BY IAN CROUCH
Federal Newcastle MP, Sharon Claydon has launched a petition calling for oil and gas drilling rigs off the coast of Newcastle to be banned.
It comes as the federal and state governments consider an application to extend Advent Energy's exploration permit for another 5 years despite the company admitting its not found any significant oil or gas deposits.
Sharon Claydon says Novocastrians are worried about the impact of oil and gas exploration on the marine environment and says the petition can be signed in her Hunter Street office or online.
