25 FEBRUARY 2022
ISSUE 331
News
Freak storms wreak havoc
Council is pushing ahead with a seawall at Wamberal Beach, with a preferred design identified, but Wamberal Save Our Sand has slammed this move. See page 5
Out&About
Gosford Musical Society (GMS) will return to Laycock St Community Theatre next week after an extended absence due to COVID-19 See page 13
Business Severe storms wreaked havoc on the Central Coast on Tuesday, February 22, as roads and homes flooded and motorists were left stranded. See page 3 Flooding on Central Coast Hwy and Racecourse Rd at West Gosford caused traffic chaos
Photo: Marie Harmond
PEP11 one step closer to running out of gas The Federal Government has taken “the next step” in formally rejecting the application for renewal of the PEP11 permit, which expired 12 months ago. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, following the Government’s proposed decision to not suspend, extend and vary the title conditions of the permit announced on December 16, 2021, the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) issued the applicant a Notice of Intention to Refuse and granted the applicant 30 days to
respond to the notice. “After considering the applicant’s response, I have made the decision under section 59(3) of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 to propose to refuse the application,” the Prime Minister said. “As a result, I have written to NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole, as the Joint Authority partner, advising of the Government’s proposed decision.” It is understood this is a more formal advice than the
notification sent to Toole in December of the Government’s “intention” to refuse the application. A spokesman for NOPTA confirmed that on February 17, 2022, the Federal Government had announced its decision to propose to refuse an application to suspend, extend and vary the title conditions of PEP-11. “The NSW member of the Joint Authority, Deputy Premier (Paul) Toole, has 30 days to respond, following which a decision will be finalised,” the spokesperson said. “If Minister Toole agrees with
the Commonwealth member of the Joint Authority’s proposed decision to refuse the current suspension, extension and variation application, within the 30-day period, the decision on this application will then be finalised. “Any action to be taken after a decision is finalised is a matter for the titleholder.” A spokesperson for Minister Toole said former Deputy Premier John Barilaro had written to Resources Minister Keith Pitt last year confirming the NSW position to reject the renewal of PEP-11.
“Deputy Premier Toole will soon be writing back to the Prime Minister confirming our opposition to PEP-11,” the spokesperson said. “NOPTA will be (copied) into that formal correspondence with the Prime Minister.” Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks has stated the Government is following the “proper process” in refusing the application as community groups and Opposition politicians grapple with the convoluted process. Continued page 6
Plans for a $115M mixed use development, including a 196room hotel, opposite Gosford racecourse appear to be dead in the water for the time being. See page 21
Sport
Two one-goal losses in a week at AAMI Park, Melbourne has sunk the Central Coast Mariners to the bottom end of the A-League table, unrewarded despite their exceptional showing against the defending champions. See page 32
Puzzles page 18
It all starts with spirit spiritsuper.com.au Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718), the trustee of Spirit Super (ABN 74 559 365 913). Read the PDS at spiritsuper.com.au before making a decision.
coastcommunitynews.com.au - 4325 7369 - editorial@centralcoastnews.net
