A controversial coal seam gas exploration license in Fullerton Cove has expired with no expression of renewal by its owner.
In November 2015 AJ Lucas brought the licence from its previous holder, Dart Energy. Dart Energy abandoned its exploratory drilling program at Fullerton Cove in 2013 due to community opposition and the government's expansion of the residential exclusion zone to a two-kilometre buffer.
The coal seam gas license covered a 2000-square kilometre area of Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.
Although the license has expired there is still a chance the license could be once again passed on.
Wilderness Society Newcastle Campaign Manager Naomi Hodgson says there is no legislative protection for Newcastle's groundwater so there is not theoretical reason why the license could be resurrected.
"The overwhelming opposition of the New South Wales community to coal seam gas has proven to be a significant impediment to the industry getting off the ground."
Of the 14 remaining petroleum exploration licenses in NSW, 12 are in north-west NSW.
The Baird government is in the process of establishing a framework for coal and petroleum which will define what land can be used for exploration.
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| Fullerton Cove Protesters. Photo Courtesy of ABC. |
