The Commonwealth-NSW Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority has officially refused both PEP-11 applications.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic cited public interest concerns, questions about the applicants’ cost estimates and doubts over their ability to secure the capital needed to fund the proposed works.
The decision marks a significant victory for the Central Coast community, which has been steadfast in its opposition to the project.
Dr Natasha Deen, founder of the community group Save Our Coast, said:
“We are absolutely delighted that the flawed PEP 11 plan that threatened catastrophic harm to our delicate coastal environment, climate and way of life, is finally over.
“This is a win for the marine ecosystem, climate and communities and for the thousands of voices that joined us in denouncing the unacceptable risk that was PEP 11.
“We are humbled to have begun the Stop PEP 11 campaign in early 2018 and thank the thousands of community members and Members of Parliament who joined us to ensure the only just and fair outcome that we see today.”
Both of the Central Coast’s Federal MPs, Dr Gordon Reid (Robertson) and Emma McBride (Dobell), welcomed the decision by the joint authority.
Reid said he has supported the community’s campaign since before his election to Parliament in 2022 and commended the dedication and advocacy of the community.
“The Central Coast community has fought long and hard for this outcome,” he said.
He applauded the community’s resilience despite setbacks caused by what he described as mismanagement by the previous Government and secret ministerial appointments under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Former Primer Minister Scott Morrison making the announcement at Terrigal on December 16, 2021 
A big Umina beach protest in 2019 opposed PEP 11 on the Central Coast 
Zaliu Steggall talks to CCN after she attempted to introduce legislation into Parlimament 
The paddle out on April 24, 2021 Photos: Surf Rider Australia 
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and then Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, with the [first] cancellation notice CCN337
CCN has followed and reported on the issue for 10 years.
See all the previous stories in our archive, and some of the latest stories below:
PEP11: The saga continues with Husic’s ‘Preliminary Determination’
PEP11 companies ask Federal Court to force government decision
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