7th February 2024
The Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales (NCC), the state's leading environmental advocacy organisation, has today welcomed the introduction of legislation to ban offshore mineral, coal and petroleum exploration, mining and gas drilling (and associated infrastructure) in NSW waters.
"I applaud Minister Sharpe and the Minns Government for the leadership they have shown in delivering on their election promise and protecting our coastline from the devastating impacts of offshore oil and gas", Jacqui Mumford, NCC CEO said today.
"The people of NSW care deeply for our coastline and oceans, and want to see them protected.
"We've seen the devastating impact oil spills have on our marine life, as well as severe environmental impacts just from the exploration off offshore fossil fuel deposits.
"This is great news for our oceans and our climate.
"Many places of ecological significance in NSW remain at risk from new fossil fuel projects, including such as Angus Place West coal mine or the coal seam gas in the Pilliga/Biliga. These projects need to be scrapped to protect nature, drinking water and the community.
"Native forest logging and habitat clearing for agricultural development must also end. These activities release more than 10 million tonnes of carbon annually, which accounts for more emissions than every house in Sydney."
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