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...................................... 50
8A......... Pipeline international offshore areas treated as offshore areas........... 53
9............ Spaces above and below offshore areas............................................ 56
10.......... Term of titles..................................................................................... 57
11.......... Renewal of titles................................................................................ 59
12.......... Variation of titles............................................................................... 65
13.......... Tied titles........................................................................................... 65
14.......... Vacated area...................................................................................... 66
15.......... Infrastructure facilities....................................................................... 68
16.......... Terminal station................................................................................. 70
17.......... Terminal point................................................................................... 70
18.......... Declared greenhouse gas facility....................................................... 70
19.......... Extended meaning of explore............................................................ 71
20.......... Potential greenhouse gas storage formation...................................... 72
21.......... Eligible greenhouse gas storage formation........................................ 73
22.......... Potential greenhouse gas injection site.............................................. 76
23.......... Incidental greenhouse gas‑related substance..................................... 76
24.......... Site plan—identified greenhouse gas storage formation.................... 77
24A....... Compatible cross‑boundary law........................................................ 77
25.......... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—approval of key petroleum operations 78
26.......... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—grant of petroleum production licence 79
27.......... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—approval of key greenhouse gas operations (general) 81
27A....... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—approval of key greenhouse gas operations (cross‑boundary) 83
28.......... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—grant of greenhouse gas injection licence (general) 86
28A....... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—grant of greenhouse gas injection licence (cross‑boundary) 88
29.......... Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—power of responsible Commonwealth Minister to protect petroleum.......................................................................................................... 90
30.......... Direction given by the responsible Commonwealth Minister............ 92
30A....... State/Territory greenhouse gas storage administrator........................ 92
31.......... Securities........................................................................................... 93
32.......... Designated agreements...................................................................... 94
33.......... Graticulation of Earth’s surface and constitution of blocks............... 95
33A....... Designated public official.................................................................. 98
34.......... External Territories.......................................................................... 100
35.......... Application of Act........................................................................... 101
36.......... Certain pipelines provisions to apply subject to international obligations 101
Division 2—Datum provisions 102
Subdivision A—Datum for ascertaining the position of points etc. 102
37.......... Objects............................................................................................ 102
38.......... Definitions...................................................................................... 102
39.......... Australian Geodetic Datum............................................................. 103
40.......... Geocentric Datum of Australia........................................................ 103
41.......... Current datum, previous datum and changeover time...................... 104
42.......... Use of current datum....................................................................... 105
43.......... Use of previous datum.................................................................... 106
44.......... Variation of titles and instruments................................................... 108
45.......... Variation of applications for titles................................................... 110
46.......... No change to actual position of point, line or area........................... 111
47.......... Transitional regulations................................................................... 111
48.......... International Seabed Agreements.................................................... 111
Subdivision B—Certain points etc. specified in an International Seabed Agreement to be ascertained by other means 111
49.......... Certain points etc. specified in an International Seabed Agreement to be ascertained by other means 111
Division 3—Apportionment of petroleum recovered from adjoining title areas 113
50.......... Title................................................................................................. 113
51.......... Titleholder and title area.................................................................. 113
52.......... Petroleum recovered through inclined well..................................... 113
53.......... Petroleum pool straddling 2 title areas etc....................................... 114
54.......... Petroleum pool straddling Commonwealth title area and State title area etc. 115
55.......... Unit development............................................................................ 119
Part 1.3—Joint Authorities 120
Division 1—Joint Authorities 120
56.......... Joint Authorities.............................................................................. 120
57.......... Functions and powers of Joint Authorities..................................... 122
58.......... Procedure of Joint Authority........................................................... 123
59.......... Decision‑making............................................................................. 124
60.......... Opinion or state of mind of Joint Authority.................................... 125
61.......... Records of decisions of Joint Authority.......................................... 125
62.......... Signing of documents..................................................................... 126
63.......... Communications with Joint Authority............................................ 126
64.......... Judicial notice of signature of member of a Joint Authority............ 126
65.......... Issue of documents, and service of notices, on behalf of Joint Authority 128
66.......... Delegation by a Joint Authority for a State (other than Tasmania) or the Northern Territory 129
66A....... Delegation by Joint Authority for Tasmania................................... 130
67.......... Delegation by Greater Sunrise Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority 131
68.......... Delegation by Joint Authority for an external Territory.................. 132
68A....... Delegation by Joint Authority for pipeline international offshore area 133
69.......... Greater Sunrise Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority—consultations 133
70.......... Cooperation with Timorese Designated Authority by Joint Authority for pipeline international offshore area 134
Division 3—Finance 135
75.......... Payments by the Commonwealth to Western Australia—Royalty Act payments 135
Part 1.3A—Cross‑boundary Authorities 138
76.......... Simplified outline of this Part.......................................................... 138
76A....... Cross‑boundary Authorities............................................................ 138
76B....... Functions and powers of Cross‑boundary Authorities................... 140
76C....... Procedure of Cross‑boundary Authority......................................... 140
76D....... Decision‑making............................................................................. 140
76E........ Opinion or state of mind of Cross‑boundary Authority.................. 142
76F........ Records of decisions of Cross‑boundary Authority........................ 142
76G....... Signing of documents..................................................................... 143
76H....... Communications with Cross‑boundary Authority.......................... 143
76J........ Judicial notice of signature of member of a Cross‑boundary Authority 143
76K....... Issue of documents, and service of notices, on behalf of Cross‑boundary Authority 144
76L........ Delegation by a Cross‑boundary Authority.................................... 144
Part 1.4—Application of State and Territory laws in offshore areas 147
78.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 147
