The Minns Labor Government welcomes Commonwealth Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic's decision to refuse an amendment of work program and time for Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP-11) in Commonwealth waters off the coast of NSW between Newcastle and Sydney.
Minister Husic's decision on these applications provides clarity to the proponent, coastal communities, and the general public on the outcome of the applications, ending years of uncertainty.
To uphold the integrity of the decision-making process for the applications, NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos, in her capacity as a member of the Commonwealth-New South Wales Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, did not contribute to the final assessment of the applications on this occasion.
Minister Husic's decision follows strong action by the Minns Labor Government to protect our beaches and coastal environment by banning seabed petroleum and mineral mining and exploration in NSW coastal waters.
In March 2024, the NSW Government passed the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Sea Bed Mining and Exploration) Act 2024 (NSW). The Act commenced on 13 December 2024 and prohibits exploration and recovery in the coastal waters of NSW unless specifically exempted.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:
"The NSW Government's position on drilling and mining in NSW coastal waters is clear. I will continue to consider applications as part of the Joint Authority in Commonwealth waters on a case-by-case basis.
"Although I did not contribute to the decision, I support Minister Husic's decision to refuse the two applications for variation and suspension of the conditions of the permit and extension of the permit term for PEP-11.
"I would like to acknowledge the clear sentiment on PEP-11 expressed by coastal communities and their representatives over many years."
