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Wirtualna Polska Holding S.A.
Annual Report 2017

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FY2017 Annual Report · Wirtualna Polska Holding S.A.
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ANNUAL 
REPORT

INCORPORATING  
APPENDIX 4E

About this report
This Annual Report 2017 is a summary of Woodside’s operations  
and activities for the 12-month period ended 31 December 2017  
and financial position as at 31 December 2017. Woodside Petroleum 
Ltd (ABN 55 004 898 962) is the ultimate holding 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 ultimate holding company and those of its controlled 
entities. In this report, references to a year are to the calendar and 
financial year ended 31 December 2017 unless otherwise stated.

All dollar figures are expressed in US currency, Woodside share, 
unless otherwise stated. 

Additional information
We have indicated where additional information is available 
online and in other sections of this report like this:

Refer to the Glossary section on pages 143–144 for key 
terms, units of measurement and conversion factors.

Refer to Woodside’s website for more information  
(www.woodside.com.au).

Forward-looking statements 
This report contains forward-looking statements. Please refer to 
page 142, which contains a notice in respect of these statements.

We are working with Green ReportsTM 
on an initiative ensuring that 
communications minimise environmental 
impact and create a more sustainable 
future for the community.

Sustainable Development 
Report 2017 
A summary of Woodside’s 
sustainability approach, actions 
and performance for the 12-month 
period ended 31 December 2017 
is included in our Sustainable 
Development Report 2017. This 
report will be available on  
8 March 2018.

On the cover
An aerial image of Murujuga (the Burrup Peninsula), home to our 
landmark North West Shelf Project and Pluto LNG facility.

CONTENTS

Overview

About Woodside 

Performance highlights 

Chairman’s Report 

Chief Executive Officer’s Report 

Executive management 

Our areas of activity 

Operating and Financial Review

Financial summary 

LNG market 

Strategy and capital allocation 

Our business model 

Exploration 

Projects and developments 

Operations 

Marketing and shipping 

Sustainability 

Corporate 

Governance

Woodside Board 

Corporate Governance Statement 

Directors’ Report 

Remuneration Report 

Financial statements 

Shareholder information

Shareholder statistics 

Business directory 

Key announcements 2017 

Events calendar 2018 

Glossary, units of measure and conversion factors 

Asset facts 

Summary charts 

Ten-year comparative data summary 

70

73

74

76

96

138

140

142

142

143

146

147

148

2

4

10

12

14

16

20

22

24

26

28

32

41

47

50

61

Appendix 4E

Results for announcement to the market

Revenue from ordinary activities

Profit from ordinary activities after tax attributable to members

Net profit from the period attributable to members

decreased 4.1% to US$3,908m

increased 18.0% to US$1,024m

increased 18.0% to US$1,024m

Dividends

Final dividend (US cents per share)

Interim dividend (US cents per share)

None of the dividends are foreign sourced.

Previous corresponding period:

Final dividend (US cents per share)

Amount per security

Franked amount per security

Ordinary 49¢

Ordinary 49¢

Ordinary 49¢

Ordinary 49¢

Ordinary 49¢

Ordinary 49¢

Interim dividend (US cents per share)

Ordinary 34¢

Ordinary 34¢

Ex-dividend date

Record date for determining entitlements to the final dividend 

Payment date for the final dividend 

22 February 2018

23 February 2018

22 March 2018

Net tangible asset per security

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

US$17.86

US$17.61

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Overview   1

 
Woodside demonstrates strong safety 
and environmental performance in 
all its operations. We are committed 
to upholding our values of integrity, 
respect, working sustainably, discipline, 
excellence and working together. Our 
success is driven by our people, and  
we aim to attract, develop and retain  
a diverse, high-performing workforce. 

We recognise that long-term, 
meaningful relationships with 
communities are fundamental to 
maintaining our licence to operate. 
We help create stronger communities 
through programs that improve 
knowledge, build resilience and create 
shared opportunities. 

Our proven track record and distinctive 
capabilities are underpinned by more 
than 60 years of experience, making us 
a partner of choice. 

Our producing assets include the 
landmark North West Shelf (NWS) 
Project, Pluto LNG and non-operated 
Wheatstone LNG. Our operated assets 
are renowned for their safety, reliability 
and efficiency. As Australia’s leading 
LNG operator, we produced  
7% of global LNG supply, and operate  
a fleet of floating production storage 
and offloading (FPSO) facilities. 

We continue to expand our capabilities in 
marketing, trading and shipping and have 
enduring relationships that span more 
than 25 years with foundation customers 
throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Woodside continues to promote the 
use of LNG as a low-emissions and 
economically viable alternative fuel. 

Technology and innovation 
are essential to our long-term 
sustainability. We are working to 
bring down costs and find solutions 
to our business challenges. Today 
we are pioneering remote support 
and the application of artificial 
intelligence, embedding advanced 
analytics across our operations and 
making improvements in additive 
manufacturing. 

ABOUT  
WOODSIDE

Woodside is Australia’s largest 
independent oil and gas 
company with a global portfolio, 
recognised for our world-class 
capabilities – as an explorer,  
a developer, a producer and  
a supplier of energy. 

We have a clear strategy to deliver 
superior shareholder returns across 
three distinct time horizons. These 
horizons are characterised by cash 
generation from 2017, unlocking value 
from 2022, and repeating our successes 
from 2027.

Our global exploration portfolio is 
balanced across established, emerging 
and frontier provinces covering 
Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, 
the Atlantic margins and sub-Saharan 
Africa. Currently, we are focused on 
drilling to grow our resource volumes. 

We have significant equity interests in 
high-quality development opportunities 
in Australia (Wheatstone, Scarborough 
and Browse), Senegal (SNE), Myanmar 
and North America (Kitimat), and 
are pursuing new concepts and 
technology to enable cost-effective 
commercialisation of these resources. 

Karratha Gas Plant LNG loading jetty.

2   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

We are an Australian company, 
OPERATING 7% OF  
GLOBAL LNG SUPPLY,
with more than 60 years of experience.

Over the past five years we have

DISTRIBUTED 

$8.10

PER SHARE TO 
SHAREHOLDERS

DELIVERED 

1,570 

LNG CARGOES1

PAID 

 ~$4.8 BILLION

IN TAXES AND ROYALTIES  
IN AUSTRALIA2

1.  Includes partial cargoes (100% project).

2. Paid in Australian currency (A$5.6 billion) to the 
Federal and State Governments of Australia.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Overview   3

 
PERFORMANCE 
PERFORMANCE 
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS

Increased net 

profit after tax by 18%

Generated free 
cash flow of 

$832million

Maintained low  
unit production  
cost of

$5.2

/boe

Decreased total 
recordable injury 
rate by 

21%

4   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

In 2017, we progressed five major priorities

HORIZON I  2017–2021

CASH GENERATION

Image courtesy of Chevron Australia

WHEATSTONE
Delivered first LNG

PLUTO LNG
Developed expansion 
options

SENEGAL
Achieved concept select 
for SNE

HORIZON II  2022–2026

VALUE UNLOCKED

MYANMAR
Made third gas discovery

BROWSE
Progressed Browse to NWS concept

HORIZON III  2027+

SUCCESS REPEATED

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Overview   5

 
Extracted value from our  
outstanding base business

PRODUCTION 
AND OTHER 
COSTS
$9.4/boe

GROSS MARGIN 

$23.0/boe

DEPRECIATION AND  
AMORTISATION
$13.8/boe

Leading to $1,024 million  
net profit after tax

6   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Delivered 
strong 
shareholder 
returns

122

US CENTS
EARNINGS PER SHARE

98

US CENTS

FULL-YEAR DIVIDEND

5.4%

DIVIDEND YIELD

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Overview   7

 
Our business priorities in 2018 are to

Deliver near-term production growth  
from committed projects

Commence Greater Enfield 
drilling campaign

Commission Greater Western 
Flank-2 infrastructure

FIRST PRODUCTION IN 2019

Wheatstone LNG

At full production capacity, 
Wheatstone will contribute

per annum

Focusing on delivering Train 2 and domestic 
gas production, and optimising performance

Progress major developments

Image courtesy of Chevron Australia

SNE-Phase 1 FID

2019

Scarborough  
FID Ready

2020

Browse FID Ready

2021

Advance our Myanmar growth opportunity

8   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Unlock the Burrup Hub and  
maximise the value of existing infrastructure 

Pluto-NWS Interconnector

Browse to NWS

Scarborough  
to Burrup

Our share of Browse 
and Scarborough 
resources (2C)¹

1.5bboe

Pluto domestic gas  
and LNG trucking

And maintain base business excellence

RELIABILITY96%

1.  As at 31 December 2017.

UNIT PRODUCTION COST3.6/boe

Pluto and NWS 2016–2017 average

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Overview   9

 
CHAIRMAN’S  
REPORT

Michael Chaney, AO
Chairman

HIGHLIGHTS AS CHAIRMAN

 + Development of the Pluto Project

 + Expansion of the NWS

 + Commencement of exploration in Senegal and Myanmar

MILESTONES IN 2017

 + Increased profit by 18% to $1,024 million

 + Full-year dividend of 98 cents per share,  

up from 83 cents in 2016

 + Shell departure from register of shareholders

10   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

It is a great privilege for me to report once more  
on an excellent performance by your company  
as I move on from a role that has capped off my  
46-year association with Woodside.

When I joined the company as a geologist in 1972, it was a junior 
explorer with a market capitalisation of A$12 million. Since then, 
Woodside has grown into Australia’s largest independent oil 
and gas producer, with a market value of A$28 billion, and the 
pioneering spirit that enabled the development of the North 
West Shelf and our other projects is still strong. The 2017 results 
show the company is well-positioned for growth, achieving an 
18% increase in profit, to $1,024 million, while maintaining low 
unit production costs and lifting gross margins to $23 per barrel 
of oil equivalent.

In reflecting on Woodside’s success, it is  
clear to me that it has been achieved through 
a combination of discipline and vision.

We have maintained high shareholder distributions, paying a  
full-year dividend of 98 cents per share, up from 83 cents last year.

Your company has continued to demonstrate discipline on 
spending and balance sheet management while looking for 
opportunities to grow.

We have identified one such opportunity in the acquisition 
of an increased interest in the Scarborough resource and 
its cost-effective development through an existing facility. 
In conjunction with this, we have announced a A$2.5 billion 
rights issue, which maintains our prudent financial position and 
ensures we are well-placed to develop not only Scarborough 
but also other planned projects that will help meet rising global 
demand for LNG and deliver significant returns to shareholders.

Predicting oil prices with any reliability is impossible, but 
Woodside has shown over the years that a low cost producer 
can survive and indeed prosper in any conditions. Against the 
backdrop of oil price volatility and, at times in the past decade, 
global financial stress, your company was able to maintain 
profits and pay dividends. We were also in a position to consider 
new opportunities as they arose and grow our portfolio when 
this presented value for shareholders.

In 2017, oil prices stabilised and then firmed, supporting higher 
average realised prices. LNG spot prices fluctuated, increasing 
significantly in the second half of the year, primarily due to 
increased Asian demand and seasonal variations.

Investment in new LNG globally has not kept up with growth 
in demand: in 2017, global LNG demand increased by around 
30 mtpa but only one new LNG project, for 3.4 mtpa, was 
approved. It is clear that new projects will be needed. Against 
this backdrop your company is ready to deliver and we have 
outlined to investors our plans for future projects that are timed 
to take advantage of this opportunity.

We are progressing towards a sensible outcome for the 
development of the plentiful gas resources off Western Australia.

As operator of the Browse, North West Shelf and Pluto Joint 
Ventures, Woodside is in a unique position to deliver on plans for 
the Burrup Hub in northern Western Australia, ensuring Australia’s 
resources are developed in the most efficient way. This builds on 
developments that have progressed during the decade when  
I have been privileged to serve as Chairman. Highlights from this 
time include the development of the Pluto Project, expansion of 
the North West Shelf and commencement of ongoing exploration 
and appraisal programs in Senegal and Myanmar.

A further sign of your company’s evolution came in 2017, as we 
farewelled Shell from our register of shareholders, reinforcing 
Woodside’s independence. We have appreciated the support 
provided by Shell over the years, as a long-term shareholder 
and Joint Venture participant, participant in our Board and,  
in earlier days, through the secondment of staff.

Amid increasing global competition for capital, it is vital  
that governments are mindful that their decisions shape 
business conditions.

We have had to confront a number of concerning issues in 
Australia in this regard over the last year. The first has been the 
refusal of the Federal Opposition and minor parties to support 
the Commonwealth Government’s proposal to reduce the 
corporate tax rate for all companies. It is obvious to anyone 
involved in corporate life that if Australia has a company 
tax rate which is out of kilter with that in other countries, 
investment dollars and jobs will leave our shores. 

Additionally, over the course of 2017, the Australian Government 
gave consideration to imposing increased taxes on our industry. 
It is encouraging that on this matter the Government seems 
to have taken a rational approach thus far. Any changes, 
particularly retrospective changes, which jeopardised future 
exploration and development would be very short-sighted.

Thirdly, we have seen changes to immigration rules, particularly 
with respect to 457 visas, which have made it harder to bring 
experienced professionals to Australia. At a time when skill 
shortages are occurring in many fields, this has been very 
counter-productive.

Finally, we are hearing promises by the Federal Opposition 
to increase regulation and costs in the employment market 
– moves which would run directly counter to the need for 
increased flexibility in this disruptive world.

In reflecting on Woodside’s success, it is clear to me that it has 
been achieved through a combination of discipline and vision.

I know that the commitment to delivering value for shareholders 
will continue under the chairmanship of Richard Goyder. In the 
interests of a smooth transition, Richard joined the Board in 
August 2017 as a non-executive Director and Chairman-elect.

I take this opportunity to thank the outstanding directors I have 
been privileged to work with over the last twelve years. Each 
has given generously of his or her time and in every case has 
put the interests of the company and its shareholders first.

Finally, I thank Peter Coleman and his executive team for their 
astute management and hard work. Woodside is positioned 
well under their stewardship to continue delivering value to 
shareholders and energy to customers around the world.

Michael Chaney, AO
Chairman 
14 February 2018

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Overview   11

 
Peter Coleman
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Supported start-up of Wheatstone

 + Maintain base business excellence from operations to 

 + Browse and NWS Joint Ventures in negotiations on tariff 

structure for processing third-party gas

 + Deliver and optimise Wheatstone

committed projects

 + Total recordable injury rate at record low

 + Unlock the Burrup Hub through the Pluto-NWS 

Interconnector, Browse to NWS and Scarborough to Burrup

 + Outlined to investors growth plans for the next decade 

and beyond

 + Enter SNE-Phase 1 FEED in Senegal

 + Progress drilling in Myanmar

12   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

CHIEF  EXECUTIVE  OFFICER’S  REPORTWoodside delivered strong financial results in 2017, 
increasing both profit and free cash flow, while 
continuing to invest in growth. 

Our discipline on costs and capital spending has strengthened 
our balance sheet and allowed us to deliver strong returns to 
shareholders. Looking to 2018, our budget is set to break-even  
at an oil price of $35 per barrel,1 well below recent pricing.

Oil prices firmed from the second half of 2017. There are now 
signs that a global LNG supply gap is looming in the early 2020s 
amid robust demand from Asian markets.

We have forecast for some time that rising global demand for 
LNG will require investment in new supply and have spent the 
past three years rebuilding and diversifying our portfolio.

We are taking steps to ensure we can make the most of the 
market shift, increasing our interest in the world-class Scarborough 
resource to provide greater certainty, alignment and control, and  
preparing our finances to support the next stage of growth.

We expect 2018 to offer substantial opportunity for Woodside.

Those opportunities are within grasp, in part because of external 
conditions, but also because we have identified the changing 
circumstances and prepared for them.

We have made commitments and delivered on them. At the 
start of the year, we laid out our priorities for our assets in 
Australia, Africa and Asia, and we have made excellent progress 
on all of them.

The commissioning of Wheatstone is a significant step. The 
delays in achieving this were disappointing, but we are working 
with the operator to ensure that relevant lessons are learned  
so that the start-up of Train 2 progresses smoothly.

Wheatstone will be an important part of our portfolio for years 
to come, but there are also other promising developments on 
the horizon. In 2017, we outlined to investors how our portfolio 
of projects would align with market movements over the next 
decade and beyond.

This includes our vision for developing the Burrup Hub, to 
ensure efficient use of the facilities of the Pluto and North West 
Shelf Projects and the timely and cost-effective development 
of resources. On the Burrup Hub, Woodside is in the valuable 
position of having equity in both the gas and the world-class 
infrastructure to develop it.

The Browse and NWS Joint Ventures have made good headway 
in discussions on the tariff structure for bringing Browse 
gas through the Karratha Gas Plant. We expect to conclude 
these negotiations in 2018 with a view to Browse being final 
investment decision-ready in 2021.

At Pluto, we have done thorough groundwork on options for 
expanding production, which we are now able to use in our 
development planning for Scarborough, taking account of  
our increased equity and the certainty this delivers.

In Senegal, for the SNE field, we anticipate a development plan 
going to FID in 2019.

We have progressed our drilling program in Myanmar and are 
actively working with governments, Myanmarese partners, 
community groups and non-government organisations to 
ensure our activities in no way compromise our values,  
including our commitment to upholding human rights.

Even when gas seemed so plentiful 
globally in recent years, we were 
confident demand was growing and 
the world would need more LNG.

Overall, it is fair to say that the year presented some challenges 
for operations.

Our production performance was affected by significant rains 
early in the year together with disruptions from cyclones and 
unplanned power outages at the Karratha Gas Plant and at Pluto.

Nevertheless, our commitment to operational excellence has 
been evident in the fact we maintained low unit production 
costs while setting new safety records. The delivery of the 
Persephone Project under budget and ahead of schedule is  
just one example of our robust and disciplined approach.

We are developing new markets for our product and new 
uses, including providing LNG as a low emissions alternative 
fuel to diesel for land and marine transport and remote power 
generation in northern Western Australia. As the world responds 
to the challenge of climate change, our product can contribute 
to emissions reductions by providing a cleaner burning energy 
source, particularly in growing Asian markets. Within Woodside’s 
operations, we continue to invest in technologies to reduce 
emissions and promote energy efficiency.

Our commitment to sustainability was recognised by the Dow 
Jones Sustainability Index ranking us in the top 3% of companies 
in the sector. We were recognised by APPEA for our Safety and 
Environmental performance, and the World Petroleum Council 
for our innovative STEM program in schools.

Even when gas seemed so plentiful globally in recent years, we 
were confident demand was growing and the world would need 
more LNG.

We have been working diligently to prepare for this, using the 
strength of our balance sheet to make strategic acquisitions.

I thank Woodside staff for their hard work and would also like to 
thank Michael Chaney for the support, guidance and mentorship 
he has shown during his years as Chairman and express a warm 
welcome to his successor, Richard Goyder.

Peter Coleman
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director 
14 February 2018

1.  Dated Brent price at which cash flow from operating activities equals cash flow from investing activities (pre-dividend and excluding the acquisition of ExxonMobil’s 

interest in the Scarborough gas field).

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Overview   13

 
EXECUTIVE 
MANAGEMENT

Peter Coleman 
BEng, MBA, FTSE
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Phil Loader 
BSc (Geology), MBA, MSc, DIC
Executive Vice President  
Global Exploration

Robert Edwardes 
BSc (Engineering), PhD
Executive Vice President 
Development

Michael Utsler 
BSc (Petroleum Engineering)
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Operations Officer

Reinhardt Matisons 
BEng, MBA, MIE Aust, CPEng, CPA 
Executive Vice President 
Marketing, Trading and 
Shipping

Exploration

Geoscience

Engineering

Projects

Production

Marketing

Drilling and Completions

Power and New Markets

International Exploration 
Offices

Phil Loader will cease being a member 
of the Key Management Personnel in 
February 2018. Shaun Gregory will be 
appointed Executive Vice President 
Exploration and Technology, effective 
1 March 2018.

Sherry Duhe 
BS (Accounting), MBA
Executive Vice President 
and Chief Financial Officer

Finance, Tax, Treasury  
and Insurance 

Commercial

Business Development  
and Growth

Contracting and 
Procurement

Investor Relations

Strategy Planning  
and Analysis

Performance Excellence

Developments

Logistics

International Development 
Offices

Health, Safety, Environment 
and Quality

Global Operations 
Planning and Performance

Reservoir Management

Subsea and Pipelines

Shipping

Trading

International Marketing 
Offices

Shaun Gregory 
BSc (Hons), MBT
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Technology Officer

Michael Abbott 
BJuris, LLB, BA, MBA
Senior Vice President 
Corporate and Legal

Jacky Connolly 
BCom, MOHS
Vice President  
People and Global Capability

Development Planning

Audit

People and Capability

Information Solutions  
and Services

Business Climate and 
Energy Outlook

Employee Engagement

Science

Subsurface

Technology

Corporate Affairs

Legal and Secretariat

Risk and Compliance

Security and Emergency 
Management

Global Property and 
Workplace

14   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

The Siem Thiima LNG-powered marine support vessel arriving at the King Bay Supply Facility. 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Overview   15

 
OUR AREAS  
OF ACTIVITY

GLOBAL

CANADA 
KITIMAT LNG

USA
PORT ARTHUR LNG

IRELAND

MOROCCO

SENEGAL

GABON

PERU

Singapore*

SUNRISE LNG

AUSTRALIA

Beijing*
Seoul*

Tokyo*

MYANMAR

NEW ZEALAND

Product type

Phase

Gas

Oil

Producing assets

Projects and developments

Gas or oil

Appraisal and exploration

16   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

*Denotes marketing office

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

NORTH WEST
SHELF PROJECT1

PLUTO LNG

SCARBOROUGH

WHEATSTONE LNG

AUSTRALIA OIL

GREATER ENFIELD 
PROJECT

BROWSE DEVELOPMENT

Broome

Karratha

PLUTO LNG

NORTH WEST
SHELF PROJECT

Onslow
WHEATSTONE LNG

WESTERN  
AUSTRALIA

Production contribution

Perth
Woodside  
Headquarters

73%

LNG

18%

LIQUIDS

9%

OTHER

1.  Production from the Okha FPSO is now reported as part of our Australia Oil operations.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Overview   17

 
 
Fin fan deck at the Karratha Gas Plant.

EXPLORATIOND
N
A
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P
O

W
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FINANCIAL  
FINANCIAL  
SUMMARY
SUMMARY

Strong performance by our base business and improved 
market conditions have generated strong cash flows and 
contributed to increased profit. We continue to fund growth 
from cash generated by our operations, while maintaining 
strong returns to shareholders.

Key metrics
$ million
Operating revenue
EBITDA
EBIT
NPAT
Underlying NPAT¹
Net cash from operating activities
Investment expenditure

Capital investment expenditure²
Exploration expenditure³

Free cash flow
Dividends paid
Key ratios

Return on equity 
ROACE 
Earnings 
Gearing 
Effective income tax rate 

Sales volumes

Gas 
Liquids 

%
%
(US cps)
%
%

(MMboe)
(MMboe)

2017
3,908
2,854
1,650
1,024
1,024
2,400
1,563
1,268
295
832
826

6.8
7.1
122
24
34

68.3
14.5

2016
4,075
2,734
1,388
868
868
2,587
2,459
2,153
306
114
640

5.8
6.2
104
24
36

78.8
16.2

NPAT reconciliation

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(392)

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120

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Key NPAT differences 
Sales revenue: price 
Price variances positively impacted sales revenue by  
$258 million as our average realised price increased by 
approximately 10% to $44/boe.

Average realised price
NWS LNG
Pluto LNG
Wheatstone LNG
Pipeline gas
Condensate
LPG
Oil
Volume weighted 
average realised prices
Brent average price
JCC (lagged 3 months)

2017 
$/boe
38
47
48
20
54
57
56

44
54
51

2016 
$/boe
33
48
-
21
45
45
44

40
45
42

Variance 
%
15
(2)
-
(5)
20
27
27

10
20
21

Impact  
$m
117
(23)
-
(1)
76
7
82

258

Sales revenue: volume 
Lower sales volume negatively impacted sales revenue by  
$392 million. This was predominantly due to lower NWS pipeline 
gas volumes following a change in venture equity share⁴, lower 
LNG production due to turnaround activity and unplanned outages, 
combined with 2017 LNG inventory build. 

Production costs 
A reduction in total production costs of $29 million was 
predominantly due to a change in venture equity share in the 
NWS pipeline gas venture and some oil operations that were 

discontinued in 2016, partially offset by Wheatstone production 
commencement and higher Pluto maintenance and studies costs. 

Depreciation 
A reduction of $132 million was predominantly due to positive 
reserves movements, causing a reduction in depreciation per 
unit of production, and lower production volume. This was 
partially offset by commencement of Wheatstone depreciation 
following start-up in 2017. 

Provision release 
A $120 million provision related to the Balnaves FPSO lease, 
terminated in 2016, was released. 

Exploration and evaluation 
A decrease of $103 million in exploration and evaluation 
expense was predominantly due to reduced seismic activity,  
a reduction in general permit costs and a higher proportion  
of exploration expenditure capitalised relative to 2016.

Other 
Other NPAT differences include the impact of a positive 2016 
NWS price review payment, lower Petroleum Resource Rent Tax 
benefit, higher income tax expense, higher finance costs, higher 
shipping and direct sales costs and lower gains on disposals. These 
are partially offset by favourable movement in net trading margin, 
lower general, administrative and other costs, favourable inventory 
movement and favourable foreign exchange movements.

1.  No adjustments were made to the calculation of underlying NPAT for 2017.
2.  Excluding exploration capitalised, includes restoration and rehabilitation spend 

and evaluation expense.

3.  Item excludes prior period expenditure written off and permit amortisation.

4.  Woodside equity share of NWS domestic gas and associated condensate was 
50% in the DGJV. The DGJV applied to the first 414 TJ/d, with contractual 
flexibilities allowing up to 517.5 TJ/d. The DGJV production entitlement was 
fulfilled on 8 May 2017. Woodside’s share of domestic gas and associated 
condensate following fulfilment of the DGJV production entitlement is 16.67%. 

20   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital allocation 
In 2017 we generated $832 million free cash flow, a $718 million 
increase from 2016. Strong operating cash flow of $2,400 million 
contributed to this result.

Balance sheet, liquidity and debt service 
During 2017, we maintained our strong balance sheet and ended 
the year with gearing of 24%, well within our target range of 
10% to 30%.

We continue to fund investment in line with our strategy, with 
$1,563 million invested in capital and exploration expenditure.  
Our capital expenditure of $1,268 million decreased by  
$885 million relative to 2016, predominantly due to the 
Senegal oil and Scarborough gas interests acquisitions in 2016. 
Approximately 70% of our 2017 capital expenditure was invested 
in the Wheatstone LNG project, the Greater Enfield oil project 
and the NWS subsea tieback projects, which are underpinning 
targeted production of approximately 100 MMboe in 2020.¹ 
Wheatstone Train 1 commenced LNG production in Q4 2017,  
with Train 2 expected to commence in Q2 2018. 

We continue to invest in exploration, with $295 million invested and 
wells drilled in Myanmar, Senegal, Gabon and Australia during 2017. 

In 2017, we declared $826 million of dividends, equivalent to  
98 cents per share (cps). This represents a dividend payout ratio 
of 80% of underlying NPAT. Our dividends are fully franked for 
Australian taxation purposes, and our gross dividend yield for 
2017 was 5.4%.

Unit production cost, cash costs and margins 
Total unit production costs increased by 4% to $5.2 per boe. 

Gas unit production costs increased by 14% to $4.0 per boe due 
to the impact of a Pluto minor turnaround on production volumes 
and higher associated costs, higher than average unit production 
costs for Wheatstone as production commenced in Q4 and the 
impact of NWS pipeline gas venture equity reduction.

Oil unit production costs improved by 21% to $18.4 per boe. 
This was predominantly due to the increase in Okha FPSO 
production volume, combined with lower maintenance costs, 
following the completion of the 2016 dry dock. Operations 
discontinued in 2016 also contributed to the reduction. 

Gross margin increased by 19% from $19.4 to $23.0 per boe, and 
our break-even cash cost of sales remains very competitive at 
$10.0 per boe. Our high margin, low cost operations continue  
to support both strong cash flows and increased profit. 

Our strong investment grade credit ratings of Baa1 and BBB+ were 
re-affirmed in 2017 by both Moody’s and S&P Global respectively. 

We continue to actively manage our debt portfolio, minimising 
near-term maturities and maintaining a low cost of debt. The 
average term to maturity of our debt is 4.7 years, and our 
portfolio cost of debt remains competitive at 3.7%. 

We are well supported by both bank and debt capital 
markets. During 2017, the following new and refinanced 
facilities were executed: 

 + $800 million US 144A 10.5-year 3.70% corporate bond; 

 + $800 million revolving bilateral debt facility agreement 

extensions; and 

 + $800 million unsecured syndicated debt facility, with 

extended maturities following the amendment and extension 
of the existing $1.2 billion syndicated facility. 

We ended 2017 with net debt of $4,747 million and with strong 
liquidity of $2,942 million, comprising $318 million in cash and 
$2,624 million in available undrawn debt facilities. 

2018 outlook 
Total 2018 investment expenditure, including the acquisition of 
ExxonMobil’s interest in the Scarborough gas field, is expected to 
be between $2,000 million to $2,050 million. Relative to 2017, our 
Wheatstone LNG investment will reduce due to the completion 
of Train 1. Investment will continue on Train 2 and domestic gas 
processing. Greater Enfield investment will increase as subsea 
installation and drilling activities commence. 

Our break-even oil price, excluding the Scarborough acquisition,  
is $35 per barrel.²

For 2018, the expected impact on NPAT of a $1 movement in  
the Brent oil price is $26 million, and the expected impact of  
a $0.01 movement in the AUD/USD exchange rate on NPAT  
is $5 million. 

1.  Based on current project schedules of Wheatstone LNG, the Greater Enfield Project and Greater Western Flank Phase-2. 
2.  Dated Brent price at which cash flow from operating activities equals cash flow from investing activities (pre-dividend and excluding the acquisition of ExxonMobil’s 

interest in the Scarborough gas field).

Investment expenditure

2,000

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

1,000

  Base business¹
 Greater Enfield
 Wheatstone

 Growth2
 Exploration
  Scarborough 
acquisition

Liquidity

6,000

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

3,000

2,685

0

2,400

(1,568)

 Cash
 Undrawn debt

(826)

317

(66)

2,942

0

2017

2018E

1.  Base business includes Pluto, NWS, Australia Oil and Corporate.
2.  Growth includes Scarborough, Pluto LNG expansion, Browse, Senegal, Myanmar,  

i

y
t
i
d
u
q
L
6
1
0
2

i

g
n
i
t
a
r
e
p
O

w
o
fl
h
s
a
c

w
o
fl
h
s
a
c

t
n
e
m
t
s
e
v
n

I

s
d
n
e
d
v
D

i

i

t
n
e
m
e
v
o
m

s
e
i
t
i
l
i

c
a
f

t
b
e
D

w
o
fl
h
s
a
c

i

g
n
c
n
a
n
fi
r
e
h
t
O

i

y
t
i
d
u
q
L
7
1
0
2

i

Kitimat and other spend.

Production costs

800

400

0

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

Debt maturity

9

1,500

 Total (LHS)
 Unit (RHS)

 Drawn debt
 Undrawn debt facilities

4.5

e
o
b
/
$

750

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

0

0

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

0
2
0
2

1
2
0
2

2
2
0
2

3
2
0
2

4
2
0
2

5
2
0
2

6
2
0
2

7
2
0
2

8
2
0
2

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Operating and Financial Review   21

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LNG  
MARKET

The LNG market is in a period of rapid expansion of supply. Strong global economic growth and demand for cleaner 
fuels have also driven very rapid growth in LNG demand. Earlier expectations of an extended period of oversupply 
are giving way to a recognition that an LNG supply shortfall could emerge by the early 2020s. Meeting this shortfall 
requires near-term commitment from both LNG suppliers and buyers to develop new resources. 

China, India, Pakistan, South Korea and South-East Asia have  
all shown recent signs of LNG demand upside, supported by 
GDP growth and strong policy support.

In China, policy moves to increase gas use in the recent Five 
Year Plan are starting to take effect. New Chinese energy 
policies targeting urban air pollution, coal power retirements 
and reliability for renewables are expected to create additional 
natural gas and LNG demand upside. LNG imports have filled 
over 50% of gas demand growth in China over the last two 
years, and this is expected to continue until the pipeline from 
Russia and domestic supply comes online in the early 2020s.

The Chinese Government targets gas having a 15% share of the 
energy mix by 2030, up from 6% in 2017. Much of this growth 
is likely to come from LNG imports, with new contracting 
expected to begin imminently.

In South Korea, policy shifts away from coal and nuclear power 
have caused a surge in LNG demand. In India, LNG import 

capacity is expected to increase rapidly through to 2021, 
removing potential logistical constraints on demand growth.

Seasonal price spikes, particularly in the northern hemisphere 
winter, continue to expose buyers to significant price risk. 
Recent spot prices of over $11/MMBtu in north-east Asia may 
further incentivise buyers to add duration to portfolios. 

New technologies and operating models such as floating 
storage regasification units (FSRUs) are also continuing to 
open new markets and shortening time to first LNG imports, 
particularly in emerging markets such as Pakistan and South-
East Asia.

With emergent demand upside and potential delays for new 
projects under construction, the market could tighten earlier 
than some forecasters anticipate. New FIDs will need to be 
taken by 2020 to ensure that the market remains adequately 
supplied from 2023. Woodside is well positioned to respond, 
with a significant portfolio of gas resources that can be 
delivered at globally competitive prices.

Global LNG demand

Emerging market demand

a
p
t
m

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

a
t
p
m

200

150

100

50

0

2010

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

2015

2020

2025

2030

2035

 Demand

 Contracted demand

 China

 India

 South-East Asia

Source: Wood Mackenzie LTD; Q4 2017. 

South-East Asia includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. 
Source: Wood Mackenzie LTD, Q4 2017.

22   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

TRENDS SUPPORTING DEMAND GROWTH

Gas displaces coal 
As demand for clean and lower-carbon energy increases, 
gas for power generation is expected to grow.

Asia needs gas to meet growing energy needs 
Demand growth is strongest in Asia. By the late 2020s, China 
is expected to be the world’s second largest gas market. 

Gas provides reliable power that supports renewables  
The anticipated growth of renewable sources of energy 
creates a growing intermittency gap, which gas can fill. 

Increasing electrification 
Supports growth in lower emissions fuels.

Gas and LNG play an important role in lowering the 
carbon intensity of economic growth 
As demand for energy grows, gas plays an increasingly 
important role in lowering carbon intensity.

Gas demand grows; LNG demand grows faster 
Demand for LNG is forecast to more than double by 2040. 
LNG as a share of global gas demand is similarly expected 
to increase. Inadequate domestic resources in importing 
countries, geopolitics and the desire for diversification of 
supply further support this.

Gas fuels ships and trucks 
Competitive costs and lower emissions make gas 
increasingly attractive in heavy duty trucking and as a 
maritime fuel. International maritime regulations have  
set sulphur limits to control airborne ship emissions from  
1 January 2020, which makes LNG well positioned to  
grow maritime fuel market share.

LNG demand in Asia will continue to remain high.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Operating and Financial Review   23

 
STRATEGY  
AND CAPITAL 
ALLOCATION

We have a clear strategy to deliver superior shareholder returns across three distinct time horizons.

These horizons are characterised by cash generation  
(2017–2021), unlocking value (2022–2026) and repeating  
our successes (2027+).

As a low-cost and high-margin producer, Woodside is uniquely 
positioned as the global LNG market rebalances and grows  
in the future.

HORIZON I  2017–2021

CASH GENERATION

 + Lower capital intensity developments 

 + New growth platforms through exploration   

 + New revenue streams 

 + Preparing for Horizon II growth

and acquisitions

 + Expanding the LNG market 

Horizon I is focused on delivering committed growth 
projects and being investment ready for significant  
LNG projects. 

We have committed growth from Wheatstone LNG, 
Greater Enfield and the NWS subsea tiebacks which 

are underpinning targeted production of approximately 
100 MMboe in 2020.¹ 

We are targeting additional production from the expansion 
of Pluto LNG and being decision ready for developing our 
resources in Senegal and the Carnarvon Basin.

S
S
E
N
I
S
U
B
E
S
A
B
G
N
D
N
A
T
S
T
U
O

I

Y
G
R
E
N
E

E
L
B
A
N
I
A
T
S
U
S

HORIZON II  2022–2026

 + Developments leveraging existing 

infrastructure 

 + Growth funded by base business and  

Horizon I growth 

The cash generated from Horizon I growth 
underpins the development of capital-efficient 
LNG developments required to meet the 
projected LNG supply shortfall in Horizon II. 

VALUE UNLOCKED

 + Monetise exploration and acquisition success 

 + Increase supply to new and traditional 

markets

The establishment of a hub on the Burrup 
Peninsula is a key feature of Horizon II.

HORIZON III  2027+

SUCCESS REPEATED

 + Capital-efficient developments 

 + Unlock new major hubs

Horizon III will target repeating the success of 
previous horizons. Development of the high 
quality Kitimat and Sunrise resources and 

new exploration opportunities are targeted 
for development within this horizon.

1.  Based on current project schedules of Wheatstone LNG, the Greater Enfield Project and Greater Western Flank Phase-2.

24   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
Growth across the horizons will continue  
to be underpinned by our outstanding base 
business, a focus on creating sustainable 
energy solutions and a disciplined capital 
allocation framework.

Outstanding base business 
Our outstanding base business is underpinned by world-class 
LNG and FPSO reliability, cost discipline and strong safety and 
environmental performance. We will continue to secure value by 
developing and deploying industry-leading technology across 
our portfolio of assets.

Sustainable energy
Woodside is focused on providing sustainable energy 
solutions that deliver enduring value to shareholders, partners, 
communities and governments. We continue to promote LNG as 
a lower emissions fuel and have committed to developing LNG 
as a transport fuel. As global demand grows, we will be ready to 
meet it, building our growth across the next decade and beyond.

Capital allocation
Woodside’s capital allocation framework provides management choice  
to optimise returns and risk in a range of macroeconomic scenarios.  
Our priorities are:

 + Debt service, to ensure that we continue to have access to premium  
debt markets at a competitive cost to support our growth activities. 
We continue to seek to manage average debt to maturity on our debt 
portfolio. Our gearing target is between 10% and 30%. We continue to 
target maintaining an investment-grade credit rating. 

 + Investment expenditure, to sustain and grow our business. Woodside 

seeks to build its portfolio through the disciplined allocation of capital to 
exploration, acquisition and development opportunities that complement 
existing positions and capabilities. Our developments will seek to prioritise 
lower capital intensity, faster to market, capital-efficient opportunities that 
utilise existing infrastructure where possible. Through Horizon I, we plan to 
invest in LNG projects that will be required to meet a projected LNG supply 
shortfall in Horizon II. 

 + Shareholder distributions, governed by our Dividend Policy, which 

specifies that we will pay a minimum of 50% of underlying net profit after 
tax in dividends. We currently pay an 80% dividend payout ratio and target 
maintaining this subject to market conditions. Our strong shareholder 
distributions will be funded from our high margin base business and 
committed growth.

 + Returning surplus cash to shareholders, by either special dividends or 
stock buy-backs, is an option retained and considered by Woodside.

INVESTMENT CRITERIA

Our investment criteria target 
investment decisions which deliver 
returns on capital that exceed our  
cost of capital. 

 + The economic criteria we use are set 
independently of project decisions

 + We apply a suite of target metrics 

that are aimed at delivering superior 
shareholder returns from our 
investment decisions

 + We test the robustness of our 

investments against a range of  
low-outcome scenarios

 + We set higher target metrics 

for investments with increased 
complexity and risk, and seek to 
preserve any upside potential

 + A typical metric required for 

investment is a target ungeared 
internal rate of return of 12%–15%

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Operating and Financial Review   25

 
OUR BUSINESS 
MODEL

ACQUIRE AND 
EXPLORE

DEVELOP

Woodside’s business model 
seeks to maximise the value 
of its portfolio across the 
value chain. This is achieved 
by prioritising competitive 
development opportunities; 
by leveraging the value of 
Woodside’s operational, 
development and drilling 
capabilities; and by deepening 
relationships in LNG markets 
with strong demand growth.  
We do this with the objective of 
generating superior shareholder 
returns across the horizons.

