Directors and senior executives listed in  
Table 1 of the Remuneration Report, page 64

KMP 

KPI

LTA 

NED

Key management personnel

Key performance indicator

Long-term award 

Non-executive director

NEDSP

The Non-executive Director Share Plan

Performance year

The year to which an EIP award relates

Restricted shares

Woodside ordinary shares that are awarded to executives as 
the deferred component of their STA

bbl

Bcf

boe

kPa

Mcf

MMbbl

MMboe

MMBtu

mtpa

psi

t

Tcf

TJ

barrel

billion cubic feet

barrel of oil equivalent 

thousands of Pascals

thousand cubic feet

million barrels

million barrels of oil equivalent

million British thermal units

million tonnes per annum

pounds per square inch 

tonnes

trillion cubic feet

terajoules

Conversion factors

Product

Factor

Conversion 
factors1

Australian Pipeline Natural Gas

1TJ

163.6 boe

Relative total shareholder return

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

1 tonne

8.9055 boe

A corporate scorecard of key measures that align with 
Woodside’s overall business performance 

Short-term award 

The supplementary Woodside equity plan

Variable annual reward

Variable pay right. Each VPR is a right to receive a fully paid 
ordinary share in Woodside 

The Woodside equity plan

Condensate

Oil

1 bbl

1 bbl

1.000 boe

1.000 boe

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

1 tonne

8.1876 boe

Gulf of Mexico Pipeline Natural Gas

1 MMBtu

0.1724 boe

1.   Minor changes to some conversion factors can occur over time due to gradual 

changes in the process stream.

RTSR

Scorecard

STA 

SWEP

VAR

VPR

WEP

138

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOnIndex

A
American Depositary Receipts (ADR)
Angel platform
Annual General Meeting, 2014 Notice
Anti-bribery and corruption
Acquisition 
Australia Oil
Areas of Activity 
B
Balance sheet
Balnaves Oil 
Board of Directors
Brent oil price
Browse FLNG
C
Canada
Canary Islands
Cameroon
Carbon cost, Clean Energy Act
CEO remuneration
CEO’s report
Chairman’s report
Cimatti - Enfield
Committees of the Board
Compass (workplace culture)
Compliance
Community engagement 
Conservation Agreement
Contingent resources
Conversion factors
Corporate governance
Credit rating
D
Directors’ declaration
Diversity
Dividend
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Drilling
E
Effective income tax 
Emissions
Employees
Environmental report
Environmental incidents
Events calendar 2015
Exchange rate
Executives
Exmouth
External auditor relationship
F
Farm-in
Financial position
Financial report
Flared gas and intensity
Floating LNG (FLNG)
Franking credit balance
Free cash flow
G
Gabon
Gearing
Global exploration
Global LNG demand
Goodwyn A
Graduates (Program)
Great South Basin
Greater Enfield
Greater Western Flank
Gulf of Mexico 
H
Health and safety
I
Independent audit report
Indigenous
Israel
K
Karratha Gas Plant (KGP)
Kitimat LNG
L
Laminaria–Corallina
Laverda
Leviathan
LNG market
LNG Train 
London Benchmarking Group
Long-term award (LTA)

136
5, 20, 21, 34
136
28, 29, 56
6, 8, 9, 16, 17, 33, 34, 43
13, 17, 24, 25
2, 3

9, 15, 16, 141
5, 9, 16, 17, 24, 43 
7, 46, 47, 48
5, 6, 9, 14, 15, 24, 25, 32, 33
5, 7, 17, 33-35, 38, 39

5, 40, 41, 43, 44
41, 42
5, 17, 40-42
14, 30
68
8, 9 
6, 7 
25
52
48, 56
1, 18, 53, 55-58, 62, 70
13, 31, 59
23
5, 34-36, 38, 39
138
45-62 
15

133
26, 27, 58, 59
4, 6, 14, 62, 64, 136, 137
62, 136
8, 16, 17, 22, 23, 25, 40-43

14, 141
30
9, 26, 27, 31
30
30
137
4, 15, 19
10, 11
5, 17, 25, 35, 40-42
58

41, 42
14, 15
79-134
13, 30
16, 38, 39
105
14, 15

5, 17, 40-42
14, 15, 141
40-42
32
9, 20, 21 
9, 13, 26, 27, 58
31, 42
17, 25
8, 15, 17 
44

