media watch 4, page-2

i assume the government has the final say hence why there is an appeal process.

I'm not surprised they rejected it. It should never have been left in their hands to decide as it is outside their scope. They have taken the easy way out as they know the appeal process has already commenced. This way they can keep their ratepayers happy and direct any further trouble/death threats to the government. They had no issue granting the permits for the exploration and pilot wells, it was only when the project received more media coverage that they have chosen to take the cowards way.