Pep11 could be history in 30 days after Scomo formally requested the NSW government to cancel the permit and they have 30 days to respond
The offshore gas proposal has drawn strong opposition in Liberal electorates of Mackellar on the northern beaches and Robertson on the Central Coast, as well as in North Sydney and Wentworth, where the Liberal MPs face challenges from climate-focused independents in the federal election due before June.Prime Minister Scott Morrison wrote to the NSW government and the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) in December to notify them he would refuse an application to renew Offshore Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP-11).NOPTA then notified joint venture partners Advent Energy and Bounty Oil and Gas of the intention to cancel PEP-11 and gave them 30 days to respond.
On Wednesday, Mr Morrison said that after considering the company’s response he had written to the NSW government to formally request it refuse to renew the licence, effectively killing the prospect of drilling.“I have written to NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole, as the joint authority partner, advising of the government’s proposed decision,” Mr Morrison said.NSW is required to respond within 30 days. Former NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said last year PEP-11 should be scuttled.PEP-11 covers 4500 square kilometres and starts 4.5 kilometres off the coast from Sydney’s famous beaches.
The Liberals are under pressure in their northern Sydney strongholds. The NSW party suffered a 20 per cent swing to an independent candidate in the blue-ribbon seat of Willoughby, which currently hangs in the balance as counting continues after Saturday’s byelection.North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman said he had backed people from his electorate who had campaigned against offshore drilling.
“There are few things more important than protecting our marine environment and this is why PEP-11 has engendered such a strong reaction from the community. It’s the right call and I know will be a relief for those who have been campaigning so hard against,” Mr Zimmerman said.Liberal MPs Lucy Wicks, Dave Sharma and Jason Falinski represent electorates where drilling platforms may have been visible from the shore.“I welcome this next step in the complete and final termination of the PEP-11 licence,” Mr Sharma said. “Sydney’s offshore oceans and future generations will thank us for this decision today.”
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