Hundreds of surfers are expected to take part in a paddle-out at Nobbys Beach on Saturday morning to protest against a proposal to explore for gas off the Hunter's coastline.
It follows similar events hosted by Surfrider Foundation at Mona Vale and Terrigal over the last two weekends.
Advent Energy is seeking to extend its gas exploration permit, known as Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP 11), for two years.
The permit covers an area stretching from Port Stephens to North Sydney.
However, the project still needs to formally assessed by Resources Minister Keith Pitt.
Save Our Coast, which has led a community campaign against the project, has collected more than 84,000 signatures over the past three years.
"It is ludicrous that this petroleum exploration permit could even be considered right off our coast, in the most populated area in Australia, in a whale migration path, dolphin habitat and home to a rich biodiversity. Our beautiful coast is part of our identity: they call it PEP 11 - we call it home," Save Our Coast founder Dr Natasha Deen said.
"PEP 11 is a flawed and devastating plan that risks the marine ecosystem and our way of life. We are delighted to have the phenomenal support of Surfrider Foundation and we implore Minister Keith Pitt to heed the clear wishes of communities, and indeed his colleagues and the Prime Minister himself, and end PEP 11 once and for all, to save our beautiful coast that we love and depend on for well-being and livelihoods."
Surfrider campaign director Damien Cole said, if approved, PEP11 had the potential to destroy a large area of Australia's coastline.
"PEP 11 could see catastrophic impacts to the local environment, economy and the entire fabric of the coastal communities that call this area home," he said.
"Nobody wants this project to go ahead, be it politicians or the public, so why is this still hanging over our coastal communities' heads?"
Saturday morning's paddle out commences at 11am.