We grow our portfolio through 
exploration and acquisitions, based on 
a disciplined approach to increasing 
shareholder value and appropriately 
managing risk. We look for material 
positions in world-class assets and basins 
that are aligned with our capabilities and 
complement our existing portfolio. 

Our Exploration division conducts high-
impact exploration activities in our three 
regional focus areas to deliver material 
oil and gas discoveries that support 
sustained growth.

We apply a disciplined approach to 
assessing acquisition opportunities 
that complement our discovered 
and undiscovered resource base and 
routinely review our process to learn 
from our experiences. We draw on our 
organisation’s extensive experience in 
screening and high-grading opportunities. 

Image courtesy of Chevron Australia

Our North West Shelf, Pluto and oil 
assets in remote Western Australia 
showcase more than 30 years of our 
company’s development expertise. 
We are building on this experience by 
investing in development opportunities 
in Australia, Senegal and North America. 

We are in the business of creating value-
adding development solutions and only 
approve investments in opportunities 
that, after prudent assessment, meet  
our investment criteria. 

During the development phase, we 
maximise value by selecting the most 
competitive concept for extracting, 
processing and delivering hydrocarbon 
products to market. Once the value 
of the development is confirmed, and 
approvals are received, the development 
is approved and project delivery and 
construction commence.

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

THIRD GAS DISCOVERY 
OFFSHORE MYANMAR

DELIVERED THE $1 BILLION 
PERSEPHONE PROJECT 30% 
UNDER BUDGET AND SIX MONTHS 
AHEAD OF SCHEDULE 

26   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

OPERATE

MARKET

DECOMMISSION 
AND DIVEST

We are Australia’s leading LNG operator 
and operate a fleet of FPSO facilities. 

Our dedication to operational excellence 
– sustaining safe, reliable and low-cost 
operations – is demonstrated by our 
record in operating some of the world’s 
premier oil and gas facilities.

By adopting a continuous improvement 
mindset and an efficient, well-planned, 
cost-competitive operating model, we 
have been able to reduce operating 
costs, increase production rates and 
improve safety performance to maximise 
the value of our assets. 

With a focus on applying leading-
edge technology, data analytics and 
cognitive computing, we are able to take 
advantage of opportunities that are at 
the forefront of the industry and gain 
valuable productivity benefits.

Our marketing, shipping and trading 
capabilities have long been central to  
our role as a leading supplier of energy. 
Our shipping and trading capabilities  
are utilised to maximise the value of  
our operational activities. 

Our relationships with customers 
in major energy markets have been 
maintained through a track record of 
reliable delivery and expertise across 
contracting, marketing and trading.

In addition to existing long-term LNG 
sales, we are pursuing near-term value 
accretive arrangements through LNG  
spot and mid-term sales and LNG shipping 
transactions. Our marketing and trading 
strategy is to continue to build a diverse 
supply portfolio and pursue additional 
sales agreements, underpinned by reliable 
Australian LNG and supplemented by 
globally sourced volumes.

Individual assets within our portfolio 
have a finite life. Decommissioning is 
integrated into project planning, from 
the earliest stages of development 
through to the end of field life, to reflect 
this reality. At appropriate intervals, 
we consider opportunities to divest 
ourselves of assets to maximise the 
value of our portfolio. Otherwise, 
our decommissioning planning is 
implemented at the appropriate time. 

Through working together with our 
partners, shareholders and technical 
experts, we are able to identify the most 
sustainable and beneficial post-closure 
options that minimise financial, social  
and environmental impact.

Our approach helps to maintain a 
positive reputation and uphold our 
licence to operate. 

ACHIEVED RECORD  
DAILY PRODUCTION  
RATES AT PLUTO LNG

EXECUTED LONG-TERM 
LNG SUPPLY AGREEMENT 
WITH PERTAMINA

CONTRIBUTED TO NEW 
STATE GOVERNMENT 
DECOMMISSIONING 
GUIDELINES

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Operating and Financial Review   27

 
N
O
I
T
A
R
O
L
P
X
E

Drilling rig and support vessel side-by-side during Woodside’s Myanmar drilling campaign.

28   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

EXPLORATION

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + Completed the drilling campaign in Myanmar ahead  

of schedule and under budget

 + Made a third gas discovery in Myanmar

 + Completed the five well exploration and appraisal drilling 
campaign in Senegal ahead of schedule and under budget

 + Added acreage in Myanmar, Gabon and Australia

 + Farmed-in to the Likuale (F14) Block¹ in Gabon  

and spudded the Boudji-1 exploration well

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Drill the Ferrand exploration well in Australia to target 
prospectivity, close to existing Woodside discoveries

 + Drill three exploration wells in Myanmar to inform 

development planning

 + Drill two exploration wells in Gabon (Ivela-1 and 

Boudji-1) plus wells in Morocco (Rabat Deep) and  
Peru (Boca Satipo East)

Australia and Asia-Pacific

Australia
The Swell-1A exploration well in WA-483-P spudded in August 
and intersected a gross gas column of approximately 450 m. 
Wireline logging confirmed low gas mobility and poor reservoir 
quality such that it is considered not commercially recoverable. 

The Ferrand exploration well in WA-404-P is scheduled to 
commence drilling in early Q2 2018. Ferrand is targeting a 
large Triassic structure, which is in the same permit as existing 
Woodside discoveries at Martin-1, Martell-1, Noblige-1, Larsen-1, 
Larsen Deep-1 and Remy-1. A Ferrand discovery could be 
developed with existing discovered WA-404-P gas by a  
tieback to Pluto LNG. 

Woodside acquired interests in five exploration permits in the 
Carnarvon Basin, adding significant inventory to our Carnarvon 
Basin portfolio. 

We continue to build a portfolio of high-quality 
prospects and are executing high-impact drilling  
to deliver value in our key exploration hubs.

Woodside progressed its exploration strategy by targeting 
growth in three focus areas - Australia and Asia-Pacific,  
Atlantic Margins and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

In 2017, we focused on drilling prospects across a re-balanced 
portfolio that has increased exposure to emerging basins and 
improved risk profiles. We also acquired seismic data across a 
range of locations either through participation in multi-client 
surveys or by obtaining existing survey data to support a 
pipeline of exploration opportunities.

Since 2013 we have acquired 43 permits and relinquished 115.  
Over this period, our gross acreage has increased by 10%, but 
our net risked prospect portfolio volume² has increased 800%. 

Exploration success is key to Woodside’s future growth. In 2018, 
we will actively pursue exploration opportunities to support 
value delivery in Horizons II and III. 

WA-404-P

Ferrand-1

Proposed wells

Gas field

0

20

Kilometers

Pluto 
platform

Location of the Ferrand-1 exploration well and its proximity to the Pluto production platform.

1.  Completion of acquisition remains subject to satisfaction of conditions precedent. 
2.  Net risked portfolio volume is the sum of the mean recoverable estimates in the case of exploration success from all identified prospects in the exploration portfolio.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Exploration   29

 
Australia and Asia-Pacific (continued)

Myanmar
The 2017 exploration and appraisal drilling campaign was 
successfully completed ahead of schedule and under budget.  
The campaign tested multiple play types, helping to refine 
portfolio understanding and inform future drilling priorities. 

Woodside’s farm-in to Blocks AD-1, AD-6 and AD-8 expands our 
position in Myanmar and provides further exploration prospects 
to support our northern gas hub development concept close to 
existing infrastructure and major growing gas markets. 

During 2017, Woodside re-entered Thalin-1A and drilled an 
additional appraisal well, Thalin-2, in Block AD-7 to better 
understand the 2016 Thalin discovery. 

The Thalin-1A re-entry was spudded as Thalin-1B. Core and 
wireline logs were successfully acquired over the objective 
reservoir interval. Drill stem testing demonstrated strong flow 
rates and high reservoir deliverability. 

The Thalin-2 appraisal well was drilled to test the north-eastern 
end of the Thalin Field and encountered similar quality reservoir 
to Thalin-1B, although with a shallower gas/water contact 
indicating the existence of intra-field complexity. 

Information acquired from the two appraisal wells is being 
analysed and will be used to inform future activities. 

In August, Woodside made the Pyi Thit gas discovery in Block 
A-6, adding to the Thalin and Shwe Yee Htun discoveries 
announced in 2016. The discovery builds our understanding of 
the potential resources in the region and further informs our 
consideration of development options. 

The Pyi Thit-1 well intersected a gross gas column of approximately 
65 m. A net gas pay of approximately 36 m is interpreted within 
the primary target sandstone reservoirs. Core and wireline logs 
were acquired over the target zone. A drill stem test confirmed 
strong flow rates with strong reservoir pressure support.

Two other exploration wells were drilled in Myanmar. The Pyi 
Tharyar-1 well in Block A-6 intersected a thin gas column which is 
unlikely to be commercially recoverable. The Khayang Swal-1 well 
in Block AD-7 intersected water-wet sands in the target interval. 

Our 2018 Myanmar exploration drilling campaign is scheduled 
to commence in Q2 2018 with the drilling of a well in Block AD-1. 
This will be followed by the drilling of a prospect in Block A-7. 
Both are large volume prospects and are similar play types 
as previous discoveries. The drilling of a further exploration/
appraisal well in Block A-6 remains subject to necessary joint 
venture and government approvals. 

Woodside continues to evaluate development concepts for 
existing discoveries including potential aggregation opportunities 
or development as a tieback to existing infrastructure. We remain 
on track for consideration of concept selection in the southern 
Rakhine Basin hub by the end of 2018. 

Thalin-2

AD-6

Thalin-1

Khayang Swal-1

Shwe 
Platform

AD-7

!

AD-8

AD-1

Bay of Benegal

AD-2

A-4

Naypyitaw

Myanmar-China
 Gas Pipeiine

Myanmar

0

30

kilometres

Pyi Tharyar-1
Pyi Thit-1

A-6
Shwe Yee Htun

Yangon

AD-5

!

A-7

Yadana 
Platform

Overview of Woodside’s acreage in Myanmar.

Atlantic Margins

Senegal
The 2017 drilling campaign was successfully completed with 
five exploration and appraisal wells drilled ahead of schedule 
and under budget. Data from the campaign is currently being 
analysed to inform future activities. 

The SNE-5 well completed two drill stem tests in the upper 
reservoir (S400 series) units over gross intervals of 18 m and 
8.5 m, providing further understanding of the more complex 
upper reservoir. The SNE-6 well provided insight into the level 
of connectivity in the upper reservoir by an interference test 
with SNE-5. 

The Vega Regulus-1 (VR-1) exploration well was drilled in  
March 2017 following the SNE-5 appraisal well. VR-1 appraised 
the western extent of the SNE field and encountered the lower 
(S500 series) reservoirs in the SNE field within the oil column 

as anticipated. The well was deepened to test a carbonate 
exploration target. There were indications of hydrocarbons  
at the base of the well in tight formation that are not currently 
viewed as commercially recoverable. 

The FAN South-1 exploration well was drilled to test a 
Cretaceous prospect with multiple reservoir targets in the basin 
oil play in the Sangomar Deep Block. The well encountered 
oil-bearing reservoirs, and an oil sample was obtained. Although 
not meeting pre-drill estimates, the well results are being 
evaluated and integrated with the FAN-1 results to assess 
the impact on the greater FAN-1 complex and to further the 
understanding of the basin oil play. 

The SNE North-1 exploration well was drilled in August. Gas 
and condensate were encountered at the primary target 
and oil in a separate and deeper reservoir than the SNE field. 

30   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Further work is being undertaken to establish the potential 
commerciality of this discovery and to integrate the results 
with the block-wide information. 

The well result has positive implications for further hydrocarbon 
potential to the north of the structural trend containing the SNE 
field and the SNE North-1 well, as well as for broader exploration 
potential within the permits.

The joint venture is reviewing potential 2018 drilling opportunities, 
including a prospect in the shallow water Rufisque offshore block. 

Morocco
Drilling of the Rabat Deep-1 well in Q1 2018 is planned to test the 
JP1 prospect; a large, four-way dip closed structure in an area 
considered to have oil potential. ENI Maroc B.V. has assumed 
operatorship of the acreage, acquiring a 40% equity interest.

0

30

kilometres

Sangomar
Deep

FAN

FAN-1

Peru
Drilling of the Boca Satipo East well in Q3 2018 is planned  
and is targeting a large prospect with oil potential in  
Cretaceous reservoirs.

Vega Regulus-1

FAN 
South-1

SNE

SNE-5

SNE-6

Overview of Woodside’s acreage in Senegal.

Dakar

Senegal

Rufisque

Sangomar
Offshore

SNE 
North-1

Drilled Wells

Woodside Titles
Extensions, Leads 
and Prospects
Gas Cap

Oil Fields

Sub-Saharan Africa

Gabon
Processing of the second azimuth of multi-client 3D seismic data 
for the Doukou Dak (F15) Block has been completed.

Woodside has completed its farm-in to acquire a 40% interest 
in the Luna Muetse (E13) Block. Activities to support drilling the 
Ivela-1 prospect in the Luna Muetse Block are underway. Drilling 
is expected in Q1 2018.

Woodside’s farm-in to acquire a 21.25% interest in the Diaba 
Block has completed. 

Woodside has also acquired a 30% non-operated participating 
interest in the Likuale (F14) Block.1

The Boudji-1 exploration well in the Likuale (F14) Block, the first well 
in the permit, was spudded in October 2017 and reached target 
depth in January 2018. Well results continue to be evaluated.

1. Completion of acquisition remains subject to satisfaction of conditions precedent. 

2018–2019 drilling activities1

Myanmar  
Northern Hub

Myanmar  
Southern Hub

Australia

Senegal

Morocco 

Gabon

Peru 

Block AD-1

Block AD-1 appraisal

Blocks AD-8

Block A-6 exploration/appraisal3

Block A-7

Block A-7 appraisal

WA-404-P: Ferrand-1

WA-404-P

WA-28-P: Achernar-1

WA-49-L

Rufisque Offshore

Rabat Deep Offshore: Rabat Deep-1

Likuale (F14) Block: Boudji-1⁴

Luna Muetse (E13) Block: Ivela-1

Block 108: Boca Satipo East

Block 108

2018

2019

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Target Size2

Large

Appraisal

Large

Large 

Large 

Appraisal 

Large

Large

Large

Medium

Medium

Large

Large

Large

Large

Large

Firm

 Gas

 Oil

Contingent

 Gas

 Oil

1.  This is a forecast activity plan subject to change due to final approvals, weather conditions and other external circumstances.

2. Target size: unrisked gross mean success volume 100%. Medium >20 MMboe and <100 MMboe and large >100 MMboe.

3. Subject to Government and joint venture approval.

4. Completion of acquisition remains subject to satisfaction of conditions precedent. The well spudded in October 2017. 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Exploration   31

 
D
N
A
S
T
C
E
J
O
R
P

S
T
N
E
M
P
O
L
E
V
E
D

Employees onsite at Pluto LNG.

 
 
WHEATSTONE 
LNG

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + Start-up of the Brunello field

 + First LNG production from Train 1

 + First LNG cargo delivered

 + Safe commissioning shutdown 

completed

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + LNG production from Train 2

 + Start-up of the domestic gas plant

 + Enter front-end engineering  
and design phase for the  
Julimar Project

Wheatstone LNG Train 1 commenced production in October 2017.

Wheatstone LNG, comprising the Wheatstone and Julimar-Brunello 
Projects, is a world-class asset, which will make a significant 
contribution to Woodside’s annual production.

Production commenced from LNG Train 1, with the first LNG cargo delivered to Japan 
on 12 November 2017. 

As part of the commissioning process for Train 1, a shutdown to replace the start-up 
strainers was carried out in December 2017. Prior to the scheduled shutdown, the plant 
achieved rates of approximately 13 kt/d (100% project).

Construction of LNG Train 2 is progressing to schedule, with completion expected in 
early 2018. The commissioning and start-up phase will follow and is targeting start-up 
for LNG Train 2 production in Q2 2018.

The domestic gas plant, with capacity to produce 200 TJ per day, is scheduled for 
start-up in Q3 2018. Domestic gas sales will be transported by pipeline to the Dampier 
to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline.

Woodside is the operator of the Julimar-Brunello Project, with a 65% interest in the 
Julimar and Brunello fields. These fields supply 20% of Wheatstone LNG’s foundation 
capacity of natural gas.

The Julimar-Brunello Project Phase I began with the tie-in of the Brunello field in 2016. 
Phase II of the development will tie-back the Julimar field to the existing Brunello 
subsea infrastructure. The development is currently in concept definition phase and 
is targeting entry to front-end engineering and design (FEED) phase in 2018. A final 
investment decision (FID) is targeted for 2019.

Wheatstone LNG Woodside interest: 13%

Julimar-Brunello Project Woodside interest: 65%

Image courtesy of Chevron Australia

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Projects and developments   33

 
SUBSEA 
TIEBACKS

Greater Enfield Project

Persephone Project

The Greater Enfield Project is a subsea tieback to the existing 
Ngujima-Yin FPSO, which is currently producing from the Vincent 
oil field. The project is estimated to initially produce more than 
40,000 bbl/d (100% project).

At the end of 2017, the project was 43% complete, and it 
remains on budget and on schedule for expected first oil  
in mid-2019.

The Persephone Project was a two-well subsea tieback to 
the North Rankin Complex, extending the NWS Project’s LNG 
production plateau.

Building on our proven capabilities and significant experience in 
delivering major subsea tiebacks, the project achieved start-up 
in July 2017, six months ahead of schedule and more than  
$300 million under budget (100% project).

The progress of FPSO design and equipment manufacture in 
2017 has ensured that the shipyard activities remain on schedule 
for commencement in Q2 2018.

The two wells are performing to expectation, achieving a total 
combined flow rate of 475 mmscf/d in support of production 
requirements. 

The first two of 12 subsea Xmas trees were delivered on 
schedule into Australia, in Q4 2017. Throughout the year, 
focus continued on preparations for in-field drilling, subsea 
installation, and securing relevant regulatory approvals.

The Greater Enfield drilling campaign is expected to commence 
in Q1 2018 and take two years to complete. The subsea installation 
will also commence in Q1 2018, starting with pipelay activities. 

Woodside interest: 60%

The ENSCO DPS-1 (formerly Atwood Condor) mobile offshore drilling unit preparing to leave 
Singapore for the Greater Enfield Project drilling campaign.

Woodside interest: 16.67%

Greater Western Flank  
Phase 2 (GWF-2) Project

The GWF-2 Project involves eight production wells tied back to 
the existing Goodwyn A platform by a 35 km subsea pipeline. 
Significant progress was made in 2017 and, at the end of the 
year, the project was 74% complete. The project is on schedule 
for start-up in the first half of 2019.

Drilling and completion activities were successfully completed 
in 2017 at the Lady Nora, Pemberton, Sculptor and Rankin 
fields and continue at Keast and Dockrell. Excellent overall 
performance has enabled the project to consolidate from a  
two-phase well completion campaign to a single campaign,  
and target a single RFSU (ready for start-up), reducing 
estimated project cost and schedule.

The manufacture of subsea production equipment remains on 
schedule, and offshore construction activities are planned to 
commence in the first half of 2018.

Subsea installation and commissioning of infrastructure is 
expected to commence in the second half of 2018 and will take 
approximately five months to complete. 

Woodside interest: 16.67%

34   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

AUSTRALIAN 
DEVELOPMENTS

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + High-rate production trials 

confirmed extra plant capacity

 + Studies completed on 0.7–3.3 mtpa 

LNG train plant expansion

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Enter FEED for the Pluto to NWS 

pipeline interconnector

 + Progress discussions with 

third-party resource owners for 
processing gas

 + Commence domestic gas supply 

in H2 2018

 + Start-up an LNG truck-loading 

facility in H2 2018

Schematic (not to scale) of the LNG truck-loading facility 
at Pluto LNG.

Pluto LNG

Planning continues for the expansion of Pluto LNG based on the acceleration 
of Pluto gas and the potential development of unallocated gas resources in 
the Carnarvon Basin.

High-rate production trials were completed in 2017, confirming that the plant 
has additional pre-treatment capacity. Results from the trial are informing 
future decisions on Pluto LNG expansion options.

Feasibility studies on a 0.7 to 3.3 mtpa LNG train were concluded in 2017, 
broadening the options available for Pluto expansion.

The Pluto Joint Venture is engaging with third-party resource owners 
about the potential to process gas through Pluto infrastructure.

Studies have commenced on a potential Pluto–NWS Interconnector, intended to 
unlock incremental value for both Pluto LNG and the North West Shelf Project.

Subject to joint venture, regulatory and other approvals, developing a pipeline 
connection between the two plants could accelerate Pluto area gas reserves, 
and leverage existing Pluto offshore capacity and emerging NWS LNG ullage. 
Additional synergies between the two plants are also being considered.

A pipeline interconnector may also support future commercial options to 
develop regional gas resources by facilitating the development of unallocated 
resources by utilising existing infrastructure.

Development planning regarding the Pyxis resource continues. Pyxis provides 
supply diversity to meet plant capacity and offers potential acceleration for any 
Pluto expansion.

We are progressing the supply of gas to the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas 
Pipeline (DBNGP). Subject to all required approvals, a compressor will be installed 
capable of delivering gas into the DBNGP at rates of 10–25 TJ/day. It is anticipated 
that gas will be supplied to customers in Western Australia from H2 2018.

Preparations are underway for the first delivery of trucked LNG to customers 
in Western Australia by construction of a truck-loading facility at Pluto LNG. 
Primary approvals are progressing for construction, with start-up targeted in 
H2 2018. The facility will provide LNG for distribution in the Pilbara region of 
Western Australia.

Woodside interest: 90%

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Projects and developments   35

 
2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + Executed an agreement with 

the NWS Project to commence 
technical studies

 + Commenced evaluation of  

third-party processing options

 + Supported operator to complete 

FLNG concept optimisation studies

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Complete the acquisition of an 

additional 50% interest in WA-1-R

 + Concept select in 2018

 + Position for FEED entry in 2019 to 

support FID in 2020

Scarborough Development

Woodside’s Scarborough area interests include the Scarborough, Thebe and 
Jupiter gas fields, which are estimated to contain gross (100%) contingent 
resources (2C) of 9.2 Tcf of dry gas. The estimate is based on a revised 
development scenario utilising existing Woodside-operated infrastructure  
on the Burrup Hub.

On 14 February 2018, Woodside announced it had entered into a binding 
Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire ExxonMobil’s 50% interest in 
WA-1-R, which contains the Scarborough gas field. Upon completion of the 
transaction, which is targeted by end Q1 2018, Woodside will have a 75% 
interest in WA-1-R and a 50% interest in WA-61-R, WA-62-R and WA-63-R.1

Completion of the transaction will increase Woodside’s net share of the 
contingent resources (2C) in the Scarborough area assets from 2.8 Tcf of  
dry gas to 6.4 Tcf of dry gas.

By providing greater alignment between Woodside’s upstream resources 
and downstream infrastructure and greater control over and certainty of 
development, this acquisition supports Woodside’s strategy of unlocking 
shareholder value. This is expected to create a pathway to development 
of the material, unallocated Scarborough gas field through a lower-cost 
brownfield expansion of our high-reliability Pluto LNG facility.

In 2017, the Scarborough Joint Venture commenced engagement with  
third-party infrastructure owners in Western Australia to explore options  
to process Scarborough gas and in December executed a Joint Technical 
Study Agreement with the NWS Project to determine the technical viability  
of processing gas through the NWS infrastructure.

Woodside is targeting a Scarborough concept select decision in 2018, with 
FEED targeted in 2019 and FID in 2020. First production from the development 
is expected in 2025 to meet the expected global LNG supply gap. 

1. Completion is subject to pre-emption rights and customary regulatory approvals, and is targeted 

by end Q1 2018.

Woodside’s equity interest in the Scarborough area assets following completion of the acquisition announced on 14 February 2018.

WA-63-R

WA-530-P

Legend

Thebe

WA-62-R

Jupiter

WA-61-R

Karratha

Exmouth

Scarborough

0

20

kilometres

36   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

WA-1-R

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + Joint venture alignment on 

Browse to NWS as the reference 
development concept

 + Received a non-binding tolling 
proposal from the NWS Project

 + Significant progress made on 
optimising Browse to NWS 
development concept

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Finalise key commercial terms 

with the NWS Project to process 
Browse gas

 + Commence concept definition 

phase in H2 2018 

Browse Development

The Brecknock, Calliance and Torosa fields (collectively known as the Browse 
resources) are located offshore, 425 km north of Broome in Australia’s North 
West. The Browse resources are estimated to contain gross (100%) contingent 
resources (2C) of 16.0 Tcf of dry gas and 466 MMbbl of condensate.

In 2017, the Browse Joint Venture made significant progress in narrowing 
alternative concepts for the development of the Browse resources and is 
aligned on Browse to NWS as the reference case. 

The Browse Joint Venture received a non-binding tolling proposal from 
the NWS Project to process Browse gas through existing infrastructure. 
Commercial discussions and joint technical studies are progressing between 
the two parties. 

A potential offshore development would be based on predominantly proven 
technologies and involve two gas floating production storage and offloading 
(gFPSO) facilities delivering around 10 mtpa of gas to NWS infrastructure by 
an approximately 900 km pipeline.

The Browse Joint Venture is targeting commencement of the concept 
definition phase in the second half of 2018, enabled by alignment on 
commercial requirements with the NWS Project.

Developing Browse through existing Woodside-operated infrastructure 
has the potential to deliver a globally competitive project to the benefit of 
titleholders, infrastructure owners, governments and the local community. 

Woodside interest: 30.6%

Indicative gFPSO facilities for the Browse development (schematic not to scale).

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Projects and developments   37

 
INTERNATIONAL 
DEVELOPMENTS

SNE Field Development-Phase 1 

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + Transitioned to Development Lead 

 + Achieved concept select

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Invitations to tender for FPSO and subsea infrastructure  

to be issued in Q1 2018

 + Operatorship transition

 + Submission of Exploitation Plan to the Government  

of Senegal for approval and enter FEED

Woodside has been active in the offshore region of Senegal 
since 2016 when it acquired a material position in the SNE field.

In 2017, Woodside became Development Lead for the  
SNE Field Development-Phase 1 and plans to transition to 
operator of the Rufisque, Sangomar, Sangomar Deep Offshore 
(RSSD) blocks in 2018.

Appraisal drilling continued in 2017, improving our understanding 
of the reservoir and the optimal development plan. 

Refer to Exploration on page 30 for more information.

For early commercialisation and ongoing optimisation of 
the development plan, a phased development is proposed, 
focusing first on the less complex lower reservoir units. 
Subsequent phases will target more complex reservoir units.

Woodside achieved a concept select decision at the end of 
2017 and entered concept definition. The Phase 1 development 
concept for the SNE field is a stand-alone FPSO facility with 
subsea infrastructure. It will be designed to allow subsequent 
SNE development phases, including options for potential gas 
export to shore and for future subsea tiebacks from other 
reservoirs and fields. 

Phase 1 will include oil production as well as gas and water 
injection wells. The expected FPSO oil production capacity is 
approximately 100,000 bbl/day. Gas sales opportunities are 
being explored to support incremental gas export to shore.

38   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Expressions of interest have been sought and subsequent 
engagement held with contractors and operators for subsea 
and FPSO facilities prior to a formal tendering process, expected 
in Q1 2018. The joint venture is considering a redeployed FPSO 
facility as the preferred development opportunity. 

In August 2017, the environmental baseline survey was 
completed and the Environment and Social Impact Assessment 
(ESIA) process commenced. The joint venture is targeting 
submission of the ESIA in Q2 2018.

Work is progressing on detailed concept definition work which 
will lead to front-end engineering and design beginning in  
Q4 2018, in parallel with anticipated approval of the Exploitation 
Plan. First oil from SNE is expected in 2022.

Woodside is committed to working with our fellow joint 
venture participants and the Government of Senegal to 
achieve the earliest commercialisation of the discovered 
resources in Senegal. 

Woodside continues to build its presence in Senegal with a 
local team of six personnel, including three Senegalese staff, 
now based in Dakar.

As part of the joint venture, Woodside contributed to capacity 
building through English language training and a mobilisation 
project with seven fishing communities in Yenne. This 
mobilisation project was undertaken through a partnership 
with The Hunger Project to address health, nutrition, education, 
hygiene, environment issues and micro-finance opportunities.

Woodside also commenced its first social investment in Senegal 
through the Woodside Development Fund. 

Refer to Creating Shared Value on page 52 for more 
information.

Woodside interest: 35%

Indicative FPSO facility and subsea layout for the SNE Field Development-Phase 1 (schematic not to scale).

Kitimat LNG

Port Arthur LNG

The proposed Port Arthur LNG Project is located about  
140 km east of Houston, Texas. The potential project includes 
two natural gas liquefaction trains with a total LNG export 
capability of approximately 10 mtpa. 

In June 2017, Woodside and Sempra Energy signed a 
memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Gas 
Corporation (KOGAS). The MOU provides a framework for 
cooperation and joint discussion by the parties regarding key 
aspects of the Port Arthur LNG Project. 

Grassy Point LNG
In January 2018, Woodside elected not to renew its Sole 
Proponent Agreement for the Grassy Point LNG site, on  
the north-west coast of British Columbia.

The Kitimat LNG Project proposes to develop world-class natural 
gas resources found in shale and tight rock formations in the 
Liard and Horn River Basins, in north-eastern British Columbia. 
Gas will be transported by the proposed 480 km Pacific Trail 
Pipeline to a liquefaction facility at Bish Cove near Kitimat.

Kitimat LNG remains one of the most advanced LNG 
opportunities in Canada. It is well positioned to supply gas  
to Asian markets given the shorter shipping distances. 

Production from new and existing wells in 2017 continued to 
demonstrate the Liard Basin as one of the best unconventional 
hydrocarbon resources in the world.

In 2017, the joint venture continued to focus efforts on activities 
to drive down costs across the full value chain, targeting top-
decile cost of supply to support a future LNG development. 

We are engaging governments to establish a clear, stable and 
competitive fiscal framework.

Woodside interest: 50%

Sunrise LNG

The Greater Sunrise fields contain gross (100%) contingent 
resources (2C) of 5.1 Tcf of dry gas and 226 MMbbl of condensate. 
The fields are located approximately 150 km south-east of Timor-
Leste and 450 km north-west of Darwin, Australia.

Woodside is committed to developing the Greater Sunrise fields. 
In 2017, we maintained compliance with our title obligations and 
continued our social investment activities in Timor-Leste.

Woodside welcomes the news that Australia and Timor-Leste 
reached agreement on a draft treaty regarding maritime 
boundaries between Australia and Timor-Leste and continues to 
engage with both Governments and its joint venture in discussions 
on a pathway to the development of the resource. 

Woodside interest: 33.44%

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Projects and developments   39

 
An aerial view of Pluto LNG at dusk.

S
N
O
I
T
A
R
E
P
O

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEWPLUTO  
LNG

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + Record LNG production rates

 + Delivered 350th LNG cargo

 + 5th anniversary of LNG production

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Targeting domgas supply to  

Western Australia

 + Progress Pluto LNG expansion 
options based on high-rate 
production trials

A focus on operational excellence has driven an improvement 
in plant capacity, resulting in record daily, weekly and monthly 
production rates for Pluto LNG. 

In 2017, annual production of 41.1 MMboe was achieved at a globally competitive 
unit production cost of $3.9/boe. Higher production rates are being achieved 
following the completion of high-rate production trials in Q2. In 2018, the facility 
will target maintaining higher rates through process improvements made 
during the year. The facility achieved 100% reliability during Q4 2017  
and averaged 94% reliability throughout 2017.

Pluto shipped its 350th cargo and celebrated its fifth anniversary of exports  
in April. In 2017, Pluto LNG delivered 66 LNG cargoes (100% project), of which  
44 were sold under foundation contracts, 14 under mid-term contracts and  
eight on the spot market.

In 2017, Pluto 4D seismic data was used to inform decision making on reservoir 
development. As a result, the PLA07 infill well is targeting ready for start-up in 
Q4 2019. In 2018, the seismic data will be used to consider the optimal offshore 
gas supply sequence for Pluto LNG through to end of field life.

No major maintenance or turnaround campaigns are scheduled for Pluto LNG in 
2018, but preparations are underway for a scheduled major turnaround in 2019.

In 2018, we will continue to maintain a disciplined approach to optimising 
operating costs and maximising plant efficiency to drive value.

Refer to Australian Developments on page 35 for more information on 
Pluto LNG’s expansion activities. 

Profitability

Woodside interest: 90%

47%

37%
8%
8%

lGross margin
lDepreciation and amortisation
lOther
lProduction cost

$/boe

24.8
19.5
4.2
3.9

%

47
37
8
8

42   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NWS  
PROJECT

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + Issued non-binding tolling proposal 
to third-party resource owners for 
processing gas through the KGP 

 + GWF-2 Project drilling and 

completion activities were completed

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Execute a preliminary tolling 
agreement with a third-party 
resource owner

 + Finalise technical feasibility studies 

for processing third-party gas at KGP

 + Progress subsea and 

commissioning of GWF-2 Project 
infrastructure 

Profitability

51%

19%
20%
10%

lGross margin
lDepreciation and amortisation
lOther
lProduction cost

$/boe

19.0
7.0
7.5
3.8

%

51
19
20
10

After pioneering Australian LNG production in the 1980s, the 
North West Shelf Project is now leading the development of 
new gas processing arrangements to ensure that this facility 
continues to deliver value for decades to come.

In 2017, annual production of 34.8 MMboe (201.5 MMboe, 100% project) was 
achieved at a globally competitive unit production cost of $3.8/boe, as the NWS 
Project delivered 257 LNG cargoes (100% project). During the year, Woodside’s 
equity share of domestic gas reduced due to the fulfilment of joint venture 
entitlements. Woodside’s equity share of pipeline gas is now 16.67%.

The NWS Project is committed to continuous improvement of production and 
cost performance, growing investment in Western Australia and expanding 
opportunities in the Carnarvon and Browse Basins.

In 2017, the NWS Project participants issued a non-binding tolling proposal 
to third-party resource owners for processing gas through the Karratha Gas 
Plant (KGP). Discussions and technical studies continue to be progressed with 
interested parties to confirm commercial viability before entering into binding 
commitments. The feasibility studies are expected to continue during 2018. 

In 2018, we will continue to develop arrangements for processing new gas 
while optimising production costs. 

The Karratha Life Extension (KLE) program is focused on extending the 
life of the KGP for a further 30 years. It is approximately 30% complete. 
The program is matched to KGP’s current production profile, and further 
investment at the plant will be required to underpin future opportunities  
to process gas from third-party resource owners.

Woodside continues to pursue the efficient and effective commercialisation 
of existing NWS reserves. The Persephone Project achieved start-up ahead of 
schedule in July 2017, and the GWF-2 Project is on schedule for start-up in the  
first half of 2019.

The NWS Project is focused on improving environmental performance by 
reducing the need for spare power generation at our facilities. A planned 
battery installation on the Goodwyn A platform is expected to reduce fuel gas 
consumption and decrease emissions.

Refer to Building a Resilient Business on pages 56–57 for more 
information.

Two integrated NWS turnarounds are planned for Q2 and Q3 2018. These 
turnarounds involve onshore and offshore facilities. 

Woodside interest: 16.67%

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Operations   43

 
AUSTRALIA OIL

Field and facility

Update 

Vincent  
(Ngujima-Yin FPSO) 

Woodside interest: 60%

Woodside’s share of annual production was 4.0 MMbbl, down from 4.1 MMbbl in 2016 primarily 
due to natural reservoir decline.

During the year, work was focused on maintaining the facility ahead of shipyard modifications in 
Singapore from Q2 2018. Production from Vincent will be suspended for approximately 12 months 
from Q2 2018 to undertake FPSO modifications, which will enable additional production as part 
of the Greater Enfield Project. In mid-2019, production from Vincent will resume following FPSO 
modifications, and the Greater Enfield Project drilling campaign will continue.

Cossack, Wanaea,  
Lambert and Hermes (CWLH) 
(Okha FPSO)

Woodside interest: 33.33%

Woodside’s share of production in 2017 was 1.9 MMbbl, up from 1.0 MMbbl in 2016 due to 
increased reliability and the absence of any major maintenance or turnaround. 

Subsea life extension studies required to support the continued operations of the  
CWLH infrastructure were finalised in 2017. 

There is no major maintenance planned in 2018.

Enfield  
(Nganhurra FPSO)

Woodside interest: 60%

Woodside’s share of annual production was 0.9 MMbbl, down from 1.1 MMbbl in 2016 primarily due 
to natural reservoir decline.

The cessation of production and permanent departure of the Nganhurra FPSO was deferred from 
Q4 2017 to Q4 2018.

A planned maintenance turnaround was executed in October 2017 to ensure the integrity of the 
facility and support the extended production timeframe. 

During 2018, work will continue to support cessation of production activities. No further 
turnaround activities are planned.

Oil production

FPSO reliability

Enfield

95%

81%

6.8MMboe

CWLH

Vincent

2016

2017

14%

44   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Wheatstone LNG

Wheatstone LNG safely commenced production from Train 1. The 
first LNG cargo was shipped on 31 October 2017 and delivered 
to Japan on 12 November 2017. 

The plant achieved full rates of approximately 13 kt/d (100% 
project) prior to a planned shutdown to remove start-up strainers.

Drawing on Woodside’s extensive experience in LNG 
commissioning, we seconded 26 employees to support the 
operator with the successful start-up. The secondment of  
15 employees will continue in 2018 to support start-up of Train 2.

The first Wheatstone LNG cargo was delivered to JERA on 12 November 2017.

In 2018, our focus will be on supporting the operator to achieve 
first LNG production from Train 2, progress the development 
of the domestic gas plant, optimise lifting costs and maximise 
production rates. 

Once fully operational, Wheatstone is expected to deliver more 
than 13 MMboe to Woodside’s annual production. 

Woodside interest: 13%

Image courtesy of Chevron Australia

International gas production 

Annual production from the Liard Basin in north-eastern British 
Columbia was 1.3 MMboe, down from 1.6 MMboe in 2016 due 
to natural reservoir decline and a four-month shut-in of a well 

for mechanical repairs. The natural gas produced goes into the 
Canadian domestic grid and is a result of the appraisal program 
being undertaken to support the proposed Kitimat LNG project. 

2018 production guidance 

Woodside’s production guidance for 2018 is 85–90 MMboe, 
comprising as follows:

A production increase is forecast for the LNG business due to a 
significant increase in the contribution from Wheatstone LNG.

2017 actual 
(MMboe)

2018 guidance 
(MMboe)

LNG

Liquids1

NWS pipeline gas

Other2

Total

61.7

14.8

6.0

1.9

84.4

69–71

10–12

4–5

2

85–90

Lower liquids production is largely due to the Ngujima-Yin FPSO 
(Vincent oil) leaving station from May 2018 for modifications 
ahead of forecast Greater Enfield production from mid-2019. NWS 
pipeline gas is lower following fulfilment of the Domestic Gas Joint 
Venture (DGJV) production entitlement in May 2017.³ Woodside’s 
share of NWS LNG was not impacted by the fulfilment of this 
production entitlement.

1.  Liquids includes oil and condensate.
2.  Other includes LPG and other pipeline gas.
3.  Woodside equity share of NWS domestic gas and associated condensate was 
50% in the DGJV. The DGJV applied to the first 414 TJ/d, with contractual 
flexibilities allowing up to 517.5 TJ/d. The DGJV production entitlement was 
fulfilled on 8 May 2017. Woodside’s share of domestic gas and associated 
condensate following fulfilment of the DGJV production entitlement is 16.67%. 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Operations   45

 
LNG vessel arriving at Karratha Gas Plant.

G
N
I
T
E
K
R
A
M

G
N
I
P
P
I
H
S
D
N
A

  
 
In 2017, Woodside achieved favourable outcomes 
for LNG sales and matured opportunities to supply 
LNG as a fuel for heavy transport and remote 
power generation.

Efficient and reliable delivery
We continue to use our integrated business model and access 
to shipping to ensure reliable delivery of LNG and create value 
through portfolio optimisation.

In 2017, LNG cargoes were supplied to customers in the 
established markets of Japan, Korea and China, as well as 
emerging markets such as Thailand. 

