PEP11 – Poll Raises Questions on Potential Appeal

BY PETER HYSLOP

It appears Advent Energy will continue to try and win back a gas exploration permit off Hunter’s coastline following a Federal rejection earlier this year.

New polling conducted by the company has found 63% of about 1000 respondents from across the region supported developing more gas reserves.

Newcastle Greens Councillor Charlotte McCabe has been a longtime opponent- she says the poll is ammunition for an appeal.

“We must have clear and accurate information about energy sources at this time while we’re going through this critical transition, and we must not allow ourselves be influenced by industry that is essentially working for their own profit motivation,” she said.

Image: Pep11.com.au

Push-Back for PEP-11 Proposal

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A call to nullify Scott Morrison's decision to stop PEP-11 is causing concerns for climate advocacy groups. 

It comes after the Government and Asset Energy agreed to end court proceedings after an extension was rejected by the former Prime Minister. 

If consent orders submitted by Anthony Albanese are accepted by the court, the off-shore gas drilling project will be put back up for consideration. 

Co-Founder of Surfers for Climate Belinda Baggs, says she didn't think they'd have to start their fight over again. 

"We were really disappointed to hear. We thought PEP-11 was behind us, but because of a broken political process, it looks like once again we're going to need to make it really clear that the Sydney, Central Coast, and Newcastle waters are no place for a gas field," she said. 

Image: Surfers for Climate 

Hunter community cheering as PM gives PEP11 the boot

BY DAKOTA TAIT

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."

Petition Launched Against Oil & Gas Drilling Off Newcastle's Coast

 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.