Coal seam gas exploration cancelled on the Central Coast

THERE will be no coal seam gas exploration on the Central Coast, following a decision by the State Government.

Coal seam gas exploration will no longer take place on the Central Coast. Picture: Simon Green

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THERE will be no coal seam gas exploration on the Central Coast, following a decision by the State Government.

NSW Minister for Resources Don Harwin has announced the buy-back and cancellation of Petroleum Exploration Licence 461, bringing an end to gas exploration on the Coast.

The licence was granted in 2008, covered around 15,000 hectares around Wyee, Budgewoi and Swansea. It was held by Our Energy Group Pty Ltd.

Map of Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 461

“The NSW government made a commitment to the community to cancel all petroleum exploration licences in the area,” Mr Harwin said.

“With the buy-back and cancellation of PEL 461, we have ensured that no gas exploration can take place on the NSW Central Coast.”

Central Coast Parliamentary Secretary Scot MacDonald welcomed today’s announcement.

Minister for Resources, Energy and Utilities Don Harwin made the announcement today. Picture: Jeremy Ng

“The cancellation of Labor’s gas exploration licence removes uncertainty for the communities of the Central Coast,” Mr MacDonald said.

“Labor indiscriminately handed out gas exploration licences across most of the state. The NSW Liberal National Government has removed PELs in inappropriate regions of the state.”

The gas exploration licence does not relate to seismic testing activity east of Norah Head Lighthouse.