Our oil, condensate and LPG sales delivered positive results, 
relative to price benchmarks, for the 38 cargoes delivered in 2017.

We have increased sales of Woodside’s independently marketed 
pipeline gas under short-term contracts. This partially offsets 
Woodside’s reduced share of North West Shelf Project pipeline 
gas sales following fulfilment of the Domestic Gas Joint Venture 
production entitlement in May 2017.

Woodside maintains a fleet of five LNG ships under long-term 
contracts which enables us to take advantage of trading and 
optimisation opportunities. In 2017, our ships were employed to 
lift our own cargoes as well as third-party cargoes in Australia, 
Asia, Europe and the United States.

MARKETING 
AND SHIPPING

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + Equity-lifted LNG up from 3% in 2016 to 25% in 2017

 + Delivered the first Wheatstone LNG cargo

 + Executed new mid-term portfolio LNG sales and 

purchase agreements (SPA)

 + Executed a long-term LNG SPA with Pertamina

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Pursue new LNG SPAs with customers in 
traditional and Asian growth markets

 + Pursue opportunities to serve new markets  
for LNG by participating further down the  
value chain

The Woodside Chaney preparing to load an LNG cargo.

48   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Revenue stability
We balance revenue stability with operational flexibility through 
our portfolio of sales contracts.

Increasing portfolio scale and flexibility
Woodside is well positioned to meet expected future Asian 
energy demand. 

We currently commit 80% to 90% of expected LNG production 
under long-term and mid-term contracts. The balance of 
production is used to preserve operational flexibility and access 
to optimisation opportunities, and is typically sold on the spot 
market. The proportion of LNG production that we commit to 
long-term contracts is likely to reduce over the next few years 
as the market becomes more liquid.

LNG sales achieved in 2017 reduced our future uncommitted 
volumes and delivered long-term flexibility at favourable prices. 

We established Woodside’s position as a significant future 
supplier of LNG to Indonesia through the execution of a  
long-term LNG SPA by Woodside Singapore and PT Pertamina 
(Persero) (Pertamina). LNG will be supplied from Woodside’s 
global portfolio commencing in 2019, with initial ramp-up 
quantities building to approximately 0.6 mtpa from 2022 to 
2034. Woodside Singapore has the option to increase supply  
to Pertamina to approximately 1.1 mtpa from 2024 to 2038.

In addition, we increased our mid-term contracted volumes by 
executing portfolio LNG SPAs for delivery of up to two million 
tonnes (28 cargoes) over the period 2017 to 2020. 

At the end of 2017, over 90% of Woodside’s expected 2018 
 LNG production has been committed to sales contracts.

The commencement of production from Wheatstone LNG  
in the second half of 2017 provided additional portfolio LNG 
supply. Offtake from Corpus Christi, which is expected to 
commence in mid-2020, will further increase the scale and 
diversity of Woodside’s LNG portfolio.

We continue to increase the equity-lifted proportion of 
Woodside’s LNG production, from 3% in 2016 to 25% in 2017. 
This provides additional flexibility to meet customer needs.

Condensate and equity pipeline gas is expected to be available 
for sale from Wheatstone LNG in 2018.

Expanding the LNG market
We are promoting the use of LNG as a low-emissions and  
cost-effective alternative fuel for heavy transport and remote 
power generation. 

At Pluto LNG, we are constructing an LNG truck-loading facility. 
The facility will provide LNG for distribution by truck to the 
Pilbara region of Western Australia. 

Refer to Australian Developments on page 35 for more 
information.

We are also working with mining companies and equipment 
manufacturers on the use of LNG for mining operations. 
We are participating in two joint industry projects to assess 
the feasibility for LNG to be used as a fuel for bulk carriers 
transporting iron ore from the Pilbara. 

We are evaluating opportunities to be involved further along  
the value chain to facilitate additional demand for our gas in  
the international market. This may include LNG regasification 
and power generation.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Marketing and Shipping   49

 
Y
T
I
L
I
B
A
N
I
A
T
S
U
S

An aerial view of the coastline south of Dampier.

50   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

SUSTAINABILITY

As a core value, working sustainably is embedded throughout every level at Woodside and is fundamental 
to realising our vision to be a global leader in upstream oil and gas.

Sustainability performance 
Woodside’s corporate scorecard includes metrics reflecting 
our material sustainability issues. Woodside’s sustainability 
performance is also linked to remuneration for employees  
and executives. 

We respond to a range of environmental, social and governance 
specific indices, including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index 
(DJSI). Woodside received a Silver Class distinction from 
RobecoSAM1 for its DJSI sustainability performance, placing us 
in the top 3% when ranked against our peers in the oil and gas 
upstream and integrated sector.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) 
aim to address some of the world’s most pressing economic, 
environmental and social challenges. While the response to the 
UNSDG is led by national governments, business must understand 
where opportunities exist to contribute to UNSDG targets.

Refer to the Sustainable Development Report 2017 
for more details on the work we are completing to 
address the UNSDG.

In 2017, we reviewed the impacts across our value chain, conducted 
benchmarking analysis, and considered how each UNSDG applied 
to our operations and how we can meaningfully contribute. 

Following this review, we have identified the following five 
UNSDGs to focus on in 2018: affordable and clean energy; 
industry, innovation and infrastructure; climate action; life below 
water; and partnerships for the goals.

1. An investment specialist focused exclusively on sustainability investing.  

It publishes the globally recognised DJSI. 

In this year’s annual report we have restructured what 
was formerly our Corporate section to reflect and align to 
the company’s sustainability principles. In doing so, the 
Sustainability section of the report is more closely aligned to 
our Sustainable Development Report and demonstrates how 
the principles are linked to our everyday activities. 

Our sustainability principles 
Our approach to sustainability is underpinned by five principles 
described in this report: 

 + Creating shared value – summarises our social investment 

program and the stakeholder engagement undertaken as part 
of contributing to the communities in which we operate.

 + Operating with transparency and integrity – describes 
the policies and programs that address anti-bribery and 
corruption, human rights risks and regulatory compliance. 

 + Fostering our organisation and culture – details the 
programs that promote inclusion and diversity. It also  
covers our training, education and technical programs. 

 + Building a resilient business – demonstrates our business 
model is capable of responding to challenges and creating 
new business opportunities. 

 + Operating responsibly – provides an overview of our health, 
safety and environment (HSE) activities undertaken to ensure 
our operations are sustainable. 

Our principles provide the foundations for ensuring we operate 
in a manner that is sustainable.

Sustainable Development Report
Our Sustainable Development Report provides a complete 
overview of our company performance against our sustainability 
principles and outlines our approach to addressing our material 
sustainability issues.

Woodside considers sustainability issues to be material if they 
have the potential to impact our ability to achieve our business 
strategy, affect our reputation, or are of material concern to 
our key stakeholders due to economic, environmental or social 
impacts. An integral part of ascertaining our material issues is 
consulting with our key stakeholders about their concerns.

For more information on how we engage with our stakeholders, 
as well as details on our approach to our material issues and 
our overall sustainability performance, refer to our Sustainable 
Development Report 2017. 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Sustainability   51

 
CREATING 
SHARED 
VALUE

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + Announced the Woodside Development Fund’s first early 
childhood program in Senegal with long-term partner  
Save the Children

 + Provided financial support for Scitech’s new collaborative 

experiential learning gallery, Karrtadjin Kooliny

 + Extended our Plan International partnership in Myanmar 

and commenced training programs with Yangon 
Technological University

 + Commenced implementation of the Karratha and 

Roebourne Social Impact Management Plans

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Develop a social investment outcomes management 

framework and pilot it on the Woodside Development Fund

 + Review the social investment approach to support 

Woodside’s five Sustainable Development Goal focus areas

Woodside launching a WDF program in Dakar, Senegal.

Social contribution
Our social investment strategy is to create capacity and 
capability in the communities in which we operate. Our 
strategy has three objectives: to improve knowledge; create 
opportunities; and build resilience. The objectives provide 
flexibility to cater for varying community and stakeholder  
needs and expectations and are applied throughout all phases 
of our business value chain. 

To achieve our objectives, our 2017 social investment portfolio 
focused on innovation and technology, early childhood 
development, Indigenous outcomes and our employee 
volunteering and participation programs.

In 2017, we contributed A$17.9 million worth of social investment, 
up from A$15.7 million in 2016, demonstrating Woodside’s  
ongoing commitment and support of host communities.

The Woodside Development Fund (WDF) invested in a range 
of community-based collaboration initiatives and programs to 
build capacity within the early childhood sector. This included 
the launch of the fund’s first program in Senegal, the Education 
and Empowerment of Children Program with long-term partner 
Save the Children.

Our employees also contributed more than 10,400+ hours  
of volunteering in 2017, equating to A$2.3 million worth  
of assistance to communities. 

We understand that providing financial support is just one 
way we support communities. By building shared value with 
community, government and industry, we’re helping to build 
stronger communities.

Refer to the Sustainable Development Report 2017 for 
more information on our social investment.

52   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Indigenous peoples engagement 
In 2017, our Indigenous engagement focused on three 
areas: embedding our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 
outcomes framework; delivering on our commitments to our 
Indigenous host communities; and undertaking an independent 
benchmarking study of our Indigenous peoples engagement 
practice and management. 

Woodside’s 2016–2020 RAP reflects a key step in our journey  
to creating tangible Indigenous outcomes in Australia. In shifting 
our focus from activities to outcomes, we set a new vision for 
our reconciliation work in Australia, which emphasises mutual 
exchange. The focus of our effort in 2017 has been to embed our 
outcomes framework across the whole business with indicators 
that can usefully assist us to measure improvements in our 
key areas of interest: respect; relationships; and opportunity. 
Embedding the outcomes framework takes time and presents 
challenges, but we are reporting good progress.

Our RAP details commitments to increase Indigenous 
employment, increase contracts with Indigenous business and 
improve workforce understanding of Indigenous cultures. In 
2017, Woodside made substantial progress against its RAP 
commitments. Our RAP performance is reported annually and  
will be released on our website in Q2 2018.

Refer to the Sustainable Development Report 2017 for 
more information about our RAP.

Refer to Woodside’s website for the full RAP report  
(www.woodside.com.au).

OPERATING WITH 
TRANSPARENCY  
AND INTEGRITY

Tax transparency
Woodside recognises the importance of stability, sustainability 
and competitiveness in tax and fiscal regimes. We have an 
established tax governance framework. Our Tax Policy, which 
is available on our website, is clear – we will comply with all tax 
laws and regulations applicable to our business.

Furthering our commitment to transparency, Woodside 
participates in the Australian Board of Taxation’s voluntary  
Tax Transparency Code. 

Regulatory compliance
Woodside has adopted a global regulatory compliance 
management process and system in order to increase transparency 
and drive regulatory compliance behaviours and performance.

Our global Indigenous peoples engagement benchmarking work 
was initiated in 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in the 
first half of 2018. The work builds on previous years’ efforts to 
strengthen, streamline and integrate Indigenous engagement 
into our whole-of-business processes and procedures. 

Outcomes from the benchmarking study will inform scheduled 
reviews of our management system and aid our considerations 
about continuous improvement opportunities in delivering 
mutually beneficial outcomes with Indigenous people in places 
where we are active. 

Woodside employees participating in a cultural learning walk led by the Murujuga Rangers.

Anti-bribery and corruption
Bribery and corruption present a threat to commercial 
organisations and communities worldwide. They undermine  
fair competition, erode public trust in governments and 
business, and disadvantage economies.

Woodside has a zero-tolerance approach to fraud, bribery 
and corruption, and complies with all relevant Australian and 
international anti-bribery and corruption laws.

A number of improvements were implemented during 2017, 
including the integration of cyber security capability and 
updated and extended anti-bribery and corruption training 
programs. In 2018, the focus will be on operator and high-risk 
contractor audits and using data to prevent and detect fraud. 

Human rights 
Woodside is committed to conducting business in a way that 
respects the human rights of all people.

To formalise this commitment, Woodside introduced a Human 
Rights Policy in October 2017 that details the principles by 
which we operate.

The development of the Human Rights Policy was informed 
by benchmarking analysis of Woodside’s policies and systems 
against industry leaders.

The policy guides Woodside’s global activities as we take steps 
to identify, prevent and manage potential human rights impacts 
in all phases of our value chain. 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Sustainability   53

 
FOSTERING THE 
ORGANISATION  
AND CULTURE

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + Increased employee engagement and sustained 

enablement as measured by employee 
engagement survey

 + Applied leading-edge technology to improve 
workforce analytics and the management of 
talent and capability

 + Increased executive and senior  

female representation

 + Increased retention of Indigenous employees

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Drive an inclusive high-performing culture

 + Increase activities to grow outstanding leaders

 + Optimise workforce performance

 + Build diverse capability

We continue to grow outstanding leaders, build 
diverse capability, drive an inclusive high-performing 
culture and optimise workforce performance.

Productivity progress 
In 2017, we focused on optimising workforce productivity. 
We maintained a consistent overall workforce size and global 
voluntary turnover remained at 3.2% year on year. 

Our 2017 employee engagement survey results showed we 
have an engaged and enabled workforce. Since 2013, our 
engagement levels have continued to climb above the oil  
and gas industry average and now sit just below global  
top-performing companies. 

The results reveal that our staff are confident in Woodside’s 
direction and goals, and are committed to values-led growth.  
In 2018, we will commence activities to increase enablement levels. 

In 2017, we continued the roll-out of our talent management 
software that improves our workforce analytics and the 
management of talent and capability. 

Building culture and capability 
Woodside continues to drive an inclusive values-led high-
performing culture. One way in which we do this is by 
growing outstanding leaders and building the capability of 
our workforce. In 2017, we established the Leaders as Coaches 

Engagement and enablement

Indigenous employment rate

74

Engagement (%)¹

70

Enablement (%)²

66

66

3
2

.

%

3
3

.

0
3

.

6
2

.

6
2

.

.

7
2

2015

2017

12

13

14

15

16

17

63

63

2013

1.  Engagement measures commitment, loyalty and willingness to put in discretionary effort under Korn Ferry | Hay Group’s Engagement Performance Framework.
2.  Enablement measures our workforce’s perception about the right people being in the right roles in a work environment conducive to productivity, under Korn Ferry | 

Hay Group’s Engagement Performance Framework.

54   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

program to enhance our leaders’ coaching skills and support 
them to build the technical, leadership and safety capability 
of their respective teams. This program was designed and 
developed internally to cater for Woodside’s needs and has 
delivered cost savings for the business. 

We continued to provide our employees with experience-based 
opportunities to mature our global leadership capability and 
readiness for growth. 

Woodside provides employees with opportunities to temporarily 
join other companies and Woodside entities overseas to gain 
exposure to international operations, global strategies, country-
specific regulations and increase cultural awareness. 

Our Development Centres objectively assess and develop 
leadership capability against global benchmarks. There are 
currently 100 employees on internal cross-functional rotations, 
which aim to broaden their experience across our value chain. 

Our Graduate Development Program provides structured 
learning opportunities to accelerate time to autonomy. Our 
ability to grow outstanding leaders remains evident with  
68% of senior leader appointments in 2017 coming from  
internal candidates. The percentage of graduate hires over  
mid-career external hires is steady at 69%, comparable  
to 67% in 2016. 

We remain committed to extending our employees’ tertiary 
education qualifications and, through our Production Training 
Academy, we support the ongoing development of the 
core skills competencies for our operator and maintenance 
technician workforce.

We continue to embrace our values-led culture through our 
Woodside Compass, which outlines our approach to growing  
a successful and sustainable business. In 2017, we refreshed the 
Compass to reflect our evolved strategic direction and reinforce 
our drive to innovate, collaborate and accelerate. Our values 
remain the same and we are committed to doing what is right 
so we can perform to our very best. 

Woodside employees discussing staff survey results.

Inclusion and diversity 
Woodside recognises that an inclusive culture that promotes 
diversity, respect and a sense of belonging is a key contributor 
to our success. Our Inclusion and Diversity Policy outlines our 
commitment. In 2017, we progressed our employment-related 
2016–2020 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) activities and 
continued to implement our Gender Diversity Strategy. Our 
employee community groups, including Spectrum (for lesbian, 
gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex staff and allies), Gender 
Equality Matters (for staff interested in gender equality) and 
Woodside Reconciliation Community (for Indigenous and 
interested staff) are assisting the promotion and implementation 
of inclusive behaviours and initiatives.

We increased our directly employed Indigenous workforce  
from 103 employees in 2016 (3.0% of the total workforce) to  
117 employees (3.3% of the total workforce and a 10% increase 
on 2016). This has been supported by our strong retention, with 
the turnover rate declining from 2.9% in 2016 to 1.7% in 2017, 
and the continuation of our pathways programs that increase 
our talent pool. This year we made offers to eight Indigenous 
candidates to join the graduate program. There are 27 Karratha-
based Indigenous apprentices and trainees and 10 cadets 
undergoing tertiary study and work placement at Woodside. 
There were 22 Indigenous tertiary scholarships active in 2017.

In 2017, we advanced our strategy to drive sustainable 
improvements in gender diversity across all levels of the 
workforce. Female representation increased to 29%, which 
is a favourable comparison to the industry average of 22%.1 
Voluntary turnover is 4.5% and the return rate from parental 
leave is 95%. This is supported by gender-balanced graduate, 
apprentice and trainee development programs. Executive 
female representation increased from 19.6% in 2016 to 23.9%. 
Similarly, senior female representation increased from 15.9%  
in 2016 to 17.6% in 2017. 

1. The World Petroleum Council and The Boston Consulting Group, 2017.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Sustainability   55

 
BUILDING  
A RESILIENT  
BUSINESS

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 +  Commenced robotics site trials

 + Completed the installation of WiFi across all 

Karratha Gas Plant (KGP) LNG trains

 + Signed WorldBank Zero Routine Flaring initiative

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Install a lithium-ion battery on the Goodwyn A 

(GWA) production platform

Woodside’s robotics team successfully conducting site trials at Pluto LNG.

Technology and innovation
We aim to enhance Woodside’s competitiveness through 
innovation and applying technology that enables resource 
development, reduces unit costs and increases production.

In mid-2017, we took delivery of one of NASA’s 
Anthropomorphic Robonauts, which will be on loan to Woodside 
for a five-year deployment in Perth. At present, the Robonaut 
is testing tasks that have been suggested by our Operations 
workforce. The Robonaut complements Woodside’s own 
robotics program that includes machines capable of conducting 
tele-operated and semi-autonomous patrols and inspections. 
The first site trial of our patrol and inspection machines took 
place in November at the Pluto LNG facility and further trials  
will be conducted in 2018. 

Woodside has advanced artificial intelligence and data analytics 
capabilities with the introduction of Willow, our cognitive adviser. 
Willow digests vast amounts of information using complex 
algorithms and is designed to interact with staff using natural 
language. Willow enables our people to unlock the collective 
intelligence of the organisation both past and present, allowing 

56   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

all employees to access cognitive and advanced analytics 
applications that are built using a range of data science tools 
updated with live streaming data from our assets.

In December 2017, Woodside announced an agreement with 
ABB Australia Pty Ltd to install a lithium-ion battery energy 
storage system on the GWA platform. The installation of 
the 1 megawatt hour battery will reduce the need for back-
up capacity (known as spinning reserve) in GWA platform’s 
power generation system and is expected to reduce fuel gas 
consumption by more than 2,000 tonnes per year. This is 
estimated to decrease the platform’s fuel gas emissions by  
5% and positions Woodside as an early adopter of battery 
storage technology in oil and gas operations. 

During 2017, we completed the installation of WiFi across all KGP 
LNG trains. In 2018, we will connect the remainder of the plant to 
WiFi, providing site-wide availability. WiFi provides employees 
with greater access to services and support in the field, improving 
productivity and plant availability. The KGP WiFi technology 
provides a fast and cost-effective way of acquiring additional 
data to support operations and business decision making.

Woodside also continues to invest in FutureLab, our 
collaboration hubs based at Monash and Curtin Universities and 
the University of Western Australia, that supports the delivery 
of our Intelligent Enterprise, Plant of the Future and Offshore 
Transformation work programs.

CYBER-SECURITY

A cyber incident presents a risk to the integrity and availability of Woodside’s operations and the confidentiality of corporate 
information. Globally, cyber-security threats remain persistent and adversarial with an ever-increasing level of frequency, 
sophistication and severity. Woodside manages a range of risk controls to ensure adequate protection from, detection of  
and response to cyber-attacks.

Climate change

Woodside has a Climate Change Policy and a defined climate 
change approach focused on:

 + Ensuring the resilience of our portfolio

 + Improving the carbon performance of our facilities  

and developments

 + Communicating the future role of gas.

Resilience of our portfolio
As part of Woodside’s business planning, we have modelled 
long-term energy outlook scenarios. 

We use our standard business processes to manage the risks 
and opportunities associated with climate change. Our latest 
Climate Disclosure Project (CDP) response also details how 
these processes apply to our approach to climate change.

Refer to Woodside’s website for our CDP response 
(www.woodside.com.au).

Improving carbon performance
Woodside continues to invest in and promote technologies that 
reduce emissions and promote energy efficiency in our current 
and future facilities. Woodside is evolving to meet the challenges 
of a low carbon economy, in which LNG will be a key resource.

As the lowest emissions fossil fuel, LNG can reduce emissions by 
replacing oil or coal. In the long term, LNG has an important role 
in the energy mix, including providing low-emissions, reliable 
power as the rise of renewables increases intermittency in 
power generation.

Communicating the future role of gas
We acknowledge that our investors, regulators and other 
stakeholders want us to be transparent about the impact of 
climate change on our business.

We continue to deliver natural gas as a key part of the long-term 
energy mix. About 90% of the emissions from Woodside’s value 
chain comes from our customers using our products. This means 
that the greatest opportunities to impact global emissions come 
from how and where our customers use our products. 

Refer to the Sustainable Development Report 2017 for 
further information on our approach to climate change.

Refer to Risk on page 62 for more information.

LNG FUELS

We are building a truck-loading facility at our Pluto LNG facility to support the switch to LNG from higher-emitting fuels such 
as diesel in heavy transport and in remote power generation throughout the resource-rich Pilbara region. If even a third of 
the Pilbara’s diesel is replaced by LNG, it could reduce Australia’s emissions by up to 2 million tCO₂e, or more than 50% of 
Woodside’s direct emissions.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Sustainability   57

 
OPERATING 
RESPONSIBLY

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

 + TRIR score of 1.29, a 21% improvement on 2016

 + Awarded the 2017 APPEA Environment and 

Health and Safety awards 

 +  No Tier 1 or 2 process safety events

 + Delivered 61 kt CO₂e savings of the 389 kt CO₂e 

2020 target in 2017

2018 ACTIVITIES

 + Execute planned energy efficiency and 
greenhouse gas improvement projects 

 + Refresh our Golden Safety Rules, improving 

industry alignment and enabling global application

 + Monitor the effectiveness of the Process Safety 
Management framework across the value chain 
to manage risk

 + Build on our data analytics capability to learn 
from incidents and prevent reoccurrence, and 
continue to use industry partnerships to share  
incident lessons

Process safety
Maintaining facility integrity is essential to prevent a loss of 
integrity of structures, equipment, piping or wells with the 
potential to cause a loss of containment. Process Safety 
Management (PSM) provides a disciplined framework for 
ensuring integrity across the value chain.

In October 2017, asset integrity management was further 
improved through an online tool that helps manage integrity 
envelopes, or the boundaries in which asset systems should 
operate. The tool provides automated and real-time integrity 
envelope monitoring. This supports operations to provide timely 
response to manage process safety risk.

This year, we extended our process safety curriculum and 
competency assessment program to brownfields contractors at 
the Karratha Gas Plant. This is part of a broader focus to make 
process safety real and relevant to all employees and contractors. 
To date, over 350 contractors have completed the training. 

Perfect HSE Day 
Woodside’s safety performance has continued to improve 
with a 69% reduction in Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) 
since 2012. To support ongoing improvement and to increase 
personal ownership of Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) 
performance, the Perfect HSE Day concept was launched across 
the organisation in 2017. The concept makes a positive change 
by creating a common language which consolidates existing 
HSE processes and tools under a global HSE banner. The 
concept was the focus of Woodside’s annual Stand Together 
for Safety week. Since the launch of the Perfect HSE Day and 
in conjunction with other HSE activities, Woodside’s health and 
personal safety performance has improved, achieving the best 
TRIR performance to date. 

Peer recognition
In May 2017, Woodside was awarded both the Australian 
Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) 
Safety Excellence Award and the APPEA Environment 
Excellence Award for our performance, leadership and 
collaboration in safety and environmental management. 

Advanced data analytics
Data analytics and cognitive computing provide an opportunity 
to generate better insights into Woodside’s health, safety, 
environment and quality (HSEQ) performance to support 

Total recordable injury  
rate (TRIR) performance

Lost time injuries (LTI) and  
Lost time injury frequency (LTIF)

Tier 1 and 2 process safety events (PSEs)

3.00

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

1.90

1.71

1.64

0.90

0.91

0.81

0.81

1.29

0.61

8

4

)
#
(

s
e
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n

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I

)
#
(

s
t
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E

0.43

6

0.22

3

0.43

6

0.28

4

d
e
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r
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w
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r
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o
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n
o

i
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r
e
p
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e
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n

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I

2

2

1

1

13

14

15

16

17

13

14

15

16

17

13

14

15

16

 Woodside

 IOGP top quartile actual

 LTIF (LHS)

 LTI (RHS)

 Tier 1

 Tier 2

0

17

58   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
continuous improvement. In March 2017, the Watson for HSEQ 
data analytics and cognitive computing tool was created to 
analyse large amounts of information and present it in an 
accessible manner. The tool has already digested more than 
30 years of incident and operational data to help analyse 
information to better manage risks. Watson for HSEQ is also 
valuable in supporting incident investigations, improving the 
quality of our learning from incidents and supporting risk 
assessments and hazard studies. 

Workplace health 
To support Woodside’s global growth, an integrated travel 
risk management solution was implemented to manage health 
exposure for business travellers and employees based in our 
international offices. The new travel risk management solution 
consolidated three systems, streamlined processes and aligns 
with leading practice in travel risk management. 

Woodside is a supporter of mental health awareness, actively 
participating in World Mental Health Day and the R U OK? 
initiative as well as contributing to committees promoting 
mental health across the community. 

HSE Representatives Network
Our HSE Representatives Network includes 140+ frontline 
Woodside employees and contractors from across our 
production assets who have committed to promoting health, 
safety and environment in the workplace. Our representatives 
are important HSE leaders and change agents and have a  
critical role in continuing to lift our HSE performance and 
culture. The 2017 HSE Representatives improvement project 
has delivered greater structure, role clarity, fit-for-purpose 
resources and improved support for this network. More than  
70 representatives attended two HSE forums held in late 2017  
to share success stories, create stronger networks and engage 
in HSE professional development activities. 

Environment performance 
Woodside HSEQ policy underpins our aim to minimise the 
impact of our operations on the environment in which we 
work. To support our goal of achieving 5% energy efficiency 
improvement by end 2020, fuel intensity metrics for Woodside-
operated production assets continued to be monitored in 2017. 
Whilst fuel intensity performance slightly exceeded target,  
a pathway to achieving our goal has been established with a 
number of additional energy efficiency projects scheduled to  
be implemented in 2018 and 2019.

In 2017, Woodside implemented emissions savings projects 
totalling approximately 61 kt CO₂e. While 2017 performance was 
slightly above target, Woodside has renewed our commitment 
to achieving 5% energy efficiency improvement by implementing 
389 kt CO₂e of sustained emissions savings by end 2020. 

Annual flare performance was affected by unplanned outages 
at our onshore gas plants. Maintenance activities involving the 
flare system at the KGP are expected to improve performance 
in the first half of 2018.

Biodiversity
Robust science is core to Woodside’s environmental 
management approach and processes. We rely on having  
the best knowledge to support our understanding of the local 
environment and our potential impacts upon it. In 2017, we 
continued our collaboration with our partners such as BirdLife, 
Fauna and Flora International (FFI), Wildlife Conservation 
Society (WCS), Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) 
and the Western Australian Museum.

The overall goal of our partnership with WCS in Myanmar is 
to develop a deeper understanding of the fishing community 
and marine environment along some of Myanmar’s western 
coastline. In parallel, a collaboration with FFI and Myanmar’s 
Pathein University aims to build the capacity of marine science 
staff and students to understand and assess Myanmar’s coastal 
and marine habitats. Our current work with BirdLife is focused 
on the East Asian Australian Flyway (EAAF).

Woodside continues to coinvest in marine environmental 
science with research-based organisations and universities  
in Australia and overseas.

Refer to the Sustainable Development Report 2017  
for further information on Operating Responsibly.

Outlook
Supported by the Perfect HSE Day, our focus is to continue to 
improve our health, safety and environmental performance.

We will continue to drive the development of energy-efficiency 
initiatives to support our commitment to sustained emissions 
savings by the end of 2020.

We will strive for excellence in identifying and mitigating HSE risks 
and impacts to protect our people, communities and environment.

Flared gas

Fuel intensity

n
o
i
t
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d
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12.7

4
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1
2
4

5
.
1
2
1

13

10.0

.

8
9
4
3

.

4
0
7
1

14

9.1

8
.
1
1
3

5
.
1
6
1

15

n
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9.5

.

5
0
8
2

1
.
3
2
1

17

6.1

.

0
0
1
2

.

7
0
9

16

4.56

2
5
4

.

2016

4.68

3
6
4

.

2017

 Baseline fuel intensity
 Operated fuel intensity

 Flared intensity - operated (LHS)

 Total flaring - equity (RHS)
 Total flaring - operated (RHS)

Baseline fuel intensity is calculated using actual production.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Sustainability   59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Looking out to sea from the Pluto LNG dolphin wharf.

E
T
A
R
O
P
R
O
C

RISK

Woodside maintains a robust and disciplined 
focus on operational excellence and effective risk 
management. We do this so that we understand 
and manage risk to help achieve our objectives. 

Our risk management process is designed to recognise and 
manage risks that have the potential to materially impact 
Woodside’s business objectives. The process is aligned to 
International Standard ISO31000 for risk management and 
assesses potential risks in areas such as health and safety, 
environment, finance, reputation and brand, legal and 
compliance, and social and cultural impacts. 

Refer to the Sustainable Development Report 2017 for 
more information on sustainability issues of importance  
to our stakeholders and our business.

Refer to Woodside’s Corporate Governance Statement 
for more information (www.woodside.com.au/
Working-Sustainably/governance-and-compliance).

An overview of our material risks is summarised below. 

CONTEXT

RISK

MITIGATION

Our future growth 
depends on our ability 
to identify, acquire, 
explore and develop 
reserves.

The commercially 
recoverable quantity of 
gas, oil and condensate 
within reserves 
is estimated with 
reasonable certainty 
based on anticipated 
conditions.

Efficient and 
cost-competitive 
commercialisation  
of hydrocarbons  
is a contributor to  
our success.

Safety, reliability and 
integrity in production 
and delivery of 
hydrocarbon products 
influence our licence to 
operate and our ability 
to achieve superior 
shareholder returns.

Our business relies on 
a variety of information 
technology systems.

Unsuccessful exploration and renewal of upstream 
resources may impede delivery of our strategy.

Estimates of economically recoverable reserves are 
based upon a number of factors and assumptions, 
such as geological and engineering estimates and 
judgements, the assumed effects of government 
regulation and estimates of future commodity 
prices and operating costs, all of which may vary 
considerably from actual results. Variation in reserve 
quantities may result in lower future production 
volumes, impairment of assets or decreased 
earnings, cash flows and financial performance.

A failure to successfully commercialise our 
hydrocarbons by selecting sub-optimal 
development options or failing to execute 
projects that achieve cost, quality and schedule 
expectations may reduce the value we can secure 
from future developments and negatively impact 
our financial performance.

Sustained, unplanned interruption to production 
may impact our licence to operate and financial 
performance. Our facilities are subject to operating 
hazards, inclement weather and disruption 
to supply chain, which can result in a loss of 
hydrocarbon containment, diminished production, 
additional costs, environmental damage or harm 
to our people, reputation or brand.

The integrity, availability and reliability of data 
within Woodside’s information and operations 
technology systems may be subject to intentional or 
unintentional disruption (e.g. cyber security attack).

Exposure to reserve depletion is addressed 
by our comprehensive exploration strategy 
together with our capability in geosciences 
and deep-water exploration. Our disciplined 
management of opportunities and acquisitions, 
together with the application of new 
technologies and recovery processes, further 
addresses this risk.

Our framework of petroleum resources and 
reservoir management processes provide 
assurance for reserves estimation and 
reporting. These incorporate the Woodside 
Reserves Policy, the Petroleum Resources 
Management Procedure and competency and 
training minimum requirements.

Our reserves are also reviewed through 
external audits.

Central to the management of this risk is 
our focus on creating effective commercial 
arrangements with a range of participants, 
stakeholders and contractors.

In addition, we continue to invest in robust and 
high-quality opportunity development and 
project management systems.

Our extensive framework of controls enables 
the management of these risks. This includes 
production processes, drilling and completions 
and well-integrity management processes, 
inspection and maintenance procedures and 
performance standards. This framework is 
supported by the ongoing engagement we 
have with regulators.

Our exposure to cyber security risk is 
managed by a robust control framework 
and the continuing focus on system control 
improvements, supported by an established 
and embedded security strategy across  
the organisation.

62   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

CONTEXT

RISK

MITIGATION

External market 
conditions, including 
volatility in commodity 
prices and demand for 
our products, impact our 
financial performance.

Woodside’s technology 
strategy is focused on 
maintaining competitive 
advantage through 
innovation to generate 
value for our business.

Access to capital, 
capital allocation and 
management of financial 
risks underpin our 
business performance.

Commercial 
transactions, obligations 
or liabilities may impact 
Woodside’s portfolio.

Our business activities 
are subject to extensive 
regulation and 
government policy.

Woodside faces climate-
change risks including 
changes in product 
demand, carbon pricing, 
uncertainty surrounding 
future regulatory 
frameworks and 
increased stakeholder 
expectations.

Bribery and corruption 
present a significant 
threat to commercial 
organisations and 
communities worldwide.

Commodity prices are variable and are impacted 
by global economic factors beyond Woodside’s 
control. Demand for and pricing of our products 
remain sensitive to external economic and political 
factors, weather, natural disasters, introduction of 
new and competing supply, and change within buyer 
preferences for differing products and price regimes.

Woodside mitigates the uncertainty associated 
with product demand by selling LNG in a 
portfolio manner and under long-term ‘take 
or pay’ sale agreements, in addition to the 
spot market. Our low cost of production and 
disciplined approach to balance sheet risk 
management further mitigate this exposure.

Unsuccessful development and delivery of new 
technology and new products through innovation 
may impact competitive advantage.

We are exposed to treasury and financial risks, 
including liquidity, changes in interest rates, 
fluctuation in foreign exchange and credit risk.

Insufficient liquidity to meet financial 
commitments and fund growth opportunities 
could have a material adverse effect on our 
operations and financial performance. 

Our financing costs could be affected by interest 
rate fluctuations or deterioration to our long-term 
investment-grade credit rating.

We are exposed to credit risk. Our counterparties 
could fail or could be unable to meet their 
payment and/or performance obligations under 
contractual arrangements.

Commercial transactions undertaken with the 
objective of growing Woodside’s portfolio incur 
a number of risks that may impact the ability 
to deliver anticipated value. These include sub- 
optimal commercial outcomes; the imposition 
of unfavourable or a change in fiscal conditions, 
obligations or liabilities; and operational performance 
of acquired assets not meeting expectations.

In each of the countries where we do business, 
Woodside is subject to various national and local 
laws, regulations and approvals. These relate to the 
exploration, development, production, marketing, 
pricing, transport and storage of our products, 
and changes or failure to comply with these may 
impact our licence to operate.

Demand for oil and gas may subside as lower 
carbon substitutes take market share. Global 
climate-change policy remains uncertain and has 
the potential to constrain Woodside’s ability to 
create and deliver stakeholder value.

Violation of anti-bribery and corruption laws may 
expose Woodside to fines, criminal sanctions and 
civil suits, and negatively impact our reputation.

We are reducing unit costs for developments 
and deploying technology solutions in new 
business opportunities to deliver our strategic 
objectives. We aim to respond nimbly to 
emerging trends, disruptive innovations and 
complementary technologies.

Woodside maintains a flexible approach 
to capital management. The overall level 
of investment in the different areas of our 
business and the investment mix are adjusted 
to reflect the external environment. Our capital 
management strategy focuses on capital 
allocation, capital discipline and capital efficiency.

Our extensive framework of financial controls, 
including monitoring of counterparties, enables 
the management of these risks. 

The US dollar reflects the majority of 
Woodside’s underlying cash flows and is 
used in our financial performance reporting, 
reducing our exposure to currency fluctuations.

Our commercial processes are designed 
to reduce the likelihood of these risks 
materialising as a result of a commercial 
transaction. We focus on maintaining a 
disciplined approach to ensure that we 
continue to increase shareholder value and 
appropriately manage risk.

As we increase our global footprint, we 
continue to strengthen our regulatory 
compliance framework and supporting tools. 
We also proactively maintain relationships with 
governments and regulators within countries 
in which we operate and those of interest.

We are focusing on ensuring our portfolio 
is robust in a carbon-constrained market, 
improving our energy efficiency and 
maintaining engagement with key industry 
and government stakeholders. We are 
implementing strategies to diversify our 
product mix, diversify use of our products, 
broaden our customer base and increase our 
portfolio resilience.

Our Fraud and Corruption Control Program 
provides a clear framework to help prevent, 
detect and respond to dishonest or unethical 
behaviour. The framework incorporates policies, 
programs, training, standards and guidelines 
that help ensure that all activities are conducted 
ethically, honestly and to a high standard.

Refer to Unreasonable Prejudice and Forward-looking Statements on page 142 for more information.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Corporate   63

 
RESERVES AND 
RESOURCES

Start-up of Persephone and Wheatstone adds 29 MMboe to Proved (1P) Developed reserves while 
progression of development planning for Pyxis contributes 39 MMboe to Greater Pluto Proved plus 
Probable (2P) reserves.

Woodside’s¹,²,³,⁴ reserves and contingent resources⁵ overview* (Woodside share, as at 31 December 2017)

Proved11 Developed13 and Undeveloped14

Proved Developed

Proved Undeveloped
Proved plus Probable12 Developed  
and Undeveloped

Proved plus Probable Developed

Proved plus Probable Undeveloped

Contingent resources

*Small differences are due to rounding.

Key metrics

Dry gas 
Bcf

4,983.0

2,623.9

2,359.1

6,538.5

3,532.1

3,006.4

26,043.8

Condensate 
MMbbl

Oil 
MMbbl

88.8

46.4

42.4

117.0

62.1

54.8

48.5

17.5

31.0

69.9

27.9

42.0

236.9

206.0

Total 
MMboe

1,011.5

524.2

487.3

1,333.9

709.7

624.3

5,012.0

2017 reserves replacement ratio15

Organic 2017 reserves replacement ratio16

Three-year reserves replacement ratio

Organic three-year reserves replacement ratio

Reserves life17

Annual production18

Net acquisitions and divestments

%

%

%

%

Years

MMboe

MMboe

Proved

Proved plus Probable

23

23

87

19

11

88.5

0.0

-23

-23

98

5

15

88.5

0.0

1P Reserves

2P Reserves

2C Contingent resources

1
3
2
,
1

3
4
1
,
1

0
5
1
,
1

3
4
1
,
1

0
8
0

,
1

2
1
0

,
1

e
o
b
M
M

e
o
b
M
M

3
4
5
,
1

7
3
4
,
1

9
3
3
,
1

8
0
5
,
1

2
4
4
,
1

4
3
3
,
1

4
1
0
5

,

2
1
0
5

,

8
9
3
4

,

e
o
b
M
M

5
4
7
,
1

2
9
6
,
1

3
4
7
,
1

12

13

14

15

16

17

12

13

14

15

16

17

12

13

14

15

16

17

64   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Developed and Undeveloped reserves annual reconciliation by product* (Woodside share, as at 31 December 2017)

Dry gas6
Bcf8

Condensate7
MMbbl9

Oil
MMbbl

)
P
1
(
d
e
v
o
r
P

l

s
u
p
d
e
v
o
r
P

l

e
b
a
b
o
r
P

)
P
2
(

)
P
1
(
d
e
v
o
r
P

l

s
u
p
d
e
v
o
r
P

l

e
b
a
b
o
r
P

)
P
2
(

)
P
1
(
d
e
v
o
r
P

l

s
u
p
d
e
v
o
r
P

l

e
b
a
b
o
r
P

)
P
2
(

Total
MMboe10

)
P
1
(
d
e
v
o
r
P

l

s
u
p
d
e
v
o
r
P

l

e
b
a
b
o
r
P

)
P
2
(

5,326.1

7,089.5

94.9

124.2

50.5

74.4

1,079.8

1,442.4

-68.4

147.5

0.0

0.0

-422.2

-308.0

179.2

0.0

0.0

-422.2

-0.1

1.6

0.0

0.0

-7.6

-1.2

1.6

0.0

0.0

-7.6

4.4

0.4

0.0

0.0

-6.8

1.6

0.6

0.0

0.0

-6.8

-7.7

27.9

0.0

0.0

-88.5

-53.6

33.6

0.0

0.0

-88.5

4,983.0

6,538.5

88.8

117.0

48.5

69.9

1,011.5

1,333.9

Reserves at  
31 December 2016
Revision of previous 
estimates19

Transfer to/from reserves

Extensions and discoveries20
Acquisitions and 
divestments

Annual production
Reserves at  
31 December 2017

*Small differences are due to rounding.

