I am appalled over the news that BPH Energy are appealing the Federal Court over the decision made over the PEP-11 Permit.
Myself, the Central Coast community, and the NSW Government have publicly opposed PEP-11 since 2017. Former Deputy Premier John Barilaro rejected the permit officially on 18 February 2021.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole reaffirmed our position by completely ruling out offshore exploration and mining for commercial purposes off the NSW coastline on 23 February 2022.
The NSW Government stands resolute in our opposition to the PEP-11 permit and I strongly encourage Prime Minister Albanese to follow through with his commitment and again reject this permit for good.
It is important that both NSW and Federal Governments stand together telling BPH Energy there is no place for oil and gas drilling off the coast of Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle.