Contents
Chapter 1—Introduction 1
Part 1.1—Legislative formalities and background 1
1............ Short title............................................................................................. 1
2............ Commencement................................................................................... 1
3............ Object.................................................................................................. 2
4............ Simplified outline................................................................................ 2
5............ Commonwealth‑State agreement (the Offshore Constitutional Settlement) 5
6............ Simplified maps.................................................................................. 8
Part 1.2—Interpretation 14
Division 1—General 14
7............ Definitions........................................................................................ 14
8............ Offshore areas of the States and Territories...................................... 43
8A......... Pipeline international offshore areas treated as offshore areas........... 47
9............ Spaces above and below offshore areas............................................ 50
10.......... Term of titles..................................................................................... 50
11.......... Renewal of titles................................................................................ 53
12.......... Variation of titles............................................................................... 59
13.......... Tied titles........................................................................................... 59
14.......... Vacated area...................................................................................... 60
15.......... Infrastructure facilities....................................................................... 62
16.......... Terminal station................................................................................. 64
17.......... Terminal point................................................................................... 64
18.......... Declared greenhouse gas facility....................................................... 64
19.......... Extended meaning of explore............................................................ 65
20.......... Potential greenhouse gas storage formation...................................... 66
21.......... Eligible greenhouse gas storage formation........................................ 67
22.......... Potential greenhouse gas injection site.............................................. 70
23.......... Incidental greenhouse gas‑related substance..................................... 70
24.......... Site plan—identified greenhouse gas storage formation.................... 71
25.......... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—approval of key petroleum operations 71
26.......... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—grant of petroleum production licence 73
27.......... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—approval of key greenhouse gas operations 75
28.......... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—grant of greenhouse gas injection licence 77
29.......... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—power of responsible Commonwealth Minister to protect petroleum.......................................................................................................... 79
30.......... Direction given by the responsible Commonwealth Minister............ 80
31.......... Securities........................................................................................... 80
32.......... Designated agreements...................................................................... 81
33.......... Graticulation of Earth’s surface and constitution of blocks............... 82
34.......... External Territories............................................................................ 85
35.......... Application of Act............................................................................. 85
36.......... Certain pipelines provisions to apply subject to international obligations 86
Division 2—Datum provisions 87
Subdivision A—Datum for ascertaining the position of points etc. 87
37.......... Objects.............................................................................................. 87
38.......... Definitions........................................................................................ 87
39.......... Australian Geodetic Datum............................................................... 88
40.......... Geocentric Datum of Australia.......................................................... 88
41.......... Current datum, previous datum and changeover time........................ 89
42.......... Use of current datum......................................................................... 90
43.......... Use of previous datum...................................................................... 91
44.......... Variation of titles and instruments..................................................... 93
45.......... Variation of applications for titles..................................................... 95
46.......... No change to actual position of point, line or area............................. 96
47.......... Transitional regulations..................................................................... 96
48.......... International Seabed Agreements...................................................... 96
Subdivision B—Certain points etc. specified in an International Seabed Agreement to be ascertained by other means 96
49.......... Certain points etc. specified in an International Seabed Agreement to be ascertained by other means 96
Division 3—Apportionment of petroleum recovered from adjoining title areas 98
50.......... Title................................................................................................... 98
51.......... Titleholder and title area.................................................................... 98
52.......... Petroleum recovered through inclined well....................................... 98
53.......... Petroleum pool straddling 2 title areas etc......................................... 99
54.......... Petroleum pool straddling Commonwealth title area and State title area etc. 100
55.......... Unit development............................................................................ 104
Part 1.3—Joint Authorities 105
Division 1—Joint Authorities 105
56.......... Joint Authorities.............................................................................. 105
57.......... Functions and powers of Joint Authorities..................................... 107
58.......... Procedure of Joint Authority........................................................... 108
59.......... Decision‑making............................................................................. 109
60.......... Opinion or state of mind of Joint Authority.................................... 110
61.......... Records of decisions of Joint Authority.......................................... 110
62.......... Signing of documents..................................................................... 111
63.......... Communications with Joint Authority............................................ 111
64.......... Judicial notice of signature of member of a Joint Authority............ 111
65.......... Issue of documents, and service of notices, on behalf of Joint Authority 113
66.......... Delegation by a Joint Authority for a State (other than Tasmania) or the Northern Territory 114
66A....... Delegation by Joint Authority for Tasmania................................... 115
67.......... Delegation by Greater Sunrise Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority 116
68.......... Delegation by Joint Authority for an external Territory.................. 117
68A....... Delegation by Joint Authority for pipeline international offshore area 118
69.......... Greater Sunrise Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority—consultations 118
70.......... Cooperation with Timorese Designated Authority by Joint Authority for pipeline international offshore area 119
Division 3—Finance 120
75.......... Payments by the Commonwealth to Western Australia—Royalty Act payments 120
Part 1.4—Application of State and Territory laws in offshore areas 123
78.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 123
79.......... Meaning of laws............................................................................. 123
80.......... Application of State and Territory laws in offshore areas............... 123
81.......... Disapplication and modification of laws......................................... 126
82.......... Limit on application of laws............................................................ 126
83.......... Inconsistent law not applied............................................................ 126
84.......... Criminal laws not applied................................................................ 127
85.......... Tax laws not applied....................................................................... 127
86.......... Appropriation law not applied......................................................... 127
87.......... Applied laws not to confer Commonwealth judicial power............. 127
88.......... Applied laws not to contravene constitutional restrictions on conferral of powers on courts 127
89.......... State or Northern Territory occupational health and safety laws do not apply in relation to facilities 127
90.......... No limits on ordinary operation of law........................................... 130
91.......... Jurisdiction of State courts.............................................................. 131
92.......... Jurisdiction of Territory courts........................................................ 131
93.......... Validation of certain acts................................................................. 131
94.......... Certain provisions not affected by this Part..................................... 131
Chapter 2—Regulation of activities relating to petroleum 133
Part 2.1—Introduction 133
95.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 133
Part 2.2—Petroleum exploration permits 135
Division 1—General provisions 135
96.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 135
97.......... Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for petroleum in offshore area 136
98.......... Rights conferred by petroleum exploration permit.......................... 136
99.......... Conditions of petroleum exploration permits.................................. 137
100........ Declared petroleum exploration permit—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations........................................................................................................ 142
101........ Declared petroleum exploration permits.......................................... 145
102........ Duration of petroleum exploration permit....................................... 147
103........ Extension of petroleum exploration permit if permittee applies for petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence............................................................................................. 148
Division 2—Obtaining a work‑bid petroleum exploration permit 150
104........ Application for work‑bid petroleum exploration permit—advertising of blocks 150
105........ Grant of work‑bid petroleum exploration permit—offer document. 152
106........ Ranking of multiple applicants for work‑bid petroleum exploration permit 152
107........ Grant of work‑bid petroleum exploration permit............................. 154
108........ Withdrawal of application............................................................... 155
109........ Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application.................................... 156
Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit 157
110........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—application...................... 157
111........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—cash bids......................... 158
112........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—cash bids less than the reserve price 159
112A..... Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—highest cash bids at or over the reserve price 162
112B..... Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—tie‑breaking invitation..... 163
113........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—grant............................... 164
114........ Extension of cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit....................... 165
Division 4—Obtaining a special petroleum exploration permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks 168
115........ Application for a special petroleum exploration permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks 168
116........ Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—only one application 170
117........ Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—2 or more applications 170
118........ Grant of special petroleum exploration permit................................. 173
Division 4A—Obtaining a boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit 174
118A..... Grant of boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit................ 174
Division 5—Renewal of petroleum exploration permits 178
119........ Application for renewal of petroleum exploration permit................ 178
120........ Non‑renewable cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits................. 179
121........ Limit on renewal of cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits........... 179
122........ Limits on renewal of work‑bid petroleum exploration permits and special petroleum exploration permits 180
122A..... Limits on renewal of boundary‑change petroleum exploration permits 182
123........ Standard halving rules..................................................................... 183
124........ Modified halving rules.................................................................... 185
125........ Renewal of petroleum exploration permit—offer document............ 186
126........ Refusal to renew petroleum exploration permit............................... 187
127........ Renewal of petroleum exploration permit........................................ 187
Division 6—Locations 189
128........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 189
129........ Nomination of blocks as a location................................................. 189
130........ Requirement to nominate blocks as a location................................. 191
131........ Declaration of location.................................................................... 191
132........ Revocation of declaration................................................................ 193
133........ Variation of declaration................................................................... 197
Part 2.3—Petroleum retention leases 199
Division 1—General provisions 199
134........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 199
135........ Rights conferred by petroleum retention lease................................. 200
136........ Conditions of petroleum retention leases......................................... 200
137........ Declared petroleum retention lease—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations........................................................................................................ 204
138........ Declared petroleum retention leases................................................ 207
139........ Duration of petroleum retention lease.............................................. 208
140........ Extension of petroleum retention lease if lessee applies for petroleum production licence 209
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum retention lease 211
Subdivision A—Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a petroleum exploration permit 211
141........ Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a petroleum exploration permit 211
142........ Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document....................... 212
143........ Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease....................................... 213
143A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum retention lease 213
144........ Grant of petroleum retention lease................................................... 214
145........ Petroleum exploration permit ceases to be in force when petroleum retention lease comes into force 215
146........ Petroleum exploration permit transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 215
Subdivision B—Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a life‑of‑field petroleum production licence 215
147........ Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a life‑of‑field petroleum production licence 215
148........ Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document....................... 217
149........ Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease....................................... 217
149A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum retention lease 218
150........ Grant of petroleum retention lease................................................... 218
151........ Petroleum production licence ceases to be in force when petroleum retention lease comes into force 219
152........ Petroleum production licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 219
Subdivision C—Obtaining a petroleum retention lease as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 220
152A..... Grant of petroleum retention lease as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory........................................................................................................ 220
Division 3—Renewal of petroleum retention leases 223
153........ Application for renewal of petroleum retention lease...................... 223
154........ Renewal of petroleum retention lease—offer document.................. 224
155........ Refusal to renew petroleum retention lease..................................... 226
155A..... Time limit for making decision about renewal of petroleum retention lease 228
156........ Renewal of petroleum retention lease.............................................. 229
Division 4—Revocation of petroleum retention leases 230
157........ Notice of proposal to revoke petroleum retention lease................... 230
158........ Revocation of petroleum retention lease.......................................... 231
Part 2.4—Petroleum production licences 233
Division 1—General provisions 233
159........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 233
160........ Prohibition of unauthorised recovery of petroleum in offshore area 234
161........ Rights conferred by petroleum production licence.......................... 234
162........ Conditions of petroleum production licences.................................. 236
163........ Declared petroleum production licence—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations........................................................................................................ 239
164........ Declared petroleum production licences.......................................... 242
165........ Duration of petroleum production licence....................................... 244
166........ Termination of life‑of‑field petroleum production licence if no recovery operations for 5 years 246
167........ Petroleum production licences to which the Royalty Act applies.... 247