Best Estimate Contingent resource annual reconciliation 
by product* (Woodside share, as at 31 December 2017)

Best Estimate Contingent resource summary by region*  
(Woodside share, as at 31 December 2017)

Dry gas 
Bcf

Condensate 
MMbbl

Oil 
MMbbl

Total 
MMboe

Project

Dry gas6 
Bcf8

Condensate7 
MMbbl9

Oil 
MMbbl

Total 
MMboe10

-178.3

26,053.7

Contingent 
resources at 31 
December 2016
Transfer to/from 
reserves 
Revision of 
previous 
estimates
Extensions and 
discoveries
Acquisitions and 
divestments
Contingent 
resources at  
31 December 2017 26,043.8

168.4

0.0

0.0

236.6

206.9

5,014.2

-1.6

-0.6

-33.4

1.9

0.0

0.0

-0.3

31.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Greater Browse26

Greater Sunrise28

Greater Pluto21

Greater Exmouth23

North West Shelf22

Wheatstone24

Canada25

Senegal30
Greater 
Scarborough27

Myanmar29

4,881.0

1,716.8

619.9

307.4

289.8

20.3

14,976.0

0.0

2,765.1

467.5

142.6

75.6

8.2

2.1

8.1

0.3

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

39.3

16.8

0.0

0.0

998.9

376.7

117.0

95.2

75.8

3.9

2,627.4

150.0

150.0

0.0

0.0

485.1

82.0

236.9

206.0 5,012.0

Total

26,043.8

236.9

206.0 5,012.0

*Small differences are due to rounding.

*Small differences are due to rounding.

1P Reserves by region 
(Developed and Undeveloped)

2P Reserves by region 
(Developed and Undeveloped)

2C Contingent resource  
by region

1,012 

MMboe

1,334 

MMboe

5,012

MMboe

lGreater Pluto
lNorth West Shelf
lGreater Exmouth

%
50
27
4

lWheatstone
lCanada

%
19
<1

lGreater Pluto
lNorth West Shelf
lGreater Exmouth

%
52
23
4

lWheatstone
lCanada

%
20
1

lGreater Browse
lGreater Sunrise
lGreater Pluto
lGreater Exmouth
lNorth West Shelf

%
%
20 lWheatstone
<1
8 lCanada
52
2 lSenegal
3
2 lGreater Scarborough 10
1 lMyanmar
2

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Corporate   65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved (1P) Developed and Undeveloped reserves by region*

Dry gas
Bcf

l

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
d
n
U

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
D

l

l

a
t
o
T

Greater Pluto21,31

1,089.3

1,551.2 2,640.5

North West Shelf22,31

1,014.8

303.9

1,318.7

Greater Exmouth²³

0.0

0.0

0.0

Wheatstone24

486.8

504.0

990.8

Condensate
MMbbl

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
D

l

14.8

19.8

0.0

11.8

0.0

l

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
d
n
U

25.4

8.8

0.0

8.3

0.0

Oil
MMbbl

l

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
d
n
U

0.0

0.0

31.0

0.0

0.0

Total
MMboe

l

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
d
n
U

l

a
t
o
T

297.5

503.4

62.1

31.0

96.7

0.0

270.6

37.9

193.8

5.8

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
D

l

205.9

208.5

6.9

97.1

5.8

l

a
t
o
T

0.0

10.6

37.9

0.0

0.0

31.0

48.5

524.2

487.3 1,011.5

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
D

l

0.0

10.6

6.9

0.0

0.0

17.5

l

a
t
o
T

40.1

28.6

0.0

20.0

0.0

88.8

Canada25

Reserves

33.0

0.0

33.0

2,623.9 2,359.1 4,983.0

46.4

42.4

*Small differences are due to rounding.

Proved plus Probable (2P) Developed and Undeveloped reserves by region*

Dry gas
Bcf

l

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
d
n
U

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
D

l

l

a
t
o
T

Greater Pluto

1,688.2

1,920.2 3,608.4

North West Shelf

1,159.4

332.5 1,492.0

Greater Exmouth

Wheatstone

Canada

Reserves

0.0

631.5

53.0

0.0

0.0

753.6

1,385.1

0.0

53.0

3,532.1 3,006.4 6,538.5

*Small differences are due to rounding.

Condensate
MMbbl

l

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
d
n
U

32.3

9.9

0.0

12.6

0.0

l

a
t
o
T

54.8

34.3

0.0

27.8

0.0

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
D

l

22.5

24.4

0.0

15.2

0.0

62.1

Oil
MMbbl

l

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
d
n
U

0.0

0.0

42.0

0.0

0.0

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
D

l

0.0

13.7

14.2

0.0

0.0

Total
MMboe

l

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
d
n
U

369.2

68.3

42.0

l

a
t
o
T

687.9

309.8

56.2

144.8

270.8

0.0

9.3

d
e
p
o
e
v
e
D

l

318.7

241.5

14.2

126.0

9.3

l

a
t
o
T

0.0

13.7

56.2

0.0

0.0

54.8

117.0

27.9

42.0

69.9

709.7

624.3 1,333.9

Qualified petroleum reserves and resources 
evaluator statement
The Reserves and Resources Statement is based on and fairly 
represents information and supporting documentation prepared 
by qualified petroleum reserves and resources evaluators. 
The Reserves and Resources 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.

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 Procedure, staff training and minimum 
competency levels and external reserves audits. On average,  
97% 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 kPa) and  
60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.56 degrees Celsius).

66   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Notes to the reserves and resources statement
‘Reserves’ are estimated quantities of petroleum that have been 
1. 
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. 

2.  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 as the outlet 
of the floating production storage and offloading facility (FPSO). 
For onshore LNG projects, the reference point is defined as the 
inlet to the downstream (onshore) processing facility. For offshore 
LNG projects (floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG)), the reference 
point is defined as the outlet of the FLNG facility. Downstream fuel 
and flare represents 9.5% of Woodside’s Proved (Developed and 
Undeveloped) reserves, and 9.9% 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. 

‘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.

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

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

‘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.

14. 

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

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 and resources statement’ 
annual production differs from production volumes reported in  
the company’s annual and quarterly reports due to differences 
between the sales and reserves product definitions, reserves reported 
gross of downstream fuel and flare and the ‘MMboe’ conversion 
factors applied.

19. 

‘Revision of previous estimates’ are 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 or 
reservoir modelling to estimate volumes reasonably expected to be 
recovered from wells in the relevant project.

20.  ‘Extensions and discoveries’ represent additions to reserves or 

contingent resources that result from increased areal extensions 
of previously discovered fields, discovery of reserves or contingent 
resources in new fields, or new reservoirs in old fields.

21.  The ‘Greater Pluto’ region comprises the Pluto-Xena, Larsen, Martell, 

Martin, Noblige, Pyxis and Remy 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 17.5% of NWS 
Proved (Developed and Undeveloped) dry gas reserves and 22.7% of 
NWS Proved (Developed and Undeveloped) condensate reserves.

23.  The ‘Greater Exmouth’ region comprises the Vincent, Enfield, Greater 

Enfield, Greater Laverda, Ragnar and Toro fields.

24.  The ‘Wheatstone’ region comprises the Julimar and Brunello fields.

25.  The ‘Canada’ region comprises unconventional resources in the  

Liard Basin.

26.  The ‘Greater Browse’ region comprises the Brecknock, Calliance and 

Torosa fields. 

27.  The ‘Greater Scarborough’ region comprises the Jupiter, Scarborough 

and Thebe fields.

28.  The ‘Greater Sunrise’ region comprises the Sunrise and Troubadour fields.

29.  ‘The Myanmar’ region comprises the Shwe Yee Htun and Thalin fields.

30.  The ‘Senegal’ region comprises the SNE field.

31.  Material concentrations of undeveloped reserves in Greater Pluto and 
North West Shelf have remained undeveloped for longer than five 
years from the dates 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.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Corporate   67

 
Woodside’s outgoing Chairman, Michael Chaney, AO, with incoming Chairman-elect, Richard Goyder, AO.

E
C
N
A
N
R
E
V
O
G

WOODSIDE  
BOARD

MICHAEL CHANEY, AO

PETER COLEMAN

LARRY ARCHIBALD

MELINDA CILENTO

FRANK COOPER, AO

RICHARD GOYDER, AO

CHRISTOPHER HAYNES, OBE

IAN MACFARLANE

ANN PICKARD

SARAH RYAN

GENE TILBROOK

70   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Michael Chaney, AO
BSc, MBA, Hon LLD (UWA), FAICD

Chairman: Appointed July 2007

Term of office: Director since November 2005

Independent: Yes

Experience: Spent 22 years at 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 Chairman of National Australia Bank Limited 
(2004 to 2015) and non-executive director of BHP Billiton Limited 
(1995 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: Wesfarmers Limited (director since 2015).

Director: The Centre for Independent Studies Ltd (since 2000).

Member: Commonwealth Science Council (since 2014) and 
Australia-Germany Advisory Group.

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: National Australia Bank Limited (2004 to 2015).

Peter Coleman
BEng, MBA, FTSE

CEO and Managing Director

Term of office: Director since 2011

Independent: No

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 the development and project work in the 
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 2014).

Director: Business Council of Australia (since 2017).

Member: The Commonwealth Government’s Advisory Group 
on Australia–Africa Relations (since 2015) and Executive 
Committee of the Australia Japan Business Co-operation 
Council (since 2011).

Adviser: Monash Industry Council.

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: Nil

Larry Archibald 
BSc (Geosciences), BA (Geology), MBA

Frank Cooper, AO
BCom, FCA, FAICD 

Term of office: Director since February 2017

Term of office: Director since February 2013

Independent: Yes

Independent: Yes

Experience: Former ConocoPhillips company executive (2008 
to 2015), spending eight years in senior positions including 
Senior Vice President, Business Development and Exploration, 
and Senior Vice President, Exploration. Prior to this, spent 29 
years at Amoco (1980 to 1998) and BP (1998 to 2008) in various 
positions including leadership of exploration programs covering 
many world regions.

Experience: More than 35 years’ experience in corporate tax, 
specialising in the mining, energy and utilities sector, including 
senior leadership roles at three of the largest accounting firms 
and director of a leading Australian utility company.

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

Committee membership: Audit & Risk, Sustainability and 
Nominations Committees.

Current directorships/other interests:

Non-executive director: MainSail Energy Plc (since 2016).

Adviser: Warburg Pincus (since 2016) and Cairn Oil  
and Gas/Vedanta Limited (since 2017).

Member: Geosciences Advisory Board of the University  
of Arizona.

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: Nil

Melinda Cilento
BA, BEc (Hons), MEc

Term of office: Director since December 2008

Independent: Yes

Experience: Significant public and private sector 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.

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

Current directorships/other interests:

Chief Executive Officer: Committee for Economic Development 
of Australia (since 2017).

Director: Australian Unity Limited (since 2014).

Co-Chair: Reconciliation Australia (director since 2010) and 
NAB Advisory Council on Corporate Responsibility (member 
since 2013).

Member: Chief Executive Women.

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: Nil

Current directorships/other interests: 

Chair: Insurance Commission of Western Australia and the 
University of Western Australia Strategic Resources Committee.

Director: St John of God Australia Limited (since 2015) and 
South32 Limited (since 2015).

Member: Senate of the University of Western Australia.

President: Western Australia division of the Australian Institute  
of Company Directors.

Trustee: St John of God Health Care (since 2015).

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: Nil

Richard Goyder, AO
BCom, FAICD 

Term of office: Director (Chairman-elect) since August 2017

Independent: Yes

Experience: 24 years with Wesfarmers Limited, including 
Managing Director and CEO from 2005 to late 2017. Chairman 
of the Australian B20 (the key business advisory body to the 
international economic forum which includes business leaders 
from all G20 economies) from February 2013 to December 2014.

Committee membership: Member of the Nominations 
Committee. Attends other Board committee meetings.

Current directorships/other interests:

Chairman: Australian Football League Commission and  
JDRF Australia.

Director: Qantas Airways Limited (since 2017).

Member: Evans and Partners Investment Committee.

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: Wesfarmers Limited (2002 to 2017).

Christopher Haynes, OBE
BSc, DPhil, FREng, CEng, FIMechE

Term of office: Director since June 2011 

Independent: Yes

Experience: A 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, seconded to Woodside 
as General Manager of the North West Shelf Venture. Retired 
from Shell in 2011.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Governance   71

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

Current directorships/other interests:

Director: WorleyParsons Limited (since 2012).

Sarah Ryan
BSc (Geophysics) (Hons 1), BSc (Geology), PhD (Petroleum and 
Geophysics), FTSE

Term of office: Director since 2012

President: Energy Industries Council (since 2015).

Independent: Yes

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: Nil

Ian Macfarlane
Former Australian Federal Minister (Resources; Energy; Industry 
and Innovation), FAICD 

Term of office: Director since 2016

Independent: Yes

Experience: Australia’s longest-serving Federal Resources 
and Energy Minister and the Coalition’s longest-serving 
Federal Industry and Innovation Minister with over 14 years 
of experience in both Cabinet and shadow ministerial 
positions. Before entering politics, Mr Macfarlane’s experience 
included agriculture, and being President of the Queensland 
Graingrowers Association (1991 to 1998) and the Grains Council 
of Australia (1994 to 1996).

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

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 2014.

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

Current directorships/other interests:

Director: Akastor ASA (since 2014), Central Petroleum Limited 
(since 2017) and Kinetic Consolidated Pty Ltd (previously 
Vautron Holdings Pty Ltd) (since 2016).

Member: Advisory Board of Unearthed Solutions (since 2017) 
and Chief Executive Women (since 2016).

Advisor to the Chairman: Saxo Bank, Denmark

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: Nil

Current directorships/other interests:

Chief Executive: Queensland Resources Council (since 2016).

Gene Tilbrook
BSc, MBA, FAICD

Chair: Innovative Manufacturing Co-operative Research Centre.

Term of office: Director since 2014

Member: Toowoomba Community Advisory Committee of the 
University of Queensland Rural Clinical School.

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: Nil

Ann Pickard
BA, MA

Term of office: Director since February 2016

Independent: Yes

Experience: Retired from Shell in 2016 after a 15-year tenure 
holding numerous positions, including Executive Vice President 
Arctic, Executive Vice President Exploration and Production, 
Country Chair of Shell in Australia, and Executive Vice President 
Africa. Previously had an 11-year tenure with Mobil prior to its 
merger with Exxon.

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

Independent: Yes

Experience: Broad experience in corporate strategy, investment 
and finance. Senior executive of Wesfarmers Limited between 
1985 and 2009, including 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:

Deputy Chair: National Board of the Australian Institute of 
Company Directors (since 2016).

Director: Orica Limited (since 2013), GPT Group Limited (since 
2010) and the Bell Shakespeare Company.

Councillor: Curtin University and Western Australia division of 
the Australian Institute of Company Directors (since 2013).

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: Fletcher Building Limited (2009 to 2015) and Aurizon 
Holdings Limited (2010 to 2016).

Current directorships/other interests:

Director: KBR Inc. (since 2015).

David McEvoy
BSc (Physics), Grad Dip (Geophysics) 

Member: Chief Executive Women, Advisory Council of the 
Eurasia Foundation and Board of University of Wyoming.

Directorships of other listed entities within the past three 
years: Nil

Mr David McEvoy retired effective on 5 May 2017 after 11 years of 
service on Woodside’s Board of Directors. Mr McEvoy served on 
a number of Woodside Board committees including as Chair  
of the Sustainability Committee and as a member of the  
Audit & Risk and Nominations Committees.

72   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE 
STATEMENT

We believe high standards of governance and transparency are essential.

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.

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 is the overarching guide 
for everyone who works for Woodside.

Refer to Woodside’s website for more information  
(www.woodside.com.au/About-Us/Pages/The-Woodside-
Compass.aspx#.WnkZm5P1XOQ).

Our corporate governance model is illustrated below. The 
Woodside Management System (WMS) describes the Woodside 
way of working, enabling Woodside to understand and manage 
its business to achieve its objectives. It defines the boundaries 
within which our employees and contractors are expected to 
work. The WMS establishes a common approach to how we 
operate, wherever the location.

Throughout 2017, our governance arrangements complied with 
the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance 
Principles and Recommendations (third edition).

Our Corporate Governance 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.

The Corporate Governance Statement discusses arrangements 
in relation to our Board of Directors, committees of the Board, 
shareholders, risk management and internal control, the external 
auditor relationship, and inclusion and diversity.

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

Refer to Woodside’s Corporate Governance Statement 
for more information (www.woodside.com.au/
Working-Sustainably/governance-and-compliance).

STAKEHOLDERS

BOARD

DELEGATION

ACCOUNTABILITY

AUDIT & RISK 
COMMITTEE

HUMAN RESOURCES & 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

NOMINATIONS 
COMMITTEE

SUSTAINABILITY 
COMMITTEE

INDEPENDENT ASSURANCE

MANAGEMENT GOVERNANCE AND ASSURANCE

EXTERNAL AUDIT

STRATEGY

GUIDELINES

AUTHORITIES 
FRAMEWORK

INTERNAL AUDIT

RISK MANAGEMENT

MAJOR PROJECT  
ASSURANCE CHECKS

MANAGEMENT REVIEW & 
IMPROVEMENT

PROCESSES &  
PROCEDURES

EXPECTATIONS

COMPASS & 
 POLICIES

WOODSIDE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

OPERATING STRUCTURE

MANAGEMENT 
COMMITTEES

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Governance   73

 
DIRECTORS’  
REPORT

The directors of Woodside Petroleum Ltd present their report 
(including the Remuneration Report) together with the Financial 
Statements of the consolidated entity, being Woodside Petroleum Ltd 
and its controlled entities, for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Directors
The directors of Woodside Petroleum Ltd 
in office at any time during or since the end 
of the 2017 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) are set out on 
pages 70–72.

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 
page 9 of the Corporate Governance 
Statement. Directors attended all 
relevant Board and committee meetings 
during the year.

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 page 75.

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  
$1,024 million ($868 million in 2016).

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 pages 1–67.

74   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Significant changes in the 
state of affairs
The review of operations (pages 1–67) 
sets out a number of matters that 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
Since the reporting date, the directors 
have declared a fully franked dividend. 
More information is available in the 
‘Dividend’ section below. 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.

Dividend
The directors have declared a final 
dividend out of profits of the company in 
respect of the year ended 31 December 
2017 of 49 cents per ordinary share (fully 
franked) payable on 22 March 2018.

Type

2017  
final

2017 
interim

2016 
final 

Payment 
date

22 March 
2018

21 
September 
2017

29 March 
2017

Period 
ended

Cents per 
share

Value $ 
million

Fully 
franked

31 
December 
2017

30 June 
2017

31 
December 
2016

49

49

49

413

413

413







The full-year 2017 dividend is 98 cents per share. 

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 pages 
58–59.

Through its Health, Safety, Environment 
and Quality Policy, Woodside plans and 
performs activities so that adverse effects 
on the environment are avoided or kept as 
low as reasonably practicable.

Company Secretaries
The following individuals have acted as 
Company Secretary during 2017:

Andrew Cox 
BA (Hons), LLB, MA 
Vice President Legal and General 
Counsel and Joint Company Secretary

Mr Cox joined Woodside in 2004 and 
was appointed to the role of Vice 
President Legal in January 2015. He was 
appointed Vice President Legal and 
General Counsel and Joint Company 
Secretary on 1 June 2017.

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 is 
a solicitor and chartered secretary. He 
is a member of the National Board and 
President of the Governance Institute  
of Australia.

Michael Abbott 
BJuris, LLB, BA, MBA 
Senior Vice President Corporate  
and Legal

Mr Abbott joined Woodside in 2005 
and was appointed to the role of Senior 
Vice President Corporate and Legal 
in December 2014. He retired as Joint 
Company Secretary on 1 June 2017.

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 Guidance Policy. The 
terms of engagement include an indemnity 
in favour of Ernst & Young:

 + 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

 + 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 E.5 to the Financial Statements.

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 the financial 

year is compatible with the general 
standard of independence for auditors 
imposed by the Corporations Act 2001 
(Cth) for the following reasons:

 + all non-audit services were provided in 
accordance with Woodside’s External 
Auditor Policy and External Auditor 
Guidance Policy; and

 + 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.

The auditor independence declaration, 
as required under section 307C of the 
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) 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 2001 (Cth).

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 Corporations 
(Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) 
Instrument 2016/191 dated 24 March 2016.

Directors’ relevant interests 
in Woodside shares as at the 
date of this report

Director

L Archibald

M Chaney

M Cilento

P Coleman1

F Cooper

R Goyder

C Haynes

I Macfarlane

A Pickard

S Ryan

G Tilbrook

Relevant interest in 
shares

1,088

20,000

3,559

349,443

6,396

12,500

7,565

873

2,376

5,748

7,153

1.  Mr Coleman holds Variable Pay Rights under his 
CEO incentive arrangements, details of which 
are set out in the Remuneration Report in  
Table 11 on page 90.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of 
the directors.

M A Chaney, AO 
Chairman 
Perth, Western Australia 
14 February 2018

P J Coleman
Chief Executive Officer and  
Managing Director 
Perth, Western Australia 
14 February 2018

Auditor’s independence 
declaration to the Directors  
of Woodside Petroleum Ltd
As lead auditor for the audit of Woodside 
Petroleum Ltd for the financial year ended 
31 December 2017, I declare to the best of 
my knowledge and belief, there have been:

(a)  no contraventions of the auditor 

independence requirements of the 
Corporations Act 2001 in relation to 
the audit; and

(b) no contraventions of any applicable 
code of professional conduct in 
relation to the audit.

This declaration is in respect of Woodside 
Petroleum Ltd and the entities it controlled 
during the financial year.

Ernst & Young

T S Hammond
Partner 
Perth, Western Australia 
14 February 2018

Liability limited by a scheme approved under 
Professional Standards Legislation 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Governance   75

 
 
REMUNERATION 
REPORT

Chair's letter 

KMP and summary of Woodside's five-year performance 

Scorecard measures and outcomes 

CEO and executive KMP remuneration structure 

CEO and executive KMP remuneration for 2017 

Other equity plans 

Contracts for executive KMP 

Non-executive Directors (NEDs) 

Human Resources & Compensation (HR&C) Committee 

Use of remuneration consultants 

Reporting notes 

Statutory tables 

Glossary 

77

78

79

80

82

86

86

87

87

88

88

89

95

76   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

14 February 2018

Dear Shareholder

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present Woodside’s Remuneration Report for the year ended 31 December 2017.

This report demonstrates our ongoing commitment to shareholders to present a simple and transparent summary 
of how executive remuneration outcomes are linked to the Company’s performance.

The changes made in 2016 to the remuneration arrangements for KMP continue to be reflected in the 2017 
remuneration outcomes, as we continue to address shareholder feedback on our remuneration policy and practice.

In addition, for the third consecutive year, the Board has resolved that Non-executive Directors (NEDs) would not 
receive an increase in their fees for the 2017 year.

As foreshadowed in last year’s report, the Board has commenced a review of our Executive Incentive Plan. The 
review has progressed well throughout the year and is expected to conclude early in 2018. A key focus of the 
review is strengthening the alignment between our executives’ variable remuneration outcomes, the company’s 
strategy and performance, alongside our shareholders’ experience. We have also sought to ensure we can 
continue to attract and retain talent in a globally competitive environment. We are confident that the review will 
deliver these objectives and look forward to communicating the outcomes in the near future.

Yours sincerely,

Melinda Cilento
Chair - Human Resources & Compensation Committee

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Remuneration Report   77

 
Remuneration Report (audited)

KMP and summary of Woodside's five-year performance

Woodside’s key management personnel (KMP)
This Remuneration Report outlines the remuneration arrangements in place and outcomes achieved for Woodside’s KMP during 2017.

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 senior executives).

The names and positions of the individuals who were KMP during 2017 are set out in Table 1.

Table 1 – KMP

Executive

Executive Director

P Coleman (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer) (CEO)

Senior Executives

M Abbott (Senior Vice President Corporate and Legal)

S Duhe (Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)1

R Edwardes (Executive Vice President Development)

S Gregory (Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer)

P Loader (Executive Vice President Global Exploration)²

R Matisons (Executive Vice President Marketing, Trading and Shipping)

D McLoughlin (Senior Vice President People and Global Capability)3

L Tremaine (Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)4

M Utsler (Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer)

1. 
 Ms Sherry Duhe commenced as KMP on 1 December 2017. 
2.  Mr Phil Loader will cease being KMP on 28 February 2018.
3.  Mr David McLoughlin ceased employment with Woodside on 3 March 2017.
4.  Mr Lawrie Tremaine ceased employment with Woodside on 2 June 2017.
5.  Mr Larry Archibald was appointed to the Woodside Board on 1 February 2017.
6.  Mr Richard Goyder was appointed to the Woodside Board on 1 August 2017.
7.  Mr David McEvoy ceased being a director of Woodside on 5 May 2017.

Non-executive Directors

M Chaney (Chairman) 

L Archibald5

M Cilento

F Cooper

R Goyder6

C Haynes

I Macfarlane 

D McEvoy7

A Pickard 

S Ryan

G Tilbrook

Table 2 – Five year performance

The table below outlines Woodside's performance over the last five years against key metrics.

Net Profit After Tax (NPAT)1

Earnings per Share2

Dividends per Share

Share closing price (last trading day of the year) 

Production

1.  NPAT detail is contained in the Financial Statements on pages 97–136.
2.  Basic and diluted earnings per share from total operations.

(US$ million)

(US cents)

(US cents)

(A$)

(MMboe)

2017

1,024

122

98

33.08

84.4

2016 

2015 

868

104

83

31.16

94.9

26

3

109

28.72

92.2

2014

2,414

293

255

38.01

95.1

2013

1,749

213

249

38.90

87.0

Remuneration Policy
Woodside aims to be a leading global performer in upstream oil and gas. To do so the company must be able to attract and retain 
talented executives in a globally competitive market. The Board structures remuneration so that it rewards those who perform, is 
valued by executives, and is strongly aligned with the company’s strategic direction and the creation of returns to shareholders.

Fixed Annual Reward (FAR) is determined by the scope of the executive’s role and their level of knowledge, skills and experience.

Variable Annual Reward (VAR) at target is structured to reward the CEO and executive KMP for achieving challenging yet realistic 
targets set by the Board. VAR aligns shareholder and executive remuneration outcomes by ensuring a significant portion of 
executive remuneration is at risk, while rewarding performance.

Executive remuneration is reviewed annually having regard to individual and business performance and relevant comparative 
information. FAR and VAR is benchmarked against domestic and international competitors at target, to maintain competitive advantage.

78   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Scorecard measures and outcomes

The Board assesses executive management performance on an annual basis against a balanced scorecard of measures that aim to drive 
business performance and the creation of shareholder value.

The 2017 scorecard for executive KMP is based on four equally weighted measures that have been chosen because they impact long and 
short-term shareholder value, with a score of one for an outcome at target and a maximum score of two on each measure. The Board sets 
challenging yet realistic targets for each measure with sufficient stretch to promote continuous improvement and superior performance.

In 2017, Woodside continued to deliver across operational assets with strong safety performance. A solid NPAT result was delivered 
despite a lower than expected production outcome. Woodside further capitalised on its strong balance sheet to create and build near-
term value and growth opportunities. The majority of business plan priorities were met and we are well positioned to deliver across all 
three growth horizons. Accordingly, the Board determined a scorecard outcome of 1.2 out of a maximum of two for executive KMP for  
the 2017 performance year.¹

NPAT

Profit after tax performance is closely aligned with short-term 
shareholder value creation. NPAT is underpinned by operational 
performance, oil price and foreign exchange rates. This measure 
focuses management on driving exceptional operational performance, 
with the Board ensuring that short-term results are not achieved at the 
expense of longer term performance. NPAT outcomes, and therefore 
the short- term awards, are exposed to the upside and downside of oil 
price and foreign exchange fluctuations, as are returns to shareholders.

SAFETY
Strong safety performance creates and protects value four ways; 
it reduces the likelihood of major accident events and catastrophic 
losses; it maintains Woodside’s licence to operate which enables the 
development and sanction of its growth portfolio; it reflects efficient, 
optimised and controlled business processes that generate value; and 
it retains the company’s position as a partner of choice providing us 
access to the best capabilities and talent. The Total Recordable Injury 
Rate (TRIR) target is set with reference to the company’s aim to achieve 
global top-quartile health and safety performance.

2016 NPAT 
Outcome:

2017 NPAT 
Outcome:

$868 million

$1,024 million

Scorecard 
Outcome: 
1.5

2016 TRIR Outcome:
1.64

2017 TRIR Outcome:
1.26

Scorecard Outcome:
1.4

 + In 2017, Woodside delivered NPAT of $1,024 million,  

an 18% increase on 2016. This was due to higher realised 
prices; lower depreciation expense primarily driven 
by an increase in developed reserves; release 
of Balnaves termination provision; and lower 
exploration and evaluation expense. This was 
offset by lower revenue primarily from lower sales 
volumes and Pluto LNG sale prices. The Balnaves 
provision release and lower depreciation expense 
were not included in the scorecard.

Total scorecard

1.2

outcome

 + Woodside’s safety performance continues to 

improve toward our goal of global top quartile 
performance with a total recordable injury rate of 
1.26, a 21% improvement on 2016. There were zero 
Tier 1 or Tier 2 loss of primary containment process 
safety events in 2017. Emissions from fuel gas and 
vented reservoir carbon dioxide increased in 2017, 
mainly due to increased flaring and fuel consumption 
related to production interruptions. Woodside 
has announced its world-first large-scale offshore 
application of lithium-ion battery use to reduce 
emissions from fuel gas.

DELIVERY AGAINST BUSINESS PLAN
Woodside’s annual business plan commitments aim to deliver 
long-term shareholder value. The commitments are structured 
under four categories; grow the portfolio (e.g. resource replacement, 
concept select decisions, commercialisation of international assets, tie-
back opportunities); grow the market (e.g. capture new markets, mature 
gas to power opportunities); operational excellence (e.g. operating 
expenditure, unit production costs, reliability); and capability (e.g. 
diversity, social licence to operate, disciplined opportunity financing).

Scorecard Outcome:
1.3

The majority of our 2017 business plan commitments were met or 
exceeded, with highlights including;

 + Achieved concept select for the SNE Development-Phase 1, offshore 

Senegal, Joint Venture aligned on Browse to NWS as reference 
development concept; announced a third gas discovery offshore 
Myanmar; full year operational cost and gas unit production cost 
maintained 10% and 7% below budget, respectively, Approved 
development of an LNG truck-loading facility at Pluto LNG; Persephone 
development delivered 30% under budget and six months ahead of 
schedule; Reduced and extended the existing unsecured syndicated 
debt facility, while maintaining competitive pricing; Woodside achieved 
its highest percentile rating in the 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability Index 
to date of 97 (up from 95 last year), which is top 3% of upstream 
integrated oil and gas companies worldwide.

PRODUCTION 

Woodside maximises revenue and generates value from its assets 
when they are fully utilised in production. Production is carefully 
managed throughout the year to optimise the production value from 
the reservoir. The production target is set relative to the company’s 
annual budget and is not revised through the year.

2016 Production 
Outcome:

2017 Production 
Outcome:

Scorecard 
Outcome:

94.9 MMboe 

84.4 MMboe

0.6

 + Full year production was 84.4 MMboe, impacted primarily by delays 
to Wheatstone RFSU. Wheatstone LNG commenced production 
and delivery of its first LNG cargo.

1. Scorecard outcomes, including the total scorecard outcome, have been rounded for reporting purposes. 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Remuneration Report   79

 
CEO and executive KMP remuneration structure

Woodside's remuneration structure for the CEO and executive KMP is comprised of one component that is fixed being FAR,  
and two components that are variable being short-term award (STA) and long-term award (LTA).

Challenging yet realistic annual targets are set by the Board and set out in the corporate scorecard. These targets are designed to 
promote short-term and long-term shareholder value. Meeting these targets means the CEO and executive KMP are eligible for 
their target STA allocation, subject to individual performance. Exceeding targets may result in an increase to STA, whereas under 
performance will result in a reduction in STA.

Target LTA is a set percentage of FAR, converted to Variable Pay Rights (VPRs) with vesting subject to a relative total shareholder 
return test. LTA vesting is subject to share performance with the overall value exposed to the upside or downside of the share price 
movement, therefore closely aligning with shareholder interests.

The remuneration structure for executive KMP for 2017 is explained below:

Summary of executive KMP remuneration structure for 2017

Fixed Annual Reward (FAR)

How is it determined?
FAR is based on the scope of the executive’s role and their individual level of knowledge, skill and experience.

FAR makes up 30% of the CEO’s total target remuneration and 45-50% for other executive KMP.

When is it paid?
Monthly.

Link to Woodside strategy
FAR is benchmarked for competitiveness against domestic and international competitors, to enable the company to attract 
and retain high quality executives.

Variable Annual Reward (VAR)

Short-term Award (STA) 
How is it determined?
STA payments are based on the annual corporate scorecard result and individual performance against KPIs during 2017.

The corporate scorecard for 2017 is based on NPAT, 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. See page 82 for details of the CEO’s individual KPIs and page 83 for other executive KMP.

The Board assesses performance against the corporate scorecard. Performance against individual KPIs is assessed by the Board in 
the case of the CEO, or by the CEO in the case of other executive KMP (subject to approval by the HR&C Committee).

Eligible executives may only receive an STA award if their individual performance for 2017 is assessed as acceptable. Participants 
other than the CEO are then divided into “Pool Groups”, with the size of the pool determined by each participant's target STA, and 
then adjusted based on the corporate scorecard result.

Each participant is then allocated a portion of the relevant pool based on individual performance relative to other executives in the 
same pool.

STA makes up 30% of the CEO’s total target remuneration and 30–33% for other executive KMP.

The CEO’s maximum STA award is two times FAR. Other executive KMP do not have an individual maximum STA opportunity 
because the size of the STA pool varies from year to year depending on performance and other factors. However, the total size of the 
STA pool is capped as noted above.

The minimum STA award that an executive can receive is zero if their individual performance is assessed as unacceptable, or the 
corporate scorecard result is zero.

When is it paid?
For the CEO and executive KMP, two-thirds will be paid in cash in March 2018. The remaining third will be delivered as a deferred equity 
award of Restricted Shares, subject to a three-year deferral period. Dividends are payable on the Restricted Shares. 

The number of Restricted Shares is calculated by dividing the deferred STA value by the Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) 
for December 2017.

80   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Generally, vesting of the deferred STA is subject to the executive’s employment not being terminated with cause, or by resignation, 
for the deferral period after allocation. The deferred STA may vest prior to the expiry of the deferral period 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, 
termination without cause, retirement or the cessation of a fixed term employment contract, as determined by the Board.

The Board has discretion to claw back unvested shares held by or on behalf of the executive. This discretion arises if, after cessation 
of employment, new information has come to light about a material breach of an executive’s obligations or other inappropriate 
conduct during their employment, or their circumstances change after they cease employment (e.g. they commence working with  
a competitor), and in each case the Board considers that it is no longer appropriate for them to retain the benefit.

A summary of unvested deferred STA awarded to KMP is provided in Table 11 on pages 90–92.

Link to Woodside strategy
The corporate scorecard consists of balanced measures that reflect the values and annual goals of the organisation. The measures 
and annual targets are reviewed and approved by the Board each year. The scorecard provides a common purpose for all executives 
each year.

Individual KPIs are calibrated to the role of each executive. This recognises that Woodside’s success depends upon all executives 
achieving and exceeding targets within their areas of influence and responsibility.

STA deferral ensures that awards remain subject to fluctuations in share price over a three year period, which is intended to reflect the 
sustainability of performance over the medium-term and support increased alignment between executives and shareholders.

Long-term Award (LTA)
How is it determined? 
LTA is granted in the form of VPRs.
The VPRs are divided into two portions with each portion subject to a separate RTSR performance hurdle tested over a four year period.

One-third of the LTA will be tested against a comparator group that comprises of the entities within the ASX 50 index at  
1 December 2017. The remaining two-thirds of the VPRs will be tested against an international group of oil and gas companies, set out 
in Table 10 on page 90.

TSR outcomes are calculated by an external adviser on the fourth anniversary of the allocation of the VPRs. The outcome of the test 
is measured against the schedule below. For 2017 LTA awards, any VPRs that do not vest will lapse and are not retested.

Woodside RTSR percentile position within peer group

Vesting of VPRs

Less than 50th percentile

Equal to 50th percentile

Equal to or greater than 75th percentile

Vesting between these percentile points is on a pro rata basis.

no vesting

50% vest

100% vest

The CEO’s annual LTA entitlement is set at 133% of his fixed remuneration and makes up 40% of his total target remuneration.  
LTA makes up 20–22% of total target remuneration for other executive KMP.

When is it paid?
LTA may vest after four years, subject to performance against the relevant peer group.

The number of VPRs allocated at the start of the performance period is calculated on a face value basis by dividing the LTA value by the 
Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) for December 2017.

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, termination without cause, 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.

The Board has discretion to claw back the unvested VPRs of former employees in certain circumstances, as outlined above in relation to 
deferred STA.

A summary of unvested VPRs awarded to executive KMP is provided in Table 11 on pages 90–92.

Link to Woodside strategy
LTA is directly linked to shareholder returns over the longer term. For LTA to vest, Woodside must deliver better shareholder 
outcomes than at least half of the companies in the relevant comparator group. In this way, shareholder interests are embedded 
directly into the remuneration structure.

The LTA has been designed to align with company strategy through peer groups that include both competitors for shareholder 
funds, and domestic and overseas oil and gas players (recognising that Woodside competes globally for resources, investment, and 
people). The relative weightings reflect our vision of becoming a global leader in upstream oil and gas.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Remuneration Report   81

 
The LTA performance period is tested after four years as Woodside operates in a capital intensive industry with long investment 
timelines. It is imperative that executives take decisions in the long-term interest of shareholders, focused on value creation across 
the commodity price cycles of the oil and gas industry.

CEO and executive KMP remuneration for 2017

CEO Short-term Award (STA)
The CEO’s remuneration is governed by his contract of employment.

The CEO’s STA award is determined by multiplying the CEO’s FAR by the corporate scorecard result and the CEO’s individual 
performance factor as determined by the Board. The award is subject to an overall cap of two times FAR.

Each year the Board determines and documents the metrics that will be used to assess the annual individual performance of the  
CEO for the year.

For 2017, the individual performance of the CEO was reviewed by the Board against five equally weighted measures:

 + Growth agenda: Assesses the alignment of growth opportunities to shareholder return; portfolio balance; the achievement of 

challenging business objectives.

 + Effective execution: Assesses the maintenance, operation and profitability of existing assets; project delivery to achieve budget, 

schedule and stated performance; cost reduction; achievement of health, safety and community expectations.

 + Enterprise capability: Assesses leadership development; workforce planning; executive succession; Indigenous participation and 

diversity; effective risk identification and management.

 + Culture and reputation: Assesses performance culture and emphasis on values; engagement and enablement; improved employee 

climate; Woodside’s brand as a partner of choice.

