Sydney residents protest proposed offshore oil drilling on NSW coast
Around 250 surfers have gathered for a paddle out on Sydney's Northern Beaches in protest of a proposed oil and gas project on the NSW coast.
The protest, organised by Surfrider Foundation Australia at Mona Vales Beach, was the first in a series of community paddle-outs to oppose the development.
The Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP11) covers 4500 square kilometres extending off the coast between Newcastle in the north and Manly in the south.
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Tom Caroll leads paddle out protest in Mona Vale on Sydney's Northern Beaches. Surfrider Foundation Australia
Among the protesters was seven-time world champion surfer Layne Beachley, former professional surfer Tom Caroll and Australian musician Oli Leimbach.
"It is just an absurd decision to consider drilling for oil and gas in one of the most populated pristine coastlines in the world," Mr Beachley said.
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250 surfers participated in the paddle-out to protest a proposed offshore oil and gas project. Surfrider Foundation Australia
"Lets just get this out of our backyard and let the people in power know we will not accept this."
The PEP11 permit officially expired in February, and has not been renewed however current permit holders – a joint venture between Advent Energy and Bounty Oil and Gas – are pressing forward with plans to drill.
Today's paddle-out rally will be followed by rallies at Terrigal on April 24, and Newcastle on May 1.
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