NSW MP's have stood in solidarity, passing a motion calling on the Turnbull government to suspend Asset Energy's licence for further oil and gas exploration off the coast of Newcastle.
It comes after state Energy and Resources Minister, Don Harwin, expressed a lack of confidence in Australia's current offshore mining regulations, and the motion filed could see the company's operations suspended until such time as those regulations are changed.
Asset Energy recently completed seismic testing off Newcastle, sparking outrage from environmentalists concerned about the impact of the testing on the Hunter's whale migrations.
The Greens believe federal Resources Minister, Matt Canavan, needs to address state parliament's concerns, with MP Jeremy Buckingham saying Novocastrians and Sydneysiders don't deserve to have seismic testing on their beaches.
"The federal government must take notice," he said, "thousands of people live on the Central Coast and Newcastle, it is the economic hub of NSW.
"Those people want clean, pristine beaches," he continued,"we do not need an offshore gas industry in an age of climate change...the NSW government agrees, the Greens agree and Newcastle Council agrees.
"It's now up to Malcolm Turnbull and Matt Canavan to stop this crazy seismic surveying," Mr Buckingham said.
However, Asset Energy argues they've closely followed all safety procedures and have been operating well within the bounds of state and federal frameworks.
The New Zealand government have recently announced a ban on new oil and gas exploration off their waters.
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| The PMG Pride conducting seismic blasts off Newcastle. Image: Watt Electrical News. |
