THE state government has bought back a gas exploration licence covering the coast off parts of Lake Macquarie to cancel it, Minister for Resources Don Harwin announced on Wednesday.
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The Petroleum Exploration Licence, PEL-461, was granted in 2008 and covered about 15,000 hectares.
Its footprint fell around Wyee, Budgewoi and Swansea.
Mr Harwin said the cancellation of the licence was “bringing an end to gas exploration on the Central Coast of NSW”.
“The NSW government made a commitment to the community to cancel all petroleum exploration licences in the area,” he said.
“With the buy-back and cancellation of PEL 461, we have ensured that no gas exploration can take place on the NSW Central Coast.
Our Energy Group Pty Ltd had held the licence.
The licence is separate from seismic testing conducted off Newcastle earlier this year that prompted several rallies in opposition.
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