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum production licence as a result of an application made by a petroleum exploration permittee or a petroleum retention lessee 248
168........ Application for petroleum production licence by permittee............. 248
169........ Application period........................................................................... 249
170........ Application for petroleum production licence by lessee.................. 250
171........ Offer document............................................................................... 251
172........ Consultation—Greater Sunrise unit reservoir petroleum production licence 254
173........ Refusal to grant petroleum production licence................................. 255
173A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum production licence 259
174........ Joint Authority may defer taking action on application for petroleum production licence if there is a pending application for a greenhouse gas assessment permit.......................................... 260
175........ Grant of petroleum production licence............................................ 261
176........ Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease ceases to be in force when petroleum production licence comes into force......................................................................................... 262
177........ Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 262
Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid petroleum production licence over a surrendered block or similar block 264
178........ Application for cash‑bid petroleum production licence over surrendered blocks or similar blocks 264
179........ Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence—only one application 265
180........ Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence—2 or more applications 266
181........ Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence.............................. 269
Division 4—Obtaining petroleum production licences over individual blocks 270
182........ Applications for petroleum production licences over individual blocks 270
183........ Grant of petroleum production licences over individual blocks....... 271
Division 4A—Obtaining a petroleum production licence as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 273
183A..... Grant of petroleum production licence as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory........................................................................................................ 273
Division 5—Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licences 276
184........ Application for renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence 276
185........ Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence—offer document 278
186........ Refusal to renew fixed‑term petroleum production licence.............. 280
186A..... Time limit for making decision about renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence 281
187........ Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence...................... 281
Division 6—What happens if a block is not taken up 282
188........ Revocation of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease to the extent to which it relates to a block not taken up........................................................................................... 282
Division 7—Petroleum field development 285
Subdivision A—Directions about the recovery of petroleum 285
189........ Direction to recover petroleum........................................................ 285
190........ Directions about the rate of recovery of petroleum.......................... 285
Subdivision B—Unit development 287
191........ Unit development............................................................................ 287
Part 2.5—Infrastructure licences 291
Division 1—General provisions 291
192........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 291
193........ Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of an infrastructure facility in an offshore area 291
194........ Rights conferred by an infrastructure licence.................................. 292
195........ Conditions of infrastructure licences............................................... 293
196........ Duration of infrastructure licence.................................................... 293
197........ Termination of infrastructure licence if no operations for 5 years... 294
Division 2—Obtaining an infrastructure licence 296
198........ Application for infrastructure licence.............................................. 296
199........ Grant of infrastructure licence—offer document............................. 296
200........ Refusal to grant infrastructure licence............................................. 297
200A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of infrastructure licence 297
201........ Grant of infrastructure licence......................................................... 298
202........ Consultation with petroleum titleholders—grant of infrastructure licence 298
203........ Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—grant of infrastructure licence 300
Division 3—Varying an infrastructure licence 303
204........ Application for variation of infrastructure licence........................... 303
205........ Variation of infrastructure licence................................................... 303
206........ Consultation with petroleum titleholders—variation of infrastructure licence 305
207........ Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—variation of infrastructure licence 307
Division 4—Directions by responsible Commonwealth Minister 309
208........ Directions by responsible Commonwealth Minister....................... 309
Part 2.6—Pipeline licences 310
Division 1—General provisions 310
209........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 310
210........ Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of a pipeline in an offshore area 310
211........ Rights conferred by pipeline licence................................................ 311
212........ Conditions of pipeline licences........................................................ 312
213........ Approval by Joint Authority of greenhouse gas substance to be conveyed in a pipeline 313
214........ Duration of pipeline licence............................................................. 315
215........ Termination of pipeline licence if no operations for 5 years............ 315
216........ Alteration or removal of pipeline constructed in breach of this Act. 317
Division 2—Obtaining a pipeline licence 319
217........ Application for pipeline licence....................................................... 319
218........ Rights of petroleum production licensees following application for petroleum‑related pipeline licences by other persons........................................................................................................ 320
219........ Rights of petroleum production licensees following application for greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licences by other persons............................................................................................ 321
220........ Rights of greenhouse gas injection licensees following application for greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licences by other persons............................................................................................ 322
221........ Grant of petroleum‑related pipeline licence—offer document......... 324
222........ Grant of greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licence—offer document. 326
223........ Refusal to grant petroleum‑related pipeline licence.......................... 331
224........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licence................. 333
225........ Grant of pipeline licence.................................................................. 336
Division 3—Varying a pipeline licence 337
226........ Variation of pipeline licence on application by licensee................... 337
227........ Variation of pipeline licence at the request of a Minister or a statutory body 339
Division 4—Pipeline operation 342
228........ Ceasing to operate pipeline without consent.................................... 342
Part 2.7—Petroleum special prospecting authorities 344
Division 1—General provisions 344
229........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 344
230........ Rights conferred by petroleum special prospecting authority.......... 344
231........ Conditions of petroleum special prospecting authorities................. 345
232........ Duration of petroleum special prospecting authority....................... 345
233........ Petroleum special prospecting authority cannot be transferred........ 345
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum special prospecting authority 346
234........ Application for petroleum special prospecting authority................. 346
235........ Grant or refusal of petroleum special prospecting authority............ 346
236........ Holders to be informed of the grant of another petroleum special prospecting authority 347
237........ Holders to be informed of the grant of greenhouse gas search authority 347
Part 2.8—Petroleum access authorities 349
Division 1—General provisions 349
238........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 349
239........ Rights conferred by petroleum access authority.............................. 349
240........ Conditions of petroleum access authorities..................................... 349
241........ Duration of petroleum access authority........................................... 350
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum access authority 351
242........ Application for petroleum access authority..................................... 351
243........ Grant or refusal of petroleum access authority................................ 352
244........ Consultation—grant of petroleum access authority in same offshore area 353
245........ Consultation—approval of grant of petroleum access authority in adjoining offshore area 354
Division 3—Variation of petroleum access authorities 356
246........ Variation of petroleum access authority.......................................... 356
247........ Consultation—variation of petroleum access authority in same offshore area 356
248........ Consultation—approval of variation of petroleum access authority in adjoining offshore area 358
Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access authorities 360
249........ Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access authorities.... 360
Division 5—Revocation of petroleum access authorities 362
250........ Revocation of petroleum access authority....................................... 362
Part 2.9—Petroleum scientific investigation consents 363
251........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 363
252........ Rights conferred by petroleum scientific investigation consent....... 363
253........ Conditions of petroleum scientific investigation consents............... 363
254........ Grant of petroleum scientific investigation consent......................... 364
Part 2.10—Standard procedures 365
255........ Application and cash bid to be made in an approved manner.......... 365
256........ Application fee................................................................................ 365
257........ Application may set out additional matters...................................... 366
258........ Titles Administrator may require further information...................... 367
259........ Offer documents............................................................................. 369
260........ Acceptance of offer—request by applicant...................................... 371
260A..... Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits—failure to respond to offer 375
261........ Special petroleum exploration permits and s 181 petroleum production licences—failure to pay 377
262........ Consultation—adverse decisions.................................................... 377
263........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may require information about negotiations for a designated agreement 379
Part 2.11—Variation, suspension and exemption 381
Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to petroleum exploration permits, petroleum retention leases, petroleum production licences, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 381
264........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of titles............. 381
265........ Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease—suspension of conditions 384
265A..... Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease pending decision on application for suspension of conditions................................................................. 385
266........ Suspension of rights—petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease 386
267........ Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease—suspension of rights 387
267A..... Variation of Commonwealth title—including an area as the result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory............................................................................. 387
Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities 393
268........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities........................................................................................ 393
Part 2.12—Surrender of titles 395
Division 1—Surrender of petroleum exploration permits, petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 395
269........ Application for consent to surrender title........................................ 395
270........ Consent to surrender title................................................................ 396
271........ Surrender of title............................................................................. 399
Division 2—Surrender of petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities 401
272........ Surrender of petroleum special prospecting authority..................... 401
273........ Surrender of petroleum access authority......................................... 401
Part 2.13—Cancellation of titles 402
Division 1—Cancellation of petroleum exploration permits, petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 402
274........ Grounds for cancellation of title...................................................... 402
275........ Cancellation of title.......................................................................... 403
276........ Consultation.................................................................................... 403
277........ Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions....................... 404
277A..... NOPSEMA to notify the Titles Administrator of grounds for cancellation of title 406
Division 2—Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting authorities 408
278........ Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting authority.................. 408
Part 2.14—Other provisions 409
279........ Reservation of blocks...................................................................... 409
280........ Interference with other rights.......................................................... 410
281........ No conditions about payment of money.......................................... 411
282........ Certain portions of blocks to be blocks........................................... 412
283........ Changes to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 414
284........ Notification of discovery of petroleum in petroleum exploration permit area, petroleum retention lease area or petroleum production licence area.................................................................... 415
285........ Property in petroleum not recovered from a Greater Sunrise unit reservoir 417
286........ Property in petroleum recovered from a Greater Sunrise unit reservoir 417
286A..... Notification requirements—registered holders of titles................... 419
286B..... Publication of prescribed time limits............................................... 422
286C..... Report about decisions not made within time limits........................ 423
Chapter 3—Regulation of activities relating to injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances 424
Part 3.1—Introduction 424
287........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 424
Part 3.2—Greenhouse gas assessment permits 426
Division 1—General provisions 426
288........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 426
289........ Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for potential greenhouse gas storage formation, or potential greenhouse gas injection site, in offshore area.......................................................... 427
290........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas assessment permit.................. 427
291........ Conditions of greenhouse gas assessment permits.......................... 429
292........ Approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key greenhouse gas operations 430
293........ Duration of greenhouse gas assessment permit............................... 434
294........ Extension of greenhouse gas assessment permit if permittee applies for a declaration of an identified greenhouse gas storage formation............................................................................ 436
295........ Extension of greenhouse gas assessment permit if permittee applies for a greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection licence......................................................................... 436
Division 2—Obtaining a work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 439
296........ Application for work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—advertising of blocks 439
297........ Petroleum retention lessee or petroleum production licensee to be notified of proposal to advertise blocks 440
298........ Grant of work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer document 441
299........ Ranking of multiple applicants for work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 442
300........ Grant of work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit.................... 444
301........ Withdrawal of application............................................................... 445
302........ Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application.................................... 446
Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 448
303........ Application for cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit........... 448
304........ Petroleum retention lessee or petroleum production licensee to be notified of proposal to advertise blocks 449
305........ Grant of cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—only one application 450
306........ Grant of cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—2 or more applications 451
307........ Grant of cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit..................... 454
Division 4—Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permits 455
308........ Application for renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit....... 455
309........ Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer document... 456
310........ Refusal to renew greenhouse gas assessment permit...................... 459
311........ Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit............................... 461
Division 5—Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation 462
312........ Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation............ 462
