NSW TO LEGISLATE BAN ON OFFSHORE GAS

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will legislate its existing policy to prevent offshore coal, gas, mineral and petroleum mining and exploration in NSW waters and ramp up its calls for the Albanese Government to prevent offshore mining in neighbouring Commonwealth waters.

Member for Manly James Griffin welcomed the announced that a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will introduce a bill to legislate the existing Offshore Exploration and Mining Policy in NSW waters in the next session of Parliament.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has been consistently opposed to offshore mining due to the grave concerns we hold about the possible impact on the environment.”

“We will always stand up for the environment and our communities that care deeply about our pristine coastline, and the federal Labor Government must give the community certainty in their waters, as we will do in ours,’ Mr Griffin said.

The NSW Government’s existing Offshore Exploration and Mining Policy sets out a responsible and balanced approach to the development of the State’s geological resources.

“Today’s announcement cements our opposition to offshore gas exploration and mining, and these new laws will make it crystal clear to anyone looking to drill for gas in NSW waters that they need not apply,” Mr Griffin said.

To help tackle beach erosion, the NSW Government will still consider offshore mineral exploration or mining in NSW waters for beach nourishment where a clear public benefit can be demonstrated.