Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid and community activist Hugh Naven.

29 January 2025

 

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.

 

Minister for Industry and Science, The Hon Ed Husic MP, said, "In making this decision, I have carefully considered all relevant materials, including those submitted by Asset Energy Pty Ltd, and the requirements set out under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.

 

"As part of the decision-making process, Asset Energy Pty Ltd was given an opportunity to respond to the concerns that I raised in forming my preliminary view that the Joint Authority should refuse the applications. Asset Energy’s response was considered before reaching this decision.

 

"The Australian 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."

 

Federal Member for Roberston, Dr Gordon Reid said, "the Central Coast community has fought long and hard for this outcome, which I have helped support since before I was elected to the Australian Parliament in 2022.

 

"I commend our community on their advocacy and unwavering support throughout this campaign - despite setbacks because of the former Liberal Prime Minister and Liberal Government who stuffed up due process through secret ministerial appointments."

 

The NSW State Government also welcomed the 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 has provided 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 Housos said "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.

 

"Minister Husic’s decision followed strong action by the current State 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.

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