313........ Variation of declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation 465
314........ Revocation of declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation 467
315........ Register of Identified Greenhouse Gas Storage Formations........... 468
Division 6—Directions 469
316........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give directions to greenhouse gas assessment permittees 469
317........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 470
Part 3.3—Greenhouse gas holding leases 471
Division 1—General provisions 471
318........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 471
319........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas holding lease.......................... 472
320........ Conditions of greenhouse gas holding leases.................................. 473
321........ Approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key greenhouse gas operations 474
322........ Duration of greenhouse gas holding lease....................................... 478
323........ Extension of greenhouse gas holding lease if lessee applies for a special greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection licence............................................................................... 479
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas holding lease 481
Subdivision A—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit 481
324........ Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit 481
325........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document................ 485
326........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease................................ 486
327........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease............................................ 487
328........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force 487
329........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 487
Subdivision B—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a greenhouse gas injection licence 488
330........ Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a greenhouse gas injection licence 488
331........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document................ 489
332........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease................................ 490
333........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease............................................ 490
334........ Greenhouse gas injection licence ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force 491
335........ Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 491
Subdivision C—Application for special greenhouse gas holding lease by an unsuccessful applicant for a greenhouse gas injection licence 492
336........ Application for special greenhouse gas holding lease by an unsuccessful applicant for a greenhouse gas injection licence........................................................................................................ 492
337........ Grant of special greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document.... 494
338........ Grant of special greenhouse gas holding lease................................ 494
339........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when special greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force........................................................................................................ 495
340........ Ordinary greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force when special greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force........................................................................................................ 495
341........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 496
342........ Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 496
Subdivision D—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a petroleum retention lease 497
343........ Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a petroleum retention lease 497
344........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document................ 500
345........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease............................................ 501
346........ Petroleum retention lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 501
Division 3—Renewal of greenhouse gas holding leases 503
347........ Application for renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease............... 503
348........ Renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document........... 504
349........ Refusal to renew greenhouse gas holding lease.............................. 506
350........ Renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease....................................... 508
Division 4—Directions 510
351........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give directions to greenhouse gas holding lessees 510
352........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 511
Division 5—Special greenhouse gas holding lessee may be requested to apply for a greenhouse gas injection licence 512
353........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may request special greenhouse gas holding lessee to apply for a greenhouse gas injection licence............................................................................... 512
Division 6—Cancellation of certain greenhouse gas holding leases granted to the holders of petroleum retention leases 513
354........ Cancellation of certain greenhouse gas holding leases granted to the holders of petroleum retention leases 513
Part 3.4—Greenhouse gas injection licences 514
Division 1—General provisions 514
355........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 514
356........ Prohibition of unauthorised injection and storage of substances in offshore area 515
357........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas injection licence..................... 516
358........ Conditions of greenhouse gas injection licences............................. 517
359........ Duration of greenhouse gas injection licence.................................. 521
360........ Termination of greenhouse gas injection licence if no injection operations for 5 years 522
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas injection licence 524
Subdivision A—Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease 524
361........ Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by greenhouse gas assessment permittee or greenhouse gas holding lessee............................................................................................... 524
362........ Offer document............................................................................... 528
363........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas injection licence............................ 536
364........ Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence....................................... 536
365........ Deferral of decision to grant greenhouse gas injection licence—pending application for post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit........................................................................... 537
366........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas injection licence comes into force.................................................................. 538
367........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 538
368........ Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 539
Subdivision B—Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by the holder of a petroleum production licence 539
369........ Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by the holder of a petroleum production licence 539
370........ Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence—offer document........... 544
371........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas injection licence............................ 547
372........ Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence....................................... 547
373........ Petroleum production licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 548
Division 3—Variations 549
374........ Variation of matters specified in greenhouse gas injection licence—general 549
375........ Variation of matters specified in greenhouse gas injection licence—declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation varied.............................................................................. 550
Division 4—Directions 552
376........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give greenhouse gas injection licensee directions to protect geological formations containing petroleum pools etc...................................... 552
377........ Consultation—directions to do something outside the licence area. 554
378........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 556
Division 5—Dealing with serious situations 557
379........ Serious situation.............................................................................. 557
380........ Powers of responsible Commonwealth Minister to deal with serious situations 559
381........ Consultation—directions to do something outside the licence area. 562
382........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 563
Division 6—Protection of petroleum discovered in the title area of a pre‑commencement petroleum title 565
383........ Powers of responsible Commonwealth Minister to protect petroleum discovered in the title area of a pre‑commencement petroleum title.................................................................................. 565
384........ Consultation—directions to do something outside the licence area. 571
385........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 572
Division 7—Site closing certificates 574
386........ Application for site closing certificate............................................. 574
387........ Variation of application for site closing certificate........................... 578
388........ Issue of site closing certificate—pre‑certificate notice..................... 578
389........ Acknowledgement of receipt of application for site closing certificate 581
390........ Refusal to give pre‑certificate notice................................................ 581
391........ Pre‑certificate notice—security etc.................................................. 582
392........ Issue of site closing certificate......................................................... 583
393........ Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 583
394........ Duration of site closing certificate................................................... 584
395........ Transfer of site closing certificate.................................................... 584
396........ Transfer of securities....................................................................... 584
397........ Discharge of securities.................................................................... 585
398........ Recovery of the Commonwealth’s costs and expenses................... 585
Division 8—Long‑term liabilities 586
399........ Closure assurance period................................................................ 586
400........ Indemnity—long‑term liability........................................................ 587
401........ Commonwealth to assume long‑term liability if licensee has ceased to exist 588
Part 3.5—Greenhouse gas search authorities 589
Division 1—General provisions 589
402........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 589
403........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas search authority..................... 590
404........ Conditions of greenhouse gas search authorities............................. 590
405........ Duration of greenhouse gas search authority.................................. 590
406........ Greenhouse gas search authority cannot be transferred................... 591
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas search authority 592
407........ Application for greenhouse gas search authority............................. 592
408........ Grant or refusal of greenhouse gas search authority....................... 592
409........ Holders to be informed of the grant of another greenhouse gas search authority 593
410........ Holders to be informed of the grant of a petroleum special prospecting authority 593
Part 3.6—Greenhouse gas special authorities 595
Division 1—General provisions 595
411........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 595
412........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas special authority..................... 595
413........ Conditions of greenhouse gas special authorities............................ 595
414........ Duration of greenhouse gas special authority.................................. 596
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas special authority 597
415........ Application for greenhouse gas special authority............................ 597
416........ Grant or refusal of greenhouse gas special authority....................... 598
417........ Consultation—grant of greenhouse gas special authority................ 599
Division 3—Variation of greenhouse gas special authorities 601
418........ Variation of greenhouse gas special authority................................. 601
419........ Consultation—variation of greenhouse gas special authority.......... 601
Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of greenhouse gas special authorities 603
420........ Reporting obligations of holders of greenhouse gas special authorities 603
Division 5—Revocation of greenhouse gas special authorities 604
421........ Revocation of greenhouse gas special authority.............................. 604
Part 3.7—Greenhouse gas research consents 605
422........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 605
423........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas research consent.................... 605
424........ Conditions of greenhouse gas research consents............................ 606
425........ Grant of greenhouse gas research consent...................................... 606
Part 3.8—Standard procedures 607
426........ Application to be made in an approved manner............................... 607
427........ Application fee................................................................................ 607
428........ Application may set out additional matters...................................... 608
429........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may require further information 609
430........ Offer documents............................................................................. 610
431........ Acceptance of offer—request by applicant...................................... 611
432........ Acceptance of offer—payment........................................................ 614
433........ Acceptance of offer—lodgment of security..................................... 614
434........ Consultation—adverse decisions.................................................... 615
435........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may require information about negotiations for a designated agreement 616
Part 3.9—Variation, suspension and exemption 618
Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection licences 618
436........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of titles............. 618
437........ Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension of conditions........................................................................................................ 621
437A..... Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease pending decision on application for suspension of conditions........................................................... 622
438........ Suspension of rights—greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease 623
439........ Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension of rights 623
Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special authorities 625
440........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special authorities........................................................................................ 625
Part 3.10—Surrender of titles 627
Division 1—Surrender of greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection licences 627
441........ Application for consent to surrender title........................................ 627
442........ Consent to surrender title................................................................ 627
443........ Surrender of title............................................................................. 631
Division 2—Surrender of greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special authorities 633
444........ Surrender of greenhouse gas search authority................................. 633
445........ Surrender of greenhouse gas special authority................................ 633
Part 3.11—Cancellation of titles 634
Division 1—Cancellation of greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection licences 634
446........ Grounds for cancellation of title...................................................... 634
447........ Cancellation of title.......................................................................... 635
448........ Consultation.................................................................................... 636
449........ Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions....................... 637
449A..... NOPSEMA to notify the Titles Administrator of grounds for cancellation of title 639
Division 2—Cancellation of greenhouse gas search authorities 640
450........ Cancellation of greenhouse gas search authority............................. 640
Part 3.12—Other provisions 641
451........ Notification of eligible greenhouse gas storage formation............... 641
452........ Notification of discovery of petroleum in greenhouse gas assessment permit area etc. 642
452A..... Notification requirements—registered holders of titles................... 643
453........ Disposing of waste or other matter................................................. 647
454........ Additional securities etc.................................................................. 648
455........ Transfer of securities....................................................................... 650
456........ Discharge of securities.................................................................... 651
457........ Approved site plans........................................................................ 651
458........ Co‑existence of greenhouse gas titles and petroleum titles.............. 653
459........ Reservation of blocks...................................................................... 654
460........ Interference with other rights.......................................................... 655
461........ No conditions about payment of money.......................................... 656
462........ Certain portions of blocks to be blocks........................................... 656
463........ Changes to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 658
464........ Commonwealth may monitor the behaviour of a greenhouse gas substance stored in a part of a geological formation........................................................................................................ 660
465........ Monitoring information may be made publicly available................. 660
An Act about petroleum exploration and recovery, and the injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances, in offshore areas, and for other purposes
Chapter 1—Introduction
Part 1.1—Legislative formalities and background
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.