 + Shareholder focus: Assesses whether decisions are made with a long-term shareholder return focus; effective and timely 

communication to shareholders, market analysts and fund managers; the focus on shareholder return throughout the organisation.

These metrics were chosen because successful performance in each area is a key driver of superior shareholder returns.

At the completion of the year, each NED independently contributes to the review of the CEO’s performance for that year. The CEO is 
given an overall individual performance factor of between 0.8 and 1.4.

CEO Long-term Award (LTA)
Under his contract, the CEO’s annual LTA opportunity is set at 133% of his FAR.

The LTA entitlement for the 2017 performance year was allocated in February 2018 at face value and will be subject to RTSR testing in 
February 2022. There will be no retest.

The vesting conditions for the LTA allocation reflect those outlined on page 81.

KMP Executive Incentive Plan (EIP)
The EIP is used to deliver STA and LTA to executive KMP, other than the CEO.

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 3 illustrates how EIP awards for executive KMP will be determined for the 2017 performance year, as well as their lifecycle in  
future years.

82   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Table 3 – Overview of the EIP for executive KMP (excluding the CEO) 

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

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 
assessments to be eligible for an EIP award. 

F
O
S
T
S
I
S
N
O
C
R
A
V

ELIGIBLE EXECUTIVES RECEIVE 
A VAR UNDER THE EIP 
VAR for a Performance Year is calculated 
as a percentage of FAR, which is 
determined by the Board taking into 
account relevant data on levels of variable 
reward being offered in the market. 

60% STA
Adjusted in accordance with the STA 
pooling and performance assessment 
process. Two-thirds of the STA is paid 
in early 2018 as cash while the other 
third is awarded as Restricted Shares. 

40% LTA
Awarded as VPRs.

RESTRICTED SHARES
Subject to a three-year 
deferral period ending on  
20 February 2021.

VPRS
Subject to RTSR performance over a 
four-year period up to the vesting date 
on 20 February 2022 with no retest.

Individual KPIs for 2017 STA
KPIs are tailored to reflect the individual responsibilities of executives who participate in the STA, and are chosen to align individual 
performance with the achievement of Woodside’s business plan and objectives.

Examples of the individual KPIs for each of the executive KMP are shown in Table 4.

Table 4 – Individual KPIs for 2017 STA

KMP

Key Performance Indicator

KMP

Key Performance Indicator

Executive Vice President and  
Chief Operating Officer

Executive Vice President 
Development

Executive Vice President Global 
Exploration

Production

Operating expense

Unit production costs

Total recordable injury rate

Process safety events

Energy efficiency

Capital expense

Portfolio cost competitiveness

Portfolio maturation

Portfolio development imperatives

Exploration expense

Discovered resource volumes

Commercial finding costs

Exploration prospects

Executive Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer

Senior Vice President and  
Chief Technology Officer

Senior Vice President Corporate 
and Legal

NPAT

Corporate development

Return on capital employed

Corporate operating expense

Productivity benefits

Unit technical cost reduction

Innovation capability

Data science value

IS&S service and cost

Regulatory compliance

Corporate affairs management

Management system deployment

Executive Vice President Marketing, 
Trading and Shipping

Sales

Trading/performance

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Remuneration Report   83

 
 
 
Remuneration outcomes for 2017 
A summary of the remuneration outcomes for executive KMP in 2017 is set out below. 

Fixed Annual Reward

CEO and Managing Director
In December 2016, Woodside conducted a review of the CEO's remuneration based on benchmarking data against a defined peer 
group. This data confirmed the CEO's remuneration was below market median. This supported the Board's decision to award the 
CEO an increase of 2% to FAR in April 2017.

Executive KMP
In January 2017, Woodside conducted a review of executive KMP’s remuneration based on benchmarking data against a defined peer 
group. This data confirmed that the executive KMP’s remuneration was below market median. This supported the CEO’s decision to 
award an on average increase of 2.5% to their FAR in April 2017.

Short-term awards
STA pool
The STA pool for 2017 was $20,613,243 for 103 participants including the executive KMP and the CEO.

CEO and Managing Director
The CEO’s performance outcomes against his individual performance indicators are as follows:

 + Growth agenda: Highlighted by a third gas discovery in Myanmar and added acreage in Myanmar, Gabon and Australia; disciplined 
drilling campaigns in Myanmar and Senegal ahead of schedule and under budget; Browse, Scarborough and broader Carnarvon 
aggregation opportunities matured in support of our Horizon II strategic plan; execution of a long-term SPA with Pertamina.

 + Effective execution: Delivered first LNG production from Wheatstone; achieved record LNG production rates at Pluto; Persephone 
project delivered A$355M under budget and six months ahead of schedule; achieved a significant improvement on TRIR with a  
1.26 score in 2017.

 + Enterprise capability: highlighted by an increase to our Indigenous participation from 3% in 2016 to 3.3% in 2017 with continued 

declined in Indigenous turnover from 2.9% in 2017 to 1.7%; increasing our female participation to 29%, which compares favourably 
to the industry average of 22%, with executive female representation increased from 19.6% in 2016 to 23.9% in 2017; continuing to 
attract high-quality graduates; achieving gender balance in graduate recruitment; industry leading practices in technology and 
innovation, in particular in cognitive robotics research to improve risk management.

 + Culture and reputation: highlighted by our A$17.97 million worth of social investment to our host communities and establishing 
the first early childhood program in Senegal through the Woodside Development Fund; Creation of significant economic value 
through A$1 billion in remuneration and associated taxes through employing people in the communities in which we operate;  
employee volunteer contribution was 10,450 hours reflecting A$2.2 million towards community assistance; the introduction of a 
Board approved Human Rights policy.

 + Shareholder focus: highlighted by outstanding operational performance in our base business and domestic and international 

growth opportunities; strong focus on productivity, continued focus on driving down costs to maintain profitability in a low price 
environment; disciplined approach to acquisitions and capital management.

The CEO’s overall individual performance factor for 2017 was 1.2, resulting in an STA award of 72% of maximum.

The CEO’s 2013 deferred STA vested on 21 February 2017, resulting in him receiving 19,924 shares.

Executive KMP
The Board approved STA to executive KMP based on the scorecard result and their individual performance assessment. Two-thirds 
of STA was delivered in cash, and one-third in Restricted Shares subject to a three-year deferral period.

Executive KMPs 2013 deferred STA vested on 21 February 2017, which resulted in the following:

 + 1,390 restricted shares vested to Mr Abbott.

 + 2,660 restricted shares vested to Mr Matisons.

 + 5,075 restricted shares vested to Mr Edwardes.

 + 4,249 restricted shares vested to Mr Tremaine.

 + 2,566 restricted shares vested to Mr Gregory.

 + 322 restricted shares vested to Mr Utsler. 

 + 1,450 restricted shares vested to Mr Loader.

84   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Long-term awards
CEO and Managing Director
The CEO’s 2012 LTA had a partial vesting of 33.84% on 22 February 2017 which resulted in him receiving 50,985 shares.

Executive KMP
The KMP's 2012 LTA had a partial vesting of 33.84% on 22 February 2017 which resulted in the following:

 + 2,221 rights vested to Mr Abbott.

 + 4,034 rights vested to Mr Edwardes.

 + 1,572 rights vested to Mr Gregory.

 + 3,438 rights vested to Mr Matisons.

 + 4,951 rights vested to Mr Tremaine.

Other
Woodside Equity Plan (WEP)
Executive KMPs 2014 WEP equity rights vested on 1 October 2017, which resulted in the following:

 + 1,150 rights vested to Mr Abbott.

 + 1,720 rights vested to Mr Matisons.

 + 2,300 rights vested to Mr Gregory.

Supplementary Woodside Equity Plan (SWEP)
Executive KMPs 2014 SWEP equity rights vested on 1 October 2017, which resulted in the following:

 + 11,960 rights vested to Mr Loader.

 + 14,350 rights vested to Mr Utsler. 

Table 5 on page 85 provides a valuation summary of the VAR for the CEO and executive KMP for the 2017 and 2016 performance years.

Table 5 – Valuation Summary of CEO and executive KMP EIP for 2017 and 2016

Name

P Coleman

M Abbott

S Duhe⁴

R Edwardes

S Gregory

P Loader⁵

R Matisons

D McLoughlin6

L Tremaine7

M Utsler

Year

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

STA Cash1 
$

STA Deferred2 
$

1,875,061

1,085,317

234,046

240,312

21,809

-

333,532

434,721

239,529

316,815

256,787

395,538

184,074

251,333

-

98,688

-

380,224

475,262

615,447

850,617

2,103,092

106,175

111,478

9,873

-

151,290

201,659

108,649

146,953

116,476

183,473

83,483

116,573

-

45,769

-

176,373

215,589

285,492

LTA3 
$

1,263,852

1,265,214

84,263

83,711

10,468

-

160,109

159,385

86,229

85,266

123,265

122,127

88,364

87,893

-

83,711

-

144,407

171,107

169,375

Total EIP 
$

3,989,530

4,453,623

424,484

435,501

42,150

-

644,931

795,765

434,407

549,034

496,528

701,138

355,921

455,799

-

228,168

-

701,004

861,958

1,070,314

1.  Represents the short-term incentive earned in the respective year, which is actually paid in the following year. Amounts were translated to US dollars using closing spot rate on 31 December 

2017. Under his contract, the CEO is entitled to receive two-thirds of his STA in cash and one-third in restricted shares which have a three-year deferral period. For the 2016 performance year, the 
CEO agreed to take one-third as cash, one-third as shares with a two-year deferral period and one-third in restricted shares which have a three-year deferral period. For the 2017 award, the CEO 
originally agreed to a similar arrangement but with the subsequent decision to raise new equity through a retail entitlement offer, the Board elected to pay the CEO two-thirds of the STA in cash 
on the basis that he will use the after-tax proceeds to exercise his rights under the offer. The CEO has undertaken to retain those shares for at least a year.

2.  The number of shares allocated under the STA was calculated by dividing the amount of the executive's entitlement by the face value of Woodside shares. The USD fair value of Restricted 

Shares as at their date of grant has been determined by reference to the share price at acquisition. The fair value is not related to or indicative of the benefit (if any) that individual executive may 
ultimately realise should these equity instruments vest.

3.  The number of shares allocated under the LTA for 2017 was calculated by dividing the amount of the executive's entitlement by the face value of Woodside shares. The USD fair value shown 

above has been determined at the date of grant by applying the binomial valuation method combined with a Monte Carlo simulation. The amount listed above is not related to or indicative of the 
benefit (if any) that individual executives may ultimately receive should these equity instruments vest.

4.  Ms Duhe commenced employment with Woodside on 1 December 2017.
5.  Mr Loader will cease being KMP on 28 February 2018.
6.  Mr McLoughlin ceased employment with Woodside on 3 March 2017, resulting in the forfeiture of 100% of his 2017 VAR.
7.  Mr Tremaine ceased employment with Woodside on 2 June 2017, resulting in the forfeiture of 100% of his 2017 VAR.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Remuneration Report   85

 
Other equity plans

Woodside has a history of providing employees with the opportunity to participate in ownership of shares in the company and using 
equity to support a competitive base remuneration position.

Details of prior year allocations are provided in Table 11 on pages 90–92.

Woodside Equity Plan (WEP)
The WEP is available to all Australian based permanent employees including executives, other than the CEO. 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 determined by the Board, and based on individual 
performance as assessed under the performance review process as described for STA on page 80. There are no further ongoing 
performance conditions. 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.

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 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. Each ER entitles the participant to receive a 
Woodside share on the vesting date three years after the effective grant date.

An award of 15,000 Equity Rights under SWEP was made to Ms Sherry Duhe upon commencement of employment with Woodside 
to recognise certain rights that were forfeited with her prior employer.

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 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.

Table 11 on pages 90–92 includes a summary of executive KMP’s interests in ERs.

Contracts for executive KMP

All KMP have a contract of employment. Table 6 below contains a summary of the key contractual provisions of the contracts of 
employment for the executive KMP.

Table 6 – Summary of contractual provisions for executive KMP

Employing company

Contract Duration

Termination notice 
period company1, 2 

Termination notice  
period executive

P Coleman

Woodside Petroleum Ltd

Unlimited

M Abbott

S Duhe

Woodside Energy Ltd

Unlimited

Woodside Energy Ltd

Unlimited

R Edwardes

Woodside Energy Ltd

Fixed Term Contract until  
31 December 2018

S Gregory

Woodside Energy Ltd

Unlimited

R Matisons

Woodside Energy Ltd

Unlimited

P Loader

M Utsler

Woodside Energy Ltd

Woodside Energy Ltd

Fixed Term Contract until  
1 July 2018

Fixed Term Contract until  
2 December 2018

12 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

12 months

12 months

6 months

6 months

6 months

3 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 termination of an executive contract will be consistent with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

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.

86   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Non-executive Directors (NEDs)

Remuneration Policy
Woodside’s Remuneration Policy for NEDs aims to attract, retain, motivate and to remunerate fairly and responsibly having regard to:

 + the level of fees paid to NEDs relative to other major Australian companies

 + the size and complexity of Woodside’s operations

 + the responsibilities and work requirements of Board members

Fees paid to NEDs are recommended by the HR&C Committee based on benchmarking 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.

The Woodside minimum shareholding requirement for NEDs increased in 2016, with NEDs now required to have acquired shares for a 
total purchase price of at least 50% of their pre-tax annual fee after four years on the Board. 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.

NEDs remuneration structure
NEDs remuneration consists of base Board fees and committee fees, plus 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.

For the third consecutive year, NEDs received no increase in their fees. Table 7 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.

Board fees are not paid to the CEO, 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.

The total remuneration paid to, or in respect of, each NED in 2017 is set out in Table 12 on page 93.

Table 7 – Annual base Board and Committee fees for NEDs

Position 

Chairman of the Board2

Non-executive Directors3

Committee Chair

Committee Member

Board

A$1

723,3004

212,7004

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Human Resources 
& Compensation 
Committee

Sustainability 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

A$1

A$1

A$1

56,0004

27,9004

47,4004

23,7004

47,4004

23,7004

A$1

Nil

Nil

1.  NEDs receive Board and committee fees plus statutory superannuation (or payments in lieu for overseas based NEDs).
2.  Inclusive of committee work.
3.  Board fees paid to NEDs, other than the Chairman.
4.  Annual fee from 1 July 2014.

Human Resources & Compensation (HR&C) Committee

The HR&C 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, available on 
Woodside's website.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Remuneration Report   87

 
Use of remuneration consultants

The Committee directly engages independent external advisers to provide input to the process of reviewing NEDs and executive 
remuneration. The Committee receives executive remuneration advice directly from external independent remuneration consultants. 
Table 8 below shows the fees payable to independent external remuneration consultants during 2017.

Under communications and engagement protocols adopted by the company, the market data reports were provided directly to the 
Committee Chair, and the consultants provided a statement to the Committee that the reports 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 
work undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers were free from undue influence by KMP.

Table 8 – Fees paid to remuneration consultants

Remuneration consultant

Services provided

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Remuneration benchmarking for the 2017 NED fee review

Remuneration benchmarking for the 2017 CEO remuneration review

Fees

A$15,000 (ex GST)

A$25,500 (ex GST)

PricewaterhouseCoopers provided other services to Woodside including provision of taxation advice and general financial and 
business consulting which resulted in a total of A$3,039,713 fees being paid by Woodside.

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 functional and presentation currency of the company.

Compensation for Australian-based employees and all KMP 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.

88   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Statutory tables

Table 9 - Compensation of executive KMP for the year ended 31 December 2017 and 2016

Fixed Annual Reward

Variable Annual 
Reward

Short-term

Post

Short-term

Share based 
payments

s
e
e
f

,
s
e
i
r
a
a
S

l

s
e
c
n
a
w
o

l
l

a
d
n
a

$

s
e
c
n
a
w
o

l
l

a

i

g
n
d
u
l
c
n
i
(

d
n
a

s
t
fi
e
n
e
B

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

l

3
s
n
a
p
e
r
a
h
S

e
v
a
e

l

e
c
i
v
r
e
s
g
n
o
L

s
t
fi
e
n
e
b

n
o
i
t
a
n
m
r
e
T

i

l

a
t
o
T

4
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r

5
d
e
t
a
e
r

l

e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P

$

$

$

$

$

$

A$

P Coleman, 
Chief Executive Officer

2017

1,893,748

51,310

15,197

1,875,061

3,994,496

84,293

2016 1,809,295

25,158

14,461

1,085,317

3,673,472

98,772

M Abbott, 
Senior Vice President Corporate  
and Legal

2017

349,823

17,049

92,801

234,046

270,277

19,760

2016

340,806

15,320

63,205

240,312

271,499

29,379

S Duhe, 
Executive Vice President and Chief 
Financial Officer6

2017

197,922

78,528

2016

-

-

-

-

21,809

9,186

1,238

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

7,914,105 10,266,600

6,706,475

8,949,491

983,756

1,281,013

960,521

1,292,954

308,683

402,986

-

-

1,890,649

2,456,444

1,874,159

2,518,405

1,079,246

1,409,030

1,105,396

1,488,227

1,682,683

2,186,728

1,653,104

2,220,352

1,015,831

1,325,726

1,078,439

1,449,595

-

-

645,568

869,059

-

-

%

74

71

51

53

10

-

54

56

54

61

56

58

50

56

34

31

-

55

-

61

55

56

2017

807,124

17,532

15,197

333,532

688,578

28,686

2016

769,232

13,254

14,461

434,721

607,645

34,846

2017

444,512

17,003

15,197

239,529

339,217

23,788

2016

414,999

19,282

14,461

316,815

357,328

(17,489)

2017

681,242

41,783

2016

642,876

27,487

-

-

256,787

681,840

21,031

395,538

563,058

24,145

2017

385,171

23,336

79,248

184,074

323,310

20,692

2016

348,924

18,253

90,494

251,333

351,166

18,269

R Edwardes, 
Executive Vice President 
Development7

S Gregory, 
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Technology Officer

P Loader, 
Executive Vice President  
Global Exploration8, 9, 10

R Matisons, 
Executive Vice President Marketing, 
Trading and Shipping

D McLoughlin, 
Senior Vice President People and 
Global Capability11

G Roder, 
Executive Vice President Business 
Development and Growth12

2017

2016

2017

67,741

2,933

2,727

-

144,478

(23,842) 225,557

419,594

542,337

2016

399,768

17,744

14,461

98,688

99,405

15,502

-

-

-

-

-

-

219,107

10,406

14,291

151,403

661,126

(10,606) 425,219

1,470,946

1,983,499

L Tremaine, 
Executive Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer13

M Utsler, 
Executive Vice President and  
Chief Operations Officer8, 14

2017

286,355

8,242

7,419

-

(1,616,311)

(108,997) 51,065

(1,372,227)

(1,779,498)

2016

606,228

13,053

16,942

380,224

692,987

39,820

2017

1,026,372

22,006

2016

946,540

23,643

-

-

475,262

828,789

30,656

615,447

666,580

35,982

-

-

-

1,749,254

2,364,527

2,383,085

3,094,964

2,288,192

3,079,492

1.  Reflects the value of allowances and non-monetary benefits (including travel, health insurance, car parking and any associated fringe benefit tax).
2.  Represents the short-term incentive earned in the respective year, which is actually paid in the following year. Amounts were translated to US dollars using closing spot rate on 31 December 

2017. Under his contract, the CEO is entitled to receive two-thirds of his STA in cash and one-third in restricted shares which have a three-year deferral period. For the 2016 performance year, the 
CEO agreed to take one-third as cash, one-third as shares with a two-year deferral period and one-third in restricted shares which have a three-year deferral period. For the 2017 award, the CEO 
originally agreed to a similar arrangement but with the subsequent decision to raise new equity through a retail entitlement offer, the Board elected to pay the CEO two-thirds of the STA in cash 
on the basis that he will use the after-tax proceeds to exercise his rights under the offer. The CEO has undertaken to retain those shares for at least a 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. 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.  The total remuneration in AUD is converted from USD using exchange rates on the date of each transaction. This non-IFRS information is included for the purposes of showing the total annual 

cost of benefits to the company in Australian dollars for the service period.

5.  Performance related outcomes are calculated using the USD total remuneration figure.
6.  Ms Duhe commenced with Woodside on 1 December 2017.
7.  Mr Edwardes' 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 share based payment amortisation expenses have been accelerated based on his contract end date of 31 December 2018.
8.  As nonresidents 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.

9.  Mr Loader's 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 share based payment amortisation expenses have been accelerated based on his contract end date of 1 July 2018.
10. Mr Loader will cease being KMP on 28 February 2018.
11.  Mr McLoughlin ceased employment with Woodside on 3 March 2017. 
12.  Mr Roder ceased being KMP on 29 April 2016 and left employment with Woodside on 31 October 2016.
13.  Mr Tremaine ceased employment with Woodside on 2 June 2017. 
14.  Mr Utsler's 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 share based payment amortisation expenses have been accelerated based on his contract end date of 2 December 2018. 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Remuneration Report   89

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 10 - LTA peer group, international oil and gas companies

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Apache Corporation

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

Tullow Oil PLC

Table 11 – Summary of CEO and executive KMP’s allocated, vested or lapsed equity 

Type of equity1

Grant date

Allocation date

Vesting date2,3

Awarded 
but not 
vested

Vested in 
2017

% of total 
vested

Lapsed in 
2017

Fair 
Value of 
Equity4,5

P Coleman

Restricted Shares

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2017

-

19,924

100

Restricted Shares

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2018

Restricted Shares

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2019

Restricted Shares

16 December 2016 27 February 2017 27 February 2019

Restricted Shares

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2020

Restricted Shares

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2021

45,334

47,905

48,225

48,225

37,822

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2012

22 February 2013 22 February 2017

150,665

50,985

33.84

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2018

156,940

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2019

167,316

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2020

153,833

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2021

104,997

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2022

104,797

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

M Abbott6

Restricted Shares

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2017

-

1,390

100

Restricted Shares

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2019

Restricted Shares

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2020

Restricted Shares

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2012

22 February 2013 22 February 2017

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2020

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2022

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2014

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2015

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2017

-

-

-

1 October 2017

1 October 2018

1 October 2020

S Duhe⁷

Restricted Shares

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2022

4,788

5,339

4,721

6,564

9,425

6,947

6,987

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,221

33.84

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,150

100

2,300

1,150

439

868

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

SWEP Equity Rights

1 December 2017

-

1 December 2020

15,000

90   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

35.18

34.80

31.15

22.73

20.88

22.49

15.90

20.77

17.45

17.39

12.05

12.06

35.18

31.15

20.88

22.49

15.90

17.39

12.05

12.06

31.26

18.07

20.33

22.49

12.06

21.26

 
Table 11 – Summary of CEO and Executive KMP’s allocated, vested or lapsed equity (cont.)

Type of equity1

Grant date

Allocation date

Vesting date2,3

Awarded 
but not 
vested

Vested in 
2017

% of total 
vested

Lapsed in 
2017

Fair 
Value of 
Equity4,5

R Edwardes

Restricted Shares

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2017

-

5,075

100

Restricted Shares

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2018

Restricted Shares

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2019

Restricted Shares

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2020

Restricted Shares

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2012

22 February 2013 22 February 2017

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2018

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2019

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2020

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2022

9,717

10,507

9,658

6,727

11,923

19,780

21,078

19,379

13,227

13,276

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4,034

33.84

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

S Gregory

Restricted Shares

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2017

-

2,566

100

Restricted Shares

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2018

Restricted Shares

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2019

Restricted Shares

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2020

Restricted Shares

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2012

22 February 2013 22 February 2017

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2018

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2019

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2020

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2022

5,198

6,218

7,038

4,831

4,647

10,000

11,276

10,367

7,076

7,150

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,572

33.84

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2014

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2015

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2017

-

-

-

1 October 2017

1 October 2018

1 October 2020

-

2,300

100

2,300

1,730

-

-

-

-

P Loader⁸

Restricted Shares

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2017

-

1,450

100

Restricted Shares

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2018

Restricted Shares

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2019

Restricted Shares

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2020

Restricted Shares

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2018

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2019

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2020

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2022

SWEP Equity Rights

1 October 2014

-

1 October 2017

R Matisons9

Restricted Shares

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2017

Restricted Shares

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2019

Restricted Shares

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2020

Restricted Shares

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2012

22 February 2013 22 February 2017

7,445

8,051

8,787

5,179

7,536

16,150

14,849

10,135

10,221

-

-

5,541

5,583

3,712

10,161

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2020

10,688

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2022

7,294

7,327

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

11,960

2,660

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

100

100

-

-

-

3,438

33.84

-

-

-

-

-

-

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2014

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2015

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2017

-

-

-

1 October 2017

1 October 2018

1 October 2020

-

1,720

100

2,300

1,150

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

35.18

34.80

31.15

20.88

22.49

15.90

20.77

17.45

17.39

12.05

12.06

35.18

34.80

31.15

20.88

22.49

15.90

20.77

17.45

17.39

12.05

12.06

31.26

18.07

20.33

35.18

34.80

31.15

20.88

22.49

20.77

17.45

17.39

12.05

12.06

31.26

35.18

31.15

20.88

22.49

15.90

17.39

12.05

12.06

31.26

18.07

20.33

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Remuneration Report   91

 
 
Table 11 – Summary of CEO and Executive KMP’s allocated, vested or lapsed equity (cont.)

Type of equity1

Grant date

Allocation date

Vesting date2,3

Awarded 
but not 
vested

Vested in 
2017

% of total 
vested

Lapsed in 
2017

Fair 
Value of 
Equity4,5

D McLoughlin10 Restricted Shares

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 October 2017

Restricted Shares

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 20 October 2017

Restricted Shares

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2020

-

-

-

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2020

7,068

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2021

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2015

-

20 March 2017

L Tremaine11

Restricted Shares

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2017

Restricted Shares

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2018

Restricted Shares

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2019

Restricted Shares

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2020

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2012

22 February 2013 22 February 2017

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2018

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2019

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2020

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2021

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2014

WEP Equity Rights

1 October 2015

SWEP Equity Rights

1 October 2014

-

-

-

1 October 2017

1 October 2018

1 October 2017

M Utsler

Restricted Shares

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2017

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

158

4,239

-

-

-

1,090

4,249

-

-

-

100

100

-

-

-

47.4

100

-

-

-

4,951

33.84

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

322

100

Restricted Shares

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2018

Restricted Shares

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2019

Restricted Shares

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2020

Restricted Shares

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2013

21 February 2014 21 February 2018

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2014

20 February 2015 20 February 2019

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2015

19 February 2016 19 February 2020

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2016

27 February 2017 27 February 2021

RTSR Tested VPRs

1 January 2017

20 February 2018 20 February 2022

12,228

10,876

13,673

9,586

1,676

21,219

19,509

14,056

14,188

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

SWEP Equity Rights

1 October 2014

-

1 October 2017

-

14,350

100

-

-

17.45

31.15

2,192

20.88

-

6,947

-

-

10,393

9,887

8,447

9,680

16,560

18,036

16,583

11,984

2,300

2,300

11,960

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

17.39

12.05

18.07

35.18

34.80

31.15

20.88

15.90

20.77

17.45

17.39

12.05

31.26

18.07

31.26

35.18

34.80

31.15

20.88

22.49

20.77

17.45

17.39

12.05

12.06

31.26

1.  For valuation purposes all VPRs and equity rights are treated as if they will be equity settled.
2.  Vesting date and exercise date are the same. Vesting is subject to satisfaction of vesting conditions. Full details of the vesting conditions for all prior year equity grants to KMP are included in the 

remuneration report for the relevant year. 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 equity instruments awarded.

3.  Any RTSR-tested VPRs allocated prior to 2016 that do not vest as a result of the first test will be retested over a five year performance period. RTSR-tested VPRs allocated in 2016 and future years 

will not be retested. The second test date for earlier VPR allocations is one year after the vesting date listed in the table.

4.  In accordance with the requirements of AASB 2 Share-based Payment, the fair value of variable pay 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. 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.  The fair value of Equity Rights and Restricted Shares as at their date of grant has been determined by reference to the share price at acquisition. The fair value is not related to or indicative of the 

benefit (if any) that individual executives may ultimately realise should these equity instruments vest. 

6.  Mr Abbott did not meet the definition of KMP under AASB 124 for years prior to 2015. Previous years comparative figures are not shown.
7.  Ms Duhe commenced employment with Woodside on 1 December 2017.
8.  Mr Loader will cease being KMP on 28 February 2018.
9.  Mr Matisons did not meet the definition of KMP under AASB 124 for years prior to 2015. Previous years comparative figures are not shown.
10. Mr McLoughlin ceased employment with Woodside on 3 March 2017. 
11.  Mr Tremaine ceased employment with Woodside on 2 June 2017.

92   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
Table 12 - Total remuneration paid to NEDs in 2017 and 2016

The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the components of remuneration for each of the company’s NEDs.

Non-executive director

Cash salary and fees

Pension super

Salaries, fees and allowances 
$

Company contributions to superannuation 
$

M Chaney

L Archibald¹

M Cilento 

F Cooper 

R Goyder2

C Haynes

A Jamieson3

I Macfarlane4

D McEvoy5

A Pickard⁶

S Ryan

G Tilbrook

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

1.  Mr Archibald was appointed as a director on 1 February 2017.
2.  Mr Goyder was appointed as a director on 1 August 2017.
3.  Dr Jamieson ceased being a director on 21 April 2016.
4.  Mr MacFarlane was appointed as a director on 14 November 2016.
5.  Mr David McEvoy ceased being a director of Woodside on 5 May 2017.
6.  Ms Pickard was appointed as a director on 29 February 2016.

 554,241 

537,452

 203,850 

-

 217,467 

205,449

 224,057 

217,270

 69,080 

-

 221,765 

215,047

 - 

69,634

 203,043 

25,233

 75,562 

214,000

 234,168 

163,184

 202,524 

196,390

 211,265 

196,390

 52,653 

51,058

- 

-

 20,659 

19,518

 21,285 

20,641

 6,507 

-

- 

-

- 

-

 14,852 

1,206

 7,179 

20,330

- 

12,677

 19,240 

18,657

 18,301 

15,015

Total 
$

 606,894 

588,510

 203,850 

-

 238,126 

224,967

 245,342 

237,911

 75,587 

-

 221,765 

215,047

- 

69,634

 217,895 

26,439

 82,741 

234,330

 234,168 

175,861

 221,764 

215,047

 229,566 

211,405

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Remuneration Report   93

 
Table 13 - KMP share and equity holdings

Details of shares held by KMP including their personally related entities1 for the 2017 financial year are as follows:

Opening 
holding at  
1 January 
20172

Type of 
equity¹

Rights 
allocated in 
2017

Rights vested 
in 2017

Restricted 
shares 
granted

Net changes 
other

NEDSP3

Closing 
holding at 31 
December 
20174

Non-executive Directors

M Chaney

L Archibald

M Cilento

F Cooper

R Goyder⁵

C Haynes

I MacFarlane

D McEvoy⁶

A Pickard

S Ryan

G Tilbrook

Executives

P Coleman

M Abbott

S Duhe

Shares

Shares

Shares

Shares

Shares

Shares

Shares

Shares

Shares

Shares

Shares

Equity Rights

Shares

Equity Rights

Shares

Equity Rights

Shares

R Edwardes

Equity Rights

S Gregory

P Loader⁷

R Matisons

Shares

Equity Rights

Shares

Equity Rights

Shares

Equity Rights

Shares

D McLoughlin⁸

Equity Rights

L Tremaine⁹

Equity Rights

Shares

M Utsler

Shares

Equity Rights

Shares

 20,000 

 - 

 2,311 

 4,928 

 - 

 6,119 

 - 

 8,040 

 940 

 4,458 

 7,153 

 628,754 

 238,758 

 33,385 

 17,286 

 - 

 - 

 72,160 

 30,552 

 40,890 

 13,982 

 50,495 

 16,946 

 46,786 

 40,038 

 9,726 

 4,397 

 82,370 

 60,627 

 56,754 

 23,426 

 - 

 1,088 

 1,248 

 1,468 

- 

 1,446 

 873 

 - 

 1,436 

 1,290 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 104,997 

 - 

 8,097 

 - 

 15,000 

 - 

 13,227 

 - 

 8,806 

 - 

 10,135 

 - 

 8,444 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 14,056 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

(50,985)

 50,985 

(3,371)

 3,371 

 - 

 - 

(4,034)

 4,034 

(3,872)

 3,872 

(11,960)

 11,960 

(5,158)

 5,158 

(1,090)

 1,090 

(4,951)

 4,951 

(14,350)

 14,350 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 12,500 

 - 

 - 

(8,040)

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 96,450 

(36,750)

 - 

 - 

 5,339 

(10,000)

 - 

 - 

 - 

(2,000)

 - 

(4,138)

 - 

 - 

 - 

(12,375)

(8,636) 

 (5,487) 

(77,419)

(65,578)

 - 

 - 

 - 

 9,658 

 - 

 7,038 

 - 

 8,787 

 - 

 5,583 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 13,673 

 20,000 

 1,088 

 3,559 

 6,396 

 12,500 

 7,565 

 873 

 - 

 2,376 

 5,748 

 7,153 

 682,766 

 349,443 

 38,111 

 15,996 

 15,000 

 - 

 81,353 

 42,244 

 45,824 

 20,754 

 48,670 

 37,693 

 50,072 

 38,404 

-

-

 - 

- 

 - 

 - 

 56,460 

 51,449 

1.  Personally related entities include a KMP's spouse, dependents or entities over which they have direct control or significant influence.
2.  Opening holding represents amounts carried forward in respect of KMP.
3.  Related to participation in the non-executive Directors' Share Plan (NEDSP).
4.  Closing equity rights holdings represent unvested options and rights held at the end of the reporting period. There are no options and rights vested but unexercised as at 31 December 2017.
5.  Mr Goyder was appointed as a director on 1 August 2017.
6.  Mr McEvoy ceased being a diretor on 5 May 2017. 
7.  Mr Loader will cease being KMP on 28 February 2018.  
8.  Mr McLoughlin ceased employment with Woodside on 3 March 2017. 
9.  Mr Tremaine ceased employment with Woodside on 2 June 2017. 

94   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

   
 
 
Glossary

Key terms used in the Remuneration Report
Term
Committee
EIP
ER

Meaning
The Human Resources & Compensation Committee
The Executive Incentive Plan
Equity right. 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 (or a cash equivalent in the case of international assignees).  
No amount is payable by the Executive on the grant or vesting of an ER
A senior employee whom the Board has determined to be eligible to participate in the EIP

Executive
Executive Director Peter Coleman
The Executive Director and senior executives listed in Table 1 on page 78
Executive KMP
Key management personnel
KMP
Key performance indicator
KPI
Long-term award
LTA
Non-executive director
NED
The Non-executive Director Share Plan
NEDSP
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.  

RTSR
Scorecard
STA
SWEP
VAR
VPR

WEP

No amount is payable by the Executive on the grant or vesting of a Restricted Share
Relative total shareholder return
A corporate scorecard of key measures that aligns 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 (or, at the Board’s 
discretion, as cash equivalent). No amount is payable by the Executive on the grant or vesting of a VPR
The Woodside Equity Plan

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Remuneration Report   95

 
S
T
N
E
M
E
T
A
T
S
L
A
I
C
N
A
N
I
F

Main cryogenic heat exchanger at the Karratha Gas Plant.

 
CONTENTS

Financial statements

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 the financial statements

About these statements 

A.  Earnings for the year 

A.1  Segment revenue and expenses 

A.2  Finance costs 

A.3  Dividends paid and proposed 

A.4  Earnings per share 

A.5  Taxes 

B.  Production and growth assets 

B.1  Segment production and growth assets 

B.2  Exploration and evaluation 

B.3  Oil and gas properties 

B.4  Impairment of oil and gas properties 

B.5  Significant production and growth asset acquisitions 

98

99

100

101

102

103

105

106

108

108

108

108

110

111

112

113

114

115

C.  Debt and capital 

C.1  Cash and cash equivalents 

C.2  Interest-bearing liabilities and financing facilities 

C.3  Contributed equity 

C.4  Other reserves 

D.  Other assets and liabilities 

D.1  Receivables 

D.2  Inventories 

D.3  Payables 

D.4  Provisions 

D.5  Segment assets and liabilities 

E.  Other items 

E.1  Contingent liabilities and assets 

E.2  Leases 

E.3  Employee benefits 

E.4  Related party transactions 

E.5  Auditor remuneration 

E.6  Events after the end of the reporting period 

E.7  Joint arrangements 

E.8  Parent entity information 

E.9  Subsidiaries 

E.10 Other accounting policies 

Directors’ declaration 

Independent audit report 

116

117

117

118

119

120

121

121

121

121

122

123

124

124

124

126

126

126

126

127

128

130

132

133

Significant changes in the current reporting period
The financial performance and position of the Group was particularly affected by the following events and transactions during the 
reporting period:

•  Wheatstone LNG commenced production from its onshore facility near Onslow, Western Australia. Refer to Note A.1 for the asset’s 

results for the period.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  97

 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 December 2017

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 (PRRT) benefit
Income tax expense
Profit after tax
Profit attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interest

Profit for the year
Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to equity holders of the parent (US cents)

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.

Notes

A.1
A.1

A.1
A.1

 A.2

A.5
A.5

E.9

A.4

2017
US$m

3,908 
(1,963)
1,945 
31 
(326)
1,650 
10 
(94)
1,566 
136 
(582)
1,120 

1,024 
96 
1,120 
121.8 

2016
US$m

4,075 
(2,234)
1,841 
56 
(509)
1,388 
8 
(56)
1,340 
177 
(544)
973 

868 
105 
973 
104.0 

98  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income
Items that may be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent periods:
Exchange differences reclassified to profit or loss
Losses on hedges
Tax effect on employee share plans

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent periods:
Remeasurement gains/(losses) on defined benefit plan

Other comprehensive income for the year, 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 statements.

2017
US$m

1,120 

2016
US$m

973 

-
(2)
8 

4 

10 
1,130 

1,034 
96 
1,130 

17 
(12)
-

(2)

3 
976 

871 
105 
976 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  99

 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
as at 31 December 2017

Notes

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

C.1
D.1
D.2
A.5

D.1
D.2

B.2
B.3

A.5

D.3
C.2

D.4
A.5

C.2
A.5

D.4

C.3
C.3
C.4

E.9

318 
482 
186 
-
27 
1,013 

155 
-
31 
8 
3,530 
19,398 
141 
1,125 
24,388 
25,401 

691 
76 
11 
29 
220 
61 
1,088 

4,989 
1,798 
22 
77 
1,547 
8,433 
9,521 
15,880 

6,919 
(35)
997 
7,169 
15,050 
830 
15,880 

285 
446 
149 
2 
18 
900 

172 
5 
30 
8 
3,228 
19,376 
69 
965 
23,853 
24,753 

546 
76 
17 
31 
202 
91 
963 

4,897 
1,578 
20 
72 
1,561 
8,128 
9,091 
15,662 

6,919 
(30)
979 
6,971 
14,839 
823 
15,662 

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Inventories
Tax receivable
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 
Other financial liabilities 
Other liabilities
Provisions 
Tax payable
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 statements.

100  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit after tax for the year
Adjustments for:
Non-cash items

Depreciation and amortisation 
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)/increase 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
Borrowing costs relating to operating activities
Income tax paid 
PRRT received
Payments for restoration 
Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows used in investing activities
Payments for capital and exploration expenditure
Borrowing costs relating to investing activities
Payments for disposal of oil and gas properties
Payments for acquisition of joint arrangements net of cash acquired

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows (used in)/from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayments of borrowings
Borrowing costs relating to financing activities
Contributions to non-controlling interests
Proceeds from underwriters of Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP)
Dividends paid (net of DRP)
Dividends paid outside of DRP
Net cash (used in)/from financing activities

Net increase in cash held
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period
Effects of exchange rate changes 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.