4, 13, 28, 29

134
26, 27, 31, 58
44

9, 20, 21
5, 17, 33, 43

14, 24, 25
25
9, 44, 137
13, 16, 21, 23, 32, 33
21
31
64-70

M
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Mission (company)
Morocco 
Myanmar
N
Neptune
Net profit after tax
New Zealand
Nganhurra FPSO
Ngujima-Yin FPSO
North American LNG, US LNG
North Rankin Complex
North Rankin Redevelopment Project
North West Shelf Project
Northern Endeavour FPSO
O
Oil spill response plan/contingency
Okha FPSO
Operating and financial review
Outer Canning 
P
Payout ratio
Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT)
Performance summary
Peru

Pluto LNG

Pluto Support Centre 

Production

Production Sharing Contract (PSC)
Proved plus Probable reserves
Proved reserves
R
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Remuneration report
Republic of Korea
Reserves replacement ratio
Reserves statement
Retention lease
Retention (of employees) 
Return on equity
Risk management, policy, system
S
Sales revenue
Security
Securities Dealing Policy
Seismic
Sensitivities
Share plans
Share price performance
Share registry: enquiries
Shareholders: twenty largest
Shareholdings: distribution
Short-term award (STA)
Spain (Canary Islands)

Strategy, Woodside

Stybarrow Venture FPSO
Social investment contributions
Sunrise
T
Tanzania
Taranaki Basin
Technology
Timor-Leste
Toro-1 well
Total shareholder return (TSR)
Total recordable injury rate (TRIR)
Turnaround
Turnover (employees)
U
United States of America (USA)
Unit production cost
V

Values (company)

9, 44
1, 6, 48
5, 17, 40-42
5, 17, 30, 40-42

14, 34, 44 
5, 6, 14, 15 141
9, 17, 30, 31, 40-42
25
25
33
9, 17, 20, 21
5, 20, 21
20, 21
25, 30

18, 29, 30
20
12-44
9, 17, 40, 42

141
14
4, 5
9, 17, 40-42
5, 8, 13-18, 22, 23, 30, 33, 35, 
140
13, 22, 23 
4-9, 13-18, 20-25, 32-34, 43, 
140, 141
41, 42
5, 34, 35, 140
5, 35, 35

26, 27, 31
63-78
41, 42
34-36
34, 35
39
26, 54, 69 
4, 14, 15
16, 18, 19, 30, 48, 51, 53, 57, 58

4, 20, 21, 23, 24, 140
18, 28, 29
56, 69, 70
5, 15, 16, 17, 20, 23, 34, 40-42
15
72
5
136
135
135
64-69
41, 42
1, 7, 8, 16, 18, 19, 26, 29, 40, 
57, 64, 68
25
13, 31
7, 17, 35, 39

5, 16, 17, 40-42
42
7, 8, 16, 23, 38, 40
7, 39
5, 8, 9, 40, 
5, 8, 64
4, 28, 29, 67
20-24
27, 58, 59, 67

16, 32, 44 ,136
13, 15 

1, 8, 9, 15, 26, 27, 48, 51, 56, 
58, 64, 67
4, 13-15, 17, 24, 25, 140
1, 16, 48

Vincent
Vision
Volume weighted average realised prices  14
Volunteering
W
Wheatstone LNG
WPL
X
Xena

13, 31

5, 16, 17, 33, 43
5, 8, 136

8, 15, 17, 22, 23

139

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD SHAREHOLDER INFORMATIONSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION2014 SUMMARY CHARTS

Product view

Investment

Gas and condensate*
Oil*
Exploration and other
* Indicative only as some assets produce oil and gas

2013
2014
45% 50%
17% 5%
38% 45%

971
Million

The majority of our investment expenditure was directed 
towards our LNG projects including North West Shelf (NWS), 
Pluto LNG (Pluto) and Browse. Our 2014 investment spend 
reflects increasing exploration activity.

Production

Natural gas*
Oil
Condensate
* Includes LNG, LPG and pipeline gas

2013
2014
79% 79%
10% 12%
11% 9%

95.1
MMboe

The majority of our production is from natural gas at the 
NWS and Pluto projects. The proportion of oil increased in 
2014 due to full year of production from the Vincent floating 
production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO), which 
returned from refurbishment in Q4 2013.

Regional view

Investment

Australia
USA
Rest of World

2013
2014
89% 88%
0% 0%
11% 12%

971
Million

Capital expenditure in the north-west of Australia continues to 
dominate regional investment.

Production

Australia
USA
Rest of World

2013
2014
99% 99%
1% <1%
0% 0%

95.1
MMboe

Australian projects provide the majority of Woodside’s 
production volumes.

Refer to our areas of activity map  2  which shows the 
locations of our producing assets.