2 Commencement
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
| Commencement information |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
| Provision(s) | Commencement | Date/Details |
| 1. Sections 1 and 2 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table | The day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent. | 29 March 2006 |
| 2. Sections 3 to 5 | A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. | 1 July 2008 (see F2008L02273) |
| 3. Parts 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 | At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. | 1 July 2008 |
| 4. Chapters 2 to 6 | At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. | 1 July 2008 |
| 5. Schedules 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 | At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. | 1 July 2008 |
| 6. Schedule 6, clauses 1 to 38 | At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. | 1 July 2008 |
| 7. Schedule 6, clause 39 | The day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent. | 29 March 2006 |
| 8. Schedule 6, clauses 40 to 42 | At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. | 1 July 2008 |
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally passed by the Parliament and assented to. It will not be expanded to deal with provisions inserted in this Act after assent.
(2) Column 3 of the table contains additional information that is not part of this Act. Information in this column may be added to or edited in any published version of this Act.
3 Object
The object of this Act is to provide an effective regulatory framework for:
(a) petroleum exploration and recovery; and
(b) the injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances;
in offshore areas.
4 Simplified outline
The following is a simplified outline of this Act:
• This Act sets up a system for regulating the following activities in offshore areas:
(a) exploration for petroleum;
(b) recovery of petroleum;
(c) construction and operation of infrastructure facilities relating to petroleum or greenhouse gas substances;
(d) construction and operation of pipelines for conveying petroleum or greenhouse gas substances;
(e) exploration for potential greenhouse gas storage formations;
(f) injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances.
• An offshore area:
(a) starts 3 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured; and
(b) extends seaward to the outer limits of the continental shelf.
• This Act provides for the grant of the following titles:
(a) a petroleum exploration permit (see Part 2.2);
(b) a petroleum retention lease (see Part 2.3);
(c) a petroleum production licence (see Part 2.4);
(d) an infrastructure licence (see Part 2.5);
(e) a pipeline licence (see Part 2.6);
(f) a petroleum special prospecting authority (see Part 2.7);
(g) a petroleum access authority (see Part 2.8);
(h) a greenhouse gas assessment permit (see Part 3.2);
(i) a greenhouse gas holding lease (see Part 3.3);
(j) a greenhouse gas injection licence (see Part 3.4);
(k) a greenhouse gas search authority (see Part 3.5);
(l) a greenhouse gas special authority (see Part 3.6).
• Generally, the administration of this Act in relation to an offshore area of a State is the responsibility of the Joint Authority for the State. The Joint Authority for a State (other than Tasmania) is constituted by the responsible State Minister and the responsible Commonwealth Minister. The Joint Authority for Tasmania is constituted by the responsible Commonwealth Minister.
• Generally, the administration of this Act in relation to the Principal Northern Territory offshore area is the responsibility of the Joint Authority for that area (the Joint Authority is constituted by the responsible Northern Territory Minister and the responsible Commonwealth Minister).
• The responsible Commonwealth Minister is responsible for the administration of greenhouse gas injection and storage provisions.
• The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority is responsible for the administration of:
(a) occupational health and safety provisions; and
(b) structural integrity provisions; and
(c) environmental management provisions.
• The National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator is responsible for:
(a) assisting and advising the Joint Authority and the responsible Commonwealth Minister; and
(b) keeping registers of titles; and
(c) data and information management.
Note: Generally, the baseline is the line of lowest astronomical tide along the coast, but it also encompasses straight lines across bays (bay closing lines), rivers (river closing lines) and between islands, as well as along heavily indented areas of coastline (straight baselines) under certain circumstances.
5 Commonwealth‑State agreement (the Offshore Constitutional Settlement)
(1) This section explains the agreement known as the Offshore Constitutional Settlement, to the extent to which that agreement relates to exploring for, and exploiting, petroleum.
(2) The Commonwealth, the States and the Northern Territory have agreed that:
(a) Commonwealth offshore petroleum legislation should be limited to the area that is outside the coastal waters of the States and the Northern Territory; and
(b) for this purpose, the outer limits of State and Northern Territory coastal waters should start 3 nautical miles from the baseline of the territorial sea; and
(c) the States and the Northern Territory should share, in the manner provided by this Act, in the administration of the Commonwealth offshore petroleum legislation; and
(d) State and Northern Territory offshore petroleum legislation should apply to State and Northern Territory coastal waters; and
(e) the Commonwealth, the States and the Northern Territory should try to maintain, as far as practicable, common principles, rules and practices in regulating and controlling the exploration for, and exploitation of, offshore petroleum beyond the baseline of Australia’s territorial sea.
(3) The table summarises other Acts that provide background to the Offshore Constitutional Settlement:
| Other Acts |
| Item | Act | Summary of Act |
| 1 | Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973 | This Act: (a) declared and enacted that the sovereignty in respect of the territorial sea and the associated airspace, seabed and subsoil is vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of the Commonwealth; and (b) gave the Governor‑General power to declare, by Proclamation, the limits of the territorial sea; and (c) declared and enacted that the sovereignty in respect of waters of the sea that are on the landward side of the baseline of the territorial sea (but not within the limits of a State) and in respect of the associated airspace, seabed and subsoil is vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of the Commonwealth; and (d) declared and enacted that the sovereign rights of Australia as a coastal state in respect of the continental shelf of Australia (for the purpose of exploring it and exploiting its natural resources) are vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of the Commonwealth; and (e) gave the Governor‑General power to declare, by Proclamation, the limits of the continental shelf of Australia. |
| 2 | Coastal Waters (State Powers) Act 1980 | This Act was enacted following a request from the Parliaments of all the States under paragraph 51(xxxviii) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth and provided that the legislative powers exercisable under the Constitution of each State extended to the making of certain laws that would operate offshore. |
| 3 | Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Powers) Act 1980 | This Act makes similar provision to the Coastal Waters (State Powers) Act 1980 in relation to the Northern Territory. |
| 4 | Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980 | This Act vested in each State certain property rights in the seabed beneath the coastal waters of the State. |
| 5 | Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Title) Act 1980 | This Act makes similar provision to the Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980 in relation to the Northern Territory. |
| 6 | Offshore Minerals Act 1994 | This Act makes provision, based on the Offshore Constitutional Settlement, for the licensing regime that applies to the exploration for, and recovery of, minerals (other than petroleum) in offshore areas. |
6 Simplified maps
(1) This section sets out simplified maps illustrating areas off the coast of Australia that are relevant to this Act.
(2) In the interests of simplification:
(a) coastlines and boundaries have been smoothed; and
(b) the maps do not show certain waters within the limits of a State or Territory; and
(c) the line marking the outer limits of the coastal waters of a State or Territory appears to be further out to sea than it actually is.
Map 1
(3) Map 1 illustrates the offshore areas and the scheduled areas:
Note 1: As at the day on which the Bill that became this Act was introduced into the House of Representatives, certain maritime areas adjacent to Australia remained subject to delimitation with other countries. The full extent of Australia’s claimed exclusive economic zone and continental shelf jurisdiction has not been shown in this map. The claimed jurisdiction extends beyond the areas shown in this map.
Note 2: Generally, the territorial sea baseline is the line of lowest astronomical tide along the coast, but it also encompasses straight lines across bays (bay closing lines), rivers (river closing lines) and between islands, as well as along heavily indented areas of coastline (straight baselines) under certain circumstances.
Map 2
(4) Map 2 zooms in and illustrates the offshore area of South Australia:
Map 3
(5) Map 3 zooms in and illustrates coastal waters and waters within the limits of South Australia:
Note: The bays shown as being within the limits of South Australia are for illustrative purposes only.
Part 1.2—Interpretation
Division 1—General
7 Definitions
In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:
applied provisions has the meaning given by subsection 80(2).
approved:
(a) when used in Chapter 3—means approved in writing by the responsible Commonwealth Minister; or
(b) in any other case—means approved in writing by the Titles Administrator.
This definition does not apply to:
(c) the expression approved site plan; or
(d) section 286A; or
(da) section 452A; or
(e) section 650; or
(f) subsection 695B(3); or
(g) section 695F.
approved site plan means a site plan in respect of which an approval is in force under the regulations.
Note: See section 457.
authority area:
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum special prospecting authority—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the petroleum special prospecting authority; or
(b) when used in relation to a petroleum access authority—means the area to which the petroleum access authority relates; or
(c) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas search authority—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the greenhouse gas search authority; or
(d) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas special authority—means the area to which the greenhouse gas special authority relates.
Bayu‑Undan pipeline international offshore area means the area described in Schedule 8.
block means a block constituted as provided by section 33 or 282.
boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit means a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 4A of Part 2.2.
cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit means a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Division 3 of Part 3.2.
cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit means:
(a) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 3 of Part 2.2 of this Act; or
(b) an exploration permit granted under section 22B of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967; or
(c) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 5 of Part 2.2 of this Act by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (a) or (b); or
(d) an exploration permit granted under section 32 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (b).
closure assurance period has the meaning given by section 399.
COAG Reform Fund means the COAG Reform Fund established by section 5 of the COAG Reform Fund Act 2008.
coastal waters, in relation to a State or the Northern Territory, means so much of the scheduled area for the State or Territory as consists of:
(a) the territorial sea; and
(b) any waters that are:
(i) on the landward side of the territorial sea; and
(ii) not within the limits of the State or Territory.
For this purpose, assume that the breadth of the territorial sea of Australia had never been determined or declared to be greater than 3 nautical miles, but had continued to be 3 nautical miles.
Commissioner means a person appointed under section 780A.
Commission of inquiry means an inquiry conducted, or to be conducted, by a person appointed under section 780A.
constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies.
construct includes place.
continental shelf means the continental shelf (within the meaning of the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973) adjacent to the coast of:
(a) Australia (including the coast of any island forming part of a State or Territory); or
(b) a Territory.
datum means a reference frame for defining geographic coordinates.
Note: If the position on the surface of the Earth of a particular point is identified by a coordinate that is determined by reference to a particular datum, the use of a different datum will result in the same point being identified by a different coordinate.
declared greenhouse gas facility has the meaning given by section 18.
declared petroleum exploration permit has the meaning given by section 101.
declared petroleum production licence has the meaning given by section 164.
declared petroleum retention lease has the meaning given by section 138.
designated agreement has the meaning given by section 32.
