The Federal Government has said, they won't give the green tick to a controversial gas exploration permit off the Hunter coast.
The Government advised New South Wales and the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator of their decision to refuse Advent Energy's application to extend PEP11 on Wednesday.
The future of the license has been in limbo for more than 300 days.
There's concern offshore drilling would devastate the marine environment, as well as industries reliant on the ocean and beaches.
Shortland MP Pat Conroy says the community's welcoming the move.
"It would imperil tens of thousands of local jobs," Mr Conroy said.
"You just think about all the jobs that depend upon our pristine coastline, whether it's tourism, whale-watching, hospitality, the cafes and restaurants along our coast, commercial fishing, recreational fishing, the bait shops."
"They all depend on our beautiful and healthy beaches and marine ecosystem."
The Federal Government announced the refusal, citing the community opposition and their own disagreeing with reasons for the extension, as well as concern the company couldn't raise funds in a timely manner.
Mr Conroy says it's about time the permit was shown the door.
"For many of us, the only place we were allowed to go during the COVID lockdown was the beach, so lots of people were worried about losing their beaches and coastline," Mr Conroy said.
"I'm still angry that the Government took 300 days more than they did, but I am relieved by this decision."
