The promise of legislation to permanently prohibit offshore gas drilling off the coast of New South Wales is hailed as a victory for the environment.
Greenpeace is urging other state and territory governments to follow the lead of the New South Wales government, which announced the decision on Wednesday.
It follows the Federal Court’s decision to overturn former prime minister Scott Morrison’s decision to refuse an extension of the PEP-11 permit, opened the door to future gas drilling in a vast length of NSW waters.
The PEP-11 permit covers a petroleum well along the New South Wales coast between Wollongong and Newcastle, including an area of approximately 8,200 square kilometers.
The court’s finding returns the authority to decide whether the region can be drilled to the NSW and federal governments, as well as Asset Energy, the holder of the PEP-11 permit.
In the lead-up to the court’s judgment, MPs from across the political spectrum in New South Wales voiced their opposition to the permission, including Labor, the Greens, and independents.
Energy Minister Matt Kean stated that the Liberal-National coalition was deeply concerned about the project’s environmental impact and has repeatedly opposed it.
Mr. Kean told reporters on Wednesday at Mona Vale on Sydney’s northern beaches, “This is why we’re legislating our long-held policy on offshore gas mining in NSW waters.”
The proposal also involves persuading the Albanian government to implement similar legislation.
Richard George, a campaigner with Greenpeace, argues that the proposed restrictions are a victory for marine life at a critical juncture for Australian waterways.
Mr. George stated that offshore gas extraction is devastating for our oceans.
The gas extraction method necessitates drilling down the sea floor, undertaking seismic blasting that can injure whales, and constructing hundreds of kilometers of undersea pipelines, which severely disrupts fragile marine ecosystems.
The plan of the administration depends on the Liberal-National coalition gaining a fourth term on March 25.
Mr. Kean stated that the New South Wales Liberals and Nationals will always stand up for the environment and people that care passionately about our pristine coastline.
“Today, we call on the government of Albania to support our proposal and prohibit offshore gas drilling in Commonwealth waters as well.”
They are responsible for reopening this problem.
Manly representative James Griffin, who serves as the state’s environment minister, supported Mr. Kean’s comments.
The next steps are straightforward: the Albanese government must prohibit offshore drilling and mining in Commonwealth waters.
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