79.......... Meaning of laws............................................................................. 147
80.......... Application of State and Territory laws in offshore areas............... 147
81.......... Disapplication and modification of laws......................................... 150
82.......... Limit on application of laws............................................................ 150
83.......... Inconsistent law not applied............................................................ 150
84.......... Criminal laws not applied................................................................ 151
85.......... Tax laws not applied....................................................................... 151
86.......... Appropriation law not applied......................................................... 151
87.......... Applied laws not to confer Commonwealth judicial power............. 151
88.......... Applied laws not to contravene constitutional restrictions on conferral of powers on courts 151
89.......... State or Northern Territory occupational health and safety laws do not apply in relation to facilities 151
90.......... No limits on ordinary operation of law........................................... 154
91.......... Jurisdiction of State courts.............................................................. 155
92.......... Jurisdiction of Territory courts........................................................ 155
93.......... Validation of certain acts................................................................. 155
94.......... Certain provisions not affected by this Part..................................... 155
Chapter 2—Regulation of activities relating to petroleum 157
Part 2.1—Introduction 157
95.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 157
Part 2.2—Petroleum exploration permits 159
Division 1—General provisions 159
96.......... Simplified outline............................................................................ 159
97.......... Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for petroleum in offshore area 160
98.......... Rights conferred by petroleum exploration permit.......................... 160
99.......... Conditions of petroleum exploration permits.................................. 161
100........ Declared petroleum exploration permit—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations........................................................................................................ 166
101........ Declared petroleum exploration permits.......................................... 169
102........ Duration of petroleum exploration permit....................................... 171
103........ Extension of petroleum exploration permit if permittee applies for petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence............................................................................................. 172
Division 2—Obtaining a work‑bid petroleum exploration permit 174
104........ Application for work‑bid petroleum exploration permit—advertising of blocks 174
105........ Grant of work‑bid petroleum exploration permit—offer document. 176
106........ Ranking of multiple applicants for work‑bid petroleum exploration permit 176
107........ Grant of work‑bid petroleum exploration permit............................. 178
108........ Withdrawal of application............................................................... 179
109........ Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application.................................... 180
Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit 181
110........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—application...................... 181
111........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—cash bids......................... 182
112........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—cash bids less than the reserve price 183
112A..... Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—highest cash bids at or over the reserve price 186
112B..... Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—tie‑breaking invitation..... 187
113........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—grant............................... 188
114........ Extension of cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit....................... 189
Division 4—Obtaining a special petroleum exploration permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks 192
115........ Application for a special petroleum exploration permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks 192
116........ Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—only one application 194
117........ Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—2 or more applications 194
118........ Grant of special petroleum exploration permit................................. 197
Division 4A—Obtaining a boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit 198
118A..... Grant of boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit................ 198
Division 5—Renewal of petroleum exploration permits 202
119........ Application for renewal of petroleum exploration permit................ 202
120........ Non‑renewable cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits................. 203
121........ Limit on renewal of cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits........... 203
122........ Limits on renewal of work‑bid petroleum exploration permits and special petroleum exploration permits 204
122A..... Limits on renewal of boundary‑change petroleum exploration permits 206
123........ Standard halving rules..................................................................... 207
124........ Modified halving rules.................................................................... 209
125........ Renewal of petroleum exploration permit—offer document............ 210
126........ Refusal to renew petroleum exploration permit............................... 211
127........ Renewal of petroleum exploration permit........................................ 211
Division 6—Locations 213
128........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 213
129........ Nomination of blocks as a location................................................. 213
130........ Requirement to nominate blocks as a location................................. 215
131........ Declaration of location.................................................................... 215
132........ Revocation of declaration................................................................ 217
133........ Variation of declaration................................................................... 221
Part 2.3—Petroleum retention leases 223
Division 1—General provisions 223
134........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 223
135........ Rights conferred by petroleum retention lease................................. 224
136........ Conditions of petroleum retention leases......................................... 224
137........ Declared petroleum retention lease—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations........................................................................................................ 228
138........ Declared petroleum retention leases................................................ 231
139........ Duration of petroleum retention lease.............................................. 232
140........ Extension of petroleum retention lease if lessee applies for petroleum production licence 233
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum retention lease 235
Subdivision A—Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a petroleum exploration permit 235
141........ Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a petroleum exploration permit 235
142........ Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document....................... 236
143........ Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease....................................... 237
143A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum retention lease 237
144........ Grant of petroleum retention lease................................................... 238
145........ Petroleum exploration permit ceases to be in force when petroleum retention lease comes into force 239
146........ Petroleum exploration permit transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 239
Subdivision B—Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a life‑of‑field petroleum production licence 239
147........ Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a life‑of‑field petroleum production licence 239
148........ Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document....................... 241
149........ Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease....................................... 241
149A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum retention lease 242
150........ Grant of petroleum retention lease................................................... 242
151........ Petroleum production licence ceases to be in force when petroleum retention lease comes into force 243
152........ Petroleum production licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 243
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 244
