Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Central Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches and waterways in Australia. People across my electorate of Robertson are really passionate about protecting our natural environment. Over several months I have received countless emails, letters and messages from concerned residents right across our region explaining how significant our waterways are to the Central Coast way of life. That's why the Petroleum Exploration Permit 11, or PEP 11, off the New South Wales coast has been such an important issue to the people in my community.

Decisions on the permit are a matter for a joint authority comprising the federal minister for resources and the relevant New South Wales minister—in this case, the Deputy Premier. I do welcome the recent news that Deputy Premier John Barilaro formally wrote to Minister Pitt to advise of his decision to say no to varying the licence conditions for PEP 11. The next step now is for the federal minister to consider the matter and make his decision. I have been assured by the federal minister that he will give this proposal and the recommendation from Minister Barilaro the detailed consideration they deserve.

My position on PEP 11 has always been clear. I will never support anything that could harm our waterways and precious marine life. I stand alongside my community in sharing their concerns about the protection of our beautiful oceans and precious marine life and by ensuring sustainable practices now and in the future. I will continue to advocate strongly for the Commonwealth to say no to extending the PEP 11 licence.

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