By Mike Foley
A gas project seeking permission to drill offshore between Manly and Newcastle has taken another blow after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he opposed renewal of the exploration licence, signalling a potential rift in the Coalition.
The offshore Petroleum Exploration Licence 11 (PEP-11), is up for renewal, having expired last month. Held by Advent Energy, the licence would allow the exploration company to conduct drilling and seismic testing covering an area starting 4.5 kilometres offshore and stretching some 4500 square kilometres, ahead of pursuing approval for production.
When asked on Thursday if he supported renewing PEP-11, Mr Morrison said “no”, and he “pretty clearly” did not support it.
It is the first time Mr Morrison has commented on the matter and the statement comes ahead of a final ruling by Resources Minister Keith Pitt, who has previously advocated for the expansion of gas production to help deliver a “gas-fired recovery” from the coronavirus economic downturn.
The Nationals MP said on Thursday that a decision on PEP-11 had not yet been made.
“While I appreciate the issue has generated a lot of public discussion and differing opinions, as the decision maker I will carefully consider the proposal taking into account advice from [the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator] and the legislation under which the application has been made before making an announcement,” Mr Pitt said.
Community members and local politicians say drilling platforms for gas and oil exploration would disrupt dolphin and whale migration, harm marine life and spoil the ocean views.
A petition opposing the PEP-11 project gained 60,000 signatures and was presented to federal Parliament last year by Warringah MP Zali Steggall, who defeated former prime minister Tony Abbott at the last election after campaigning on environmental issues.
Ms Steggall on Thursday called on Mr Pitt to end the “uncertainty of this project” for the community and local tourism industry.
“It is time the Resources Minister Keith Pitt ... put an end to the disruption and uncertainty being caused by the possibility of a licence extension,” she said.
“Considering the level of tourism and density from Manly to Newcastle, PEP-11 has been opposed by many sectors. I call on Mr Pitt to do the right thing.”
Northern Beaches federal MP Jason Falinski welcomed the Prime Minister’s opposition to offshore drilling in his electorate.
“It’s great to have the PM come out in favour of the community’s campaign on this. It’s becoming harder and harder to justify renewal of this licence,” Mr Falinski said.
Other local MPs with electorates potentially affected by PEP-11 as well as NSW Deputy Premier and Resources Minister John Barilaro oppose the project.
Mr Barilaro said in February there was “clearly a groundswell of opposition ... which confirms my own position to recommend that PEP-11 is not renewed”.