152A..... Grant of petroleum retention lease as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory........................................................................................................ 244
Division 3—Renewal of petroleum retention leases 247
153........ Application for renewal of petroleum retention lease...................... 247
154........ Renewal of petroleum retention lease—offer document.................. 248
155........ Refusal to renew petroleum retention lease..................................... 250
155A..... Time limit for making decision about renewal of petroleum retention lease 252
156........ Renewal of petroleum retention lease.............................................. 253
Division 4—Revocation of petroleum retention leases 254
157........ Notice of proposal to revoke petroleum retention lease................... 254
158........ Revocation of petroleum retention lease.......................................... 255
Part 2.4—Petroleum production licences 257
Division 1—General provisions 257
159........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 257
160........ Prohibition of unauthorised recovery of petroleum in offshore area 258
161........ Rights conferred by petroleum production licence.......................... 258
162........ Conditions of petroleum production licences.................................. 260
163........ Declared petroleum production licence—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations........................................................................................................ 263
164........ Declared petroleum production licences.......................................... 266
165........ Duration of petroleum production licence....................................... 268
166........ Termination of life‑of‑field petroleum production licence if no recovery operations for 5 years 270
167........ Petroleum production licences to which the Royalty Act applies.... 271
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum production licence as a result of an application made by a petroleum exploration permittee or a petroleum retention lessee 272
168........ Application for petroleum production licence by permittee............. 272
169........ Application period........................................................................... 273
170........ Application for petroleum production licence by lessee.................. 274
171........ Offer document............................................................................... 275
172........ Consultation—Greater Sunrise unit reservoir petroleum production licence 278
173........ Refusal to grant petroleum production licence................................. 279
173A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum production licence 283
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.......................................... 284
175........ Grant of petroleum production licence............................................ 285
176........ Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease ceases to be in force when petroleum production licence comes into force......................................................................................... 286
177........ Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 286
Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid petroleum production licence over a surrendered block or similar block 288
178........ Application for cash‑bid petroleum production licence over surrendered blocks or similar blocks 288
179........ Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence—only one application 289
180........ Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence—2 or more applications 290
181........ Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence.............................. 293
Division 4—Obtaining petroleum production licences over individual blocks 294
182........ Applications for petroleum production licences over individual blocks 294
183........ Grant of petroleum production licences over individual blocks....... 295
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 297
183A..... Grant of petroleum production licence as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory........................................................................................................ 297
Division 5—Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licences 300
184........ Application for renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence 300
185........ Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence—offer document 302
186........ Refusal to renew fixed‑term petroleum production licence.............. 304
186A..... Time limit for making decision about renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence 305
187........ Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence...................... 305
Division 6—What happens if a block is not taken up 306
188........ Revocation of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease to the extent to which it relates to a block not taken up........................................................................................... 306
Division 7—Petroleum field development 309
Subdivision A—Directions about the recovery of petroleum 309
189........ Direction to recover petroleum........................................................ 309
190........ Directions about the rate of recovery of petroleum.......................... 309
Subdivision B—Unit development 311
191........ Unit development............................................................................ 311
Part 2.5—Infrastructure licences 315
Division 1—General provisions 315
192........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 315
193........ Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of an infrastructure facility in an offshore area 315
194........ Rights conferred by an infrastructure licence.................................. 316
195........ Conditions of infrastructure licences............................................... 317
196........ Duration of infrastructure licence.................................................... 317
197........ Termination of infrastructure licence if no operations for 5 years... 318
Division 2—Obtaining an infrastructure licence 320
198........ Application for infrastructure licence.............................................. 320
199........ Grant of infrastructure licence—offer document............................. 320
200........ Refusal to grant infrastructure licence............................................. 321
200A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of infrastructure licence 321
201........ Grant of infrastructure licence......................................................... 322
202........ Consultation with petroleum titleholders—grant of infrastructure licence 322
203........ Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—grant of infrastructure licence 324
Division 3—Varying an infrastructure licence 327
204........ Application for variation of infrastructure licence........................... 327
205........ Variation of infrastructure licence................................................... 327
206........ Consultation with petroleum titleholders—variation of infrastructure licence 329
207........ Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—variation of infrastructure licence 331
Division 4—Directions by responsible Commonwealth Minister 333
208........ Directions by responsible Commonwealth Minister....................... 333
Part 2.6—Pipeline licences 334
Division 1—General provisions 334
209........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 334
210........ Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of a pipeline in an offshore area 334
211........ Rights conferred by pipeline licence................................................ 335
212........ Conditions of pipeline licences........................................................ 336
213........ Approval by Joint Authority of greenhouse gas substance to be conveyed in a pipeline 337
214........ Duration of pipeline licence............................................................. 339
215........ Termination of pipeline licence if no operations for 5 years............ 339
216........ Alteration or removal of pipeline constructed in breach of this Act. 341
Division 2—Obtaining a pipeline licence 343
217........ Application for pipeline licence....................................................... 343
218........ Rights of petroleum production licensees following application for petroleum‑related pipeline licences by other persons........................................................................................................ 344
219........ Rights of petroleum production licensees following application for greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licences by other persons............................................................................................ 345
220........ Rights of greenhouse gas injection licensees following application for greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licences by other persons............................................................................................ 346
221........ Grant of petroleum‑related pipeline licence—offer document......... 348
222........ Grant of greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licence—offer document. 350
