Surfers and MPs oppose One Nation's backing of PEP-11 gas project

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 06:01 · Archive

One Nation said it would support the PEP-11 offshore gas project off the NSW coast, prompting opposition from surfers and environmentalists.

One Nation in NSW announced it would support the PEP-11 offshore gas project stretching from northern Sydney to Newcastle, provided commercial parties could make it work. NSW One Nation leader Mike Newman said the party was 'pro-fossil fuel' and 'pro-technologies that will reduce the price of energy'. He also said One Nation would overtake a state ban on offshore gas exploration, though PEP-11 is not covered by the 2024 laws.

Surfers, local leaders and environmentalists have opposed the plan. Surfers for Climate said surfers, fishers and their families had spent years fighting oil and gas projects along NSW's coastline from Newcastle to Sydney's Northern Beaches. Chief executive Josh Kirkman said backing PEP-11 would drag those communities 'back into a fight they've already won'. NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe also rejected One Nation's proposal.

The PEP-11 project, led by Australian-based Asset Energy and Bounty Oil and Gas, was initially stopped by former prime minister Scott Morrison in 2021. An application by Asset Energy was rejected again by the Albanese government in 2025. The Federal Court threw out a 2026 challenge to that decision, though the matter still remains before the courts.

How it is being reported

• Surfers join MPs, environmentalists opposing One Nation’s call on PEP-11 projectSurfers are opposing One Nation’s plan to back a gas scheme stretching from Sydney to Newcastle.The West Australian · 15 Nov, 05:32
• Surfers join MPs, environmentalists opposing One Nation’s call on PEP-11 projectSurfers are opposing One Nation’s plan to back a gas scheme stretching from Sydney to Newcastle.Perth Now · 15 Nov, 05:32

In this story: One Nation · Mike Newman · Surfers for Climate · Josh Kirkman · NSW Hunter coast · Penny Sharpe · Asset Energy · Bounty Oil and Gas

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