The promise of laws to permanently block offshore gas drilling along the NSW coast is being hailed as a win for the environment.
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Greenpeace is calling on state and territory governments around the country to follow the NSW government's lead, after it announced the move on Wednesday.
It comes after the Federal Court quashed former prime minister Scott Morrison's decision to block an extension of the PEP-11 permit, reopening the door to potential gas drilling across a large stretch of NSW waters.
The PEP-11 permit covers a petroleum well along the NSW coastline between Wollongong and Newcastle, covering about 8200 square kilometres.
The court's ruling returns the decision-making power on whether the area can be drilled to the NSW and federal governments, and the holder of the PEP-11 permit, Asset Energy.
The lead up to the court's decision launched a wave of opposition across the political spectrum in NSW, with Labor, the Greens and independent MPs voicing their opposition to the permit.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Liberal-National coalition was gravely concerned about the environmental impact of the project and had consistently opposed it.
"That is why we are legislating our long-held policy on offshore gas mining in NSW waters," Mr Kean told reporters at Mona Vale on Sydney's northern beaches on Wednesday.
The plan includes converting existing policy preventing coal, gas, mineral and petroleum mining off the coast into law, and lobbying the Albanese government to adopt similar legislation.
Greenpeace campaigner Richard George says the proposed laws are a win for marine life, as Australian oceans face a make-or-break moment.
"Offshore gas drilling is catastrophic for our oceans," Mr George said.
"The gas extraction process involves drilling into the sea bed, conducting seismic blasting that can injure whales and laying hundreds of kilometres of undersea pipes, seriously disrupting fragile marine environments."
The government's plan is contingent on the Liberal-National coalition winning a fourth term in office on March 25.
"The NSW Liberal and Nationals will always stand up for the environment and our communities that care deeply about our pristine coastline," Mr Kean said.
"Today we call on the Albanese government to back our plan, and ban the drilling for offshore gas in commonwealth waters as well.
"They are the ones who have reopened this issue."
Mr Kean's calls were backed by the state's environment minister, Manly MP James Griffin.
"The next steps are simple; the Albanese government needs to step up and ban offshore drilling and mining in Commonwealth waters," he said.
Australian Associated Press