Sales revenue

Sales revenue

Natural gas*
Oil
Condensate
* Includes LNG, LPG and pipeline gas

2013
2014
66% 71%
17% 16%
17% 13%

7,076
Million

Australia
USA
Rest of World

2013
2014
99% 99%
1% <1%
0% 0%

7,076
Million

The revenue profile is largely derived from gas streams. The 
contribution of natural gas to revenue increased in 2014 due to 
higher production at the NWS and Pluto projects, underpinned by 
higher LNG reliability. 

Refer to  5  to view the Brent oil price graph indexed over  
ten years.

While the bulk of our revenue is currently derived from Australia, 
Woodside’s growth strategy seeks to capture new opportunities 
to broaden our global portfolio. 

Refer to the CEO report  8  and the Operating and Financial 
Review  16  for further information on our strategy.

Reserves (Proved plus Probable)

Reserves (Proved plus Probable)

Natural gas*
Oil
Condensate
* Includes LNG, LPG and pipeline gas

2013
2014
86% 87%
5% 4%
9% 9%

1,338.5
MMboe

Australia
USA
Rest of World

2013
2014
99% 100%
<1% 0%
0% 0%

1,338.5
MMboe

With gas representing the larger portion of Woodside’s reserves, 
our focus is on commercialising the undeveloped volumes of the 
gas assets we hold, in order to maximise shareholder return.

The majority of Woodside’s Proved plus Probable reserves are 
located in Australia; however, we anticipate a greater diversity 
will result from the implementation of our growth strategy.

140

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD ANNUAL REPORT 2014OVERVIEWOpERatIng and FInancIal REVIEWgOVERnancEFInancIal REpORtSHaREHOldER InFORMatIOn10 YEAR COMPARATIVE DATA SUMMARY

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Profit and Loss (USDm)1
Operating Revenues
Australia

Pipeline Gas
LNG
LPG
Condensate
Oil
LNG Processing Revenue
Trading Revenue

Gulf of Mexico
Algeria
Mauritania
Total
EBITDAX2
EBITDA2 
EBIT3 
Exploration and Evaluation4
Depreciation and Amortisation4
Amortisation of Licence Acquisition Costs
Impairment/(Impairment Reversal)
Net Finance Costs
Tax Expense
Non-controlling Interest
Reported NPAT
Underlying NPAT
Reported EPS (cents)5
Underlying EPS (cents)5
DPS (cents)
Underlying Payout Ratio  
Balance Sheet (USDm)1
Total Assets
Debt
Net Debt
Shareholder Equity
Cash Flow (USDm) and Capital Expenditure (USDm)
Cash Flow from
Operations
Investing
Financing

(%) 

Capital Expenditure

Exploration and Evaluation
Oil and Gas Properties and Property, Plant & Equipment6

Ratios (%)
ROACE7 
Reported Return on Shareholders Funds 
Underlying Return on Shareholders Funds 
Gearing
Volumes
Sales (million boe)
Australia

(%)
(%)
(%)

Pipeline Gas
LNG
LPG
Condensate
Oil

Gulf of Mexico
Mauritania
Algeria
Total (million boe)
Production (million boe)
Australia

Pipeline Gas
LNG
LPG 
Condensate
Oil

Gulf of Mexico
Mauritania
Algeria
Total (million boe)
Other ASX Data
Reserves (Proved plus Probable)
Gas (Tcf)
Condensate (MMbbl)
Oil (MMbbl)
Other
Employees
Shares

 376 
 4,563 
 80 
 901 
 1,133 
 198 
 161
 23 
 -   
 -   
 7,435
 5,853 
 5,568 
3,672 
 285 
1,441
 21 
 434 
 163 
 993 
 102 
 2,414 
 2,421 
 293 
 294 
255
87

366 
3,347 
88 
1,000 
896 
150 
-  
79 
-   
-   
5,926 
 4,460 
 4,188 
2,538 
 272 
1,218 
45
387
179 
545 
65 
1,749 
1,702 
213 
207 
249
71 

367 
2,834 
125 
903 
1,918 
125 
-  
76 
 -   
 -   
6,348 
 5,528 
 5,162 
 3,795 
 366 
 1,184 
26
157
 137 
 614 
 61 
 2,983 
 2,061 
 366 
 253 
130
51

375 
1,509 
127 
860 
1,795 
 -   
 -   
93 
43 
 -   
4,802 
 3,423 
2,864
 2,212 
 559 
 627 
28
(3)
 26 
 677 
 2 
 1,507 
 1,655 
 190 
 209 
 110 
 53 

309 
1,310 
115 
708 
1,579 
 -   
 -   
117 
55 
 -   
4,193 
 3,431 
 3,126 
 2,256 
 305 
 749 
24
97
 (18)
 697 
 2 
 1,575 
 1,418 
 204 
 183 
 105 
57

