Federal minister rejects PEP-11
After four years of campaigning, a permit to allow mining of the waters off the Northern Beaches has been rejected.
Federal Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, made his recommendation of refusal to the joint state-federal authority tasked with assessing off-shore mining permits, which the authority agreed with on 17 January. Asset Energy has been seeking an extension of its Petroleum Export Permit 11 (PEP-11) for four years, to enable it to explore for oil and gas in the waters from Manly to Newcastle.
There has been strong community opposition to the permit, with Independent Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby integral to the state push to legislate against use of any infrastructure in NSW waters for mining companies, before she was elected.
“It has truly been a community effort – from paddle outs to petitions, and political pressure at both state and federal levels,” Ms Scruby said.
“Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we’ve successfully protected our beaches and way of life. We can all be proud of what we’ve achieved by working together and across political party lines to get this done.”
Asset Energy had maintained that it would not have explored in the waters off the Northern Beaches, but around Newcastle. However, Minister Husic said the joint authority refused the applications ‘for reasons of public interest, concerns about the applicants’ estimate of the cost of works and their ability to raise the necessary capital to fund the proposed works.’
“The government is committed to following due process for all offshore petroleum applications to ensure the fair and safe regulation of the petroleum industry in Australia,” he added.
Warringah MP Zali Steggall had proposed legislation federally to kill off PEP-11, with Independent Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps in full support. “I’m proud of our community who stood up and fought this tooth and nail every step of the way,” Dr Scamps said. “The campaign underlines the ability of community Independents to deliver change at the highest political levels.”