223........ Refusal to grant petroleum‑related pipeline licence.......................... 355
224........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licence................. 357
225........ Grant of pipeline licence.................................................................. 360
Division 3—Varying a pipeline licence 361
226........ Variation of pipeline licence on application by licensee................... 361
227........ Variation of pipeline licence at the request of a Minister or a statutory body 363
Division 4—Pipeline operation 366
228........ Ceasing to operate pipeline without consent.................................... 366
Part 2.7—Petroleum special prospecting authorities 368
Division 1—General provisions 368
229........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 368
230........ Rights conferred by petroleum special prospecting authority.......... 368
231........ Conditions of petroleum special prospecting authorities................. 369
232........ Duration of petroleum special prospecting authority....................... 369
233........ Petroleum special prospecting authority cannot be transferred........ 369
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum special prospecting authority 370
234........ Application for petroleum special prospecting authority................. 370
235........ Grant or refusal of petroleum special prospecting authority............ 370
236........ Holders to be informed of the grant of another petroleum special prospecting authority 371
237........ Holders to be informed of the grant of greenhouse gas search authority 371
Part 2.8—Petroleum access authorities 373
Division 1—General provisions 373
238........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 373
239........ Rights conferred by petroleum access authority.............................. 373
240........ Conditions of petroleum access authorities..................................... 373
241........ Duration of petroleum access authority........................................... 374
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum access authority 375
242........ Application for petroleum access authority..................................... 375
243........ Grant or refusal of petroleum access authority................................ 376
244........ Consultation—grant of petroleum access authority in same offshore area 378
245........ Consultation—approval of grant of petroleum access authority in adjoining offshore area 379
Division 3—Variation of petroleum access authorities 381
246........ Variation of petroleum access authority.......................................... 381
247........ Consultation—variation of petroleum access authority in same offshore area 381
248........ Consultation—approval of variation of petroleum access authority in adjoining offshore area 383
Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access authorities 385
249........ Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access authorities.... 385
Division 5—Revocation of petroleum access authorities 387
250........ Revocation of petroleum access authority....................................... 387
Part 2.9—Petroleum scientific investigation consents 388
251........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 388
252........ Rights conferred by petroleum scientific investigation consent....... 388
253........ Conditions of petroleum scientific investigation consents............... 388
254........ Grant of petroleum scientific investigation consent......................... 389
Part 2.10—Standard procedures 390
255........ Application and cash bid to be made in an approved manner.......... 390
256........ Application fee................................................................................ 390
257........ Application may set out additional matters...................................... 391
258........ Titles Administrator may require further information...................... 392
259........ Offer documents............................................................................. 394
260........ Acceptance of offer—request by applicant...................................... 396
260A..... Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits—failure to respond to offer 400
261........ Special petroleum exploration permits and s 181 petroleum production licences—failure to pay 402
262........ Consultation—adverse decisions.................................................... 402
263........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may require information about negotiations for a designated agreement 404
Part 2.11—Variation, suspension and exemption 406
Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to petroleum exploration permits, petroleum retention leases, petroleum production licences, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 406
264........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of titles............. 406
265........ Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease—suspension of conditions 409
265A..... Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease pending decision on application for suspension of conditions................................................................. 410
266........ Suspension of rights—petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease 411
267........ Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease—suspension of rights 412
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............................................................................. 412
Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities 418
268........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities........................................................................................ 418
Part 2.12—Surrender of titles 420
Division 1—Surrender of petroleum exploration permits, petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 420
269........ Application for consent to surrender title........................................ 420
270........ Consent to surrender title................................................................ 421
271........ Surrender of title............................................................................. 424
Division 2—Surrender of petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities 426
272........ Surrender of petroleum special prospecting authority..................... 426
273........ Surrender of petroleum access authority......................................... 426
Part 2.13—Cancellation of titles 427
Division 1—Cancellation of petroleum exploration permits, petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 427
274........ Grounds for cancellation of title...................................................... 427
275........ Cancellation of title.......................................................................... 428
276........ Consultation.................................................................................... 428
277........ Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions....................... 429
277A..... NOPSEMA to notify the Titles Administrator of grounds for cancellation of title 431
Division 2—Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting authorities 433
278........ Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting authority.................. 433
Part 2.14—Other provisions 434
279........ Reservation of blocks...................................................................... 434
280........ Interference with other rights.......................................................... 435
281........ No conditions about payment of money.......................................... 436
282........ Certain portions of blocks to be blocks........................................... 437
283........ Changes to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 439
284........ Notification of discovery of petroleum in petroleum exploration permit area, petroleum retention lease area or petroleum production licence area.................................................................... 440
285........ Property in petroleum not recovered from a Greater Sunrise unit reservoir 442
286........ Property in petroleum recovered from a Greater Sunrise unit reservoir 442
286A..... Notification requirements—registered holders of titles................... 444
286B..... Publication of prescribed time limits............................................... 447
286C..... Report about decisions not made within time limits........................ 448
Chapter 3—Regulation of activities relating to injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances 449
Part 3.1—Introduction 449
287........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 449
287A..... Application of this Chapter (and associated provisions) to bodies politic 450
Part 3.2—Greenhouse gas assessment permits 452
Division 1—General provisions 452
288........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 452
289........ Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for potential greenhouse gas storage formation, or potential greenhouse gas injection site, in offshore area.......................................................... 453