378 
769 
94 
571 
1,496 
 -   
 -   
124 
55 
 -   
3,487 
 3,427 
 3,209 
 2,303 
 218 
 752 
35
119
 12 
 823 
 (6)
 1,474 
 1,052 
 210 
 150 
 95 
 64 

320 
1,007 
112 
669 
2,685 
 -   
 -   
197 
55 
 -   
 5,045 
 4,017 
 3,765 
 2,852 
 252 
 732 
49
132
 19 
 1,287 
 -   
 1,546 
 1,823 
 225 
 266 
 100 
 38 

 24,810 
 24,082  23,770 
 4,340 
3,764 
 1,918 
1,541 
 15,824  15,225  15,148 

 2,586 
 (682)

 23,231 
 5,102 
 5,061 
 12,658 

 20,196  17,753  10,317 
2,044 
4,939 
1,946 
3,732 
4,633 
8,812 

 4,915 
 3,952 
 11,091 

227 
619 
92 
577 
1,521 
 -   
 -   
133 
55 
137 
3,361 
 2,598 
 2,241 
 1,560 
 357 
 541 
83
57
 8 
 687 
 -   
 864 
 948 
 128 
 141 
 91 
 64 

8,515 
903 
782 
4,458 

182 
614 
75 
512 
1,062 
 -   
 -   
119 
56 
252 
2,872 
 2,346 
 2,093 
 1,684 
 253 
 337 
65
7
 20 
 590 
 -   
 1,075 
 1,030 
 163 
 157 
 98 
 63 

7,072 
1,435 
1,188 
3,313 

185 
548 
70 
480 
736 
 -   
 -   
21 
55 
 -   
2,095 
 1,685 
 1,472 
 1,238 
 214 
 213 
20
-
 7 
 387 
 -   
 844 
 791 
 128 
 120 
 70 
 58 

5,107 
826 
656 
2,565 

 4,785 
 (617)
 (3,119)

3,330 
(1,059)
(2,470)

 3,475 
 161 
 (1,252)

 2,242 
 (3,533)
 362 

 2,104 
 (2,941)
 608 

 1,483 
 (4,708)
 4,207 

 3,224 
 (3,892)
 684 

 2,082 
 (1,700)
 (522)

 1,457 
 (1,432)
 41 

 1,053 
 (1,152)
 (352)

261
425

17.5
15.3
15.3
(4.5)