Designated Authority:
(a) means a person who, at any time before the commencement of Part 6.10, was a Designated Authority (within the meaning of this Act); and
(b) when used in the expression the Designated Authority, means a person who, at any time before the commencement of Part 6.10, was the Designated Authority (within the meaning of this Act) for the offshore area concerned.
detection agent means a substance, whether in a gaseous or liquid state, that:
(a) when added to:
(i) another substance; or
(ii) a mixture of other substances;
facilitates the monitoring of the behaviour of that other substance or that mixture, as the case may be; and
(b) is specified in the regulations.
Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area has the meaning given by Schedule 7.
Note: The Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area is a part of the offshore area of the Northern Territory.
eligible greenhouse gas storage formation has the meaning given by section 21.
engage in conduct means:
(a) do an act; or
(b) omit to perform an act.
environmental management law has the same meaning as in Schedule 2A.
Environment Minister means the Minister administering the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
expert advisory committee means a committee established under section 748.
expert advisory committee member means a member of an expert advisory committee, and includes the Chair of an expert advisory committee.
expiry date:
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence—has the meaning given by subsection 10(1); or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas assessment permit or a greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding lease)—has the meaning given by subsection 10(2).
explore:
(a) when used in relation to petroleum—has a meaning affected by subsection 19(1); or
(b) when used in relation to a potential greenhouse gas storage formation—has a meaning affected by subsections 19(2) and (3); or
(c) when used in relation to a potential greenhouse gas injection site—has a meaning affected by subsection 19(4).
Federal Circuit Court means the Federal Circuit Court of Australia.
Federal Court means the Federal Court of Australia.
fixed‑term petroleum production licence means a petroleum production licence covered by item 2, 3 or 5 of the table in subsection 165(1).
fixed‑term State/Territory petroleum production title means a State/Territory petroleum production title that was granted for a term of years.
fundamental suitability determinants:
(a) when used in relation to an eligible greenhouse gas storage formation—has the meaning given by subsection 21(8); or
(b) when used in relation to an identified greenhouse gas storage formation—has the meaning given by subsection 312(11).
geographic coordinate includes:
(a) a meridian of longitude by itself; and
(b) a parallel of latitude by itself.
geological formation includes:
(a) any seal or reservoir of a geological formation; and
(b) any associated geological attributes or features of a geological formation.
good oilfield practice means all those things that are generally accepted as good and safe in:
(a) the carrying on of exploration for petroleum; or
(b) petroleum recovery operations.
good processing and transport practice means all those things that are generally accepted as good and safe in:
(a) the processing, conveyance, transport and storage of petroleum; and
(b) the preparation of petroleum for transport.
graticular section has the meaning given by section 33.
Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area means the area declared under section 780P.
Greater Sunrise special regime area has the same meaning as in the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973.
Greater Sunrise unitisation agreement means the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor‑Leste relating to the Unitisation of the Sunrise and Troubadour Fields, done at Dili on 6 March 2003, as in force immediately before the commencement of Schedule 1 to the Timor Sea Maritime Boundaries Treaty Consequential Amendments Act 2019.
Note: In 2007, the text of international agreements was accessible through the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (www.austlii.edu.au).
Greater Sunrise unit reservoir petroleum production licence means a petroleum production licence in respect of one or more blocks within the Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area that would allow the licensee to recover petroleum from either or both of the Greater Sunrise unit reservoirs.
Greater Sunrise unit reservoirs means the unit reservoirs within the meaning of the Greater Sunrise unitisation agreement.
Greater Sunrise visiting inspector means a NOPSEMA inspector identified as a Greater Sunrise visiting inspector in his or her identity card (see subsection 602(4)).
greenhouse gas assessment permit means a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Part 3.2.
greenhouse gas assessment permit area means the permit area of a greenhouse gas assessment permit.
greenhouse gas assessment permittee means the registered holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit.
greenhouse gas facility line means a pipe, or system of pipes, that is:
(a) for conveying a greenhouse gas substance; and
(b) part of a declared greenhouse gas facility.
greenhouse gas holding lease means a greenhouse gas holding lease granted under Part 3.3.
greenhouse gas holding lease area means the lease area of a greenhouse gas holding lease.
greenhouse gas holding lessee means the registered holder of a greenhouse gas holding lease.
greenhouse gas infrastructure line means a pipe, or system of pipes, that is:
(a) for conveying a greenhouse gas substance; and
(b) part of an infrastructure facility.
greenhouse gas injection licence means a greenhouse gas injection licence granted under Part 3.4.
greenhouse gas injection licence area means the licence area of a greenhouse gas injection licence.
greenhouse gas injection licensee means the registered holder of a greenhouse gas injection licence.
greenhouse gas injection line means a pipe, or system of pipes, for:
(a) conveying a greenhouse gas substance to be compressed, processed or otherwise prepared for injection into an identified greenhouse gas storage formation; or
(b) conveying a greenhouse gas substance for storage prior to being injected into an identified greenhouse gas storage formation; or
(c) conveying a greenhouse gas substance for injection into an identified greenhouse gas storage formation;
so long as the greenhouse gas substance does not pass through a terminal point on the pipe, or system of pipes, as the case may be, before it is injected into the identified greenhouse gas storage formation.
greenhouse gas pipeline means:
(a) a pipe, or system of pipes, in an offshore area for conveying a greenhouse gas substance, other than:
(i) a greenhouse gas injection line; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas infrastructure line; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas facility line; or
(iv) a pipe, or a system of pipes, that is specified in the regulations; or
(b) a part of a pipe covered by paragraph (a); or
(c) a part of a system of pipes covered by paragraph (a).
greenhouse gas pumping station means equipment for pumping a greenhouse gas substance or water, and includes any structure associated with that equipment.
greenhouse gas research consent means a greenhouse gas research consent granted under Part 3.7.
greenhouse gas search authority means a greenhouse gas search authority granted under Part 3.5.
greenhouse gas special authority means a greenhouse gas special authority granted under Part 3.6.
greenhouse gas substance means:
(a) carbon dioxide, whether in a gaseous or liquid state; or
(b) a prescribed greenhouse gas, whether in a gaseous or liquid state; or
(c) a mixture of any or all of the following substances:
(i) carbon dioxide, whether in a gaseous or liquid state;
(ii) one or more prescribed greenhouse gases, whether in a gaseous or liquid state;
(iii) one or more incidental greenhouse gas‑related substances, whether in a gaseous or liquid state, that relate to either or both of the substances mentioned in subparagraphs (i) and (ii);
(iv) a prescribed detection agent, whether in a gaseous or liquid state;
so long as:
(v) the mixture consists overwhelmingly of either or both of the substances mentioned in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and
(vi) if the mixture includes a prescribed detection agent—the concentration of the prescribed detection agent in the mixture is not more than the concentration prescribed in relation to that detection agent.
greenhouse gas tank station means a tank, or system of tanks, for holding or storing a greenhouse gas substance, and includes any structure associated with that tank or system of tanks.
greenhouse gas valve station means equipment for regulating the flow of a greenhouse gas substance, and includes any structure associated with that equipment.
identified greenhouse gas storage formation has the meaning given by section 312.
identity card of a NOPSEMA inspector means an identity card issued to the inspector under the Regulatory Powers Act in its application under Division 1 of Part 6.5 of this Act.
incidental greenhouse gas‑related substance has the meaning given by section 23.
infrastructure facility has the meaning given by section 15.
infrastructure licence means an infrastructure licence granted under:
(a) Part 2.5 of this Act; or
(b) Division 3A of Part III of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967.
infrastructure licence area means the licence area of an infrastructure licence.
infrastructure licensee means the registered holder of an infrastructure licence.
Joint Authority has the meaning given by section 56 and, when used in the expression the Joint Authority, means the Joint Authority for the offshore area concerned.
key greenhouse gas operation means:
(a) an operation to make a well; or
(b) an operation to inject, on an appraisal basis, a greenhouse gas substance into a part of a geological formation; or
(c) an operation to store, on an appraisal basis, a greenhouse gas substance in a part of a geological formation; or
(d) an operation to inject, on an appraisal basis, air, petroleum or water into a part of a geological formation; or
(e) an operation to store, on an appraisal basis, air, petroleum or water in a part of a geological formation; or
(f) an operation to carry out a seismic survey or any other kind of survey; or
(g) an operation to monitor the behaviour of:
(i) a greenhouse gas substance; or
(ii) air; or
(iii) petroleum; or
(iv) water;
stored in a part of a geological formation; or
(h) an operation to carry out baseline investigations relating to the storage of a greenhouse gas substance in a part of the geological formation; or
(i) an operation to take samples of the seabed or subsoil of an offshore area; or
(j) an operation specified in the regulations.
key petroleum operation means:
(a) an operation to make a well; or
(b) an operation to inject a substance into a part of a geological formation; or
(c) an operation to store a substance in a part of a geological formation; or
(d) an operation to carry out a seismic survey or any other kind of survey; or
(e) an operation to monitor the behaviour of a substance stored in a part of a geological formation; or
(f) an operation to take samples of the seabed or subsoil of an offshore area; or
(g) an operation specified in the regulations.
lease area:
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum retention lease—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the petroleum retention lease; or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas holding lease—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the greenhouse gas holding lease.
lessee:
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum retention lease—means the registered holder of the petroleum retention lease; or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas holding lease—means the registered holder of the greenhouse gas holding lease.
licence area:
(a) when used in relation to an infrastructure licence—means the place in relation to which the infrastructure licence is in force; or
(b) when used in relation to a petroleum production licence—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the petroleum production licence; or
(c) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas injection licence—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the greenhouse gas injection licence.
Note: The place in relation to which an infrastructure licence is in force must be a place in an offshore area—see subsection 198(2) and section 199.
licensee:
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum production licence—means the registered holder of the petroleum production licence; or
(b) when used in relation to an infrastructure licence—means the registered holder of the infrastructure licence; or
(c) when used in relation to a pipeline licence—means the registered holder of the pipeline licence; or
(d) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas injection licence—means the registered holder of the greenhouse gas injection licence.
life‑of‑field petroleum production licence means a petroleum production licence covered by item 1, 3A or 4 of the table in subsection 165(1).
listed NOPSEMA law: see section 601.
listed OHS laws has the meaning given by section 638.
location means a block or blocks in relation to which a declaration under section 131 is in force.
Ministers responsible for mineral and energy resources matters means a group of Ministers established or recognised by the Council of Australian Governments whose members include Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand Ministers with responsibility for energy and resource matters.
natural resources has the same meaning as in paragraph 4 of Article 77 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea done at Montego Bay on 10 December 1982.
