The controversial PEP 11 permit for off-shore gas drilling is back on the agenda, with the Federal Government and Asset Energy agreeing last week to end a Federal Court challenge over former PM Scott Morrison’s refusal of a licence renewal [Video included].
Both major parties went into last year’s Federal election committing to an end to off-shore gas exploration along the east coast in an area including the Central Coast with residents and environmental groups agitating for definite action.
As the May election loomed, then Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced he had officially cancelled the PEP 11 permit (video below).
Constant questions from CCN on how that could occur without a sign-off from then Resources Minister Keith Pitt went unanswered.
It was revealed after the election that Morrison had taken on a number of extra portfolios in 2020 and 2021, including Resources, with Asset Energy challenging his decision to cancel the permit in Federal Court.
If the proposed agreement to end the challenge is accepted by the Federal Court, the former PM’s action will be vacated and the PEP-11 decision will be returned to the Federal-NSW Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority for consideration.
Central Coast MPs and environmental groups ramping up calls for an end to the permit once and for all.
Dr Natasha Deen, founder of the Save Our Coast group which has agitated for years for an end to the permit, said the agreement was “devastating”.
“It condemns communities to once again live in the uncertainty of whether or not our precious coast that we depend on for our wellbeing and livelihoods (will be) once again subject to risk of harm,” she said.
“However we have faith that the Albanese government will honour its strong election commitment to end the dangerous and flawed plan that is PEP 11.
“Although the process to end PEP 11 (by the former PM) is in question, the reasons to end it are extremely valid.
“It is unconscionable to risk devastation of our precious marine environment, exacerbation of climate damage and risk communities’ wellbeing, livelihoods and way of life, all to drill for fossil fuels off our beautiful coast
“Tens of thousands of voices, including those of the current Prime Minister and all MPs in the PEP 11 zone, have been vocal in condemning PEP 11 as an outrageous plan that risks harm to our communities, environment, climate and way of life.
“We are confident the correct process will now be followed, as promised, to end PEP 11 once and for all.”
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has had discussions with the Prime Minister, reaffirming the NSW Government’s opposition to the extension of PEP-11.
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch has been championing community opposition to the permit since 2017.
“Our Government has been absolutely resolute in opposition to the PEP-11 permit, and I strongly encourage Prime Minister Albanese to follow through with his commitment and again reject this permit for good,” he said.
“My strong objections on behalf of our community have made it very clear that we do not support this appalling project.”
Labor MPs have also reiterated their long-standing opposition to the PEP-11 project.
“This is what happens when Governments don’t follow the proper process,” they said.
“The company’s appeal was based on Scott Morrison’s decision to secretly swear himself in as a Minister.
“This has created more uncertainty for the local communities on the Central Coast, Newcastle and Northern Beaches.
“Our local Labor MPs on the Central Coast and the Hunter have consistently stood with their communities to oppose PEP-11.”
Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said his position on PEP-11 has not changed.
“The Central Coast understands that PEP-11 is detrimental to our sensitive marine environment and will compromise our coastal region,” he said.
“Scott Morrison did not respect proper processes and swore himself in as Resources Minister, which has led to this outcome.
“The Labor Government has one Minister for Resources – Madeleine King, (who) will follow proper processes and do her job properly.
“I will continue to represent the concerns of my community on this matter.”
Resources Minister Madeleine King welcomed the agreement reached by both parties to resolve the court proceedings.
“I assure Australians that any decisions that I take as the Federal Minister for Resources will always be based on sound evidence and in accordance with the law,” she said.
“Australians quite rightly expect this of their elected leaders.
“I am not going to provide an ongoing commentary on future official decisions that come before the Joint Authority, whether in relation to PEP-11 or any other matter.”
Terry Collins
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