Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been urged to support MPs between Sydney and Newcastle kill off an offshore gas exploration proposal.
Independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall will introduce the Stopping PEP11 Bill in Federal Parliament next week.
Resources Minister Keith Pitt is considering an application from Advent Energy (a subsidiary of Asset Energy) to extend its permit for Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP-11) for two years.
The company's previous permit expired in February.
In addition to widespread community opposition, the project is opposed by every federal MP between Port Stephens and Sydney.
Mr Morrison has also voiced his opposition during visits to the Hunter this year.
In an opinion piece into today's Newcastle Herald, Asset Energy executive director David Breeze argues the project is misunderstood and would have minimal environmental impact.
Ms Steggall has called on politicians who have opposed the PEP-11 to support her bill.
"The coastline around PEP-11 is home to millions of Australians, whose lifestyle and livelihood relies on a healthy ocean. We need to stop the push for gas production off our coast," Ms Steggall said. "The Stopping PEP11 Bill empowers my colleagues to walk the talk and put an end to PEP-11."
Surfrider Foundation's Damien Cole said PEP-11 would set a dangerous precedent for fossil fuel industrialisation of the east coast.
"Local communities in NSW have been impacted by catastrophes over the last couple of years starting with the bushfires up to the current COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
"As we slowly recover from the ongoing lockdown, an oil spill or gas leak could further decimate local economies, irreparably damage the local marine and coastal ecosystems, destroy the habitat of countless species including the endangered Manly colony of Little Penguins; and negatively impact the physical and mental health of millions of Australians within these communities."
Community group Save Our Coast has collected close to 100,000 signatures on petitions to stop the PEP-11 project.