290........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas assessment permit.................. 453
291........ Conditions of greenhouse gas assessment permits—general.......... 455
291A..... Conditions of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permits 456
292........ Approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key greenhouse gas operations—general 458
292A..... Approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key greenhouse gas operations carried on under a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit.................................................. 462
293........ Duration of greenhouse gas assessment permit............................... 467
294........ Extension of greenhouse gas assessment permit if permittee applies for a declaration of an identified greenhouse gas storage formation............................................................................ 472
295........ Extension of greenhouse gas assessment permit (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit) if permittee applies for a greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection licence 473
295A..... Extension of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit if permittee applies for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease or cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence 475
295B..... Permit area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit is taken to be included in the offshore area 476
Division 2—Obtaining a work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 478
Subdivision A—General provisions 478
296........ Application for work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—advertising of blocks 478
297........ Petroleum retention lessee or petroleum production licensee to be notified of proposal to advertise blocks 479
298........ Grant of work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer document 480
299........ Ranking of multiple applicants for work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 481
300........ Grant of work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit.................... 484
301........ Withdrawal of application............................................................... 484
302........ Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application.................................... 485
Subdivision B—Consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permits 487
302A..... Application for a consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 487
302B..... Grant of consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 489
302C..... Consequences of grant of consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 489
Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 490
303........ Application for cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit........... 490
304........ Petroleum retention lessee or petroleum production licensee to be notified of proposal to advertise blocks 491
305........ Grant of cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—only one application 492
306........ Grant of cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—2 or more applications 493
307........ Grant of cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit..................... 496
Division 3A—Obtaining a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit 497
307A..... Application for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit 497
307B..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer document 500
307C..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit.......... 500
307D..... Consequences of grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit 501
Division 4—Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permits 503
Subdivision A—Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permits (other than cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permits) 503
308........ Application for renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit)............................................................................................. 503
309........ Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer document... 505
310........ Refusal to renew greenhouse gas assessment permit...................... 508
311........ Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit............................... 509
Subdivision B—Renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permits 510
311A..... Application for renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit 510
311B..... Renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer document 512
311C..... Refusal to renew cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit 514
311D..... Renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit..... 516
Division 5—Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation 517
312........ Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation—general 517
312A..... Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation—cross‑boundary 520
313........ Variation of declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation 525
314........ Revocation of declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation 526
315........ Register of Identified Greenhouse Gas Storage Formations........... 527
Division 6—Directions 529
316........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give directions to greenhouse gas assessment permittees 529
317........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 530
Part 3.3—Greenhouse gas holding leases 531
Division 1—General provisions 531
318........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 531
319........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas holding lease.......................... 532
320........ Conditions of greenhouse gas holding leases (other than cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding leases) 533
320A..... Conditions of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding leases........ 535
321........ Approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key greenhouse gas operations—general 536
321A..... Approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key greenhouse gas operations carried on under a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease.......................................................... 540
322........ Duration of greenhouse gas holding lease....................................... 545
323........ Extension of greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease) if lessee applies for a special greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease) or greenhouse gas injection licence (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence) 547
323A..... Extension of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease if lessee applies for a special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease or cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence.. 548
323B..... Lease area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease is taken to be included in the offshore area 550
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas holding lease 552
Subdivision A—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease) by the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit) 552
324........ Application for greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease) by the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit) 552
325........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document................ 556
326........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease................................ 557
327........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease............................................ 558
328........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force 558
329........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 559
Subdivision AA—Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit 559
329A..... Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit........................................................................... 559
329B..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document 563
329C..... Refusal to grant cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease...... 565
329D..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease.................. 565
329E...... Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force................................................................................................ 566
329F...... Greenhouse gas assessment permit transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 566
Subdivision B—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease) by the holder of a greenhouse gas injection licence (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence) 567
330........ Application for greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease) by the holder of a greenhouse gas injection licence (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence) 567
331........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document................ 568
332........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease................................ 569
333........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease............................................ 570
