Save Our Coast will hold a sunset gathering at Ocean Beach Surf Club, Umina, on Saturday, March 1, to celebrate the historic success of its campaign to save the Central Coast from offshore gas exploration.
The Commonwealth-NSW Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority officially refused two PEP-11 applications for renewed exploration in January.
Save Our Coast director Mark Mann said residents are invited to drop by to view the sunset from the surf club balcony to the sounds of the ocean.
There will be music, reflections and campaign memories to celebrate the strength of community spirit and celebrate the sun setting on gas exploration along the coastline.
“The rejection of Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP-11) by the Federal Government is a huge win for the community, the ocean and the planet – and a stunning success for the seven-year community campaign against offshore fossil fuel development,” Mann said.
“It’s an all-too-rare win for the community and the environment, so we feel we should take a moment to celebrate.”
Sae Our Coast founder Natasha Deen said the previous rejection of PEP-11 by then-PM Scott Morrison was overturned (but) the Albanese government has followed due process to reject PEP-11.
“We are reassured that this time, despite possible future legal challenges by the proponents, PEP-11 will not be resurrected – but we remain ready,” she said.
“We are humbled and moved at the powerful community movement that we began in 2018, with 86,000 voices united to save our beautiful coast.
“We united against PEP-11, a flawed plan to blast and drill for gas off our coast that risked harm to our coast, environment and communities’ wellbeing.
“We succeeded in getting every MP in the PEP11 zone, and two prime ministers, to join us in condemning PEP11, achieving this truly historic result.
“Our beautiful coast is safe.”
Deen said it was time to reflect on the strength of community spirit.
The celebration will take place from 5.30-7.30pm on Saturday, March 1, at Ocean Beach Surf Club, 176 The Esplanade, Umina Beach.
Entry will be free and nibbles will be provided, with bar service available.
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