Gas exploration on the NSW Central Coast is over.
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The NSW government says it will buy back and cancel a petroleum licence covering 15,000 hectares off the coast south of Newcastle, ending gas exploration in the area.
The licence, known as PEL 461, was the final permit allowing the practice on the Central Coast.
"The NSW government made a commitment to the community to cancel all petroleum exploration licenses in the area," Resources Minister Don Harwin said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We have reset the industry to ensure it moves forward on this government's terms."
The government has reduced the footprint of coal seam gas exploration from more than 60 per cent of the state to less than seven per cent, Mr Harwin said.
Australian Associated Press