Note: Paragraph 4 of Article 77 is as follows:
The natural resources referred to in this Part consist of the mineral and other non‑living resources of the seabed and subsoil together with living organisms belonging to sedentary species, that is to say, organisms which, at the harvestable stage, either are immobile on or under the seabed or are unable to move except in constant physical contact with the seabed or the subsoil.
New Zealand boundary treaty means the Treaty between Australia and New Zealand establishing certain exclusive economic zone boundaries and continental shelf boundaries that was signed at Adelaide on 25 July 2004.
NOPSEMA means the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority.
NOPSEMA inspector means a person appointed as a NOPSEMA inspector under section 602.
Northern Territory title means an authority, however described, under a law of the Northern Territory, to explore for, or to recover, petroleum.
offshore area means:
(a) the offshore area of New South Wales; or
(b) the offshore area of Victoria; or
(c) the offshore area of Queensland; or
(d) the offshore area of Western Australia; or
(e) the offshore area of South Australia; or
(f) the offshore area of Tasmania; or
(g) the Principal Northern Territory offshore area; or
(h) the Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area; or
(i) the offshore area of Norfolk Island; or
(j) the offshore area of the Territory of Christmas Island; or
(k) the offshore area of the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; or
(l) the offshore area of the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands; or
(m) the offshore area of the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands;
and, when used in the expression the offshore area, means whichever of the areas referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l) or (m) is applicable.
Note 1: The offshore area of a State or Territory is defined by section 8.
Note 2: The offshore area of a State or Territory corresponds to the term adjacent area under the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967.
Note 3: Under section 8A, each of the following areas is treated like an offshore area for the purposes of many provisions of this Act so far as they relate to petroleum pipelines:
(a) the Bayu‑Undan pipeline international offshore area;
(b) the Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area (if declared).
original greenhouse gas assessment permit means a greenhouse gas assessment permit that was granted otherwise than by way of renewal.
original petroleum exploration permit means a petroleum exploration permit granted otherwise than by way of renewal.
original petroleum production licence means a petroleum production licence granted otherwise than by way of renewal.
original petroleum retention lease means a petroleum retention lease granted otherwise than by way of renewal.
partly cancelled means:
(a) in relation to a petroleum exploration permit or petroleum production licence—cancelled as to one or more, but not all, of the blocks the subject of the permit or licence; and
(b) in relation to a pipeline licence—cancelled as to a part of the pipeline the subject of the licence.
partly revoked, in relation to a petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease, means revoked as to one or more, but not all, of the blocks the subject of the permit or lease.
partly surrendered, in relation to a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum production licence or greenhouse gas injection licence, means surrendered as to one or more, but not all, of the blocks the subject of the permit or licence.
partly terminated, in relation to a pipeline licence, means terminated as to a part of the pipeline the subject of the licence.
part of a geological formation includes a part of a combination of geological formations.
permit area:
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum exploration permit—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas assessment permit—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the greenhouse gas assessment permit.
permittee:
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum exploration permit—means the registered holder of the petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas assessment permit—means the registered holder of the greenhouse gas assessment permit.
petroleum means:
(a) any naturally occurring hydrocarbon, whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state; or
(b) any naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons, whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state; or
(c) any naturally occurring mixture of:
(i) one or more hydrocarbons, whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state; and
(ii) one or more of the following, that is to say, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen, helium and carbon dioxide;
and:
(d) includes any petroleum as defined by paragraph (a), (b) or (c) that has been returned to a natural reservoir; and
(e) for the purposes of the pipeline provisions, also includes any petroleum as defined by paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d), where:
(i) one or more things have been added; or
(ii) one or more things have been wholly or partly removed;
or both; and
(f) for the purposes of the pipeline provisions, also includes any mixture that:
(i) has been recovered from a well; and
(ii) includes petroleum as defined by paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d);
whether or not:
(iii) one or more things have been added; or
(iv) one or more things have been wholly or partly removed;
or both.
petroleum access authority means:
(a) a petroleum access authority granted under Part 2.8 of this Act; or
(b) an access authority granted under section 112 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967.
petroleum exploration permit means:
(a) a work‑bid petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit; or
(c) a special petroleum exploration permit; or
(d) a boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit.
petroleum exploration permit area means the permit area of a petroleum exploration permit.
petroleum exploration permittee means the registered holder of a petroleum exploration permit.
petroleum pipeline means:
(a) a pipe, or system of pipes, in an offshore area for conveying petroleum (whether or not the petroleum is recovered from an offshore area), other than a secondary line; or
(b) a part of a pipe covered by paragraph (a); or
(c) a part of a system of pipes covered by paragraph (a).
petroleum pool means a naturally occurring discrete accumulation of petroleum.
petroleum production licence means:
(a) a petroleum production licence granted under Part 2.4 of this Act; or
(b) a production licence granted under Division 3 of Part III of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967; or
(c) a production licence granted under section 148 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967.
petroleum production licence area means the licence area of a petroleum production licence.
petroleum production licensee means the registered holder of a petroleum production licence.
petroleum pumping station means equipment for pumping petroleum or water, and includes any structure associated with that equipment.
petroleum retention lease means:
(a) a petroleum retention lease granted under Part 2.3 of this Act; or
(b) a retention lease granted under Division 2A of Part III of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967.
petroleum retention lease area means the lease area of a petroleum retention lease.
petroleum retention lessee means the registered holder of a petroleum retention lease.
petroleum scientific investigation consent means:
(a) a petroleum scientific investigation consent granted under Part 2.9 of this Act; or
(b) a scientific investigation consent granted under section 123 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967.
petroleum special prospecting authority means:
(a) a petroleum special prospecting authority granted under Part 2.7 of this Act; or
(b) a special prospecting authority granted under section 111 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967.
petroleum tank station means a tank, or system of tanks, for holding or storing petroleum, and includes any structure associated with that tank or system of tanks.
petroleum valve station means equipment for regulating the flow of petroleum, and includes any structure associated with that equipment.
pipeline means:
(a) a petroleum pipeline; or
(b) a greenhouse gas pipeline.
pipeline licence means a pipeline licence granted under:
(a) Part 2.6 of this Act; or
(b) Division 4 of Part III of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967.
pipeline licensee means the registered holder of a pipeline licence.
pipeline provisions means the following:
(a) Part 2.6;
(b) the definition of greenhouse gas pipeline in this section;
(c) the definition of greenhouse gas pumping station in this section;
(d) the definition of greenhouse gas tank station in this section;
(e) the definition of greenhouse gas valve station in this section;
(f) the definition of petroleum pipeline in this section;
(g) the definition of petroleum pumping station in this section;
(h) the definition of petroleum tank station in this section;
(i) the definition of petroleum valve station in this section;
(j) the definition of pipeline in this section;
(k) item 3 of the table in subsection 569(1).
post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit means:
(a) an original petroleum exploration permit that was granted after the commencement of this section; or
(b) a petroleum exploration permit that was granted by way of renewal, where the original petroleum exploration permit was granted after the commencement of this section.
post‑commencement petroleum production licence means:
(a) a petroleum production licence that was granted to the registered holder of:
(i) a post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit; or
(ii) a post‑commencement petroleum retention lease;
that was in force over the block or blocks to which the petroleum production licence relates; or
(b) a petroleum production licence granted under section 181; or
(c) a petroleum production licence granted under section 183, where the initial petroleum production licence mentioned in section 182 was a post‑commencement petroleum production licence; or
(d) a petroleum production licence granted under section 183A; or
(e) a petroleum production licence that was granted by way of renewal, where the original petroleum production licence was granted under section 183A.
post‑commencement petroleum retention lease means:
(a) an original petroleum retention lease that was granted to the registered holder of:
(i) a post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit; or
(ii) a post‑commencement petroleum production licence;
that was in force over the block or blocks to which the original petroleum retention lease relates; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease that was granted by way of renewal, where the original petroleum retention lease was granted to the registered holder of:
(i) a post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit; or
(ii) a post‑commencement petroleum production licence;
that was in force over the block or blocks to which the original petroleum retention lease related; or
(c) a petroleum retention lease granted under section 152A; or
(d) a petroleum retention lease that was granted by way of renewal, where the original petroleum retention lease was granted under section 152A.
post‑commencement petroleum title means:
(a) a post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a post‑commencement petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a post‑commencement petroleum production licence.
potential greenhouse gas injection site has the meaning given by section 22.
potential greenhouse gas storage formation has the meaning given by section 20.
pre‑commencement petroleum exploration permit means a petroleum exploration permit other than a post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit.
pre‑commencement petroleum production licence means a petroleum production licence other than a post‑commencement petroleum production licence.
pre‑commencement petroleum retention lease means a petroleum retention lease other than a post‑commencement petroleum retention lease.
pre‑commencement petroleum title means:
(a) a pre‑commencement petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a pre‑commencement petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a pre‑commencement petroleum production licence.
Principal Northern Territory offshore area means so much of the offshore area of the Northern Territory as does not consist of the Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area.
Note: The offshore area of the Northern Territory is defined by section 8.
pumping station means:
(a) a greenhouse gas pumping station; or
(b) a petroleum pumping station.
Register:
(a) when used in Chapter 4—has the meaning given by section 467; or
(b) when used in Chapter 5—has the meaning given by section 519.
registered holder, in relation to a title, means the person whose name is shown in the Register kept under section 469 or 521 as the holder of the title. For this purpose, a title is a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence, infrastructure licence, pipeline licence, petroleum special prospecting authority, petroleum access authority, greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding lease, greenhouse gas injection licence, greenhouse gas search authority or greenhouse gas special authority.
regulated operation means:
(a) an activity to which Chapter 2 applies; or
(b) an activity to which Chapter 3 applies.
For the purposes of paragraph (b), assume that each reference in subsection 356(1) to a substance were a reference to a greenhouse gas substance.
Regulatory Levies Act means the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Regulatory Levies) Act 2003.
