NSW Treasurer Matt Kean says a re-election Coalition government would ban offshore exploration.Credit:Jessica Hromas
In giving the consent order,it nullifies former prime minister Scott Morrison’s secret decision to block the exploration request. In turn,it begins the process again for the gas companies,who must seek approval from the NSW and federal governments to extend the permit to explore for gas.
The area comes under the Commonwealth-NSW Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority,although the federal government is the ultimate decision maker.
Loading
Kean urged the federal government to follow the NSW Coalition and ban PEP11. His push also comes less than six weeks from the state election,when the Coalition will need to convince voters of its environmental credentials,especially in seats facing a threat from a teal candidate.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals government has been consistently opposed to PEP11,which is why we are legislating our existing ban on offshore gas mining in NSW waters and calling on the Albanese Government to do the same in Commonwealth waters,” Kean said.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals will always stand up for the environment and our communities that care deeply about our pristine coastline,and the federal Labor Government must do the same to outlaw PEP11 once and for all.”