This is an invalid point, a structure like an oil rig can easily...

This is an invalid point, a structure like an oil rig can easily be obscured by the atmosphere during the day, if it is visible at all, it will be on a clear day with binoculars, or at night when the lights are on.

Additionally, the Hon. Scott Morrison's comments were regarding the economic and environmental impact. While it is true that he is trying to appease the north shore communities who may be able to see the rig, this has absolutely nothing to do with the reasons that he and other ministers have stated they do not support PEP-11. Seeing the rig is not an environmental hazard, and if you are trying to tell me that it will cripple tourism because they might be able to see a blot on the horizon just like a large shipping boat (which are often out at sea waiting to enter Sydney harbour) then you are dreaming. The real threat is the possibility of hitting oil as well as gas, an oil spill could have a significant impact on the environment, OR the continuation of seismic testing, which is not necessarily ruled out for the far future of the permit. Keep in mind that despite this, there are hundreds of oil and gas rigs in Australia's waters who have never had a catastrophic or even a significant fault that caused an environmental hazard (see https://www.nopsema.gov.au/resources/major-offshore-incidents/ for one that has).