Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been urged to support MPs between Sydney and Newcastle kill off an offshore gas exploration proposal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall will introduce the Stopping PEP11 Bill in Federal Parliament next week.
Resources Minister Keith Pitt is considering an application from Advent Energy (a subsidiary of Asset Energy) to extend its permit for Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP-11) for two years.
The company's previous permit expired in February.
In addition to widespread community opposition, the project is opposed by every federal MP between Port Stephens and Sydney.
Mr Morrison has also voiced his opposition during visits to the Hunter this year.
In an opinion piece into today's Newcastle Herald, Asset Energy executive director David Breeze argues the project is misunderstood and would have minimal environmental impact.
Ms Steggall has called on politicians who have opposed the PEP-11 to support her bill.
"The coastline around PEP-11 is home to millions of Australians, whose lifestyle and livelihood relies on a healthy ocean. We need to stop the push for gas production off our coast," Ms Steggall said. "The Stopping PEP11 Bill empowers my colleagues to walk the talk and put an end to PEP-11."
READ MORE:
Surfrider Foundation's Damien Cole said PEP-11 would set a dangerous precedent for fossil fuel industrialisation of the east coast.
"Local communities in NSW have been impacted by catastrophes over the last couple of years starting with the bushfires up to the current COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
"As we slowly recover from the ongoing lockdown, an oil spill or gas leak could further decimate local economies, irreparably damage the local marine and coastal ecosystems, destroy the habitat of countless species including the endangered Manly colony of Little Penguins; and negatively impact the physical and mental health of millions of Australians within these communities."
Community group Save Our Coast has collected close to 100,000 signatures on petitions to stop the PEP-11 project.
IN THE NEWS:
- Hotel quarantine for vaxxed tourists, travellers ditched from November
- Two years and counting: offshore gas exploration looms for election
- 'Rort' in Building Better Regions hurts the Hunter: Claydon
- 11 at Wallsend among Hunter's latest COVID cases
- NSW COVID update: Four deaths, 399 local cases in NSW
- How to add your COVID proof of vaccination to Services NSW app
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News