New South Wales bans offshore petroleum exploration
The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) on February 23 announced a ban on offshore commercial applications for petroleum or mineral exploration and development.
Deputy premier and minister responsible for resources Paul Toole said the state government will not support commercial applications for offshore mineral, coal, or petroleum exploration or mining, in or adjacent to, NSW coastal waters.
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Toole said any offshore exploration or mining will be limited to tackling coastal erosion through beach renourishment, where a clear public benefit exists.
“NSW has some of the world’s most spectacular coastlines which support local industries and make them a great place to live and visit, and we want that to continue for future generations,” Toole said.
“This policy recognises that our coastal ecosystems are complex and sensitive and formalises our long-held view that the NSW Government will not support offshore exploration or mining for commercial purposes,” he added.
Australia’s peak oil and gas body Appea said that ban is short-sighted and will only hurt the state’s fragile economy trying to recover from the pandemic.
“A blanket ban on exploration and development of valuable resources without consultation with the industry and without reference to the already well-established regulatory framework is politically disappointing and policy light,” Appea CEO Andrew McConville.