Notes

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

1,120 

973 

1,204 
-
(1)
84 
446 
58 
28 

7 
(25)
(75)
(4)
37 
2,879 
(47)
10 
6 
(21)
(411)
6 
(22)
2,400 

(1,390)
(178)
-
-

(1,568)

2,220 
(2,133)
(15)
(51)
-
-
(826)
(805)

27 
285 
6 
318 

1,346 
(23)
5 
48 
367 
54 
45 

21 
45 
16 
(7)
(81)
2,809 
(54)
8 
7 
-
(172)
14 
(25)
2,587 

(1,608)
(153)
(14)
(698)

(2,473)

2,673 
(2,128)
(18)
(193)
277 
(274)
(286)
51 

165 
122 
(2)
285 

B.5

C.2
C.2

C.1

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
g
n

i
l
l

o
r
t
n
o
c
-
n
o
N

t
s
e
r
e
t
n

i

E.9
US$m

823 
96 
-
96 
-
-
-
(89)
830 

799 
105 
-
105 
-
-
-
-
(81)
823 

y
t
i
u
q
e

l

a
t
o
T

US$m

15,662 
1,120 
10 
1,130 
(47)
-
50 
(915)
15,880 

15,025 
973 
3 
976 
372 
(54)
-
64 
(721)
15,662 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December 2017

i

d
a
p
y

l
l

u
f
d
n
a
d
e
u
s
s
I

s
e
r
a
h
s

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n
a
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a
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e
e
y
o
p
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e

l

r
o
f
d
e
v
r
e
s
e
r

s
e
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a
h
S

s
t
fi
e
n
e
b
e
e
y
o
p
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E

l

e
v
r
e
s
e
r

e
v
r
e
s
e
r
n
o
i
t
a
l
s
n
a
r
t

y
c
n
e
r
r
u
c
n
g
e
r
o
F

i

e
v
r
e
s
e
r
g
n
g
d
e
H

i

i

s
g
n
n
r
a
e
d
e
n
a
t
e
R

i

e
h
t

l

f
o
s
r
e
d
o
h
y
t
i
u
q
E

t
n
e
r
a
p

Notes

C.3
US$m

C.3
US$m

C.4
US$m

C.4
US$m

C.4
US$m

US$m

US$m

At 1 January 2017
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year
Employee share plan purchases
Employee share plan redemptions
Share-based payments
Dividends paid 
At 31 December 2017

At 1 January 2016
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Employee share plan purchases
Employee share plan redemptions 
Share-based payments
Dividends paid 
At 31 December 2016
The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements.

6,919 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,919 

6,547 
-
-
-
372 
-
-
-
-
6,919 

(30)
-
-
-
(47)
42 
-
-
(35)

(27)
-
-
-
-
(54)
51 
-
-
(30)

198 
-
12 
12 
-
(42)
50 
-
218 

187 
-
(2)
(2)
-
-
(51)
64 
-
198 

793 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
793 

776 
-
17 
17 
-
-
-
-
-
793 

(12)
-
(2)
(2)
-
-
-
-
(14)

-
-
(12)
(12)
-
-
-
-
-
(12)

6,971 
1,024 
-
1,024 
-
-
-
(826)
7,169 

6,743 
868 
-
868 
-
-
-
-
(640)
6,971 

14,839 
1,024 
10 
1,034 
(47)
-
50 
(826)
15,050 

14,226 
868 
3 
871 
372 
(54)
-
64 
(640)
14,839 

102  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
About these statements

Woodside Petroleum Ltd (Woodside or the Group) is a for-
profit entity limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in 
Australia. Its shares are publicly traded on the Australian Securities 
Exchange. The nature of the operations and principal activities 
of the Group are described in the Directors’ Report and in the 
segment information in Note A.1.

The financial statements were authorised for issue in accordance 
with a resolution of the directors on 14 February 2018.

Statement of compliance
The financial statements are general purpose financial statements, 
which have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of 
the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), Australian Accounting Standards 
(AASBs) and other authoritative pronouncements of the 
Australian Accounting Standards Board. The financial statements 
comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)  
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

The accounting policies are consistent with those disclosed in 
the Financial Report 2016, except for the impact of all new or 
amended standards and interpretations. With the exception of 
AASB 9 (refer to Note E.10(c)), the adoption of these standards 
and interpretations did not result in any significant changes to the 
Group’s accounting policies. 

Currency
The functional and presentation currency of Woodside Petroleum 
Ltd and all its subsidiaries is US dollars.

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.

Rounding of amounts
The amounts contained in these financial statements have been 
rounded to the nearest million dollars under the option available 
to the Group under Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission (ASIC) Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ 
Reports) Instrument 2016/191 dated 24 March 2016, unless 
otherwise stated.

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost 
basis, except for derivative financial instruments and certain other 
financial assets and financial liabilities, which have been measured 
at fair value or amortised cost adjusted for changes in fair  
value attributable to the risks that are being hedged in effective 
hedge relationships.

The financial statements comprise the financial results of the 
Group and its subsidiaries as at 31 December each year (refer 
to Section E). 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 the Group ceases to  
have control.

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.

The consolidated financial statements provide comparative 
information in respect of the previous period. A reclassification of 
items in the financial statements of the previous period have been 
made in accordance with the classification of items in the financial 
statements of the current period.

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.

Financial and capital risk management 
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment 
and oversight of the Group’s risk management framework, including 
review and the approval of the Group’s risk management strategy, 
policy and key risk parameters. The Board of Directors and the Audit 
and Risk Committee have oversight of the Group’s internal control 
system and risk management process, including the oversight of the 
internal audit function.

The Group’s management of financial and capital risks is aimed  
at ensuring that available capital, funding and cash flows are  
sufficient to:

•  meet the Group’s 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. Refer to the risk section of the Operating and Financial 
Review on pages 62–63 for more information on the Group’s 
objectives, policies and processes for managing financial risk.

The below risks arise in the normal course of the Group’s business. 
Risk information can be found in the following sections:

Section A
Section A
Section C
Section C
Section C
Section D

Commodity price risk
Foreign exchange risk
Capital risk
Liquidity risk
Interest rate risk
Credit risk

Page 105
Page 105
Page 116
Page 116
Page 116
Page 120

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  103

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017 
Key estimates 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 known 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 
found in the following notes:

Note A.5
Note B.2
Note B.3
Note B.4
Note D.4
Note E.7

Taxes
Exploration and evaluation
Oil and gas properties
Impairment of oil and gas properties
Provisions
Joint arrangements

Page 109
Page 112
Page 113
Page 114
Page 122
Page 126

104  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A. EARNINGS FOR THE YEAR
for the year ended 31 December 2017

In this section

This section addresses financial performance of the Group for the reporting period including, where applicable, the accounting policies 
applied and the key estimates and judgements made. The section also includes the tax position of the Group for and at the end of the 
reporting period.

A.

A.1

A.2

A.3

A.4

A.5

Earnings for the year

Segment revenue and expenses

Finance costs

Dividends paid and proposed

Earnings per share

Taxes

Page 106

Page 108

Page 108

Page 108

Page 108

Key financial and capital risks in this section

Commodity price risk management 
The Group’s revenue is exposed to commodity price fluctuations. Oil and gas prices are measured 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.

As at the reporting date, the Group had no financial instruments with material exposure to commodity price risk.

Foreign exchange risk management 
Foreign exchange risk arises from future commitments, financial assets and financial liabilities that are not denominated in US dollars.  
The majority of the Group’s revenue is denominated in US dollars. The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk arising from operating and 
capital expenditure incurred in currencies other than US dollars, particularly Australian dollars.

Measuring the exposure to foreign exchange risk is achieved by regularly monitoring and performing sensitivity analysis on the  
Group’s financial position.

A reasonably possible change in the exchange rate of the US dollar to the Australian dollar (+12%/-12% (2016:+10%/-10%)), with all other 
variables held constant, would not have a material impact on the Group’s equity or the profit or loss in the current period. Refer to Notes 
C.1, C.2, D.1 and D.3 for detail of the denomination of cash and cash equivalents, interest-bearing liabilities, receivables and payables held at  
31 December 2017.

In order to hedge the foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk (refer to Section C) of a Swiss Franc (CHF) denominated medium term 
note, Woodside holds a number of cross-currency interest rate swaps (refer to Note C.2). The aim of this hedge is to convert the fixed 
interest CHF bond into variable interest US dollar debt.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  105

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A. EARNINGS FOR THE YEAR
for the year ended 31 December 2017

A.1  Segment revenue and expenses 

Operating segment information
The Group has identified its operating segments based on the 
internal reports that are reviewed and used by the executive 
management team in assessing performance and in determining 
the allocation of resources. During the period North West Shelf 
oil revenue and expenses were transferred to the Australia Oil 
segment. Comparatives have been restated to reflect the change.

Management monitors the operating results of the segments 
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 and is measured in accordance with the Group’s 
accounting policies. 

Financing requirements, including cash and debt balances, finance 
income, finance costs and taxes are managed at a Group level.

Operating segments outlined below are identified by management 
based on the nature and geographical location of the business  
or venture. 

Producing 
North West Shelf Project – Exploration, evaluation, 
development, production and sale of liquefied natural gas, 
pipeline natural gas, condensate and liquefied petroleum gas 
from the North West Shelf ventures.

Pluto LNG – Exploration, evaluation, development, production 
and sale of liquefied natural gas and condensate in assigned 
permit areas.

Australia Oil – Exploration, evaluation, development, 
production and sale of crude oil in assigned permit areas 
(North West Shelf, Enfield, Vincent, Stybarrow and Balnaves).

Wheatstone LNG – Exploration, evaluation, development, 
production and sale of liquefied natural gas and condensate in 
assigned permit areas.

Development 
Browse – Exploration, evaluation and development of 
liquefied natural gas and condensate in the Browse area. 
The segment is not disclosed in Note A.1 as there were no 
revenues or expenses recorded for 2017 or 2016.

Other 
Other segments – This segment comprises trading and 
shipping activities and activities undertaken in the  
United States, Canada, Senegal, Myanmar and other 
international locations.

Major customer information
The Group has two major customers which account for 20% and 
15% of the Group’s external revenue. The sales are generated by 
the Pluto and North West Shelf operating segments (2016: two 
customers; 21% and 17%).

Revenue from external 
customers1

Non-current assets2

2017
US$m
329 
3,377 
11 
-
191 
3,908 

2016
US$m
501 
3,513 
11 
-
50 
4,075 

2017
US$m
21,178 
133 
1,349 
598 
5 
23,263 

2016
US$m
21,048 
64 
1,285 
486 
5 
22,888 

Oceania
Asia
Canada
Africa
Other
Consolidated

1.  Revenue is attributable to geographic location based on the location of the customers.
2. Non-current assets exclude deferred tax of US$1,125m (2016: US$965m).

Recognition and measurement 
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.

•  Revenue from sale of produced hydrocarbons

Revenue from the sale of produced hydrocarbons is recognised 
when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have 
passed to the customer, which is typically at the point that title 
passes. This policy is applied to the Group’s different  
operating arrangements. 

Revenue is recognised on the basis of the Group’s working 
interest in a producing field (the entitlement method).

Revenue from take or pay contracts is recognised in earnings when 
the product has been drawn by the customer and recorded as 
unearned revenue when not drawn by the customer.

•  Other operating revenue

Revenue earned from LNG processing, ship chartering and other 
services is recognised as the services are rendered.

Trading and other hydrocarbon revenue earned from sales of 
third party products is recognised when the risks and rewards of 
ownership of the products are transferred to the customer.

Expenses
•  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.

•  Depreciation and amortisation

Refer to Note B.3 for details on depreciation and amortisation.

Unallocated items – Unallocated items comprise primarily 
corporate 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.

•  Impairment

Refer to Note B.4 for details on impairment.

•  Leases

Refer to Note E.2 for details on leases.

•  Employee benefits

Refer to Note E.3 for details on employee benefits.

106  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A. EARNINGS FOR THE YEAR
for the year ended 31 December 2017

A.1  Segment revenue and expenses (cont.)

Producing

Other

Pluto

North West Shelf
2016

Australia Oil
2017

Wheatstone
2017

Other segments Unallocated items
2016

Consolidated
2017

2017

2016

2016

2016
2017
US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m
2,751 
303 
413 
302 
34 

1,950 
-
134 
-
-

1,763 
-
145 
-
-

2,631 
148 
413 
390 
34 

801 
292 
279 
-
34 

860 
137 
268 
-
34 

-
-
-
390 
-

-
-
-
302 
-

-
11 
-
-
-

-
11 
-
-
-

8 
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-

2016

2017

2017

2016

Liquefied natural gas
Pipeline natural gas
Condensate
Oil 
Liquefied petroleum gas
Revenue from sale of 
produced hydrocarbons
Processing and services 
revenue
Trading revenue
Other hydrocarbon revenue
Other revenue
Operating revenue
Production costs
Royalties and excise
Insurance
Inventory movement
Provision adjustment
Costs of production
Land and buildings
Transferred exploration and 
evaluation 
Plant and equipment 
Marine vessels and carriers
Oil and gas properties 
depreciation and 
amortisation
Shipping and direct sales 
costs
Trading costs
Other hydrocarbon costs
Other cost of sales
Cost of sales

Trading intersegment 
adjustments
Gross profit

Other income 
Exploration and evaluation 
expenditure
Amortisation
Write-offs
Exploration and evaluation
General, administrative and 
other costs
Depreciation of other plant 
and equipment
Other1
Other costs
Other expenses

1,299 

1,406 

1,908 

2,084 

390 

302 

8 

-
-
-
-
1,299 
(132)
(180)
(2)
(1)
-
(315)
(4)

(7)
(226)
(7)

-
-
-
-
1,406 
(157)
(177)
(5)
4 
-
(335)
(7)

(4)
(243)
(7)

192 
36 
19 
247 
2,155 
(159)
-
(12)
13 
-
(158)
(24)

(35)
(744)
-

202 
-
-
202 
2,286 
(145)
-
(11)
(16)
-
(172)
(46)

(49)
(820)
-

-
-
-
-
390 
(125)
(7)
(7)
(8)
120 
(27)
-

(3)
(94)
-

-
-
-
-
302 
(157)
(2)
(4)
(4)
-
(167)
-

(2)
(121)
-

-
-
28 
28 
36 
(15)
-
-
11 
-
(4)
(6)

(1)
(17)
-

(244)

(261)

(803)

(915)

(97)

(123)

(24)

(61)
-
-
(61)
(620)

(18)
661 

12 

(4)
-
-
(4)

(3)

-
-
(3)
(7)

(34)
-
-
(34)
(630)

-
776 

11 

(4)
-
-
(4)

(11)

(1)
4 
(8)
(12)

(104)
(34)
(20)
(158)
(1,119)

(93)
-
-
(93)
(1,180)

(18)
1,018 

(65)
1,041 

-
-
-
-
(124)

-
266 

7 

(8)
-
-
(8)

(1)

-
(6)
(7)
(15)

2 

(3)
-
-
(3)

-

-
(30)
(30)
(33)

8 

(1)
-
-
(1)

-

-
1 
1 
-

-
-
-
-
(290)

-
12 

40 

(1)
-
-
(1)

(9)

-
-
(9)
(10)

-
-
(27)
(27)
(55)

-
(19)

-

(2)
-
-
(2)

-

-
1 
1 
(1)

-

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-
-

-
-

-

-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-

-

11 

11 

-
17 
-
17 
28 
(11)
-
(1)
-
-
(12)
-

-
-
-

-

-
(21)
-
(21)
(33)

36 
31 

-

(104)
(16)
(58)
(178)

-
70 
-
70 
81 
(11)
-
-
-
-
(11)
-

-
-
-

-

-
(109)
-
(109)
(120)

65 
26 

-

(208)
(26)
(54)
(288)

-

-
-
-
-
-
(1)
-
(1)
-
-
(2)
-

-
-
-

-

(10)
-
-
(10)
(12)

-
(12)

4 

-
-
-
-

-

3,616 

3,803 

-
-
-
-
-
(2)
-
2 
-
-
-
-

-
-
-

-

(14)
-
-
(14)
(14)

-
(14)

192 
53 
47 
292 
3,908 
(443)
(187)
(23)
15 
120 
(518)
(34)

202 
70 
-
272 
4,075 
(472)
(179)
(18)
(16)
-
(685)
(53)

(46)
(1,081)
(7)

(55)
(1,184)
(7)

(1,168)

(1,299)

(175)
(55)
(47)
(277)
(1,963)

(141)
(109)
-
(250)
(2,234)

-
1,945 

-
1,841 

3 

31 

56 

-
-
-
-

(119)
(16)
(58)
(193)

(216)
(26)
(54)
(296)

(8)

(23)

(87)

(90)

(99)

(133)

(1)
4 
(5)
(183)

(1)
(5)
(29)
(317)

(19)
(14)
(120)
(120)

(19)
(28)
(137)
(137)

(20)
(14)
(133)
(326)

(21)
(59)
(213)
(509)

(152)

(291)

(128)

(148)

1,650 

1,388 

Profit/(loss) before tax and 
net finance costs

666 

775 

1,010 

1,010 

274 

42 

(20)

1.  Other comprises foreign exchange gains and losses, losses on disposals of investments, restructuring costs as well as other expenses not associated with the ongoing operations of the business.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  107

 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A. EARNINGS FOR THE YEAR
for the year ended 31 December 2017

A.2  Finance costs

A.5  Taxes

Interest on interest-bearing liabilities
Accretion charge
Other finance costs
Less: Finance costs capitalised against 
qualifying assets

2017
US$m
202 
39 
20 

(167)
94 

2016
US$m
163 
40 
16 

(163)
56 

A.3 

Dividends paid and proposed

Woodside Petroleum Ltd, the parent entity, paid and proposed 
dividends set out below:

(a) Dividends paid during the financial year
Prior year fully franked final dividend US$0.49, 
paid on 29 March 2017 (2016: US$0.43, paid on 
8 April 2016)
Current year fully franked interim dividend 
US$0.49 paid on 21 September 2017 (2016: 
US$0.34, paid on 30 September 2016)

(b) Dividend declared subsequent to the 
reporting period (not recorded as a liability)
Final dividend US$0.49 (2016: US$0.49)

(c) Other information
Franking credits available for the  
subsequent periods

Current year dividends per share (US cents)

A.4 

Earnings per share

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

413 

413 
826 

354 

286 
640 

413

413 

2,032

98 

1,887 

83 

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)

1,024 
840,928,530 
121.8 

868 
835,011,896 
104.0 

2017

2016

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing net profit for the 
year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue during the 
year. The weighted average number of shares makes allowance 
for shares reserved for employee share plans. 

Performance rights of 10,006,241 (2016: 9,384,302) are considered 
to be contingently issuable and have not been allowed for in the 
diluted earnings per share calculation. 

There have been no transactions involving ordinary shares 
between the reporting date and the date of completion of these 
financial statements. 

(a) Tax expense comprises
PRRT

Current tax benefit
Deferred tax benefit

PRRT benefit
Income tax
Current year

Current tax expense
Deferred tax expense
Adjustment to prior years
Current tax benefit
Deferred tax expense

Income tax expense
Tax expense

(b) Reconciliation of income tax expense
Profit before tax
PRRT benefit
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense calculated at 30%
Non-deductible items
Foreign expenditure not brought to account
Adjustment to prior years
Foreign exchange impact on tax expense
Income tax expense

(c) Reconciliation of PRRT benefit
Profit before tax
Non-PRRT assessable profits
PRRT projects profit/(loss) before tax
PRRT expense/(benefit) calculated at 40%
Augmentation
Other
PRRT benefit

(d) Deferred tax income statement reconciliation
PRRT

Production and growth assets
Augmentation for current year
Provisions
Other

PRRT deferred tax benefit
Income tax

Oil and gas properties
Exploration and evaluation assets
Provisions
PRRT liabilities
Unused tax losses and tax credits
Other

Income tax deferred tax expense
Deferred tax expense

(e) Deferred tax balance sheet reconciliation
Deferred tax assets
PRRT

Production and growth assets
Augmentation for current year
Provisions
Other

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

(3)
(133)
(136)

(5)
(172)
(177)

384 
170 

(3)
31 
582 
446 

1,566 
136 
1,702 
511 
2 
35 
28 
6 
582 

1,566 
(1,513)
53 
21 
(183)
26 
(136)

(49)
(183)
105 
(6)
(133)

198 
9 
39 
39 
(50)
(42)
193 
60 

933 
178 
24 
(10)
1,125 

368 
176 

(10)
10 
544 
367 

1,340 
177 
1,517 
456 
15 
84 
(2)
(9)
544 

1,340 
(1,452)
(112)
(45)
(170)
38 
(177)

(36)
(170)
13 
21 
(172)

200 
(49)
36 
56 
(119)
62 
186 
14 

685 
170 
125 
(15)
965 

108  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A. EARNINGS FOR THE YEAR
for the year ended 31 December 2017

A.5  Taxes (cont.)

(e) Deferred tax balance sheet reconciliation (cont.)
Deferred tax liabilities
PRRT

Production and growth assets
Augmentation for current year
Provisions
Other
Income tax

Oil and gas properties
Exploration and evaluation assets
Provisions
PRRT liabilities
Unused tax losses and tax credits
Other1

(f) Tax (payable)/receivable reconciliation
PRRT receivable
Income tax payable

(g) Effective income tax rate: Australian and global 
operations
Effective income tax rate2

Australia
Global

(h) Current year income tax payable reconciliation
Profit before income tax
Income tax at the statutory tax rate of 30%
Non-temporary differences3,4 
Temporary differences: deferred tax4
Current year income tax payable

2017

US$m

2016

US$m

463 
(5)
(129)
11 

1,636 
308 
(485)
236 
(169)
(68)
1,798 

434 
-
(133)
12 

1,438 
299 
(524)
197 
(119)
(26)
1,578 

-
(61)
(61)

2 
(91)
(89)

31.5%
34.2%

30.5%
35.9%

1,702
511
37 
(170)
378

1,517
456
99
(176)
379

1.  US$8.0 million (2016: US$0.2 million) movement recognised in other comprehensive income.
2. The global operations effective income tax rate (ETR) is calculated as the Group’s income tax 
expense divided by profit before income tax. The Australian operations ETR is calculated with 
reference to all Australian companies and excludes foreign exchange impact on tax expense.
3. Primarily expenditure in respect of foreign operations. Excludes foreign exchange impact on  

tax expense.

4. Excludes adjustment to prior years.

Tax transparency code 
Woodside participates in the Australian Board of Taxation’s 
voluntary Tax Transparency Code (TTC). To increase public 
confidence in the contributions and compliance of corporate 
taxpayers, the TTC recommends public disclosure of tax 
information. Woodside has addressed the recommended 
disclosures in two parts. The Part A disclosures are addressed 
within this Taxes note; the Part B disclosures are addressed in our 
Sustainable Development Report.

Recognition and measurement 
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount 
expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. 
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. The tax rates and laws used to determine the 
amount are based on those that have been enacted or substantially 
enacted by the end of the reporting period. Income taxes relating to 
items recognised directly in equity are recognised in equity. 

Current taxes 
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. 

Deferred taxes 
Deferred tax expense is the movements in the temporary 
differences between the carrying amount of an asset or liability in 
the statement of financial position and its tax base. 

With the exception of those noted below, deferred tax liabilities 
are recognised for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred 
tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences, 
unused tax losses and tax credits only if it is probable that sufficient 
future taxable income will be available to utilise those temporary 
differences and losses. 

Deferred tax is 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 accounting profit nor the taxable profit. 

In relation to PRRT, the impact of future augmentation on 
expenditure is included in the determination of future taxable 
profits when assessing the extent to which a deferred tax asset can 
be recognised in the statement of financial position. 

Offsetting deferred tax balances 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only if there is a legally 
enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and 
when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation 
authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable 
entities that the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and 
liabilities on a net basis. Refer to Notes E.9 and E.10 for detail on 
the tax consolidated group.

Key estimates and judgements 

(a) Income tax classification 
Judgement is required when determining whether a particular tax is 
an income tax or another type of tax. Accounting for deferred tax is 
applied to income taxes as described above, but is not applied to other 
types of taxes, e.g. North West Shelf royalties and excise. Such taxes 
are recognised in the income statement on an appropriate basis. PRRT 
is considered, for accounting purposes, to be an income tax.

(b)  Deferred tax asset recognition 
Australian tax losses: A deferred tax asset of US$169 million  
(2016: US$119 million) has been recognised from carry forward unused 
tax losses and credits. The Group has determined that it is probable 
that sufficient future taxable income will be available to utilise those 
losses and credits.

Foreign tax losses: Deferred tax assets of US$403 million  
(2016: US$407 million) relating to unused foreign tax losses where  
it is not probable that the assets will be utilised based on current 
planned activities in those regions.

PRRT: Deferred tax assets on deductible temporary differences 
have not been recognised on the basis that deductions from future 
augmentation of the deductible temporary difference will be sufficient 
to offset future taxable profit. US$3,722 million (2016: US$3,592 
million) relates to the North West Shelf Project, US$501 million (2016: 
US$425 million) relates to the quarantined exploration spend of the 
Pluto Project and US$680 million (2016: US$605 million) relates to the 
Wheatstone Project. Future taxable profits were determined using the 
same assumptions disclosed in Note B.4 and a long-term bond rate of 
2.5% (2016: 2.2%) for the purposes of augmentation.

Had an alternative approach been used to assess recovery of the 
deferred tax assets, whereby future augmentation was not included 
in the assessment, the estimated deferred tax assets would be 
recognised, with a corresponding benefit to income tax expense. It was 
determined that the approach adopted provides the most meaningful 
information on the implications of the PRRT regime, whilst ensuring 
compliance with AASB 112 Income Taxes.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  109

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS B. PRODUCTION AND GROWTH ASSETS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

In this section

This section addresses the strategic growth (exploration and evaluation) and core producing (oil and gas properties) assets’ position 
of the Group at the end of the reporting period including, where applicable, the accounting policies applied and the key estimates and 
judgements made. The section also includes the impairment position of the Group at the end of the reporting period. 

B.

B.1

B.2

B.3

B.4

B.5

Production and growth assets

Segment production and growth assets

Exploration and evaluation

Oil and gas properties

Impairment of oil and gas properties

Significant production and growth asset acquisitions

Page 111

Page 112

Page 113

Page 114

Page 115

110  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS B. PRODUCTION AND GROWTH ASSETS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

B.1  Segment production and growth assets

B1_Segment

Producing

Development

North West 
Shelf

Consolidated
2016
2017
2017
US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m

Australia Oil Wheatstone
2016
2017

Browse

Pluto

2017

2017

2016

2016

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Other
Other 
segments

Balance as at 31 December
Oceania
Asia
Canada
Africa
Other
Total exploration and evaluation

Balance as at 31 December
Land and buildings
Transferred exploration and evaluation
Plant and equipment
Marine vessels and carriers
Projects in development
Total oil and gas properties

Additions to exploration and evaluation:
Exploration

Evaluation
Restoration

Additions to oil and gas properties:

Oil and gas properties additions
Capitalised borrowing costs additions1
Restoration

21 
-
-
-
-
21 

7 
-
-
-
-
7 

-
-
-
-
-
-

407 
-
-
-
-
407 

594 
133 

397 
-
-
-
-

562 
61 
1,348  1,284 
486 
5 
397  2,677  2,398 

598 
4 

1,447 
133 
1,348 
598 
4 
3,530 

1,392 
61 
1,284 
486 
5 
3,228 

16 
-
-
-
-
16 

16 
-
-
-
-
16 

402 
-
-
-
-
402 

396 
-
-
-
-
396 

28 
42 

24 
69 

436 
333 

460 
368 
2,263  2,293  10,222  10,932 
-
56 
2,739  2,768  11,053  11,816 

115 
268 

122 
283 

-
62 

21 
-
-
-
-
21 

-
12 
409 
-
568 
989 

-
15 

661 
235 
482  3,190 
7 

-
-
271 
-
-
293 
520  3,727 
790  4,613  3,998 

-

-
(6)
(6)

-

-
-
-

-

15 
-
15 

-

7 
-
7 

-

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-

-

-
-
-
-
-
-

-

14 
(4)
10 

30 
(6)
24 

1 
-
3 
-
-
4 

489 
1 
1,122 
-
425 
649 
3  16,087  13,981 
122 
-
122 
-
4,359 
1,418 
4  19,398  19,376 

179 

168 
6 
353 

94 

862 
(13)
943 

180 

199 
(3)
376 

94 

908 
(25)
977 

111 
-
(35)
76 

286 
9 
1 
296 

116 
1 
(2)
115 

480 
150 
21 
651 

763 
157 
(13)
907 

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

-
-
-
-

959 
167 
76 
1,202 

1,208 
163 
(97)
1,274 

-

-
-
-

-

1 
-
1 

171 
8 
36 
215 

218 
5 
(47)
176 

1 

10 
(5)
6 

22 
-
18 
40 

1.  Borrowing costs capitalised were at a weighted average interest rate of 4.0% (2016: 3.5%).

Refer to Note A.1 for descriptions of the Group’s segments and geographical regions.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  111

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS B. PRODUCTION AND GROWTH ASSETS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

B.2  Exploration and evaluation

Year ended 31 December 2017
Carrying amount at 1 January 2017
Additions
Amortisation of licence acquisition costs
Expensed
Carrying amount at 31 December 2017

Year ended 31 December 2016
Carrying amount at 1 January 2016
Additions
Amortisation of licence acquisition costs
Expensed
Transferred exploration and evaluation
Carrying amount at 31 December 2016

Exploration commitments
Year ended 31 December 2017
Year ended 31 December 2016

Oceania
US$m

Asia
US$m

Canada
US$m

Africa
US$m

Other
US$m

1,392 
90 
(2)
(33)
1,447 

1,302 
325 
-
(38)
(197)
1,392 

82 
43 

61 
89 
(1)
(16)
133 

30 
35 
(4)
-
-
61 

63 
81 

1,284 
64 
-
-
1,348 

1,170 
139 
(9)
(16)
-
1,284 

21 
26 

486 
132 
(11)
(9)
598 

19 
478 
(11)
-
-
486 

93 
183 

5 
1 
(2)
-
4 

7 
-
(2)
-
-
5 

16 
17 

Total
US$m

3,228 
376 
(16)
(58)
3,530 

2,528 
977 
(26)
(54)
(197)
3,228 

275 
350 

Recognition and measurement 
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.

Areas of interest are based on a geographical area. All exploration 
and evaluation expenditure, including general permit activity, 
geological and geophysical costs and new venture activity costs, is 
expensed as incurred except for the following:

•  where the expenditure relates to an exploration discovery that, 
at the reporting date, has not been recognised as an area of 
interest, because an assessment of the existence or otherwise of 
economically recoverable reserves is not yet complete; or

•  where the expenditure relates to a recognised area of interest 

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 acquiring interests in new exploration and evaluation 
licences are capitalised. 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.

Subsequent to the recognition of an area of interest, all further 
evaluation costs relating to that area of interest are capitalised.

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.

In the statement of cash flows, those cash flows associated  
with capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure,  
including unsuccessful wells, are classified as cash flows used  
in investing activities.

Exploration commitments 
The Group has exploration expenditure obligations which are 
contracted for, but not provided for in the financial statements. 
These obligations may be varied from time to time and are 
expected to be fulfilled in the normal course of operations  
of the Group.

Key estimates and judgements 

(a) Area of interest 
An area of interest (AOI) is defined by the Group as an individual 
geographical area whereby the presence of hydrocarbons is considered 
favourable or proved to exist. The Group has established criteria 
to recognise and maintain an AOI. There is separate guidance for 
conventional and unconventional AOIs.

(b) Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets
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 AOI.

Each potential or recognised AOI 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 continued carry forward of capitalised costs. Where a potential 
impairment is indicated, assessment is performed using a fair value less 
costs to dispose method to determine the recoverable amount for each 
AOI to which the exploration and evaluation expenditure is attributed.

This assessment requires management to make certain estimates and 
apply judgement in determining 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.

112  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS B. PRODUCTION AND GROWTH ASSETS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

B.3  Oil and gas properties

Year ended 31 December 2017
Carrying amount at 1 January 2017
Additions
Depreciation and amortisation 
Completions and transfers
Carrying amount at 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2017
Historical cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment 
Net carrying amount

Year ended 31 December 2016
Carrying amount at 1 January 2016
Additions
Disposals at written down value
Depreciation and amortisation 
Completions and transfers
Carrying amount at 31 December 2016

At 31 December 2016
Historical cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment 
Net carrying amount

Land and 
buildings

US$m

Transferred 
exploration and 
evaluation 

Plant and 
equipment

Marine vessels 
and carriers

Projects in 
development

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

489 
-
(34)
667 
1,122 

1,903 
(781)
1,122 

575 
-
-
(86)
-
489 

1,092 
(603)
489 

425 
-
(46)
270 
649 

1,093 
(444)
649 

465 
-
-
(55)
15 
425 

823 
(398)
425 

13,981 
39 
(1,093)
3,160 
16,087 

28,450 
(12,363)
16,087 

14,767 
(90)
(3)
(1,192)
499 
13,981 

24,566 
(10,585)
13,981 

122 
-
(7)
7 
122 

316 
(194)
122 

129 
-
-
(7)
-
122 

401 
(279)
122 

4,359 
1,163 
-
(4,104)
1,418 

1,530 
(112)
1,418 

3,300 
1,364 
-
-
(305)
4,359 

5,282 
(923)
4,359 

Total 

US$m

19,376 
1,202 
(1,180)
-
19,398 

33,292 
(13,894)
19,398 

19,236 
1,274 
(3)
(1,340)
209 
19,376 

32,164 
(12,788)
19,376 

Recognition and measurement
Oil and gas properties are stated at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and impairment charges. Oil and gas properties 
include initial cost to acquire, construct, install or complete 
production and infrastructure facilities such as pipelines and 
platforms, capitalised borrowing costs, transferred exploration and 
evaluation assets, development wells and the estimated 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.

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.

Transferred exploration and evaluation and offshore plant and 
equipment are depreciated using the unit of production basis 
over proved plus probable reserves or proved reserves for late 
life assets. Onshore plant and equipment is depreciated using 
a straight-line basis over the lesser of useful life and the life of 
proved plus probable reserves. On a straight-line basis the assets 
have an estimated useful life of 5-50 years.

All other items of oil and gas properties are depreciated using the 
straight-line method over their useful life. They are depreciated  
as follows:

•  Buildings – 24-40 years;

•  Other plant and equipment – 

•  Marine vessels and carriers – 

5-15 years; and

10-40 years;

•  Land is not depreciated.

Impairment
Refer to Note B.4 for details on impairment.

Capital commitments
The Group has capital expenditure commitments contracted for, 
but not provided for in the financial statements of US$535 million 
(2016: US$553 million).

Key estimates and judgements 

Reserves
The estimations of reserves require significant management 
judgement and 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. 

Estimates of oil and natural gas reserves are used to calculate 
depreciation, depletion and amortisation charges for the Group’s oil 
and gas properties. Judgement is used in determining the reserve base 
applied to each asset. Typically, late life oil assets use proved reserves. 

Estimates are reviewed at least annually or when there are changes 
in the economic circumstances impacting specific assets or asset 
groups. These changes may impact depreciation, asset carrying 
values, restoration provisions and deferred tax balances. If proved 
reserves estimates are revised downwards, earnings could be 
affected by higher depreciation expense or an immediate write-down 
of the asset’s carrying value. 

For more information regarding reserve assumptions, refer to the 
reserves and resources statement on pages 64–67 of the 
Annual Report.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  113

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS B. PRODUCTION AND GROWTH ASSETS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Recognised impairment and impairment reversal
The Group assessed each CGU to determine whether an indicator 
of impairment or impairment reversal existed. No indicators of 
impairment or impairment reversal were identified in 2016 or 2017.

Inputs to impairment indicator modelling
Future cash flow information used for the value in use calculation 
is based on the Group’s latest reserves, budget, five-year plan  
and project economic plans. Key estimates are disclosed in the 
‘Key estimates and judgements’ section.

B.4  Impairment of oil and gas properties

Recognition and measurement 
Impairment testing
The carrying amounts of oil and gas properties are assessed half-
yearly to determine whether there is an indication of impairment 
or impairment reversal for those assets which have previously 
been impaired. Indicators of impairment and impairment reversals 
include changes in future selling prices, future costs and reserves. 
When assessing potential indicators of impairment or reversals the 
Group models scenarios and a range of possible future commodity 
prices is considered. If any such indication exists, the asset’s 
recoverable amount is estimated.

Oil and gas properties are assessed for impairment indicators and 
impairments on a cash generating unit (CGU) basis. CGUs are 
determined as a floating production, storage and off-take vessel 
for an oil asset and a LNG Plant for a gas asset.

Impairment calculations
The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU 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 it to its 
present value using an appropriate discount rate.

If the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable 
amount, the asset or CGU is written down and an impairment loss 
is recognised in the income statement.

For assets previously impaired, if the recoverable amount exceeds 
the carrying amount, the impairment loss is reversed. The carrying 
amount of the asset or CGU 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.

Key estimates and judgements

Impairment and impairment reversal indicator modelling 
key assumptions 
In determining whether there is an indicator of impairment or impairment 
reversal, in the absence of quoted market prices, estimates are made 
regarding the present value of future cash flows for each CGU. These 
estimates require significant management judgement and 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 present value of future cash flows for each CGU were 
estimated using the assumptions set out below:

•  Inflation rate – an inflation rate of 2.0% has been applied (2016: 2.0%).

•  Foreign exchange rates – rate of $0.78 AUD:USD (2016: $0.76) based 

on management’s assumptions of short and long-term views of 
global rates.

•  Discount rate – a range of pre-tax discount rates have been applied 

between 9% and 11% (2016: 9% and 11%).

•  LNG price – based on the terms set out in the relevant contracts 
between the Group 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.

•  Natural gas price – based on the terms set out in the relevant 

contracts between the Group and its customers.

•  Oil price – oil prices were derived from long-term views of global 

supply and demand, building upon past experience of the industry 
and consistent with external sources. 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. The 
unadjusted Brent oil prices (US$/bbl) used were:

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2017
2016

58
58

62
58

67
71

71
78

76
84

80
84

Prices from 2023 onwards are escalated at 2%.

114  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS B. PRODUCTION AND GROWTH ASSETS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

B.5  Significant production and growth  

asset acquisitions

(a) Senegal

On 28 October 2016, Woodside completed the acquisition of 100% 
of the shares in ConocoPhillips Senegal B.V. for a purchase price 
of US$350 million plus a closing adjustment of US$92 million. 
Under the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, Woodside 
acquired a 35% interest in a Joint Operation holding three offshore 
exploration blocks containing the SNE and FAN oil discoveries  
in Senegal.

(b) Scarborough

On 14 November 2016, Woodside completed the acquisition of half 
of BHP Billiton’s Scarborough area assets in the Carnarvon Basin 
for an aggregate purchase price of US$250 million plus a closing 
adjustment of US$1 million. In addition, a US$150 million payment 
is contingent on a positive final investment decision to develop 
the Scarborough field. Woodside acquired the following interest in 
Joint Operations:

•  a 25% interest in WA-1-R and a 50% interest in WA-62-R, which 

together contain the Scarborough gas field;

•  a 50% interest in WA-61-R which contains the Jupiter gas field; 

and

•  a 50% interest in WA-63-R which contains the Thebe gas field.

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed 
The identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as at the date of the 
acquisition inclusive of transaction costs were:

Exploration and evaluation assets
Net other assets and liabilities acquired
Total identifiable net assets at acquisition

Cash flows on acquisition 

Purchase cash consideration
Transaction costs
Total purchase consideration
Net cash outflows on acquisition

Senegal Scarborough
US$m

US$m

447 
(1)
446 

252 
-
252 

Senegal Scarborough
US$m
251 
1 
252 
252 

US$m
442 
4 
446 
446 

Asset acquisitions after the end of the reporting period  
On 14 February 2018, Woodside announced it had entered into a 
binding Sale and Purchase Agreement to acquire ExxonMobil’s 
50% interest in WA-1-R, which contains the Scarborough gas field 
for an aggregate purchase price of US$444 million. In addition, 
a US$300 million payment is contingent on a positive final 
investment decision to develop the Scarborough field.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  115

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS C. DEBT AND CAPITAL
for the year ended 31 December 2017

In this section

This section addresses cash, debt and capital position of the Group at the end of the reporting period including, where applicable, the 
accounting policies applied and the key estimates and judgements made.

C.

C.1

C.2

C.3

C.4

Debt and capital

Cash and cash equivalents

Interest-bearing liabilities and financing facilities

Contributed equity

Other reserves

Page 117

Page 117

Page 118

Page 119

Key financial and capital risks in this section

Capital risk management
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. A stable capital base is maintained 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.

The Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in 2003 for activation as required to 
fund future growth. The DRP has not been utilised since the fully underwritten 2015 final dividend.

A range of financial metrics is monitored, including gearing and cash flow leverage, and Treasury policy breaches and exceptions.

Liquidity risk management
Liquidity risk arises from the 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.

The Group’s liquidity position is continually reviewed including cash flow forecasts to determine the forecast liquidity position and maintain 
appropriate liquidity levels. At 31 December 2017, the Group has a total of US$2,942 million (2016: US$2,679 million) of available undrawn 
facilities and cash at its disposal. The maturity profile of interest-bearing liabilities is disclosed in Note C.2, and trade and other payables are 
disclosed in Note D.3. Financing facilities available to the Group are disclosed in Note C.2.

Interest rate risk management
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 manages 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. The Group holds cross-currency interest rate swaps to hedge the foreign exchange risk (refer to Section A) and 
interest rate risk of the CHF denominated medium term note.

At the reporting date, the Group was exposed to various benchmark interest rates that were not designated in cash flow hedges,  
US$84 million (2016: US$43 million) on cash and cash equivalents, US$1,020 million (2016: US$1,533 million) on interest-bearing liabilities 
(excluding transaction costs) and US$11 million (2016: US$3 million) on cross-currency interest rate swaps.

A reasonably possible change in the USD London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (+1.0%/-1.0% (2016: +1.0%/-1.0%)), with all variables held 
constant, would not have a material impact on the Group’s equity or the income statement in the current period.

116  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS C. DEBT AND CAPITAL
for the year ended 31 December 2017

C.1  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank 
Total cash and cash equivalents

2017
US$m

318 
318 

2016
US$m

285 
285 

Recognition and measurement 
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.

Foreign exchange risk 
The Group held US$73 million of cash and cash equivalents at  
31 December 2017 (2016: US$23 million) in currencies other  
than US dollars.

C.2  Interest-bearing liabilities and financing facilities

Year ended 31 December 2017
At 1 January 2017
Repayments
Drawdowns
Fair value adjustment and foreign exchange movement
Transaction costs capitalised and amortised
Carrying value at 31 December 2017

Current
Non-current
Carrying value at 31 December 2017
Undrawn balance at 31 December 2017

Year ended 31 December 2016
At 1 January 2016
Repayments
Drawdowns
Fair value adjustment and foreign exchange movement
Transaction costs capitalised and amortised
Carrying value at 31 December 2016

Current
Non-current
Carrying value at 31 December 2016
Undrawn balance at 31 December 2016

Bilateral 
Facilities

US$m

Syndicated 
Facilities

US$m

JBIC 
Facility

US$m

US Bonds

US$m

Medium Term 
Notes

US$m

 244 
 (1,350)
 1,420 
 - 
 2 
 316 

 (2)
 318 
 316 
 1,824 

 993 
 (2,045)
 1,295 
 - 
 1 
 244 

 (3)
 247 
 244 
 1,894 

 696 
 (700)
 - 
 - 
 1 
 (3)

 (1)
 (2)
 (3)
 800 

 496 
 - 
 200 
 - 
 - 
 696 

 (1)
 697 
 696 
 500 

 583 
 (83)
 - 
 - 
 - 
 500 

 83 
 417 
 500 
 - 

 665 
 (83)
 - 
 - 
 1 
 583 

 83 
 500 
 583 
 - 

 3,084 
 - 
 800 
 - 
 (4)
 3,880 

 (4)
 3,884 
 3,880 
 - 

 2,287 
 - 
 800 
 - 
 (3)
 3,084 

 (3)
 3,087 
 3,084 
 - 

 366 
 - 
 - 
 7 
 (1)
 372 

 - 
 372 
 372 
 - 

 - 
 - 
 378 
 (12)
 - 
 366 

 - 
 366 
 366 
 - 

Total

US$m

 4,973 
 (2,133)
 2,220 
 7 
 (2)
 5,065 

 76 
 4,989 
 5,065 
 2,624 

 4,441 
 (2,128)
 2,673 
 (12)
 (1)
 4,973 

 76 
 4,897 
 4,973 
 2,394 

Recognition and measurement
All borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less transaction 
costs. Borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost. 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.

Borrowings designated as a hedged item are measured at amortised 
cost adjusted to record changes in the fair value of risks that are 
being hedged in fair value hedges. The changes in the fair value risks 
of the hedged item resulted in a loss of US$7 million being recorded 
(2016: gain US$12 million), offset by a gain of US$6 million recorded 
on the hedging instrument (2016: loss US$15 million).

All bonds, notes and 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 period.

Foreign exchange risk
All interest-bearing liabilities are denominated in US dollars, 
excluding the CHF175 million medium term note.

Fair value 
The carrying amount of interest-bearing liabilities approximates 
their fair value, with the exception of the Group’s unsecured  
bonds which have a carrying amount of US$3,880 million  
(2016: US$3,084 million) and a fair value of US$3,985 million 
(2016: US$3,151 million). The fair value of the bonds and notes was 
determined using quoted prices in an active market, classified 
as Level 1 on the fair value hierarchy. The Group’s repayment 
obligations remain unchanged.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  117

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS C. DEBT AND CAPITAL
for the year ended 31 December 2017

C.2  Interest-bearing liabilities and  
financing facilities (cont.)

Maturity profile of interest-bearing liabilities 
The table below presents the contractual undiscounted cash flows 
associated with the Group’s interest-bearing liabilities, 
representing principal and interest. The figures will not necessarily 
reconcile with the amounts disclosed in the consolidated 
statement of financial position. 

Due for payment in:
1 year or less
1-2 years
2-3 years
3-4 years
4-5 years
More than 5 years

Amounts exclude transaction costs.

2017
US$m

289 
1,144 
267 
910 
390 
3,237 
6,237 

2016
US$m

264 
962 
1,078 
197 
880 
2,631 
6,012 

Bilateral facilities
The Group has 17 bilateral loan facilities totalling US$2,144 million 
(2016: US$2,144 million). Details of bilateral loan facilities at the 
reporting date are as follows: 

Number of 
facilities

8
2
7

Term (years)

Currency

Extension option

5
4
3

USD
USD
USD

Evergreen
Evergreen
Evergreen

Interest rates are based on USD LIBOR and margins 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.

Syndicated facility
On 3 July 2015, the Group executed an unsecured US$1,000 million 
syndicated loan facility, which was increased to US$1,200 million 
on 22 March 2016. On 15 November 2017, Woodside amended the 
existing facility to a US$800 million facility comprising two equal 
tranches, which now expire in July 2020 and July 2022. Interest 
rates are based on USD LIBOR plus 0.9% and USD LIBOR plus 
1.15% respectively. Interest is paid at the end of each  
drawdown period. 

Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) facility
On 24 June 2008, the Group entered into a two tranche 
committed loan facility of US$1,000 million and US$500 million 
respectively. The US$500 million tranche was repaid in 2013. 
There is a prepayment option for the remaining balance. 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). 

Under this 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.

118  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Medium term notes
On 28 August 2015, the Group established a US$3,000 million 
Global Medium Term Notes Programme listed on the Singapore 
Stock Exchange. Two notes have been issued under this program 
as set out below:

Maturity date

Currency

15 July 2022
11 December 2023

USD
CHF

Carrying amount 
(million)

Nominal interest 
rate

 200
 175

 Floating three 
month USD LIBOR 
1%

The unutilised program is not considered to be an unused facility.

US Bonds
The Group has five unsecured bonds issued in the United States of 
America as defined in Rule 144A of the US Securities Act as set  
out below:

Maturity date
1 March 2019
10 May 2021
5 March 2025
15 September 2026
15 March 2028

Carrying amount 
US$m

Nominal interest rate

 600 
 700 
 1,000 
 800 
 800 

8.75%
4.60%
3.65%
3.70%
3.70%

Interest on the bonds is payable semi-annually in arrears.

C.3  Contributed equity 

Recognition and measurement
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.

(a) Issued and fully paid shares

Year ended 31 December 2017
Opening and closing balance

Year ended 31 December 2016
Opening balance

DRP underwriting agreement
Ordinary shares issued at A$26.70 (2015 final 
dividend)
DRP 
Ordinary shares issued at A$26.40 (2015 final 
dividend)

Share issue costs (net of tax)
Amounts at 31 December 2016

Number of 
shares

US$m

842,444,903 

6,919 

 823,910,657 

 6,547 

 13,631,075 

 277 

4,903,171 
 - 
 842,444,903 

 93 
 2 
 6,919 

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 relation to its issued shares.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS C. DEBT AND CAPITAL
for the year ended 31 December 2017

C.3  Contributed equity (cont.)

(b) Shares reserved for employee share plans

Year ended 31 December 2017
Opening balance
Purchases during the year
Vested during the year
Amounts at 31 December 2017

Year ended 31 December 2016
Opening balance
Purchases during the year
Vested during the year
Amounts at 31 December 2016

C.4  Other reserves

Other reserves
Employee benefits reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve
Hedging reserves

Reserve

Nature and purpose

Number of 
shares

US$m

1,151,175 
1,962,899 
(1,865,564)
1,248,510 

985,802 
2,515,145 
(2,349,772)
1,151,175 

(30)
(47)
42 
(35)

(27)
(54)
51 
(30)

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

218 
793 
(14)
997 

198 
793 
(12)
979 

Employee benefits reserve Used to record share-based payments 

Foreign currency 
translation reserve

Hedging reserve

associated with the employee share plans and 
remeasurement adjustments relating to the 
defined benefit plan.
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.
Used to record gains and losses on hedges
designated as cash flow hedges and foreign 
currency basis spread arising from the designation 
of a financial instrument as a hedging instrument. 
Gains and losses accumulated in the cash flow 
hedge reserve are taken to the income statement 
in the same period during which the hedged 
expected cash flows affect the income statement.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  119

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS D. OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
for the year ended 31 December 2017

In this section

This section addresses other assets and liabilities position at the end of the reporting period including, where applicable, the accounting 
policies applied and the key estimates and judgements made. 

D.

D.1

D.2

D.3

D.4

D.5

Other assets and liabilities

Receivables

Inventories

Payables

Provisions

Segment assets and liabilities

Page 121

Page 121

Page 121

Page 121

Page 122

Key financial and capital risks in this section

Credit risk management 
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not meet its obligation under a financial instrument or customer contract, leading to 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.

120  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS D. OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
for the year ended 31 December 2017

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

Inventories determined to be obsolete or damaged are written 
down to net realisable value, being the estimated selling price less 
selling costs.

D.1  Receivables

(a) Receivables (current)
Trade receivables1
Other receivables1
Loans receivable2
Dividend receivable

(b) Receivables (non-current)
Loans receivable2
Defined benefit plan asset

284 
109 
87 
2 
482 

141 
14 
155 

198 
142 
104 
2 
446 

162 
10 
172 

1.  Interest-free and settlement terms are usually between 14 and 30 days.
2. Loans receivable are due from non-controlling interests. 

Recognition and measurement
Most 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 
uncollectable amounts. Certain receivables are recognised at fair 
value. Uncollectable amounts are determined using the expected 
loss impairment model. 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. 

The Group’s customers are required to pay in accordance with 
agreed payment terms. Depending on the product, settlement 
terms are 14 to 30 days from the date of invoice or bill of lading 
and customers regularly pay on time. There are no significant 
overdue trade receivables as at the end of the reporting  
period (2016: nil).

Fair value
The carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates 
their fair value.

Foreign exchange risk
The Group held US$113 million of receivables at 31 December 
2017 (2016: US$101 million) in currencies other than US dollars 
(predominantly Australian dollars).

D.2  Inventories

(a) Inventories (current)
Petroleum products
Goods in transit
Finished stocks

Warehouse stores and materials

(b) Inventories (non-current)
Warehouse stores and materials

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

31 
51 
104 
186 

-
-

20 
46 
83 
149 

5 
5 

Recognition and measurement 
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. 

D.3  Payables

The following table shows the Group’s payables balances and 
maturity analysis.

< 30 
days

30-60 
days

Total
US$m US$m US$m US$m

> 60 
days

Year ended 31 December 2017
Trade payables1
Other payables1
Interest payable2
Total payables

Year ended 31 December 2016
Trade payables1
Other payables1
Interest payable2
Total payables

139 
368 
7 
514 

114 
301
3 
418 

28 
1 
-
29 

5 
-
-
5 

70 
26 
52 
148 

78 
-
45 
123 

237 
395 
59 
691 

197 
301 
48 
546 

1.  Interest-free and normally settled on 30 day terms.
2. Details regarding interest-bearing liabilities are contained in Note C.2.

Recognition and measurement
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 reporting period.

Fair value
The carrying amount of payables approximates their fair value.

Foreign exchange risk
The Group held US$380 million of payables at 31 December 
2017 (2016: US$373 million) in currencies other than US dollars 
(predominantly Australian dollars).

D.4  Provisions

Year ended 31 December 2017
At 1 January 2017
Change in provision
Unwinding of present value 
discount
Carrying amount at 31 
December 2017

Current 
Non-current 
Net carrying amount

Year ended 31 December 2016
At 1 January 2016
Change in provision
Unwinding of present value 
discount
Carrying amount at 31 
December 2016
Current 
Non-current 
Net carrying amount

Restoration 
of operating 
locations
US$m

Employee 
benefits
US$m

1,442 
45 

37 

1,524 

17 
1,507 
1,524 

1,574 
(170)

38 

1,442 
35 
1,407 
1,442 

155 
22 

-

177 

148 
29 
177 

141 
14 

-

155 
126 
29 
155 

Other
US$m

Total 
US$m

166 
(100)

1,763 
(33)

-

66 

55 
11 
66 

37 

1,767 

220 
1,547 
1,767 

153 
13 

1,868 
(143)

-

38 

166 
41 
125 
166 

1,763 
202 
1,561 
1,763 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  121

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS D. OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Employee benefits
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. 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.

D.4 Provisions (cont.) 

Recognition and measurement
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present 
obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it 
is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic 
benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable 
estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Restoration of operating locations
Provision is made for the obligation to restore operating locations. 
The provision is first recognised 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.

Restoration provisions are updated annually, with the 
corresponding movement recognised against the related 
exploration and evaluation assets or oil and gas properties.

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 B.3).

Costs incurred that relate to an existing condition caused by past 
operations and do not have a future economic benefit  
are expensed.

Key estimates and judgements 

(a) 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.  
The proportion of the non-current balance not expected to be settled 
within 15 years is 63% (2016: 61%). 

(b) Long service leave 
Long service leave is measured at the present value of benefits 
accumulated up to the end of the reporting period. The liability is 
discounted using an appropriate discount rate. Management requires 
judgement to determine key assumptions used in the calculation 
including future increases in salaries and wages, future on-cost rates and 
future settlement dates of employees’ departures.

(c) Legal case outcomes
Provisions for legal cases are measured at the present value of the 
amount expected to settle the claim. Management is required to use 
judgement when assessing the likely outcome of legal cases, estimating 
the risked amount and whether a provision or contingent liability should 
be recognised.

D.5  Segment assets and liabilities

(a) Segment assets
NWS
Pluto
Australia Oil
Browse
Wheatstone
Other segments
Unallocated items

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

2,988 
11,858 
1,086 
405 
4,663 
2,767 
1,634 
25,401 

2,952 
12,680 
838 
393 
4,018 
2,490 
1,382 
24,753 

(b) Segment liabilities
NWS
Pluto
Australia Oil
Browse
Wheatstone
Other segments
Unallocated items

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

648 
432 
646 
7 
186 
189 
7,413 
9,521 

573 
378 
704 
11 
188 
171 
7,066 
9,091 

Refer to Note A.1 for descriptions of the Group’s segments. Unallocated assets mainly comprise cash and cash equivalents and the  
Group’s deferred tax assets. Unallocated liabilities mainly comprise interest-bearing liabilities and deferred tax liabilities. 

122  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E. OTHER ITEMS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

In this section

This section addresses information on items which require disclosure to comply with Australian Accounting Standards and the Australian 
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), however, are not considered critical in understanding the financial performance or position of the Group. This 
section includes group structure information and other disclosures. 

E.

E.1

E.2

E.3

E.4

E.5

E.6

E.7

E.8

E.9

Other items

Contingent liabilities and assets

Leases

Employee benefits

Related party transactions

Auditor remuneration

Events after the end of the reporting period

Joint arrangements

Parent entity information

Subsidiaries

E.10

Other accounting policies

Page 124

Page 124

Page 124

Page 126

Page 126

Page 126

Page 126

Page 127

Page 128

Page 130

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  123

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E. OTHER ITEMS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

E.1  Contingent liabilities and assets

E.3  Employee benefits

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

(a) Employee benefits 

Employee benefits for the reporting period are as follows:

Contingent liabilities at reporting date
Not otherwise provided for or disclosed in the financial 
statements

Contingent liabilities
Guarantees

66 
8 
74 

44 
6 
50 

Contingent liabilities relate predominantly to actual or potential 
claims on 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 these financial statements. 
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. 

The Group has issued guarantees relating to workers’ 
compensation liabilities. 

E.2  Leases

Operating lease commitments
Rents payable on non-cancellable operating 
leases, due:

Within one year
After one year but not more than five years
Later than five years

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

207 
518 
953 
1,678 

194 
660 
1,299 
2,153 

Subject to the joint operation that utilises the lease, the Group’s 
share of actual payments made under operating leases may be 
lower than the value of commitments disclosed.

The Group leases assets for operations including vessels, 
helicopters, 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 Group. 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$227 million 
during the year (2016: US$332 million). A portion of this amount 
relates to arrangements containing non-lease elements, which are 
not practicable to separate.

Recognition and measurement
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the 
income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 
Lease incentives received are recognised in the income statement 
as a part of total lease expense.

124  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Employee benefits
Share-based payments
Defined contribution plan costs

Defined benefit plan expense

2017
US$m
285 
21 
33 

2 
341

2016
US$m
239 
27 
31 

2 
299 

Recognition and measurement 
The Group’s accounting policy for employee benefits other than 
superannuation are set out in Note D.4. The policy relating to 
share-based payments is set out in Note E.3(c). 

All employees of the Group are entitled to benefits on retirement, 
disability or death from the Group’s superannuation plan. The 
majority of employees are party to a defined contribution scheme 
and receive fixed contributions from Group companies and 
the Group’s legal or constructive obligation is limited to these 
contributions. Contributions to defined contribution funds are 
recognised as an expense as they become payable. Prepaid 
contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a  
cash refund or a reduction in the future payment is available.  
The Group also operates a defined benefit superannuation 
scheme, the membership of which is now closed. The asset for  
the defined benefit plan at 31 December 2017 was US$14 million 
(2016: US$10 million).

(b) Compensation of key management personnel 

Key management personnel (KMP) compensation for the financial 
year is as follows:

Short-term employee benefits
Post employment benefits
Share-based payments
Long-term employee benefits
Termination benefits

(c) Share plans 

2017
US$
10,039,832
227,786
5,663,860
97,305
276,622
16,305,405

2016
US$
10,651,173 
242,776 
7,944,266 
268,620 
425,219 
19,532,054 

The Group provides benefits to its employees (including KMP) in 
the form of share-based payments whereby employees render 
services for shares (equity-settled transactions).

Woodside equity plan (WEP) and supplementary 
Woodside equity plan (SWEP)
WEP is available to all Australian-based employees including 
executives, other than the CEO and any executive directors. 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 the Group to recognise and 
reward eligible employees for high performance. The ERs have no 
further ongoing performance conditions after allocation, and do 
not require participants to make any payment in respect of the ERs 
at grant or at vesting. SWEP is available to a number of employees 
identified as being retention critical. Participants do not make any 
payment in respect of the ERs at grant or at vesting. Each ER entitles 
the participant to receive a Woodside share on the vesting date 
three years after the grant date.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E. OTHER ITEMS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

E.3  Employee benefits (cont.)

Executive incentive plans (EIP) 
Short term awards (STA) 
The STA are delivered in the form of restricted shares to 
executives, including all executive KMP. Restricted shares 
entitle their holder to receive dividends. There are no further 
performance conditions for vesting of deferred STA. Participants 
are not required to make any payments in respect of STA awards 
at grant or at vesting. 

Long term awards (LTA) 
LTA is granted in the form of Variable Pay Rights (VPRs) to 
executives, including all executive KMP. Vesting of LTA is subject 
to achievement of relative total shareholder return (RTSR) targets, 
with 33% measured against the ASX 50 and the remaining 67% 
tested against an international group of oil and gas companies. 

Participants are not required to make any payments in respect of 
LTA awards at grant or at vesting.

Year ended 31 December 2017
Opening balance
Granted during the year1,2
Vested during the year
Forfeited during the year
Performance rights at 31 December 2017

Fair value of rights granted during the year

Year ended 31 December 2016
Opening balance
Granted during the year1,2
Vested during the year
Forfeited during the year
Performance rights at 31 December 2016

Fair value of rights granted during the year

Recognition and measurement 
All compensation under WEP, SWEP and executive share plans 
is accounted for as share-based payments to employees for 
services provided. 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 of share-based payments is recognised, together with 
the corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which 
the vesting conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which 
the relevant employee becomes fully entitled to the shares. At 
each balance sheet date, the Group reassesses the number of 
awards that are expected to vest based on service conditions. The 
expense recognised each year takes into account the most  
recent estimate. 

The fair value of the benefit provided for the WEP and SWEP are 
estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing technique. The 
fair value of the restricted shares is estimated as the closing share 
price at grant date. The fair value of the benefit provided for the 
RTSR VPRs was estimated using the Binomial or Black-Scholes 
option pricing technique combined with a Monte Carlo simulation 
methodology, where relevant, using historical volatility to estimate 
the volatility of the share price in the future.

The number of performance rights and movements for all share 
plans are summarised as follows:

Number of performance rights

Employee plans

Executive plans

WEP

SWEP

STA

LTA

5,512,903 
2,090,371 
(1,595,207)
(219,059)
5,789,008 

US$m
43 

38,270 
17,500 
(26,310)
(11,960)
17,500 

US$m
-

881,921 
210,210 
(129,641)
(28,342)
934,148

US$m
5

2,951,208 
568,234
(114,406)
(139,451)
3,265,585

US$m
8

Number of performance rights

Employee plans

Executive plans

WEP

SWEP

STA

LTA

6,116,840 
1,925,944 
(2,190,958)
(338,923)
5,512,903 

US$m
38 

38,270 
-
-
-
38,270 

US$m
-

784,270 
303,699 
(198,818)
(7,230)
881,921 

US$m
6 

2,366,280 
587,156 
(2,228)
-
2,951,208 

US$m
7 

1.  For the purpose of valuation, the share price on grant date for the 2017 WEP allocations was US$22.77 (2016: US$22.13) and the average SWEP was US$23.38.
2. For the purpose of valuation, the share price on grant date for the 2017 STA and LTA allocations was US$22.49 (2016: US$20.88).

For more detail on these share plans and performance rights issued to KMPs, refer to the Remuneration Report on pages 
80-83 and pages 90-92.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  125

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E. OTHER ITEMS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

E.4  Related party transactions

(b) Interest percentage in joint operations

Transactions with directors 

There were no transactions with directors during the year other 
than those disclosed in Note E.3(b).

E.5  Auditor remuneration

The auditor of Woodside Petroleum Ltd is Ernst & Young (EY).

(a) Amounts received or due and receivable for an audit or review of the 
financial statements of the entity and any other entity in the Group by:

2017

2016
US$'000 US$'000

EY Australia
Other EY firms

1,734 
182 

1,916 

1,526 
144 

1,670 

(b) Amounts received or due and receivable for non-audit services in 
relation to the entity or any other entity in the Group by:

EY Australia for other assurance services
EY Australia for other advisory services

EY Australia for taxation services
Other EY firms for other assurance services

439 
326 

164 
51 
980 

437 
151 

149 
25 
762 

E.6  Events after the end of the reporting period

Woodside entered into a binding Sale and Purchase Agreement 
to acquire a 50% interest in permit WA-1-R. Refer to Note B.5 for 
further details of the transaction. 

On 14 February 2018, Woodside launched a A$2.5 billion rights 
issue. Refer to the announcement for further details on the offer. 

Woodside Energy (Korea II) Pte. Ltd. was incorporated in 
Singapore on 23 January 2018. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary  
of Woodside Energy Holdings Pty Ltd.

Producing and developing assets

Oceania

North West Shelf
Enfield and Vincent
Stybarrow
Balnaves
Pluto
Wheatstone

Exploration & evaluation assets

Oceania

Browse Basin1
Carnarvon Basin
Bonaparte Basin
Outer Canning Basin
New Zealand

Africa

Morocco
Gabon2
Senegal

The Americas

Peru
Kitimat
Nova Scotia

Asia

Republic of Korea
Myanmar

Europe

Ireland
Canary Islands

Group Interest %

2017

2016

12.5 - 50.0
60.0 
50.0 
65.0 
90.0 
13.0 - 65.0

12.5 - 50.0
60.0 
50.0 
65.0 
90.0 
13.0 - 65.0

30.6 
15.8 - 90.0
26.7 - 35.0
-
70.0 

30.6 - 60
15.8 - 75.0
26.7 - 35.0
55.0 
70.0 

25.0 
21.3 - 40.0
35.0 

35.0 
50.0 
-

25.0 
40.0 
35.0 

35.0 
50.0 
20.0 

-
40.0 - 55.0

50.0 
40.0 - 55.0

60.0 - 90.0
-

60.0 - 90.0
30.0 

E.7  Joint arrangements

(a) Interest percentage in joint ventures

1.  One permit within the Browse Basin was surrendered in 2017.
2. As at 31 December 2017 the Likuale block farm-in is pending final government approval and 
subsequent execution of the documents. Diaba was successful in obtaining government 
approval from the prior year. Post 31 December 2017 full government approval was obtained.

The principal activities of the joint operations above are 
exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons.

Entity 
North West Shelf Gas Pty Ltd Marketing services for 

Principal activity

North West Shelf Liaison 
Company Pty Ltd

China Administration Company 
Pty Ltd

North West Shelf Shipping 
Service Company Pty Ltd

ventures in the sale of gas to 
the domestic market. 

Liaison for ventures in the 
sale of LNG to the Japanese 
market. 

Marketing services for 
ventures in the sale of LNG 
to international markets. 

LNG vessel fleet advisor. 

North West Shelf Lifting 
Coordinator Pty Ltd

Coordinator for venturers for 
all equity liftings.

Group Interest %

2017

2016

 16.67 

 16.67 

 16.67 

 16.67 

 16.67 

 16.67 

 16.67 

 16.67 

 16.67 

 16.67 

Key estimates and judgements 

Accounting for interests in other entities 
Judgement is required in assessing the level of control obtained in a 
transaction to acquire an interest in another entity; depending upon the 
facts and circumstances in each case, Woodside may obtain control, joint 
control or significant influence over the entity or arrangement. Judgement 
is applied when determining the relevant activities of a project and if joint 
control is held over them. Relevant activities include, but are not limited 

to, work program and budget approval, investment decision approval, 
voting rights in joint operating committees, amendments to permits 
and changes to joint arrangement participant holdings. Transactions 
which give Woodside control of a business are business combinations. 
If Woodside obtains joint control of an arrangement, judgement is also 
required to assess whether the arrangement is a joint operation or a joint 
venture. If Woodside has neither control nor joint control, it may be in 
a position to exercise significant influence over the entity, which is then 
accounted for as an associate.

126  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E. OTHER ITEMS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

E.7 Joint arrangements (cont.)

E.8  Parent entity information

Recognition and measurement 
Joint arrangements are arrangements in 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.

Joint arrangements acquired which are deemed to be carrying 
on a business are treated as business combinations and are 
accounted for under AASB 3 Business Combinations. Joint 
arrangements which are not deemed to be carrying on a business 
are treated as asset acquisitions. 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd:
Current assets
Non-current assets
Non-current liabilities
Net assets

Issued and fully paid shares
Shares reserved for employee share plans
Employee benefits reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve
Retained earnings
Total shareholders' equity

Profit of parent entity
Total comprehensive income of parent entity

2017
US$m

2016
US$m

345 
7,812 
(700)
7,457 

6,919 
(35)
123 
296 
154 
7,457 

853 
857 

278 
7,732 
(571)
7,439 

6,919 
(30)
127 
296 
127 
7,439 

635 
635 

Guarantees 
Woodside Petroleum Ltd and Woodside Energy Ltd (a subsidiary 
company) are parties to a Deed of Cross Guarantee as disclosed 
in Note E.9. 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 (Cth). 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 C.2. Woodside Petroleum Ltd has guaranteed 
certain obligations of subsidiaries to unrelated parties on behalf of 
their performance in contracts. No liabilities are expected to arise 
from these guarantees.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  127

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E. OTHER ITEMS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Name of entity

Metasource Pty Ltd
Woodside Finance Limited
Woodside Petroleum (Northern Operations) Pty Ltd
Woodside Petroleum (Timor Sea 19) Pty Ltd
Woodside Petroleum (Timor Sea 20) Pty Ltd
Woodside Petroleum (W.A. Oil) Pty Ltd
Woodside Petroleum Holdings Pty Ltd
Mermaid Sound Port and Marine Services Pty Ltd

Notes

(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(10) 
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(10) 
(2,4) 
(2,4) 

1.  Woodside Petroleum Ltd is the ultimate holding company and the head entity within the 

tax consolidated group.

2.  These companies were members of the tax consolidated group at 31 December 2017.
3.  Pursuant to ASIC Instrument 2016/785, 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 Instrument, 
Woodside Petroleum Ltd and Woodside Energy Ltd are parties to a Deed of Cross 
Guarantee.

4.  All subsidiaries are wholly owned except those referred to in Notes 5, 6, 7 and 8.
5.  Kansai Electric Power Australia Pty Ltd and Tokyo Gas Pluto Pty Ltd each hold a 5% 

interest in the shares of these subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are controlled.

6.  As at 31 December 2017, Woodside Energy Holdings Pty Ltd held a 99.99% interest in 
the shares of Woodside Energy (Tanzania) Limited and Woodside Energy Ltd held the 
remaining 0.01% interest.

7.  As at 31 December 2017, Woodside Energy Holdings (South America) Pty Ltd held a 

99.99% interest in the shares of Woodside Energia (Brasil) Investimento em Exploracao 
de Petroleo Ltda and Woodside Energy Ltd held the remaining 0.01% interest.

8.  As at 31 December 2017, Woodside Energy International (Canada) Limited and Woodside 

Energy (Canada LNG) Limited were the general partners of the KM LNG Operating 
General Partnership holding a 99.99% and 0.01% partnership interest, respectively.
9.  Woodside Energy (Indonesia) Pty Ltd was incorporated on 29 June 2017. Woodside 
Energy (Indonesia II) Pty Ltd and Woodside Energy (Indonesia III) Pty Ltd were 
incorporated on 4 September 2017.

10. These subsidiaries were deregistered on 18 November 2017.

All subsidiaries were incorporated in Australia unless identified 
with one of the following symbols:

	The Netherlands ¥	Tanzania

l	Brazil
n	Cameroon z	New Zealand
t	Canada
£	France

y	Singapore
º	Spain

p England and Wales
q USA

Classification
Subsidiaries are all the entities over which the Group has the 
power over the investee such that the Group is able to direct  
the relevant activities, has exposure, or rights, to variable returns 
from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to  
use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the 
investor’s returns. 

E.9  Subsidiaries

(a) Subsidiaries

Name of entity

Ultimate Parent Entity

Woodside Petroleum Ltd

Subsidiaries

Company name
Woodside Energy Ltd

Woodside Browse Pty Ltd
Woodside Burrup Pty Ltd

Burrup Facilities Company Pty Ltd
Pluto LNG Pty Ltd
Burrup Train 1 Pty Ltd

Woodside Energy (Algeria) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy Australia Asia Holdings Pte Ltd y
Woodside Energy (Carbon Capture) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy Holdings International Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy Mediterranean Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy International (Canada) Limited t

Woodside Energy (Canada LNG) Limited t
Woodside Energy (Canada PTP) Limited t
KM LNG Operating General Partnership t

KM LNG Operating Ltd t

Woodside Energy Holdings Pty Ltd

Woodside Energy Holdings (USA) Inc q

Woodside Energy (USA) Inc q

Gryphon Exploration Company q
Woodside Energy (Cameroon) SARL n
Woodside Energy (Gabon) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (Indonesia) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (Indonesia II) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (Indonesia III) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (Ireland) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (Korea) Pte Ltd y
Woodside Energy (Myanmar) Pte Ltd y
Woodside Energy (Morocco) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (New Zealand) Limited z
Woodside Energy (New Zealand 55794) Limited z
Woodside Energy (Peru) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (Senegal) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (Tanzania) Limited ¥

Woodside Energy Holdings (South America) Pty Ltd

Woodside Energia (Brasil) Investimento em Exploracao 
de Petroleo Ltda l

Woodside Energy Holdings (UK) Pty Ltd 
Woodside Energy (UK) Limited p

Woodside Energy Holdings (Senegal) Limited p

Woodside Energy (Senegal) B.V. 

Woodside Energy (France) SAS £
Woodside Energy Iberia S.A. º
Woodside Energy (N.A.) Ltd p

Woodside Energy (Julimar) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (Kenya) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (M.E.) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy Middle East and Africa Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (Norway) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy (SL) Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy Technologies Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy Trading Singapore Pte Ltd y

WelCap Insurance Pte Ltd y
Woodside Energy Shipping Singapore Pte Ltd y

Woodside Guangdong Shipping (One) Pty Ltd
Woodside Guangdong Shipping (Two) Pty Ltd
Woodside West Africa Pty Ltd

128  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Notes

(1,2,3) 

(2,3,4) 
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(5)
(5)
(5)
(2,4) 
(4)
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(4) 
(4)
(4) 
(4,8) 
(4) 
(2,4) 
(4)
(4)
(4)
(4)
(2,4) 
(2,4,9)
(2,4,9)
(2,4,9)
(2,4) 
(4)
(4)
(2,4) 
(4)
(4)
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(6)
(2,4) 

(7)
(2,4) 
(4)
(4) 
(4) 
(4)
(4)
(4)
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(4)
(4)
(4)
(2,4) 
(2,4) 
(2,4) 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E. OTHER ITEMS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

E.9  Subsidiaries (cont.)

(c) Deed of Cross Guarantee and Closed Group 

(b) Subsidiaries with material non-controlling interests 

The Group has two Australian subsidiaries with material  
non-controlling interests (NCI).

Name of entity

Burrup Facilities Company Pty Ltd
Burrup Train 1 Pty Ltd

Principal place of 
business

Australia
Australia

% held 
by NCI

10%
10%

The NCI in both subsidiaries is 10% held by the same parties (refer 
to Note E.9(a) footnote 5 for details). 

The summarised financial information (including consolidation 
adjustments but before intercompany eliminations) of subsidiaries 
with material NCI is as follows:

2017
 US$m 

2016
 US$m 

 Burrup Facilities Company Pty Ltd 
 Current assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Current liabilities 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Net assets 
 Accumulated balance of NCI 

 Revenue 
 Profit 
 Profit allocated to NCI 
 Dividends paid to NCI 

 Operating 
 Investing 
 Financing 

 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

 Burrup Train 1 Pty Ltd 
 Current assets 
 Non-current assets 
 Current liabilities 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Net assets 
 Accumulated balance of NCI 

 Revenue 
 Profit 
 Profit allocated to NCI 
 Dividends paid to NCI 

 Operating 
 Investing 
 Financing 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

 617 
 5,196 
 (79)
 (515)
 5,219 
 522 

 1,130 
 558 
 56 
 (51)

 853 
 (15)
 (838)

 - 

 581 
 3,021
 (158)
 (366)
 3,078 
 308 

 1,921 
 398 
 40 
 (38)

 572 
 (1)
 (571)
 - 

673 
5,609 
(647)
(468)
5,167 
517 

1,187 
607 
61 
(50)

920 
(7)
(913)

-

698 
3,244 
(544)
(334)
3,064 
306 

2,017 
442 
44 
(31)

672 
(9)
(663)
-

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 
(Cth) requirements for the preparation, audit and publication of 
accounts, pursuant to ASIC Instrument 2016/785. The two entities 
represent a Closed Group for the purposes of the Instrument.

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/(loss) before tax
Taxes
Profit/(loss) after tax
Retained earnings at the beginning of the financial year
Dividends
Retained earnings at the end of the financial year

Closed Group Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Inventories
Tax receivable
Total current assets

Non-current assets
Inventories
Other financial 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
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 held for employee share plan
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity

2017
 US$m 

2016
 US$m 

220 
(108)
112 
2,716 
(826)
2,002 

(578)
(127)
(705)
4,061 
(640)
2,716 

94 
418 
63 
29 
604 

-
28,371 
1,001 
3,750 
140 
25 
33,287 
33,891 

475 
17 
38 
139 
669

48 
1,288 
64 
20 
1,420 

2 
25,920 
945 
3,581 
66 
28 
30,542 
31,962 

302 
17 
45 
112 
476 

22,068 
402 
15 
52 
921 
23,458
24,127
9,764

19,638 
422 
14 
72 
878 
21,024 
21,500 
10,462 

6,919 
(35)
878 
2,002 
9,764

6,919 
(30)
857 
2,716 
10,462 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  129

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E. OTHER ITEMS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

E.10  Other accounting policies

(a) Summary of other significant accounting policies 

Derivative financial instruments 
Derivatives that are designated within qualifying hedge 
relationships are initially recognised at fair value on the date the 
contract is entered into. For relationships designated as fair value 
hedges, subsequent fair value movements of the derivative are 
recognised in the income statement. For relationships designated 
as cash flow hedges, subsequent fair value movements of the 
derivative for the effective portion of the hedge are recognised in 
other comprehensive income and accumulated in reserves in equity; 
fair value movements for the ineffective portion are recognised 
immediately in the income statement. Costs of hedging have been 
separated from the hedging arrangements and deferred to other 
comprehensive income and accumulated in reserves in equity. 
Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in 
the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss.

Tax consolidation 
The parent and its wholly owned Australian controlled entities have 
elected to enter a tax consolidation, with Woodside Petroleum Ltd 
as the head entity of the tax consolidated group. The members of 
the tax consolidated group are identified in Note E.9. 

The tax expense/(benefit), 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. 

Entities within the tax consolidated group have entered into a tax 
funding arrangement and a tax sharing agreement with the head 
entity. Under the tax funding agreement, Woodside Petroleum Ltd 
and each of the entities in the tax consolidated group have agreed to 
pay or receive a tax equivalent payment to or from the head entity, 
based on the current tax liability or current tax asset of the entity. 

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. 

(b) New and amended standards and interpretations issued  

but not yet effective 

A number of new standards, amendment of standards and 
interpretations have been issued but are not yet effective and have 
not been adopted by the Group as at the financial reporting date. 

The Group has reviewed these standards and interpretations, and 
with the exception of the items listed below, none of the new or 
amended standards will significantly affect the Group’s accounting 
policies, financial position or performance.

Application date  
of the standard 

Periods beginning on  
or after 1 January 2018 

Title 

AASB 15  
Revenue from 
Contracts with 
Customers 

AASB 16  
Leases

Periods beginning on 
or after 1 January 2019

Summary 

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 at which revenue is 
recognised, accounting for variable consideration, costs of fulfilling and obtaining a contract 
and various related matters. New disclosures regarding revenue are also introduced.

The Group plans to adopt the new standard on 1 January 2018 using the retrospective 
approach with practical expedients. The new standard will only be applied to contracts 
that remain in force at transition date.

Based on assessments undertaken to date, the Group has noted potential impacts in 
respect of provisionally priced transactions and entitlement accounting. The Group has 
estimated that the transition to AASB 15 will not have a material impact to the financial 
statements of the Group.

AASB 16 provides a new lessee accounting model which requires a lessee to recognise 
assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the 
underlying asset is of low value. A lessee measures right-of-use assets similarly to other 
non-financial assets and lease liabilities similarly to other financial liabilities. Assets 
and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. The 
measurement includes non-cancellable lease payments (including inflation-linked 
payments), and also includes payments to be made in optional periods if the lessee is 
reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease, or not to exercise an option to 
terminate the lease. AASB 16 contains disclosure requirements for lessees. The Group has 
completed an initial assessment of the impact of AASB 16 and determined that it will have 
a material impact on the Group’s balance sheet. The Group is continuing its work on the 
final impact of this standard.

