Hundreds of locals are expected to paddle out this Saturday at Nobbys Beach in protest against the planned PEP11 gas and oil exploration off the coast of Newcastle.
Surfrider Foundation Australia organised the ‘Stop PEP11 Paddle Out’ in response to the Federal Government’s plans to establish a gas and oil industry stretching 4500 square kilometres from Port Stephens to Sydney.
Community organisations like Save Our Coast have been campaigning against the PEP11 proposal since 2018 and saw the Federal Parliament debate over the renewal of the licence in February this year.
The licence held by Advent Energy, which is now expired, remains in place until a formal decision has been made by Federal Minister for Resources Keith Pitt, sparking concerns amongst the community that the potential for gas exploration was still on the cards.
Most recently, campaigners cautiously celebrated the Prime Minister’s opposition to PEP11 in March, who then reaffirmed his position on April 21.
“I think I made it pretty clear what my Government’s view was about that (PEP11),” Morrison said.
“I mean, that will go through processes, but I’ve made it absolutely crystal clear that that’s not something I support, and you can expect my view on that to be rock solid.”
Surfrider Foundation Australia National Campaign Director Damien Cole welcomed the announcement but said the fight wasn’t over.
“I wanted to let you all know that this is not over yet,” Cole said.
“We have to keep pressure up until it gets properly knocked on the head.
“It is your responsibility to go out and spread the word about PEP11.”
He said while gas exploration was the main thrust of PEP11, there was also the potential for oil drilling.
“This could lead to oil slicks which could destroy everything we’ve ever known,” Cole said.
The paddle out Facebook event has 238 participants, with Newcastle locals encouraged to “step up and make a noise to #stopPEP11”.
With successful events already held at Mona Vale and Terrigal Haven Beach on the Central Coast, organisers are hopeful that the Newcastle event will have a lasting impact.
State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said many local, state, and federal members were against the PEP11 exploration licence, including Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy.
“The Prime Minister confirmed that he does not support the renewal of the PEP-11 exploration licence along the coast from Newcastle to Sydney,” Crakanthorp said.
“He joins…tens of thousands of community members who have made it clear that we do not want gas exploration off our coast.
“I’m not sure how much more feedback Minister Pitt needs to be able to deny an extension of PEP-11.
“Minister Pitt has dragged his heels on this decision, but it’s really not that hard, our oceans are precious, and I find it extraordinary that this proposal is even on the table.”
During an ABC Q+A discussion on April 22, Minister Pitt said he was cautious with commenting on the situation as it directly impacted the share prices of ASX (Australian Stock Exchange) listed companies.
Pitt said the petroleum exploration permit was managed through the regulator for which he was responsible for called NOPTA (National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator).
“This is a proposal that is longstanding for an extension of an existing permit off the NSW coast, the area is about 4000 kilometres, and if there was to be an exploration well, it’s about the size of a kitchen table,” Pitt said.
“This is an industry which has been in place in Australia for more than five decades; I make decisions on petroleum exploration permits regularly, two, three, four times a year, right around the country.
“It’s an important part not only of our economy but for fuel security.
“For me, when I make a decision, it will be balanced, based on the facts provided, the advice that I have, what is in the application, and what the law says.”
Stop PEP11 Paddle Out will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 1, at Nobbys Beach, Newcastle.
To register for the paddle out, visit surfrider.org.au.
Hayley McMahon
Comments are closed.