Regulatory Powers Act means the Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014.
related body corporate has the same meaning as in the Corporations Act 2001.
renewal:
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence—has the meaning given by subsection 11(1); or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease—has the meaning given by subsection 11(2).
responsible Commonwealth Minister means:
(a) the Minister who is responsible for the administration of this Act; or
(b) another Minister acting for and on behalf of the Minister referred to in paragraph (a).
responsible Northern Territory Minister means:
(a) the Minister of the Northern Territory who is authorised under a law of the Northern Territory to perform the functions, and exercise the powers, of a member of the Joint Authority for the Northern Territory under this Act; or
(b) another Minister of the Northern Territory acting for and on behalf of the Minister referred to in paragraph (a).
responsible State Minister, in relation to a State, means:
(a) whichever of the following applies:
(i) the Minister of the State (other than Tasmania) who is authorised under a law of the State to perform the functions, and exercise the powers, of a member of the Joint Authority for the State under this Act;
(ii) the Minister of Tasmania who is responsible for the State PSLA for Tasmania, within the meaning of Part 6.9 (see section 643); or
(b) another Minister of the State acting for and on behalf of the Minister referred to in paragraph (a).
Royal Commission has the same meaning as in the Royal Commissions Act 1902.
Royalty Act means the Offshore Petroleum (Royalty) Act 2006.
scheduled area, in relation to a State or Territory, has the meaning given by Schedule 1.
secondary line means a pipe, or system of pipes, for:
(a) returning petroleum to a natural reservoir; or
(b) conveying petroleum for use for petroleum exploration operations; or
(c) conveying petroleum for use for petroleum recovery operations; or
(d) conveying petroleum that is to be flared or vented; or
(e) conveying petroleum from a well, wherever located, to a terminal station in an offshore area without passing through another terminal station.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.
serious situation, in relation to an identified greenhouse gas storage formation, has the meaning given by section 379.
significant risk has a meaning affected by section 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29.
site closing certificate means a certificate issued under section 392.
site plan, in relation to an identified greenhouse gas storage formation, has the meaning given by section 24.
spatial extent of an eligible greenhouse gas storage formation has the meaning given by subsection 21(3).
special greenhouse gas holding lease means a greenhouse gas holding lease granted under section 338.
special petroleum exploration permit means:
(a) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 4 of Part 2.2 of this Act; or
(b) an exploration permit granted under section 27 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967; or
(c) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 5 of Part 2.2 of this Act by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (a) or (b); or
(d) an exploration permit granted under section 32 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (b).
State/Territory petroleum exploration title means an instrument under a law of a State or the Northern Territory that confers, in relation to the coastal waters of the State or Territory, rights that correspond to the rights that a petroleum exploration permit confers in relation to the offshore area of the State or Territory.
State/Territory petroleum production title means an instrument under a law of a State or the Northern Territory that confers, in relation to the coastal waters of the State or Territory, rights that correspond to the rights that a petroleum production licence confers in relation to the offshore area of the State or Territory.
State/Territory petroleum retention title means an instrument under a law of a State or the Northern Territory that confers, in relation to the coastal waters of the State or Territory, rights that correspond to the rights that a petroleum retention lease confers in relation to the offshore area of the State or Territory.
State title means an authority, however described, under a law of a State, to explore for, or to recover, petroleum.
structural integrity includes the following:
(a) structural soundness;
(b) structural strength;
(c) stability;
(d) fitness for purpose;
(e) mechanical integrity;
(f) systems integrity;
in connection with:
(g) the containment of:
(i) petroleum; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas substance; or
(iii) any other substance; or
(h) the health and safety of persons engaged in:
(i) offshore petroleum operations (within the meaning of Part 6.9); or
(ii) offshore greenhouse gas operations (within the meaning of Part 6.9).
For the purposes of paragraph (f), systems integrity includes the integrity of the following:
(i) electrical systems;
(j) electronic systems;
(k) hydraulic systems;
(l) chemical systems;
(m) dynamic positioning systems;
(n) other systems.
structural integrity law means the provisions of this Act or the regulations to the extent to which the provisions relate to the structural integrity of:
(a) facilities (within the meaning of Schedule 3); or
(b) wells; or
(c) well‑related equipment.
tank station means:
(a) a greenhouse gas tank station; or
(b) a petroleum tank station.
term:
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence, infrastructure licence, pipeline licence, petroleum special prospecting authority or petroleum access authority—has the meaning given by subsection 10(1); or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding lease, greenhouse gas injection licence, greenhouse gas search authority or greenhouse gas special authority—has the meaning given by subsection 10(2).
terminal point has the meaning given by section 17.
terminal station has the meaning given by section 16.
Territory means a Territory in which this Act applies or to which this Act extends.
tied, in relation to a greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection licence, has the meaning given by section 13.
Timorese Designated Authority means the authority that is the Designated Authority under paragraph 2 of Article 6 of Annex B to the Timor Sea Maritime Boundaries Treaty.
Timor Sea Maritime Boundaries Treaty means the Treaty between Australia and the Democratic Republic of Timor‑Leste Establishing their Maritime Boundaries in the Timor Sea done at New York on 6 March 2018, as in force from time to time.
Note: The Timor Sea Maritime Boundaries Treaty could in 2019 be viewed in the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (http://www.austlii.edu.au).
title:
(a) when used in the definition of registered holder—has the meaning given by the second sentence of that definition; or
(b) when used in Subdivision A of Division 2 of Part 1.2—has the meaning given by section 38; or
(c) when used in Division 3 of Part 1.2—has the meaning given by section 50; or
(e) when used in section 282—has the meaning given by subsection 282(6); or
(f) when used in section 462—has the meaning given by subsection 462(6); or
(g) when used in Chapter 4—has the meaning given by section 467; or
(ga) when used in Chapter 5—has the meaning given by section 519; or
(h) when used in section 574—has the meaning given by subsection 574(1); or
(ha) when used in section 574A—has the meaning given by subsection 574A(1); or
(i) when used in Division 2A of Part 6.2—has the meaning given by subsection 576A(3); or
(ia) when used in section 579A—has the meaning given by subsection 579A(1); or
(j) when used in section 580—has the meaning given by subsection 580(1).
title area:
(a) when used in Division 3 of Part 1.2—has the meaning given by section 51; or
(b) when used in section 572—has the meaning given by subsection 572(1); or
(ba) when used in Division 2A of Part 6.2—has the meaning given by subsection 576A(3); or
(c) when used in section 586—has the meaning given by subsection 586(6); or
(d) when used in section 586A—has the meaning given by subsection 586A(7).
titleholder:
(a) when used in Division 3 of Part 1.2—has the meaning given by section 51; or
(b) when used in section 572—has the meaning given by subsection 572(1).
titleholder’s representative: see section 602K.
Titles Administrator means the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator.
vacated area has the meaning given by section 14.
valve station means:
(a) a greenhouse gas valve station; or
(b) a petroleum valve station.
vessel means a vessel used in navigation, other than air navigation, and includes a barge, lighter or other floating vessel.
water line means a pipe, or system of pipes, for conveying water in connection with:
(a) petroleum exploration operations; or
(b) petroleum recovery operations; or
(c) exploration for potential greenhouse gas storage formations; or
(d) exploration for potential greenhouse gas injection sites; or
(e) the injection of a greenhouse gas substance into an identified greenhouse gas storage formation; or
(f) the injection, on an appraisal basis, of a greenhouse gas substance into a part of a geological formation; or
(g) the injection, on an appraisal basis, of air, petroleum or water into a part of a geological formation.
well means a hole in the seabed or subsoil made by drilling, boring or any other means in connection with:
(a) exploration for petroleum; or
(b) petroleum recovery operations; or
(c) exploration for potential greenhouse gas storage formations; or
(d) exploration for potential greenhouse gas injection sites; or
(e) the injection of a greenhouse gas substance into an identified greenhouse gas storage formation; or
(f) the injection, on an appraisal basis, of a greenhouse gas substance into a part of a geological formation; or
(g) the injection, on an appraisal basis, of air, petroleum or water into a part of a geological formation;
but does not include a seismic shot hole.
well integrity law has the same meaning as in Schedule 2B.
well‑related equipment means any:
(a) plant; or
(b) equipment; or
(c) other thing;
for containing pressure in a well.
Western Greater Sunrise area has the meaning given by Schedule 7.
wholly cancelled, in relation to a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum production licence or pipeline licence, means cancelled as to all the blocks, or as to the whole of the pipeline, the subject of the permit or licence.
wholly revoked, in relation to a petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease, means revoked as to all the blocks the subject of the permit or lease.
wholly terminated, in relation to a pipeline licence, means terminated as to the whole of the pipeline the subject of the licence.
work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit means a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Division 2 of Part 3.2.
work‑bid petroleum exploration permit means:
(a) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 2 of Part 2.2 of this Act; or
(b) an exploration permit granted under section 22 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967; or
(c) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 5 of Part 2.2 of this Act by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (a) or (b); or
(d) an exploration permit granted under section 32 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (b).
8 Offshore areas of the States and Territories
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the table has effect:
| Offshore areas |
| Item | The offshore area of... | is... |
| 1 | (a) New South Wales; or (b) Victoria; or (c) South Australia; or (d) Tasmania | so much of the scheduled area for that State as comprises waters of the sea that are: (a) beyond the outer limits of the coastal waters of that State; and (b) within the outer limits of the continental shelf. |
| 2 | Queensland | both of the following areas: (a) so much of the scheduled area for Queensland as comprises waters of the sea that are: (i) beyond the outer limits of the coastal waters of Queensland; and (ii) within the outer limits of the continental shelf; (b) the Coral Sea area (as defined by subsection (2)). |
| 3 | Western Australia | so much of the scheduled area for Western Australia as comprises waters of the sea that are: (a) beyond the outer limits of the coastal waters of Western Australia; and (b) within the outer limits of the continental shelf. |
| 4 | the Northern Territory | both of the following: (a) so much of the scheduled area for the Northern Territory as comprises waters of the sea that are: (i) beyond the outer limits of the coastal waters of the Northern Territory; and (ii) within the outer limits of the continental shelf; (b) the Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area. |
| 5 | the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands | so much of the scheduled area for that Territory as consists of land and water that is within the outer limits of the continental shelf. |
| 6 | Norfolk Island | the area whose boundaries are: (a) the coastline at mean low water of Norfolk Island; and (b) the outer limit of the superjacent waters of the continental shelf adjacent to the coast of Norfolk Island. |
| 7 | the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands | the area whose boundaries are: (a) the coastlines at mean low water of the islands comprising that Territory; and (b) the outer limit of the superjacent waters of the continental shelf adjacent to the coasts of those islands. |
| 8 | the Territory of Christmas Island | the area whose boundaries are: (a) the coastline at mean low water of Christmas Island; and (b) the outer limit of the superjacent waters of the continental shelf adjacent to the coast of Christmas Island. |
| 9 | the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands | both of the following areas: (a) the area whose boundaries are the coastline at mean low water of the north atoll of that Territory (otherwise called North Keeling Island), and the outer limit of the superjacent waters of the continental shelf adjacent to the coast of that Island; (b) the area whose boundaries are the coastlines at mean low water of the remaining islands of that Territory, and the outer limit of the superjacent waters of the continental shelf adjacent to the coasts of those islands. |
Note: The offshore area of a State or Territory corresponds to the adjacent area under the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the Coral Sea area is so much of the area to the east of the area described in paragraph (a) of item 2 of the table in subsection (1) as comprises waters of the sea that are within the outer limits of the continental shelf, other than any part of that area that is:
(a) to the south of the parallel of Latitude 25°S; or
(b) on the landward side of the coastline of any island at mean low water.
