Advent Energy advised the Australian Stock Exchange on Monday that it had sought tenders to provide subsea wellhead equipment, materials and services for the Baleen drilling project.

The company is the holder of Petroleum Exploration Permit 11, which extends between Port Stephens and Sydney.

The permit expired four months ago, however, Advent has sought to have it renewed for another two years. It believes the project represents a "potential solution to substantial gas shortage issues".

Commonwealth resources minister Keith Pitt is presently assessing the company's application in the face of widespread community opposition.

Advent Energy executive chairman David Breeze said he had no idea whether the company's application would be successful.

"We are just going about the business as the permit holder on the basis that we need to prepare for a decision," he said.

"This is just a process of ordinary business continuing.

It's necessary for us to do certain things in order to prepare for the decision."

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The proposal has attracted criticism from across the political divide. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Prime Minister Scott Morrison are among those who have spoken against it in recent months.

In addition, about 500 people participated in a paddle-out at Nobbys Beach early last month.

Shortland MP Pat Conroy one of seven MPs who have spoken against the project, described Advent's decision to call for tenders as "extraordinary and bordering on arrogant."

"How can Advent Energy possibly be calling for tenders for the Baleen drilling program when the Minister for Resources Keith Pitt is yet to make a decision on the future of the PEP 11 licence?," Mr Conroy, who plans to speak about the matter in Parliament on Wednesday.

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"It's hard to imagine Advent Energy would do this if they weren't confident about PEP 11 being extended for another two years.

"There is broad opposition to this project, so if Minister Pitt does approve it, it is clear that he has failed to listen to our community.

"Next week will be four months since the current PEP 11 licence was due to expire. Since then, the licence has been in a rollover period meaning exploration can continue while the Minister makes his decision.

"Minister Pitt urgently needs to end the uncertainty, listen to our community's wishes, and say no to PEP 11."

Community group Save Our Coast has collected 86,000 signatures on petitions to stop the Pep-11 project. A spokeswoman said it was disappointing Advent appeared to be pushing ahead with its plans.

"The government must make clear to Advent they have no right to commence works," she said.

"Save Our Coast has hoped all along for a fair process to meet the wishes of the communities directly affected by this dangerous fossil fuel project. The future of PEP11 is currently in the hands of Minister Keith Pitt, so any steps toward drilling are untimely and outside of that fair process."

"Given the risk of disastrous social and environmental consequences of offshore drilling, we want to see positive action right now - not a vague promise for the next election."

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