334........ Greenhouse gas injection licence ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force 570
335........ Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 571
Subdivision BA—Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence 571
335A..... Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence............................................................................... 571
335B..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document 573
335C..... Refusal to grant cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease...... 574
335D..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease.................. 574
335E...... Greenhouse gas injection licence ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force 575
335F...... Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 575
Subdivision C—Application for special greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease) by an unsuccessful applicant for a greenhouse gas injection licence (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence) 576
336........ Application for special greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease) by an unsuccessful applicant for a greenhouse gas injection licence (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence).............................................................................. 576
337........ Grant of special greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document.... 578
338........ Grant of special greenhouse gas holding lease................................ 578
339........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when special greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force........................................................................................................ 579
340........ Ordinary greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force when special greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force........................................................................................................ 579
341........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 580
342........ Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 580
Subdivision CA—Application for special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by an unsuccessful applicant for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence 581
342A..... Application for special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by an unsuccessful applicant for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence...................................................... 581
342B..... Grant of special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document 583
342C..... Grant of special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease...... 584
342D..... Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force.............................................................................. 584
342E...... Ordinary greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force when special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force.............................................................................. 585
342F...... Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 585
342G..... Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 585
Subdivision D—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a petroleum retention lease 586
343........ Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a petroleum retention lease 586
344........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document................ 589
345........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease............................................ 590
346........ Petroleum retention lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 591
Division 3—Renewal of greenhouse gas holding leases 592
Subdivision A—Renewal of a greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease) 592
347........ Application for renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease)........................................................................................................ 592
348........ Renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document........... 593
349........ Refusal to renew greenhouse gas holding lease.............................. 595
350........ Renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease....................................... 597
Subdivision B—Renewal of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease 598
350A..... Application for renewal of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease 598
350B..... Renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document 600
350C..... Refusal to renew cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease..... 602
350D..... Renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease............. 604
Division 4—Directions 605
351........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give directions to greenhouse gas holding lessees 605
352........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 606
Division 5—Special greenhouse gas holding lessee may be requested to apply for a greenhouse gas injection licence 607
353........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may request special greenhouse gas holding lessee to apply for a greenhouse gas injection licence............................................................................... 607
Division 5A—Special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lessee may be requested to apply for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence 608
353A..... Cross‑boundary Authority may request special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lessee to apply for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence............................ 608
Division 6—Cancellation of certain greenhouse gas holding leases granted to the holders of petroleum retention leases 609
354........ Cancellation of certain greenhouse gas holding leases granted to the holders of petroleum retention leases 609
Part 3.4—Greenhouse gas injection licences 610
Division 1—General provisions 610
355........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 610
356........ Prohibition of unauthorised injection and storage of substances in offshore area 611
357........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas injection licence..................... 612
358........ Conditions of greenhouse gas injection licences—general.............. 613
358A..... Conditions of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licences.... 617
359........ Duration of greenhouse gas injection licence.................................. 621
360........ Termination of greenhouse gas injection licence if no injection operations for 5 years 621
360A..... Licence area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence is taken to be included in the offshore area 623
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas injection licence 625
Subdivision A—Application for greenhouse gas injection licence (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence) by the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit) or greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease) 625
361........ Application for greenhouse gas injection licence (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence) by greenhouse gas assessment permittee (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permittee) or greenhouse gas holding lessee (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lessee) 625
362........ Offer document............................................................................... 629
363........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas injection licence............................ 637
364........ Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence....................................... 638
365........ Deferral of decision to grant greenhouse gas injection licence—pending application for post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit........................................................................... 638
366........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas injection licence comes into force.................................................................. 639
367........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 639
368........ Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 640
Subdivision AA—Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence by the holder of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit or cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease 641
368A..... Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence by cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permittee or cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lessee........... 641
368B..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence—offer document 645
368C..... Refusal to grant cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence.. 659
368D..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence.............. 659
368E...... Deferral of decision to grant cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence—pending application for post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit......................... 660
