Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon is welcoming the news that Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon. Ed Husic MP, has carefully considered all material submitted by Asset Energy Pty, and has now formally rejected their applications (PEP-11).

Petroleum Exploration Permit 11, known as PEP-11, is a petroleum exploration area about 50km off the NSW coastline between Newcastle and Wollongong.

PEP-11 has long been a point of contention for our coastal communities. More than 75,000 people have signed petitions to stop the project.

This final decision from the Minister to reject PEP-11 comes after he formed the preliminary view that the applications should be refused, in September last year.

In making the final decision, Asset Energy Pty Ltd was given an opportunity to respond to the concerns that were raised by the Minister in the preliminary view that the applications be refused. Asset Energy’s response was considered before reaching this decision.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“The extension of PEP-11 is a project that has no friends in Newcastle.

“Our community’s message has been loud, clear and consistent for more than a decade: PEP-11 is not welcome.

“This project has never made any sense, from an economic, environmental or energy perspective. It puts at risk thousands of local jobs in tourism, in hospitality, and in recreational and commercial fishing.
“I am honoured to have taken up this fight on behalf of our community. The Minister’s rejection of the application is a massive win, and I want to thank Novocastrians for their steadfast advocacy.

“This could have been resolved years ago had the former, Liberal Government followed due process. I'm pleased the Albanese Labor Government worked methodically to reach this decision – helping to put to an end PEP-11 once and for all.”