Note: For datum, see section 40.
Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands—land taken to be beneath the sea etc.
(3) This Act has effect in relation to so much of the offshore area of the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands as consists of land as if that land were:
(a) beneath the sea; and
(b) part of the seabed and subsoil of that offshore area.
Areas of the continental shelf over which Australia does not exercise sovereign rights
(4) For the purposes of:
(a) an item in the table in subsection (1); and
(b) subsection (2);
the continental shelf does not include any area of seabed and subsoil that, as a result of an agreement in force between Australia and a foreign country, is not an area over which Australia exercises sovereign rights.
8A Pipeline international offshore areas treated as offshore areas
(1) The provisions of this Act listed in subsection (2), and regulations or other instruments made for the purposes of those provisions, apply in relation to each of the following areas as if it were an offshore area:
(a) the Bayu‑Undan pipeline international offshore area (which is described in Schedule 8);
(b) the Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area (if it is declared under section 780P).
(2) The provisions are as follows:
(a) the following definitions in section 7:
(i) definition of Joint Authority;
(ii) definition of petroleum pipeline;
(iii) definition of secondary line;
(b) section 9;
(c) section 16;
(d) section 30;
(e) subsection 56(1);
(f) Division 1 of Part 2.6;
(g) subsection 221(5) so far as it refers to construction in an offshore area of a petroleum pipeline but not so far as it refers to petroleum recovered from a place beyond the outer limits of any offshore area;
(h) Division 3 of Part 2.6;
(i) Division 1 of Part 2.12;
(j) section 280;
(k) Parts 4.1 and 4.2;
(l) Parts 6.1, 6.1A and 6.2;
(m) Division 1 of Part 6.4;
(n) Divisions 1, 4, 5 and 6 of Part 6.5;
(o) Divisions 1 and 2 of Part 6.6;
(p) section 695R;
(q) Part 7.1;
(r) section 778;
(s) subsection 780A(5);
(t) items 12 and 13 of the table in subsection 782(1).
Note: Although the Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area is treated as an offshore area for the purposes of only one of the references to offshore area in Division 2 (Obtaining a pipeline licence) of Part 2.6 (see paragraph (g) of this subsection), that does not prevent an application for, or the grant of, a pipeline licence for a petroleum pipeline in the Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area.
Other modifications
(3) Paragraphs 227(6)(d) and 506(1)(f) apply as if:
(a) the Bayu‑Undan pipeline international offshore area were an offshore area relating to Western Australia; and
(b) the Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area were an offshore area relating to the Northern Territory.
Other modifications relating to Bayu‑Undan pipeline international offshore area
(4) Despite subsection 217(1), a person cannot apply for the grant of a pipeline licence authorising construction of a pipeline in the Bayu‑Undan pipeline international offshore area.
Note: On the commencement of this section, a pipeline licence is automatically granted authorising the pipeline that existed in the Bayu‑Undan pipeline international offshore area immediately before that commencement: see Schedule 1 to the Timor Sea Maritime Boundaries Treaty Consequential Amendments Act 2019.
Other modifications relating to Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area
(5) Subsections 223(2) and (3) apply to an application for a pipeline licence relating to the construction of a petroleum pipeline in the Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area as if:
(a) references in paragraphs 223(2)(a) and (3)(a) to a petroleum production licence area were references to the Greater Sunrise special regime area; and
(b) references in paragraphs 223(2)(b) and (3)(b) to the petroleum production licensee were references to a person covered by the definition of Greater Sunrise Contractor in paragraph 1(i) of Article 1 of the Timor Sea Maritime Boundaries Treaty; and
(c) the reference in subparagraph 223(2)(c)(i) to the petroleum production licence were a reference to the Greater Sunrise Production Sharing Contract within the meaning of that treaty.
(6) Item 5 of the table in subsection 262(1) applies in relation to a pipeline licence relating to the construction of a petroleum pipeline in the Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area as if the references to a petroleum production licensee and the licensee were a reference to a person who:
(a) applied for the pipeline licence; and
(b) is a person covered by the definition of Greater Sunrise Contractor in paragraph 1(i) of Article 1 of the Timor Sea Maritime Boundaries Treaty.
9 Spaces above and below offshore areas
For the purposes of this Act:
(a) the space above or below an offshore area is taken to be in that area; and
(b) the space above or below an area that is part of an offshore area is taken to be in that part.
10 Term of titles
Petroleum titles
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the table has effect:
| Term of title etc. |
| Item | A reference in this Act to... | is a reference to... |
| 1 | the term of: (a) a petroleum exploration permit; or (b) a petroleum retention lease; or (c) a petroleum production licence; or (d) an infrastructure licence; or (e) a pipeline licence; or (f) a petroleum special prospecting authority; or (g) a petroleum access authority; | the period during which the permit, lease, licence or authority remains in force. |
| 2 | a year of the term of: (a) a petroleum exploration permit; or (b) a petroleum retention lease; or (c) a petroleum production licence; or (d) an infrastructure licence; or (e) a pipeline licence; | a period of one year beginning on: (a) the day on which the permit, lease or licence comes into force; or (b) any anniversary of that day. |
| 3 | the expiry date of: (a) a petroleum exploration permit; or (b) a petroleum retention lease; or (c) a petroleum production licence; | the day on which the permit, lease or licence ceases to be in force. |
Greenhouse gas titles
(2) For the purposes of this Act, the table has effect:
| Term of title etc. |
| Item | A reference in this Act to... | is a reference to... |
| 1 | the term of: (a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or (b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or (c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or (d) a greenhouse gas search authority; or (e) a greenhouse gas special authority; | the period during which the permit, lease, licence or authority remains in force. |
| 2 | a year of the term of: (a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or (b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or (c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; | a period of one year beginning on: (a) the day on which the permit, lease or licence comes into force; or (b) any anniversary of that day. |
| 3 | the expiry date of: (a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or (b) a greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding lease); | the day on which the permit or lease ceases to be in force. |
11 Renewal of titles
Petroleum titles
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the table has effect:
| Renewal of titles |
| | Column 1 | Column 2 |
| Item | A reference in this Act to... | is a reference to... |
| 1 | the renewal, or the grant of a renewal, of a petroleum exploration permit | the grant of a petroleum exploration permit over some or all of the blocks specified in the permit mentioned in column 1, to begin on: (a) the day after the expiry date of the permit mentioned in column 1; or (b) the day after the expiry date of the petroleum exploration permit granted on a previous renewal of the permit mentioned in column 1. |
| 2 | the renewal, or the grant of a renewal, of a petroleum retention lease | the grant of a petroleum retention lease over all of the blocks in relation to which the lease mentioned in column 1 was in force, to begin on: (a) the day after the expiry date of the lease mentioned in column 1; or (b) the day after the expiry date of the petroleum retention lease granted on a previous renewal of the lease mentioned in column 1. |
| 3 | the renewal, or the grant of a renewal, of a petroleum production licence | the grant of a petroleum production licence over the block or blocks specified in the licence mentioned in column 1, to begin on: (a) the day after the expiry date of the licence mentioned in column 1; or (b) the day after the expiry date of the petroleum production licence granted on a previous renewal of the licence mentioned in column 1. |
(1A) If:
(a) a petroleum exploration permit has been granted on the basis that an area (the relevant area) is within the offshore area of a State or the Northern Territory; and
(b) as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of the State or Territory, the relevant area:
(i) ceases to be within the offshore area of the State or Territory; and
(ii) falls within the coastal waters of the State or Territory; and
(c) immediately before the change, the relevant area was a part of the permit area;
then, in determining what constitutes the renewal, or the grant of a renewal, of the permit, item 1 of the table in subsection (1) has effect as if:
(d) the permit had been varied to exclude from the permit area any area that is not within the offshore area of the State or Territory; and
(e) the variation had taken effect immediately after the change.
Note: This means that an application for renewal of the permit may be made, and the permit may be renewed, as if the permit had been so varied.
(1B) For the purposes of subsection (1A):
(a) disregard section 283; and
(b) it is immaterial whether the change occurred before, at or after the commencement of this subsection.
(1C) If:
(a) a petroleum retention lease has been granted on the basis that an area (the relevant area) is within the offshore area of a State or the Northern Territory; and
(b) as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of the State or Territory, the relevant area:
(i) ceases to be within the offshore area of the State or Territory; and
(ii) falls within the coastal waters of the State or Territory; and
(c) immediately before the change, the relevant area was a part of the lease area;
then, in determining what constitutes the renewal, or the grant of a renewal, of the lease, item 2 of the table in subsection (1) has effect as if:
(d) the lease had been varied to exclude from the lease area any area that is not within the offshore area of the State or Territory; and
(e) the variation had taken effect immediately after the change.
Note: This means that an application for renewal of the lease may be made, and the lease may be renewed, as if the lease had been so varied.
(1D) For the purposes of subsection (1C):
(a) disregard section 283; and
(b) it is immaterial whether the change occurred before, at or after the commencement of this subsection.
(1E) If:
(a) a petroleum production licence has been granted on the basis that an area (the relevant area) is within the offshore area of a State or the Northern Territory; and
(b) as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of the State or Territory, the relevant area:
(i) ceases to be within the offshore area of the State or Territory; and
(ii) falls within the coastal waters of the State or Territory; and
(c) immediately before the change, the relevant area was a part of the licence area;
then, in determining what constitutes the renewal, or the grant of a renewal, of the licence, item 3 of the table in subsection (1) has effect as if:
(d) the licence had been varied to exclude from the licence area any area that is not within the offshore area of the State or Territory; and
(e) the variation had taken effect immediately after the change.
Note: This means that an application for renewal of the licence may be made, and the licence may be renewed, as if the licence had been so varied.
(1F) For the purposes of subsection (1E):
(a) disregard section 283; and
(b) it is immaterial whether the change occurred before, at or after the commencement of this subsection.
Greenhouse gas titles
(2) For the purposes of this Act, the table has effect:
| Renewal of title |
| | Column 1 | Column 2 |