130  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS E. OTHER ITEMS
for the year ended 31 December 2017

E10. Other accounting policies (cont.)

(c) New and amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations early adopted

The following Australian Accounting Standard was adopted early by the Group as of 1 January 2017: 

Title

AASB 9 
Financial 
Instruments

Application date  
by the Group

Summary

Period beginning on  
1 January 2017

AASB 9 and the related amendments to other accounting standards introduced three significant 
areas of change from AASB 139 Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement:

•  a new model for classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities;

•  a new expected loss impairment model for determining impairment allowances; and

•  a redesigned approach to hedge accounting.

Items previously classified as loans and receivables under AASB 139 are now classified as 
financial assets at amortised cost or financial assets at fair value. There has been no impact to the 
Group’s financial statement presentation. Based on historical and expected losses, the expected 
loss impairment model had an immaterial impact on the Group. AASB hedging requirements 
were retrospectively applied to all qualifying hedge relationships in place as at 1 January 2017. 
Costs of hedging have been separated from the hedging arrangements and deferred to other 
comprehensive income. This had an immaterial impact on adoption. The accounting policies for 
financial instruments and hedging have been updated to align with AASB 9 and consequential 
adjustments to other standards.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  131

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSfor the year ended 31 December 2017 
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 2017 Remuneration Report, comply with 

Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth);

(b) the financial statements and notes thereto give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2017 and 

of the performance of the Group for the financial year ended 31 December 2017;

(c)  the financial statements and notes thereto also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in the ‘About 

these statements’ section within the notes to the 2017 Financial Statements;

(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 E.9 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 (Cth) for the year ended 31 December 2017.

For and on behalf of the Board

M A Chaney, AO
Chairman 
Perth, Western Australia 
14 February 2018

P J Coleman
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director 
Perth, Western Australia 
14 February 2018

132  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT

Ernst & Young 
11 Mounts Bay Road 
Perth  WA  6000  Australia 
GPO Box M939   Perth  WA  6843 

Tel: +61 8 9429 2222 
Fax: +61 8 9429 2436 
ey.com/au 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Shareholders of Woodside Petroleum Ltd 

Report on the audit of the financial report 

Opinion 

We have audited the financial report of Woodside Petroleum Ltd (the Company), including its subsidiaries (the Group), which 
comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2017, 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 to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and 
the directors' declaration. 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Company is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

a) 

b) 

giving a true and fair view of the Company's financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of its financial performance for 
the year ended on that date. 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

Basis for opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further 
described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the 
Company in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of 
the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that 
are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with 
the Code.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Key audit matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial report 
of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our 
opinion thereon, but we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our 
report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit included the performance of procedures designed to respond to 
our assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying financial report. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

TH:CT:WOODSIDE:017/2017 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent audit report (cont.)

1. 

Impairment of non-current assets 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Australian Accounting Standards require the Group to assess throughout the 
reporting period whether there is any indication that an asset may be 
impaired. If any indication exists, the Group must estimate the recoverable 
amount of the asset. At year end, the Group has concluded, based on this 
assessment, that there were no indicators of impairment or reversal of 
previous impairments for any of its Cash Generating Units (CGUs). As a 
result no impairment or reversal of impairment was recognised during the 
year.  

The assessment of indicators of impairment and reversal of impairment is 
complex and highly judgmental, and includes modelling a range of 
assumptions and estimates that are affected by expected future 
performance and market conditions, Accordingly, this matter was considered 
to be a key audit matter.  

Key assumptions, judgements and estimates used in the Group’s 
assessment of impairment and reversal of impairment of non-current assets 
are set out in the financial report in notes B.3 and B.4. 

We evaluated the assumptions, methodologies and conclusions used by the Group 
in assessing for indicators of impairment, in particular, those relating to the 
determination of CGUs, forecast cash flows and inputs used to formulate them. 
This included assessing, in conjunction with our valuation specialists, the discount 
rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices with reference to market 
prices (where available), market research, market practice, market indices, broker 
consensus and historical performance.  

We used the work of the Group’s internal experts with respect to the hydrocarbon 
reserve assumptions used in the cash flow forecasts. This included understanding 
the reserve estimation processes carried out, the Group’s internal certification 
process for technical and commercial experts who are responsible for reserves, the 
design of the Group’s Petroleum Resources Management procedures and its 
alignment with the guidelines prepared by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. We 
agreed the updated reserves and resources estimates to the assessment of 
impairment indicators, calculation of depreciation, depletion and amortisation and 
decommissioning provisions. We also examined the competence and objectivity of 
the Group’s experts, the scope and appropriateness of their work. We assessed 
whether key reserves economics assumptions were consistent with other 
operational information. We agreed cost assumptions to the latest approved 
budgets and forecasts. 

We also focused on the adequacy of the financial report disclosures regarding the 
assumptions to which the Group’s assessment of indicators of impairment and 
reversal of impairment of non-current assets are most sensitive. These have been 
disclosed in Note B.4. 

2.  Accounting for petroleum resources rent tax (PRRT) assets 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

The consolidated financial statements of the Group include deferred tax 
assets arising from PRRT and associated PRRT tax benefits. The 
determination of the quantum, likelihood and timing of the realisation of 
deferred tax assets arising from PRRT is highly judgemental and assessed 
on a basis consistent with the impairment assumptions set out above as well 
as other factors such as the long term bond rate applied to the timing of 
deductible expenditure. As such, this matter was considered to be a key 
audit matter. 

The Group’s disclosures about PRRT are included in the summary of 
significant accounting policies in Note A.5. 

We considered the application of the judgements and methodologies used by the 
Group to calculate the deferred tax assets arising from PRRT and estimate their 
utilisation in the future. In particular we assessed those judgements and 
methodologies relating to the estimation of future PRRT assessable profits, the 
interpretation of PRRT legislation and the consistency in application of forecasted 
performance with other forecasts made, including modelling of impairment 
indicators. 

Information other than the financial report and auditor’s report thereon 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Group’s 
Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2017, but does not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report and our related assurance opinion.  

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise 
appears to be materially misstated.  

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

TH:CT:WOODSIDE:017/2017 

134  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are 
required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the directors 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 control as the directors determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors 
either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial report 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of 
assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a 
material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in 
the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial 
report. 

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain 
professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit 
procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 
The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may 
involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

► 

► 

► 

► 

► 

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Company’s internal control.  

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related 
disclosures made by the directors.  

Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit 
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on 
the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to 
draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, 
to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. 
However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.  

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the 
financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the business activities within the entity to 
express an opinion on the financial report. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the audit. 
We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit 
findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

TH:CT:WOODSIDE:017/2017 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Financial Statements  135

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent audit report (cont.)

We also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, 
and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, 
and where applicable, related safeguards. 

From the matters communicated to the directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the 
financial report of the current year and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless 
law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter 
should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to 
outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

Report on the audit of the remuneration report 

Opinion on the remuneration report 

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 76 to 95 of the directors' report for the year ended 31 December 2017. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Woodside Petroleum Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2017, complies with section 
300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

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. 

Ernst & Young 

T S Hammond 
Partner 
Perth 
14 February 2018 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

TH:CT:WOODSIDE:017/2017 

136  Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
R
E
D
L
O
H
E
R
A
H
S

N
O
I
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

An aerial view of a river system in the Pilbara.

 
SHAREHOLDER 
STATISTICS

As at 7 February 2018

Number of shareholdings
There were 207,257 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

100,001–9,999,999,999

Total

*Small differences are due to rounding.

Number of holders Number of shares % of issued capital
6.97

58,684,124

149,385

51,262

4,558

1,940

112

207,257

105,593,372

31,788,297

37,863,582

608,515,528

842,444,903

12.53

3.77

4.50

72.23

100.00

Unmarketable parcels
There were 2,880 members holding less than a marketable parcel of shares in the company.

Twenty largest shareholders

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

Bnp Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd 

National Nominees Limited

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

Pacific Custodians Pty Limited 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited

AMP Life Limited

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

Argo Investments Limited

Navigator Australia Ltd 

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited-GSCO ECA

Milton Corporation Limited

Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited 

RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited 

Shares held % of issued capital
28.91
243,558,207

124,687,636

89,643,526

40,294,356

32,329,788

11,618,057

9,313,653

5,294,330

4,054,528

3,463,313

3,282,886

3,133,187

2,039,468

1,700,873

1,421,973

1,349,850

1,222,911

1,213,723

1,077,347

1,075,684

14.80

10.64

4.78

3.84

1.38

1.11

0.63

0.48

0.41

0.39

0.37

0.24

0.20

0.17

0.16

0.15

0.14

0.13

0.13

Total

581,775,296

69.06

Substantial shareholders as disclosed in substantial shareholder notices given to the company are as follows:

Blackrock Group (Blackrock Inc. and subsidiaries)

42,571,644 

5.05

Blackrock Group’s substantial shareholder notice was given on 20 November 2017. There has been no notice of a change of interest 
of the substantial shareholder since that date.

138   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Annual General Meeting 
The 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Woodside 
Petroleum Ltd will be held at 10.00 am (AWST) on 19 April 2018, 
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.

Refer to Woodside's website for copies of the Chairman's and 
CEO's speeches (www.woodside.com.au).

Shareholders who reside outside the USA, the UK and Australia 
may elect to receive their dividend electronically in their local 
currency using the share registry’s Global Wire Payment Service. 
For a list of currencies offered and how to subscribe to the 
service, please contact the share registry.

Refer to Woodside's website for the history of dividends paid 
by the company (www.woodside.com.au).

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.

Share registry enquiries 
Investors seeking information about their shareholdings should 
contact the company’s share registry: 

Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited 

Level 11, 172 St Georges Terrace  
Perth WA 6000 

Postal address: GPO Box D182  
Perth WA 6840 

Telephone: 1300 558 507 (within Australia)    

  +61 3 9415 4632 (outside Australia) 

Facsimile:  +61 3 9473 2500 

Email:   
Website:  

  web.queries@computershare.com.au  

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. 

Refer to the share registry website for details of 
shareholdings (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.

Dividend payments 
Woodside declares its dividends in US dollars as this 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 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  
(investorcentre.com/wpl).

Shareholders must make an election to alter their dividend 
currency by the business day after the record date for the dividend.

Refer to the share registry website to change details  
(www.investorcentre.com/wpl).

Australian Securities Exchange listing 
Woodside Petroleum Ltd securities are listed on the ASX under 
the code WPL. 

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  
PO 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

Facsimile:  +1 201 324 3284 
Email:  

  citibank@shareholders-online.com

Investor Relations enquiries 
Requests for specific information on the company can be 
directed to Investor Relations:

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

Email:  
Website:     woodside.com.au

investor@woodside.com.au 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Shareholder information   139

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
London
3rd Floor, Pollen House 
10-12 Cork Street 
London W1S 3NP 
UNITED KINGDOM

T: + 44 20 7009 3900

Seoul
11F, Kwanghwamun Building 
149, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu  
Seoul 03186 
REPUBLIC OF KOREA

T: +822 739 3290 
F: +822 739 3293

Singapore
 12 Marina View 
Asia Square Tower 2 #18-03 
Singapore 018961 
SINGAPORE

T: +65 6709 8000

Tokyo
Imperial Tower 
1-1 Uchisaiwaicho 1-Chome 
Chiyoda-ku 
Tokyo 100-0011 
JAPAN

T: +813 3501 7031 
F: +813 3581 2689

Yangon
 Level 6, Vantage Tower 
623 Pyay Road 
Kamaryut Township 
Yangon 
MYANMAR (BURMA) 

T: +95 1 230 7460  
F: +95 1 230 7461 

Business directory

Registered Office  
Perth
Woodside Petroleum Ltd 
240 St Georges Terrace 
Perth WA 6000 
AUSTRALIA

Dakar
1st Floor SIA Building 
Route de Ngor 
Les Almadies, Dakar 
SENEGAL

T: +221 338 397 050

T: +61 8 9348 4000

Postal address:  
GPO Box D188 
Perth WA 6840 
AUSTRALIA

BUSINESS 
DIRECTORY

Dili
 Palm Business and Trade Centre 
Block E01-06 Surikmas, Fatumeta, 
BairroPite Dili 
TIMOR-LESTE

Beijing
 32/F, Full Tower, 3206 
No. 9 East Third Ring Road 
Chaoyang District 
Beijing 100020 
CHINA

T: +8610 8591 0577 
F: +8610 8591 0579

Broome
Unit 28 Shiba Lane  
Broome WA 6725 
AUSTRALIA

T: 1800 036 654

Postal address: 
PO Box 2751 
Broome WA 6725 
AUSTRALIA

Calgary
Suite 3750 
421-7th Avenue SW 
Calgary Alberta T2P 4K9 
CANADA

T: +1 855 956 0916

Postal address:  
PO Box 22240 Bankers Hall  
Calgary Alberta T2P 4J6 
CANADA

T: + 670 3310804

Dublin
Hamiliton House 
 28 Fitzwilliam Place 
Dublin 2 
IRELAND

Houston
Sage Plaza 
5151 San Felipe, Suite  980 
Houston TX 77056 
USA

T: +1 713 401 0000 
F: +1 713 401 0088

Karratha
The Quarter HQ 
Level 3, 24 Sharpe Avenue  
Karratha WA 6714 
AUSTRALIA

T: +61 8 9158 8100

Postal address: 
PO Box 517 
Karratha WA 6714 
AUSTRALIA

140   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

In December 2017, Woodside’s 
Karratha town office moved to 
a new location at The Quarter 
HQ – the City of Karratha’s 
central business hub.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Shareholder information   141

 
Key announcements 2017

Events calendar 2018

February

Richard Goyder to succeed Michael Chaney 
as Chairman 

May

June

Full-year 2016 results and briefing

2017 Investor Briefing Day

Change of Joint Company Secretary

Long-term LNG sale and purchase 
agreement with Pertamina

Offshore Senegal development updated

March

Senegal reaffirms completion of transaction

August

October

Half-Year 2017 Results and Briefing Pack 

Wheatstone commences LNG production 

Key calendar dates for Woodside shareholders in 2018.

Please note dates are subject to review.

February

14 Full-year 2017 results

14 Annual Report 2017 released

22 Ex-dividend date for final dividend

23 Record date for final dividend

8

Sustainable Development Report 2017 
released

22 Payment date for final dividend

April

17 Annual General Meeting Proxy returns 

close at 10.00 am (AWST)

18 First quarter 2018 report

19 Annual General Meeting

23 2018 Investor Briefing Day (Sydney)

30 Half-year end

19 Second quarter 2018 report

15 Half-year 2018 report

18 Third quarter 2018 report

May

June

July

August

October

December

31 Year-end 2018

Unreasonable prejudice 
As permitted by sections 299(3) and 299A(3) of the 
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), 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.

Forward-looking statements 
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 
that 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 on pages 62–63. 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 Australian 
Securities Exchange (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.

142   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Glossary, units of measure and conversion factors

Glossary
$, $m

1P
2C
2P
Acquisition costs

AGM
APPEA

Appraisal well

ASX
AUD
Average unit cash 
cost of sales

Brent

Cash-margin

CDP
Condensate

cps
CWLH
DBNGP
DGJV
DRP
EBIT

EBITDA

EEP
EPS
Equity-lifted LNG

Farm-in

FEED

FEL
FID
First half, second 
half
Flaring

FLNG
FPSO
Free cash flow

FSRU
GDP
Gearing

gFPSO

US dollars unless otherwise stated, millions  
of dollars
Proved reserves
Best Estimate of Contingent resources
Proved plus Probable reserves
2017 acquisition expenditure divided by 
contingent resources (2C) added through  
2017 acquisition activity
Annual General Meeting
Australian Petroleum Production  
& Exploration Association
A well drilled to follow up a discovery and 
evaluate its commercial potential
Australian Securities Exchange
Australian dollars
Average unit cash cost of sales includes production 
costs, royalty and excise, shipping and direct 
sales costs, carbon costs and insurance; excludes 
exploration and evaluation, general administrative 
and other costs, depletion, depreciation and 
amortisation, PRRT and income tax
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Brent Crude 
deliverable futures contract (oil price)
Gross profit net of other revenue, oil and gas 
properties depreciation and amortisation, 
inventory movement and trading costs, divided by 
sales revenue
Climate Disclosure Project
Hydrocarbons that are gaseous in a reservoir but 
that condense to form liquids as they rise to  
the surface
Cents per share
Cossack, Wanaea, Lambert and Hermes
Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline
Domestic Gas Joint Venture
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
EBIT is calculated as a profit before income tax, 
PRRT and net finance costs
EBITDA is calculated as a profit before income 
tax, PRRT, net finance costs and depreciation and 
amortisation 
Employee equity plan
Earnings per share
The proportion of LNG which Woodside is entitled 
to lift and sell, in its own right, as a result of its 
participating interest in the relevant project 
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 that is relinquishing its interest
Front-end engineering and design. Preliminary 
design and cost and schedule confirmation before 
a FID
Frontier Exploration Licence
Final investment decision
Halves of the calendar year (i.e. H1 is 1 January to  
30 June, H2 is 1 July to 31 December)
The controlled burning of gas found in oil and  
gas reservoirs
Floating liquefied natural gas
Floating production storage and offloading
Cash flow from operating activities less cash flow 
from investing activities
Floating storage regasification unit
Gross domestic product
Net debt divided by net debt and equity 
attributable to the equity holders of the parent
Gas floating production storage and offloading

Gross margin

GWF
H1, H2

HSEQ
Infill well

IOGP
ISO
JCC

JV
KGP
KLE
LHS
LNG
LPG
LTIF
MOU
NASA
Net debt
NPAT
NWS
PEP
PRRT
PSE
Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4

RAP
Return on equity

RFSU
RHS
ROACE

RSSD
SNE

SPA
Spudded
Tier 1 PSE

Tier 2 PSE

TRIR

TSR
Unit production 
costs
UNSDG
USA
USD
WA

Gross profit divided by operating revenue.  
Gross profit excludes income tax, PRRT, net finance 
costs, other income and other expenses (refer to 
section A.1 of the Financial Statements for data)
Greater Western Flank
Halves of the calendar year (H1 is 1 January to  
30 June and H2 is 1 July to 31 December)
Health, safety, environment and quality
Well drilled for the purpose of increasing 
production
International Association of Oil and Gas Producers
International Organisation for Standardisation
The Japan Customs-cleared Crude is the average 
price of customs-cleared crude oil imports into 
Japan as reported in customs statistics (also 
known as ‘Japanese Crude Cocktail’) and is used 
as the reference price for long-term supply LNG 
contracts
Joint venture
Karratha Gas Plant
Karratha life extension
Left hand side
Liquefied natural gas
Liquefied petroleum gas
Lost time injury frequency
Memorandum of understanding
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Total debt less cash and cash equivalents
Net profit after tax
North West Shelf
Petroleum exploration permit
Petroleum Resources Rent Tax
Process safety event
Quarters of the calendar year (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 shareholder funds is calculated as  
NPAT (excluding non-controlling interests) 
divided by equity attributable to the equity 
holders of the parent
Ready for start-up
Right hand side
Return on average capital employed is calculated 
as EBIT divided by average non-current liabilities 
and average equity attributable to equity holders 
of the parent
Rufisque, Sangomar, Sangomar Deep Offshore
The oil field offshore Senegal in the Sangomar 
Deep Block
Sales and purchase agreement
Commenced well-drilling process
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)
Total recordable injury rate. The number of 
recordable injuries (fatalities + lost workday cases 
+ restricted workday cases + medical treatment 
cases) per 1,000,000 hours worked
Total shareholder return
Production costs ($ million) divided by production 
volume (MMboe)
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
United States of America
US dollars
Western Australia

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Shareholder information   143

 
Conversion factors
Product
Pipeline Natural Gas
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
Condensate
Oil
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Natural Gas

Factor Conversion factors¹
1 TJ
163.6 boe
1 tonne 8.9055 boe
1.000 boe
1 bbl
1 bbl
1.000 boe
1 tonne 8.1876 boe
1 MMBtu 0.1724 boe

1.  Minor changes to some conversion factors can occur over time due to gradual changes in 

the process stream.

Glossary, units of measure and conversion factors cont.

Units of measure
barrel
bbl
barrels per day
bbl/d
billion cubic feet
Bcf
billion cubic metres
BCM
barrel of oil equivalent
boe
billions barrel of oil equivalent
bboe
CO₂ equivalent
CO₂e
thousands of pascals
kPa
thousands of tonnes
kt
thousands of tonnes per day
kt/d
million standard cubic feet
mmscf
million barrels
MMbbl
million barrels of oil equivalent
MMboe
million British thermal units
MMBtu
million standard cubic feet per day
mmscf/d
millions of Pascals
MPa
millions of tonnes per annum
mtpa
pounds per square inch
psi
tonnes
t
trillion cubic feet
Tcf
tonnes of CO₂ equivalent
tCO₂e
terajoules
TJ

144   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Index

A
American Depositary Receipts  139
Annual General Meeting (AGM)  139, 143
Anti-bribery and corruption  51, 53, 63
Areas of activity  16
Australia Oil  17, 146, 148
B
Balance sheet  13, 21, 63, 79, 126
Balnaves  20, 79
Board of Directors  72–73
Brent oil price  21
Browse LNG  5, 9, 12–13, 21, 37, 43, 65, 67, 79, 84, 129, 146 
C
Cameroon  129
Canada  39, 65–67, 129
CEO remuneration  88
Chairman’s report  1
Compass (workplace culture)  55, 73
Compliance  14, 39, 51, 53, 62–63, 73–74, 83
Contingent resources  64–65, 143
Conversion factors  67, 143–144
Corporate governance  73
Credit rating  121
D
Directors’ declaration  133
Diversity  35, 49, 51, 55, 73, 79, 82
Dividend  1, 7, 10, 13, 21, 25, 74, 139, 142
Dividend Reinvestment Plan  139, 143
Drilling  2, 8, 12–14, 21, 26, 28–31, 34, 38, 43–44, 62, 67, 84
E
Effective income  20
Effective income tax  20, 148
Emissions  2, 13, 23, 49, 57, 59, 79
Employees  32, 123, 126
Events calendar  1, 142
Exchange rate  21, 88
Executives  51, 75, 77, 78, 80–87, 89, 92, 94–95, 126
External auditor relationship  73
F
Financial position  ii, 101, 110, 118, 130–131
Financial Statements  1, 74–75, 78, 104, 109, 125, 131, 133
Floating LNG (FLNG)  36, 67, 143
Free cash flow  4, 13, 21, 143
G
Gabon  21, 29, 31, 84, 129
Gearing  21, 25, 143, 148
Global exploration  2
Goodwyn A  34, 56–57, 146
Greater Enfield  142, 146
Greater Western Flank  24, 34, 143, 146
H
Health and safety  62, 79, 80
I
Independent audit report  134
Indigenous  52–54, 55, 82, 84
K
Karratha Gas Plant (KGP)  43, 56–57, 59, 143
Kitimat LNG  16
L
Long-term award (LTA)  80–83, 85, 90, 95
M
Morocco  29, 31, 129
Myanmar  2, 5, 8, 10, 12–13, 21, 26, 28–31, 52, 59, 65, 67, 79, 84, 146, 129

N
Net profit after tax (NPAT)  6, 20–21, 78–80, 83, 143, 148
New Zealand  16, 129
Nganhurra FPSO  44,
North Rankin Complex  34, 146
North West Shelf Project  ii, 35, 43, 48, 67, 143
O
Okha FPSO  17, 44, 146
Operating and Financial Review  1, 19, 142
P
Payout ratio  21, 25
Peru  16, 129
Pluto LNG  ii, 2, 5, 17, 20–21, 24, 27, 29, 32, 35–36, 40, 42, 49, 56–57, 60, 79, 

129, 146, 

Production  2, 4, 6, 8–9, 13, 20–21, 24, 27, 29, 33–38, 42–45, 48–49, 56, 59, 
62–63, 65, 67, 74, 79–80, 83–84, 142–143, 147, 148

Proved plus probable reserves  67, 143, 147
Proved reserves  67, 114
R
Realised prices  20
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)  53, 55, 143
Remuneration Report  74–75, 77–78, 95
Reserves and resource statement  67
Reserves replacement ratio  64, 67
Return on equity  20, 143
Risk management  104, 106, 121
S
Sales revenue  20, 143, 147
Scarborough  2, 8, 9, 12–13, 17, 21, 36, 65, 67, 84, 146
Security  14, 139
Seismic  20, 29, 31, 42
Senegal  2, 5, 10, 12–13, 21, 24, 26, 29–31, 38, 52, 65, 67, 79, 84, 129, 142–143, 

146, 

Shareholdings: distribution  138
Share plans  125
Share registry: enquiries  139
Short-term award (STA)  80–86, 95, 126
Spain (Canary Islands)  129
Strategy  1, 14, 24, 55, 70
Sunrise  24, 39, 65, 67, 146
T
Tanzania  129
Technology  14, 56, 71, 78, 83, 89
Timor-Leste  140
Total recordable injury rate (TRIR)  58, 79, 84, 143
Total shareholder return (TSR)  81, 95, 143
Turnaround  20, 21, 42, 44
Turnover  54–55, 84
U
United States of America (USA)  16, 70, 139, 140, 143, 129
V
Vincent  34, 44, 45, 67
Vision  13, 51, 53, 73, 81
Volume weighted average  20
Volunteering  52
W
Wheatstone  2, 5, 8, 12–13, 20–21, 24, 33, 45, 48, 49, 64, 65–67, 79, 84, 142, 

146–147

X
Xena  67

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Shareholder information   145

 
Asset facts

PRODUCING FACILITIES

Australia

North West 
Shelf

Karratha Gas 
Plant

North Rankin 
Complex

Goodwyn A 
Platform

Role Operator

Operator

Operator

Equity 16.67%

16.67%

16.67%

Angel 
Platform

Operator

16.67%

Product LNG, pipeline 

natural gas, 
condensate 
and LPG

LNG, pipeline 
natural gas, 
condensate 
and LPG

LNG, pipeline 
natural gas, 
condensate 
and LPG

LNG, pipeline 
natural gas, 
condensate 
and LPG

International

Canada Kitimat LNG

Role Non-operator

Equity 50%

Product Pipeline natural gas

Pluto LNG Pluto LNG 

Platform

Pluto LNG 
Plant

Australia Oil Ngujima-Yin 

FPSO

Nganhurra 
FPSO

Okha FPSO Wheatstone LNG

Role Operator

Operator

Role Operator

Operator

Operator

Non-operator

Equity 90%

90%

Product LNG and 

condensate

LNG and 
condensate

Equity 60%

Product Oil

60%

Oil

33.33%

13%

Condensate 
and oil

LNG, pipeline natural gas  
and condensate

PROJECTS

Australia

Greater Enfield Project

Wheatstone LNG

Julimar-Brunello Project – 
Phase 2

Greater Western Flank Phase 2

Role Operator

Equity 60%

Product Oil

Non-operator

13%

Operator

65%

Operator

16.67%

LNG, pipeline natural gas and 
condensate

LNG, pipeline natural gas and 
condensate

LNG, pipeline natural gas and 
condensate

DEVELOPMENTS

Australia

Scarborough/ 
Thebe

Role Operator and 
non-operator

Browse

Sunrise LNG

International

USA Port Arthur 
LNG

Canada Kitimat LNG 

Senegal SNE-Phase 1

Operator

Operator

Role Non-operator

Role Non-operator

Role Development 

Equity 25%–50%

30.60%

33.44%

Equity Project 

Equity 50%

Development 
Agreement

Lead

Equity 35%

EXPLORATION

Australia and Asia-Pacific

Australia Various titles1
Role Operator and 
non-operator

Equity Various 
equities

New Zealand PEP-55794

Myanmar AD-5 and A-7 AD-7 and A-6 AD-2 and A-4 AD-1, AD-6 and AD-8

Role Operator

Role Operator

Joint operator Non-operator

Joint operator

Equity 70%

Equity 55% and 45% 40%

45%

50%

Product Oil or gas 

Product Oil or gas 

Product Gas prone 

prone basin

prone basin

basin

Gas prone 
basin

Gas prone 
basin

Gas prone 
basin

Atlantic margins

Senegal Rufisque, Sangomar and 
Sangomar Deep

Role Non-operator

Equity 35%

Product Oil prone basin

Sub-Saharan Africa

Morocco Rabat Deep 
I-VI

Role Non-operator

Equity 25%

Ireland FEL 3/14, 5/13, 5/14 and LO 16/14

Role Operator

Equity 60%–90%

Product Oil prone basin

Product Oil or gas prone basin

Latin America

Peru Block 108

Role Non-operator

Equity 35%

Product Oil prone basin

Gabon Doukou Dak (F15), Luna Muetse (E13), Diaba Block and Likuale (F14)2

Role Non-operator

Equity 21.25%–40%

Product Oil prone basin

1.  For further information on Woodside’s Australian titles, please refer to the titles register website (neats.nopta.gov.au).
2.  The transaction remains subject to satisfaction of conditions precedent.

146   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

Summary charts

Product view

Investment

˜ Gas and condensate*

˜ Oil*

˜ Exploration and other

2017

52%

24%

24%

2016

63%

24%

13%

*Indicative only as some assets produce oil and gas.

Regional view

Investment

˜ Australia

˜ Canada

˜ Rest of world

2017

76%

4%

20%

2016

69%

7%

24%

Our investment expenditure was primarily directed at 
Wheatstone LNG, the Greater Enfield and NWS subsea 
tieback projects and exploration.

The majority of our 2017 investment was in Australia.

Production

˜ Natural gas*

˜ Oil

˜ Condensate

2017

83%

8%

9%

2016

83%

7%

10%

* Includes LNG, LPG and pipeline gas.

Production

˜ Australia

˜ Canada

˜ Rest of world

2017

98%

2%

0%

2016

98%

2%

0%

The majority of our production is from natural gas produced 
through the Pluto LNG and NWS facilities. 

Australian assets continue to provide the majority of 
Woodside’s production volumes.

Sales revenue

˜ Natural gas*

˜ Oil

˜ Condensate

2017

78%

11%

11%

2016

81%

8%

11%

Sales revenue

˜ Australia

˜ Canada

˜ Rest of world

2017

99%

<1%

0%

2016

99%

<1%

0%

* Includes LNG, LPG and pipeline gas.

* Includes LNG, LPG and pipeline gas.

Gas, largely sold as LNG, continues to provide the majority 
of our sales revenue.

The majority of our revenue is currently derived from Australia. 

Reserves (Proved plus Probable)

Reserves (Proved plus Probable)

˜ Dry gas

˜ Oil

˜ Condensate

2017

86%

5%

9%

2016

86%

5%

9%

˜ Australia

˜ Canada

˜ Rest of world

2017

99%

1%

0%

2016

99%

1%

0%

Gas represents the largest portion of Woodside’s Proved 
plus Probable reserves. 

The majority of Woodside’s Proved plus Probable reserves 
are located in Australia. 

Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Shareholder information   147

 
Ten-year comparative data summary

Profit and
Loss 
(USDm)1

Balance 
Sheet
(USDm)1

Cash Flow
(USDm)
and Capital
Expenditure
(USDm)1

Volumes

Other ASX 
Data

Operating Revenues 
Australia Pipeline Gas
Australia LNG
Australia LPG
Australia Condensate
Australia Oil
Australia LNG Processing Revenue
Australia Trading Revenue
Other Hydrocarbon Revenue
Other International
Total
EBITDAX
EBITDA2 
EBIT 
Exploration and Evaluation
Depreciation and Amortisation
Amortisation of Licence Acquisition Costs
Impairment/(Impairment Reversal)
Net Finance Costs
Tax Expense
Non-controlling Interest
Reported NPAT
Reported EPS (cents)3
DPS (cents)
Total Assets
Debt
Net Debt
Shareholder Equity
Cash flow from Operations
Cash flow from Investing
Cash flow from Financing
Capital Expenditure
  Exploration and Evaluation
  Oil and Gas Properties and Property, Plant     
  and Equipment
ROACE4  
Return on Equity 
Gearing 
Sales (million boe)
Australia Pipeline Gas
Australia LNG
Australia LPG
Australia Condensate
Australia Oil
Other International
Total (million boe)
Production (million boe)
Australia Pipeline Gas
Australia LNG
Australia LPG
Australia Condensate
Australia Oil
Other International 
Total (million boe)
Reserves (Proved plus Probable) Gas (Tcf)
Reserves (Proved plus Probable) Condensate 
(MMbbl)
Reserves (Proved plus Probable) Oil (MMbbl)
Other
Employees
Shares

(%)
(%)
(%)

High (A$)
Low (A$)
Close (A$)
Number (000’s)

Number of Shareholders
Market Capitalisation (USD equivalent  
at reporting date)
Market Capitalisation (AUD equivalent  
at reporting date)
Finding Costs ($/boe) (3 year average) 5
Reported Effective Income Tax Rate 
Net Debt/Total Market Capitalisation 

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

 137 
 2,631 
 34 
 413 
 390 
 192 
 53 
47
11
 3,908 
 3,031 
 2,854 
 1,650 
 177 
 1,188 
 16 

 -   

 84 
 446 
 96 
 1,024 
 122 
98
 25,401 
 5,065 
 4,747 
 15,050 
 2,400 
 (1,568)
 (805)

292
2,751
34
413
302
202
70
-
11
4,075
3,004
2,734
1,388
270
1,320
26
-
48
367
105
868
104
83
24,753
4,973
4,688
14,839
2,587
(2,473)
51

 295 
 3,095 
 34 
 421 
 650 
 180 
 354 
-
1
 5,030 
 3,443 
 3,063 
 441 
 380 
 1,517 
 22 
 1,083 
 85 
 243 
 87 
 26 
3
109
 23,839 
 4,441 
 4,319 
 14,226 
 2,475 
 (5,555)
 (58)

 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 
 293 
 255 
 24,082 
 2,586 
 (682)
 15,876 
 4,785 
 (617)
 (3,119)

 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 
 213 
 249 
 23,770 
 3,764 
 1,541 
 15,225 
 3,330 
 (1,059)
 (2,470)

 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 
 366 
 130 
 24,810 
 4,340 
 1,918 
 15,148 
 3,475 
 161 
 (1,252)

 375 
 1,509 
 127 
 860 
 1,795 

-    
-  
-
 136 
 4,802 
 3,423 
 2,864 
 2,212 
 559 
 627 
 28 
 (3) 
 26 
 677 
 2 
 1,507 
 190 
 110 
 23,231 
 5,102 
 5,061 
 12,658 
 2,242 
 (3,533)
 362 

 309 
 1,310 
 115 
 708 
 1,579 

-    
-  
-
172
 4,193 
 3,431 
 3,126 
 2,256 
 305 
 749 
 24 
 97 
 (18)
 697 
 2 
 1,575 
 204 
 105 
 20,196 
 4,915 
 3,952 
 11,091 
 2,104 
 (2,941)
 608 

 378 
 769 
 94 
 571 
 1,496 

-    
-  
-
179
 3,487 
 3,427 
 3,209 
 2,303 
 218 
 752 
 35 
 119 
 12 
 823 

 (6)   

 1,474 
 210 
 95 
17,753 
4,939 
3,732 
8,812 
 1,483 
 (4,708)
 4,207 

 320 
 1,007 
 112 
 669 
 2,685 
- 
-
-
252
 5,045 
 4,017 
 3,765 
 2,852 
 252 
 732 
 49 
 132 
 19 
 1,287 
- 
 1,546 
 225 
 100 
10,317 
2,044 
1,946 
4,633 
 3,224 
 (3,892)
 684 

778

703

273

418

 328 

965

1,305

261

 1,039 
7.1
6.8
24.0

 6.0 
 60.4 
 0.6 
 7.6 
 6.9 
1.3
82.8

 6.0 
 61.7 
 0.6 
 8.0 
 6.8 
1.3
84.4
6.54

117.0
69.9

1,214
6.2
5.8
24.0

12.9
63.6
0.7
9.3
6.9
1.6
95.0

12.9
63.7
0.7
9.3
6.7
1.6
94.9
7.09

4,309
2.0
0.2
23.3

 13.2 
 57.6 
 0.7 
 8.5 
 12.5 
 0.2 
 92.7 

 13.1 
 57.5 
 0.7 
 8.4 
 12.3 
 0.2 
 92.2 
 7.59 

124.2
74.4

 133.5 
 42.6 

425
17.5
15.2
(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 
 6.65 

 117.1 
 54.1 

166

420
12.0
11.5
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 
 7.09 

383

1,145
18.3
19.7
11.2

 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 
 7.51 

2,651
11.8
11.9
28.6

 14.0 
 22.4 
 1.1 
 7.8 
 15.7 
 2.9 
 63.9 

 14.0 
 22.6 
 1.2 
 7.9 
 16.0 
 2.9 
 64.6 
 7.80 

2,933
13.5
14.2
26.3

 14.8 
 22.7 
 1.3 
 9.1 
 19.8 
4.5
 72.2 

 14.8 
 23.2 
 1.4 
 9.1 
 19.7 
 4.5
 72.7 
 8.02 

 125.2 
 67.0 

 130.9 
 95.9 

 138.7 
 108.5 

 154.7 
 117.5 

3,992
19.0
16.7
29.8

 18.4 
 21.3 
 1.5 
 9.7 
 24.3 
5.5 
 80.7 

 18.4 
 21.5 
 1.5 
 9.5 
 24.5 
 5.5 
 80.9 
 7.79 

 147.8 
 136.1 

4,031
37.1
33.4
29.6

 18.9 
 17.0 
 1.2 
 7.9 
 29.8 
5.4 
 80.2 

 18.9 
 17.4 
 1.2 
 7.9 
 30.5 
 5.4
 81.3 
 7.90 

 151.4 
 168.8 

3,597
33.97
28.16
33.08

3,511
31.88
23.94
31.16
842,445 842,445
214,350 
209,383

 3,456 
 38.33 
 26.20 
 28.72 
 823,911 
 225,138 

 3,803 
 44.23 
 33.71 
 38.01 
 823,911 
 227,798 

 3,856 
 3,997 
 3,896 
 50.85 
 38.16 
 39.54 
 29.76 
 30.09 
 33.29 
 30.62 
 33.88 
 38.90 
 823,911 
 805,672 
 823,911 
217,383  208,277  205,868 

 3,650 
 49.28 
 40.56 
 42.56 
 783,402 
 201,134 

 3,219 
 53.87 
 31.19 
 47.20 
 748,599 
 175,257 

 3,124 
 70.51 
 26.81 
 36.70 
 698,553 
 141,035 

21,762

18,922

17,250

 25,664 

 28,579 

 28,983 

 25,287 

 33,745 

 31,567 

 17,717 

27,868
 26.21 
34.2
21.8

26,251
39.06
35.9
24.8

 23,663 
107.45
49.8
25.0

 31,317 
 44.09 
30.1
(2.7)

 32,050 
 30.43 
29.8
5.4

 27,914 
 14.09 
27.2
6.6

 24,670 
 12.67 
30.5
20.0

 33,342 
 6.12 
25.2
11.6

 35,334 
 5.71 
33.7
11.8

 25,637 
 3.35 
32.6
11.0

(%)
(%)

1.  Comparative financial information prior to 2010 has been converted on a consistent basis in accordance with Note 1(o) to the 2010 Financial Report. Cash flow and capital 

expenditure have been converted using a consistent approach adopted on a conversion of expenses.

2. The calculation for EBITDA has been updated to include impairment and amortisation of licence acquisition costs. 2008 to 2013 EBITDA numbers have been restated to reflect 

this change in calculation. EBIT is calculated as a profit before income tax, PRRT and net finance costs.

3. Earnings per share has been calculated using the following weighted average number of shares: 2017: 840,928,530; 2016: 835,011,896; 2015: 822,943,960; 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. 

4. 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 2008 to 2013 has 

been restated to include this change.

5. Finding cost methodology is in accordance with the FAS69/SEC industry standard.

148   Woodside Petroleum Ltd  |  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2017

Head Office: 
Woodside Petroleum Ltd 
240 St Georges Terrace 
Perth WA 6000

Postal address: 
GPO Box D188 
Perth WA 6840  
Australia

T: +61 8 9348 4000 
F: +61 8 9214 2777 
E: companyinfo@woodside.com.au

Woodside Petroleum Ltd 
ABN 55 004 898 962

woodside.com.au