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Barilaro says no to PEP11 gas rigs

TOPICS:Deputy PremierJohn BarilaroLeadMinister For Regional Industry And TradePEP11
(Left) Federal Minister, Keith Pitt & Deputy Premier, John Barilaro (Right)
FEBRUARY 10, 2021
In his submission to the joint authority, Deputy Premier and NSW Minister for Regional Industry and Trade, John Barilaro, has said he will “refuse further applications to extend the life of PEP 11”.
He also said “PEP 11 was issued under a Commonwealth Act, the exploration area is in Commonwealth waters, and the ultimate decision-making power rests with the Commonwealth”.
Barilaro’s statement comes two days before the expiry of the Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP11) licence which allows gas and oil drilling off the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Sydney coastline.
Central Coast Newspapers reached out to Federal Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt, who said he is “yet to receive any formal submission or advice from the NSW Minister”.
“The National Offshore Titles Administrator (NOPTA) will provide advice to assist with my decision,” Pitt said.
“Any exploration project or petroleum activity will require approval from the independent expert offshore regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).
“I will carefully consider all relevant information before making my decision.”
CEO of BPH Energy, David Breeze, is one of the license holders of the PEP11 title.
When asked why $9M was raised by the company even though the decision to extend the licence is still pending, Breeze said he was “certainly committed to continue with the project.”
Alex Herget & Jacinta Counihan