Confirmation from Advent Energy of their plans to drill for gas off the coast of Lake Munmorah if their Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP 11) is extended for a further two years is deeply distressing.
As reported today, they have plans to drill a well that would be around 2.2 kilometres deep, and their drilling target would be a huge 6000 acres.
Of equal concern were comments from the Federal Resources Minister Keith Pitt about Advent Energy’s proposal.
Mr Pitt, who together with NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro will decide on the future of PEP 11, has said that "any rig is unlikely to be visible from the coast".
This not only gives a strong indication about which way he is leaning with his decision, but the possibility of offshore gas drilling rigs ruining the stunning view from our coast is just one problem with this permit.
Mr Pitt’s comments don’t address the direct and indirect impact this project would have on thousands of local fishing, tourism, and hospitality jobs.
They don’t address the devastating environmental impacts this will have if there’s an accident.
And they don’t address the fact that there are already projects under development that will produce gas more cheaply and in less sensitive environments without endangering existing industries.
PEP 11 makes no sense from an economic, environmental, or energy perspective.
The community’s view on this issue is crystal clear: they don’t want it.
I have never seen such strong opposition to a project in my years in Parliament.
Mr Barilaro as well as several Federal Liberal Party MPs have all confirmed their opposition to this project.
Mr Pitt needs to listen to the community and say no to PEP 11.