THE PEP11 permit has been garnering strong community resistance since it was first applied for.

Many News Of The Area readers will have followed this story from earlier this year when the Prime Minister stated that he did not support the PEP11 permit.

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Now those opposed to the project can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Our environment, lifestyles, oceans and tourism industries have been protected.

The Petroleum Exploration Permit PEP-11 will not go ahead under steps taken by the Morrison Government to reject the project.

The Morrison Government has advised NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole as the joint authority partner, as well as the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA), of the Commonwealth’s intention to refuse the application.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was taking steps to protect local communities and the environment by putting a stop to PEP-11.

“This project will not proceed on our watch,” the Prime Minister said.

“Gas is an important part of Australia’s current and future energy mix but this is not the right project for these communities and pristine beaches and waters.

“From Newcastle through to Wollongong my Government has listened to the concerns of local Liberal Members and candidates and their communities and we’re putting our foot down.”

PEP-11 is located primarily in Commonwealth waters off the NSW coast between Newcastle and Wollongong and covers approximately 8,200 m2.

The Government’s refusal of the application is based on the following reasons; the Government has given consideration to high levels of community opposition to the application; the Government is not satisfied that the applicant is able to raise sufficient funding required to progress the work program in a timely manner and in the timeframe of the permit conditions; the Government does not agree with the reasons listed by the applicant for the extension – there is insufficient evidence to meet the criteria of force majeure.

NOPTA, as the regulator, will grant the applicant 30 days to respond to the notice of intention to refuse the application.

Liberal Candidate for Paterson, Brooke Vitnell, told News Of The Area, “The Prime Minister first expressed his opposition to the PEP11 project during a visit to Paterson.

“This shows how crucial our region was to the PM’s decision and I’m pleased that in making this decision he has again put the people of the Hunter first.

“This is a decision I not only strongly support but it’s one that reflects the broader view of the Port Stephens community,” she said.

There were concerns that the PEP11 Permit, if approved, would interfere with both the tourism and fishing industries, whilst being damaging to the environment.

By Marian SAMPSON