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Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006

Authoritative Version
  • - C2020C00344
  • In force - Superseded Version
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Act No. 14 of 2006 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Cross-boundary Greenhouse Gas Titles and Other Measures) Act 2020
An Act about petroleum exploration and recovery, and the injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances, in offshore areas, and for other purposes
Administered by: Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
Registered 09 Nov 2020
Start Date 01 Oct 2020
End Date 15 Dec 2020

Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006

No. 14, 2006

Compilation No. 47

Compilation date:                              1 October 2020

Includes amendments up to:            Act No. 43, 2020

Registered:                                         9 November 2020

This compilation is in 3 volumes

Volume 1:       sections 1–465

Volume 2:       sections 466–791

Volume 3:       Schedules

                        Endnotes

Each volume has its own contents

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 1 October 2020 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Self‑repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

  

  

  


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 1Introduction

Part 1.1Legislative 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:

offshore maps 2 new

Map 3

             (5)  Map 3 zooms in and illustrates coastal waters and waters within the limits of South Australia:

seasact03m3v3a

Note:          The bays shown as being within the limits of South Australia are for illustrative purposes only.

Part 1.2Interpretation

Division 1General

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