The NSW Labor government has now banned offshore mining and exploration for gas and oil in NSW waters. NSW is the first state to ban offshore fossil fuel extraction.
The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Seabed Mining and Exploration) Bill 2024 amends the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to prohibit:
- Seabed petroleum and mineral exploration and recovery in NSW coastal waters; and
- Other development within the state for the purposes of seabed petroleum and mineral exploration and recovery anywhere.
‘This is great news for marine ecosystems and people of NSW. It shows that it’s entirely possible for the government to protect nature, water and the community from the devastating impacts of the fossil fuel industry,’ Jacqui Mumford, Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales (NCC) CEO said.
‘This legislation stops any operators wishing to explore for oil and gas in Commonwealth waters off the coast of NSW from building infrastructure that enables fossil fuels to be transported through NSW waters to the shore for processing,’ Surfers for Climate CEO, Josh Kirkman.
A spokesperson for the Wilderness Society said that ‘The legislation shows that the tide is turning for Australia’s fossil fuel industry,’ said a spokesperson for the Wilderness Society.
‘Unfortunately, an alarming number of new oil and gas projects are on the table for Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. In the face of mounting biodiversity and climate crises, other Australian jurisdictions must follow in the footsteps of NSW.
‘The Wilderness Society has worked alongside communities to challenge the proposed PEP-11 project for many years, due to the devastating impact the project would have for people, nature and climate if it were to go ahead. By passing this legislation, the government has shown they are listening to NSW communities. This decision will provide certainty that the state’s coastal communities and marine wildlife will be protected from the destructive impacts of offshore mining activities.’
Protect the Liverpool Plains
The NCC has also called for a ban on gas mining on the Liverpool Plains in north-west NSW.
The Liverepool Plains is known as the food bowl of NSW and farmers have been fighting against gas and coal against the likes of Chinese mining company Shenhua and the Santos’s Narrabri Gas Project.
‘We commend all members of parliament for coming together to secure such substantial changes to environmental protections and take action on climate, and Minister Sharpe for delivering this important piece of legislation,’ said Ms Mumford.
‘Now we’re calling on the NSW government to protect Country across NSW by stopping the destruction wrought by new fossil fuel projects such as the gas pipeline through Newcastle, fracking in the Pillga/Billga and Liverpool Plains, and mining under the Gardens of Stone.’
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