PEP-11: Rory Amon introduces proposed law to stop oil and gas exploration off the coastline

A push to allow an energy company to drill for oil and gas off the east coast could be halted, if a proposed new law is passed by state parliament. Find out more.

Critics of the PEP-11 exploration permit fear that oil and gas companies could set up drilling rigs just 6kms off the northern beaches coastline. Picture: CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES

A proposed law to ban gas and coal mining in the ocean off the northern beaches, and the rest of the NSW coast, has been introduced into state parliament by the new Liberal MP for Pittwater, Rory Amon.

If Mr Amon’s Private Member’s Bill, which has the backing of the Opposition, becomes law, it will stop the push for an offshore Petroleum Exploration Permit — the so-called PEP-11.

The permit would allow an energy company to drill for oil and gas just off the coast between Manly and Newcastle.

Critics say if PEP-11 — a licence granted over Commonwealth waters — was allowed, there could be drilling platforms within 6kms of the coastline.

Asset Energy holds an 85pc interest in PEP-11.

Rory Amon, the state Liberal MP for Pittwater, speaking in NSW parliament on Thursday, on his Private Members Bill designed to halt the push for oil and gas exploration off the northern beaches. Picture: Supplied

Before he spoke in the Lower House on the proposed legislation — Mineral Legislation Amendment (Offshore Drilling and Associated Infrastructure Prohibition) Bill 2023.— on Thursday, the MP urged the new NSW Labor government to back his Bill.

He said the PEP-11 licence had been cancelled after a decision of the former Coalition federal government, however, the Albanese Labor Government had “re-enlivened the licence for further consideration”

In February the federal court quashed the former prime minister Scott Morrison’s move to block an extension of the PEP-11 exploration permit after a legal challenge by Asset Energy.

The Labor federal government and Asset Energy reached an agreement to end ongoing litigation relating to PEP-11, leaving the door open for the state and federal governments to reconsider the application.

The independent federal MP for Warringah, Zali Steggall, has introduced her own Bill in the federal parliament in an effort to block PEP-11.

The independent federal MP for Warringah, Zali Steggall, has introduced a Bill in the federal parliament in an effort to stop PEP-11 going ahead. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Amon said the The Bill not only bans exploration and mining of petroleum, gas and coal in state waters, it prevents any approvals or development in state waters which would facilitate the exploration or mining in Commonwealth waters.

“Even though PEP-11 is a product of Labor Party policy over recent years, being approved and supported by the former Keneally (NSW) and Gillard (federal) governments, and being put back on the table by the Albanese Government, residents want it stopped.

“I have every confidence that this Bill will pass with State and Federal Labor being supportive of its premise.”