The Prime Minister has taken the final step to reject the application for the Offshore Petroleum Exploration Permit PEP-11.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s decision under section 59(3) of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 to propose to refuse the application has been formalised.
“PEP-11 is officially dead in the water,” the Prime Minister said.
“I said the project would not proceed on our watch, and that is exactly what has happened.
“The decision has been finalised to ensure PEP-11 will not go ahead as a result of the steps taken by my Government.
“I would like to thank our local Liberal Members and candidates and the coastal communities from Newcastle through to Wollongong for voicing their concerns and for working with the Government to ensure the local communities and environment remain protected.”
The New South Wales Government agreed with the Morrison Government’s proposed decision.
The National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) has advised the applicant of the decision.