 13.3 
 58.3 
 0.8 
 9.4 
 11.2 
 0.2 
-
-
93.2

 13.3 
 60.3 
 0.8 
 9.1 
 11.4 
 0.2 
-
-
 95.1

166
420

12.0
11.5
11.2
9.2

14.0
52.4 
0.9 
9.5 
8.0 
0.9 
-   
-   
85.7 

13.9 
53.6 
0.9 
9.5 
8.2 
0.9 
-   
-   
87.0 

383
1,145

778
2,651

703
2,933

273
3,992

418
4,031

447
1,965

376
1,091

18.3
19.7
14.5
11.2

11.8
11.9
12.9
28.6

13.5
14.2
13.0
26.3

19.0
16.7
12.5
29.8

37.1
33.4
37.1
29.6

24.3
19.4
20.9
14.9

32.4
32.5
31.5
26.4

 13.9 
 42.6 
 1.1 
 8.6 
 16.8 
 0.8 
 -   
 -   
 83.8 

 13.8 
 43.9 
 1.1 
 9.3 
 16.0 
 0.8 
 -   
 -   
 84.9 

 14.0 
 22.4 
 1.1 
 7.8 
 15.7 
 1.1 
 -   
 1.8 
 63.9 

 14.0 
 22.6 
 1.2 
 7.9 
 16.0 
 1.1 
 -   
 1.8 
 64.6 

 14.8 
 22.7 
 1.3 
 9.1 
 19.8 
 2.2 
 -   
 2.3 
 72.2 

 14.8 
 23.2 
 1.4 
 9.1 
 19.7 
 2.2 
 -   
 2.3 
 72.7 

 18.4 
 21.3 
 1.5 
 9.7 
 24.3 
 3.2 
 -   
 2.3 
 80.7 

 18.4 
 21.5 
 1.5 
 9.5 
 24.5 
 3.2 
 -   
 2.3 
 80.9 

 18.9 
 17.0 
 1.2 
 7.9 
 29.8 
 3.1 
 -   
 2.3 
 80.2 

 18.9 
 17.4 
 1.2 
 7.9 
 30.5 
 3.1 
 -   
 2.3 
 81.3 

 16.4 
 17.0 
 1.2 
 7.8 
 20.4 
 2.6 
 2.0 
 2.3 
 69.7 

 16.4 
 17.4 
 1.2 
 8.0 
 20.5 
 2.6 
 2.2 
 2.3 
 70.6 

 15.5 
 17.3 
 1.2 
 8.0 
 16.5 
 2.6 
 4.3 
 2.3 
 67.7 

 15.6 
 17.4 
 1.2 
 8.0 
 16.4 
 2.6 
 4.4 
 2.3 
 67.9 

210
993

29.9
32.9
31.5
20.4

 16.6 
 17.0 
 1.2 
 8.7 
 13.3 
 0.4 
 -   
 2.3 
 59.5 

 16.6 
 17.2 
 1.2 
 8.6 
 13.4 
 0.4 
 -   
 2.3 
 59.7 

 6.65    

7.09    
 117.11     125.20    
67.00    
 54.06    

 7.51    
 130.90    
 95.90    

 7.80    
 138.70    
 108.50    

 8.02    
 154.74    
 117.50    

 7.79    
 147.80    
 136.10    

 7.90    
 151.40    
 168.80    

 7.80    
 152.10    
 170.20    

 6.90    
 144.60    
 221.10    

 4.67    
 129.70    
 294.50    

3,896 
39.54 
33.29 
38.90 

 3,650 
 49.28 
 40.56 
 42.56 

 3,856 
 50.85 
 29.76 
 30.62 

 3,803 
44.23 
33.71 
38.01 

 3,997 
 38.16 
 30.09 
 33.88 

High (A$)
Low (A$)
Close (A$)

 2,508    
 39.39    
 19.87    
 39.19    
Number (000’s) 823,911  823,911  823,911  805,672  783,402  748,599     698,553     688,331     666,667     666,667    
 83,829 
 19,146 
 26,127    
 3.95    
31.4
3.4

227,798 217,383 208,277  205,868   201,134   175,257   141,035   131,460   119,003 
 20,033 
 33,745 
25,664  28,579  28,983 
 25,407    
 33,342 
 27,914 
31,317  32,050
 2.47    
 6.12 
 14.09 
30.43
44.09
35.4
25.2
27.2
29.8
30.1
5.9
11.6
6.6
5.4
(2.7)

 31,567 
 35,334    
 5.71    
33.7
11.8

 30,353 
 34,685    
 3.60    
35.8
2.6

 17,717 
 25,637    
 3.35    
32.6
11.0

 25,287 
 24,670 
 12.67 
30.5
20.0

 2,888    
 49.80    
 34.81    
 38.11    

 2,981    
 56.66    
 34.81    
 50.39    

 3,219    
 53.87    
 31.19    
 47.20    

 3,124    
 70.51    
 26.81    
 36.70    

(%) 
(%)

Number of shareholders
Market Capitalisation (USD equivalent at reporting date)
Market Capitalisation (AUD equivalent at reporting date)
Finding Costs ($/boe) (3 year average)8
Reported Effective Income Tax Rate  
Net Debt/Total Market Capitalisation 

1  Comparative financial 

information prior to 2010 
has been converted on a 
consistent basis in accordance 
with Note 1(m) to the Financial 
Report. 

2  EBITDAX and EBITDA 

exclude impairment and 
amortisation of permit 
acquisition costs. 2005 to 
2013 EBITDAX and EBITDA 
numbers have been restated 
to reflect this change in 
calculation.

3  EBIT is calculated as a profit 

before income tax, PRRT and 
net finance costs.

4  Amount excludes 

amortisation of licence 
acquisition costs.

5  Earnings per share has been 
calculated using the following 
weighted average number of 
shares:
2014: 822,771,118
2013: 822,983,715  
2012: 814,751,356
2011: 791,668,973
2010: 773,388,154
2009: 703,310,697
2008: 685,179,496
2007: 671,447,950
2006: 657,178,947
2005: 655,150,640

6  2005 oil and gas properties 
capital expenditure includes 
acquisitions through 
business combinations of 
A$415 million, relating to 
the acquisition of Gryphon 
Exploration Company.

7  The calculation for ROACE 
has been revised in 2014 to 
use EBIT as the numerator, 
in addition to a change in 
the composition of capital 
employed. ROACE for 2005-
2013 has been restated to 
include this change.

8  Finding cost methodology  

is in accordance with the 
FAS69/SEC industry standard.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM LTD SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2014

Head Office:
Woodside Petroleum Ltd 
240 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000 Australia

Postal Address:
GPO Box D188
Perth WA 6840 Australia

t: +61 8 9348 4000
f: +61 8 9214 2777
e: companyinfo@woodside.com.au

Visit us at
www.woodside.com.au

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