"The delay of the vessel due to conduct seismic testing off the coast of Newcastle provides a prime opportunity for re-evaluation of this ridiculous plan and for the Federal Government to revoke Asset Energy’s exploration licence," NSW Greens MP Justin Field said.
"While a new start date has not been provided, the upcoming school holidays and the start of whale season in May mean options for Asset Energy are diminishing quickly.
"The reality is seismic testing is risky business and threatens marine habitat, productive fishing grounds, migrating whales and the tourism industry that relies on them.
"The most sensible option would be to listen to the community and end plans for any seismic testing in the waters off Newcastle or anywhere along the NSW coast. This seismic testing should never have been approved and the company should be made to relinquish the licence.
"NSW must not follow Trump in his dangerous move to open up offshore waters to gas drilling.”