368F...... Greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force when cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence comes into force........................... 661
368G..... Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 662
368H..... Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 662
Subdivision B—Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by the holder of a petroleum production licence 663
369........ Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by the holder of a petroleum production licence 663
370........ Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence—offer document........... 667
371........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas injection licence............................ 670
372........ Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence....................................... 671
373........ Petroleum production licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 671
Division 3—Variations 673
374........ Variation of matters specified in greenhouse gas injection licence (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence)—general............................................................................. 673
374A..... Variation of matters specified in cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence—general 674
375........ Variation of matters specified in greenhouse gas injection licence—declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation varied.............................................................................. 675
Division 4—Directions 677
376........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give greenhouse gas injection licensee directions to protect geological formations containing petroleum pools etc...................................... 677
377........ Consultation—directions................................................................. 679
378........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 681
Division 5—Dealing with serious situations 683
379........ Serious situation.............................................................................. 683
380........ Powers of responsible Commonwealth Minister to deal with serious situations 685
381........ Consultation—directions to do something outside the licence area. 688
382........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 689
Division 6—Protection of petroleum discovered in the title area of a pre‑commencement petroleum title 691
383........ Powers of responsible Commonwealth Minister to protect petroleum discovered in the title area of a pre‑commencement petroleum title.................................................................................. 691
384........ Consultation—directions to do something outside the licence area. 698
385........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 699
Division 7—Site closing certificates 701
386........ Application for site closing certificate............................................. 701
387........ Variation of application for site closing certificate........................... 705
388........ Issue of site closing certificate—pre‑certificate notice..................... 705
389........ Acknowledgement of receipt of application for site closing certificate 708
390........ Refusal to give pre‑certificate notice................................................ 708
391........ Pre‑certificate notice—security etc.................................................. 709
392........ Issue of site closing certificate......................................................... 710
393........ Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 710
394........ Duration of site closing certificate................................................... 711
395........ Transfer of site closing certificate.................................................... 711
396........ Transfer of securities....................................................................... 711
397........ Discharge of securities.................................................................... 712
398........ Recovery of the Commonwealth’s costs and expenses................... 712
Division 8—Long‑term liabilities 713
399........ Closure assurance period................................................................ 713
400........ Indemnity—long‑term liability........................................................ 714
401........ Commonwealth to assume long‑term liability if licensee has ceased to exist 715
Part 3.5—Greenhouse gas search authorities 716
Division 1—General provisions 716
402........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 716
403........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas search authority..................... 717
404........ Conditions of greenhouse gas search authorities............................. 717
405........ Duration of greenhouse gas search authority.................................. 717
406........ Greenhouse gas search authority cannot be transferred................... 718
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas search authority 719
407........ Application for greenhouse gas search authority............................. 719
408........ Grant or refusal of greenhouse gas search authority....................... 719
409........ Holders to be informed of the grant of another greenhouse gas search authority 720
410........ Holders to be informed of the grant of a petroleum special prospecting authority 720
Part 3.6—Greenhouse gas special authorities 722
Division 1—General provisions 722
411........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 722
412........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas special authority..................... 722
413........ Conditions of greenhouse gas special authorities............................ 722
414........ Duration of greenhouse gas special authority.................................. 723
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas special authority 724
415........ Application for greenhouse gas special authority............................ 724
416........ Grant or refusal of greenhouse gas special authority....................... 725
417........ Consultation—grant of greenhouse gas special authority................ 726
Division 3—Variation of greenhouse gas special authorities 728
418........ Variation of greenhouse gas special authority................................. 728
419........ Consultation—variation of greenhouse gas special authority.......... 728
Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of greenhouse gas special authorities 730
420........ Reporting obligations of holders of greenhouse gas special authorities 730
Division 5—Revocation of greenhouse gas special authorities 731
421........ Revocation of greenhouse gas special authority.............................. 731
Part 3.7—Greenhouse gas research consents 732
422........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 732
423........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas research consent.................... 732
424........ Conditions of greenhouse gas research consents............................ 733
425........ Grant of greenhouse gas research consent...................................... 733
Part 3.8—Standard procedures 734
426........ Application to be made in an approved manner............................... 734
427........ Application fee................................................................................ 734
428........ Application may set out additional matters...................................... 735
429........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may require further information 736
429A..... Titles Administrator may require further information...................... 737
430........ Offer documents............................................................................. 738
431........ Acceptance of offer—request by applicant (titles other than cross‑boundary titles) 739
431A..... Acceptance of offer—request by applicant (cross‑boundary titles). 742
432........ Acceptance of offer—payment........................................................ 744
433........ Acceptance of offer—lodgment of security..................................... 744
434........ Consultation—adverse decisions (general)..................................... 745
434A..... Consultation—adverse decisions (cross‑boundary titles)................ 746
435........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may require information about negotiations for a designated agreement 747
Part 3.9—Variation, suspension and exemption 749
Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection licences 749
Subdivision A—General 749
436........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of titles............. 749
437........ Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension of conditions........................................................................................................ 752
437A..... Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease pending decision on application for suspension of conditions........................................................... 753
438........ Suspension of rights—greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease 754
