Protest PEP-11 at One of These Paddle Out Events

15/04/2021Amy Fairall

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15/04/2021Amy Fairall

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Over the next three weekends, Surfrider Foundation are hosting paddle out events along the Sydney and Central Coasts to protest the proposed offshore gas and oil exploration project, PEP-11, and they want to see you there!

What the heck is PEP 11?

PEP-11 stands for Petroleum Exploration Permit 11. It’s a 45,000 square kilometre offshore oil and gas exploration and extraction project proposed for Australia’s East Coast, stretching from Newcastle all the way down to southern Sydney. And it’ll be as close as 4.5km from the coastline.

Photo by Jarrah Lynch

The permit was due to expire in February 2021, but the mining companies involved are pushing for a licence extension, and the Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt MP, who’s in charge of making the decision, has postponed the deadline.

The campaign to fight PEP-11 is gaining traction, with a bunch of musicians, celebs, and politicians jumping on board. From Aussie band Lime Cordiale, to surf legend Layne Beachley, and even, a little surprisingly, Prime Minister Scott Morrison coming out against the renewal of this permit.

So where are these paddle outs happening?

The paddle outs are planned for three spots along the coastline where PEP-11 has the potential to cause major damage to marine life, and create an eyesore in the form of hideous oil rigs on the horizon.

Each paddle out has a COVID-restricted capacity of 500 people, so prior registration is essential if you’re keen to be involved!