439........ Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension of rights 755
Subdivision B—Cross‑boundary titles 755
439A..... Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of cross‑boundary titles 755
439B..... Extension of term of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit or cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension of conditions..................................................... 758
439C..... Extension of term of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit or cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease pending decision on application for suspension of conditions........ 759
Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special authorities 761
440........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special authorities........................................................................................ 761
Part 3.10—Surrender of titles 763
Division 1—Surrender of greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection licences 763
441........ Application for consent to surrender title........................................ 763
442........ Consent to surrender title................................................................ 763
443........ Surrender of title............................................................................. 768
Division 2—Surrender of greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special authorities 769
444........ Surrender of greenhouse gas search authority................................. 769
445........ Surrender of greenhouse gas special authority................................ 769
Part 3.11—Cancellation of titles 770
Division 1—Cancellation of greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection licences 770
446........ Grounds for cancellation of title...................................................... 770
447........ Cancellation of title.......................................................................... 771
448........ Consultation.................................................................................... 772
449........ Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions....................... 773
449A..... NOPSEMA to notify the Titles Administrator of grounds for cancellation of title 775
Division 2—Cancellation of greenhouse gas search authorities 776
450........ Cancellation of greenhouse gas search authority............................. 776
Part 3.12—Other provisions 777
451........ Notification of eligible greenhouse gas storage formation............... 777
451A..... Notification of eligible greenhouse gas storage formation—cross‑boundary 778
451B..... Notification of eligible greenhouse gas storage formation—consolidation of work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit........................................................................................................ 780
452........ Notification of discovery of petroleum in greenhouse gas assessment permit area etc. 781
452A..... Notification requirements—registered holders of titles................... 782
453........ Disposing of waste or other matter................................................. 785
454........ Additional securities etc.................................................................. 786
455........ Transfer of securities....................................................................... 789
456........ Discharge of securities.................................................................... 789
457........ Approved site plans........................................................................ 790
458........ Co‑existence of greenhouse gas titles and petroleum titles.............. 791
459........ Reservation of blocks...................................................................... 793
460........ Interference with other rights.......................................................... 794
461........ No conditions about payment of money.......................................... 795
461A..... Certain State/Territory blocks to be blocks for the purposes of this Act.. 795
462........ Certain portions of blocks to be blocks........................................... 796
463........ Changes to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 798
464........ Commonwealth may monitor the behaviour of a greenhouse gas substance stored in a part of a geological formation........................................................................................................ 799
465........ Monitoring information may be made publicly available................. 799
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 means approved in writing by the Titles Administrator. This definition does not apply to:
(a) the expression approved site plan; or
(b) section 286A; or
(c) section 452A; or
(d) section 650; or
(e) subsection 695B(3); or
(f) 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, 282, 461A or 462.
boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit means:
(a) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 4A of Part 2.2; or
(b) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 5 of Part 2.2 by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (a).
cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit means:
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Division 3 of Part 3.2; or
(b) a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Division 4 of Part 3.2 by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (a).
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.
compatible cross‑boundary law has the meaning given by section 24A.
consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit means:
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Subdivision B of Division 2 of Part 3.2; or
(b) a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Division 4 of Part 3.2 by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (a).
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.
Cross‑boundary Authority has the meaning given by section 76A and, when used in the expression the Cross‑boundary Authority, means the Cross‑boundary Authority for the offshore area concerned.
cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit means a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under:
(a) Division 3A of Part 3.2; or
(b) Subdivision B of Division 4 of Part 3.2.
cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease means a greenhouse gas holding lease granted under:
(a) Subdivision AA, BA or CA of Division 2 of Part 3.3; or
(b) Subdivision B of Division 3 of Part 3.3.
cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence means a greenhouse gas injection licence granted under Subdivision AA of Division 2 of Part 3.4.
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.
designated external Territory means:
(a) Norfolk Island; or
(b) the Territory of Christmas Island; or
(c) the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; or
(d) the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands.
designated public official has the meaning given by section 33A.
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) or 312A(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.
holder, in relation to:
(a) a State/Territory petroleum exploration title; or
(b) a State/Territory petroleum retention title; or
(c) a State/Territory petroleum production title; or
(d) a State/Territory greenhouse gas assessment title;
means the person who, under a law of a State or Territory, is the registered holder of the State/Territory petroleum exploration title, the State/Territory petroleum retention title, the State/Territory petroleum production title or the State/Territory greenhouse gas assessment title, as the case may be.
identified greenhouse gas storage formation has the meaning given by section 312 or 312A.
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).
Note 4: See also section 295B (permit area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit is taken to be included in the offshore area).
Note 5: See also section 323B (lease area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease is taken to be included in the offshore area).
Note 6: See also section 360A (licence area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence is taken to be included in the offshore area).
original consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit means a consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit that was granted otherwise than by way of renewal.
original cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit means a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit granted otherwise than by way of renewal.
original cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease means a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease granted otherwise than by way of renewal.
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.
original State/Territory greenhouse gas assessment title means a State/Territory greenhouse gas assessment title granted otherwise than by way of renewal.
original State/Territory petroleum exploration title means a State/Territory petroleum exploration title granted otherwise than by way of renewal.
original State/Territory petroleum retention title means a State/Territory petroleum retention title 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 b