Federal Register of Legislation - Australian Government

Primary content

Act No. 14 of 2006 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Statute Law Amendment (Prescribed Forms and Other Updates) Act 2023
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 and Resources
Registered 21 Oct 2023
Start Date 18 Oct 2023

Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006

No. 14, 2006

Compilation No. 54

Compilation date:                              18 October 2023

Includes amendments up to:            Act No. 74, 2023

Registered:                                         21 October 2023

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 18 October 2023 (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 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 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 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.................................................................................. 7

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........... 54

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 for a permit, lease, licence or authority......................... 66

15.......... Infrastructure facilities....................................................................... 68

16.......... Terminal station................................................................................. 70

17.......... Terminal point................................................................................... 70

18.......... Declared greenhouse gas facility....................................................... 71

19.......... Extended meaning of explore............................................................ 71

20.......... Potential greenhouse gas storage formation...................................... 73

21.......... Eligible greenhouse gas storage formation........................................ 73

22.......... Potential greenhouse gas injection site.............................................. 76

23.......... Incidental greenhouse gas‑related substance..................................... 77

24.......... Site plan—identified greenhouse gas storage formation.................... 77

24A....... Compatible cross‑boundary law........................................................ 78

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          80

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............... 96

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....................................... 170

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              177

107........ Grant of work‑bid petroleum exploration permit............................. 179

108........ Withdrawal of application............................................................... 179

109........ Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application.................................... 180

Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit     182

110........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—application...................... 182

111........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—cash bids......................... 184

112........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—cash bids less than the reserve price         185

112A..... Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—highest cash bids at or over the reserve price           188

112B..... Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—tie‑breaking invitation..... 189

113........ Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—grant............................... 190

114........ Extension of cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit....................... 191

Division 4—Obtaining a special petroleum exploration permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks                                                                                                      194

115........ Application for a special petroleum exploration permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks 194

116........ Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—only one application 196

117........ Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—2 or more applications 197

118........ Grant of special petroleum exploration permit................................. 200

Division 4A—Obtaining a boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit      202

118A..... Grant of boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit................ 202

Division 5—Renewal of petroleum exploration permits                        206

119........ Application for renewal of petroleum exploration permit................ 206

120........ Non‑renewable cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits................. 207

121........ Limit on renewal of cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits........... 208

122........ Limits on renewal of work‑bid petroleum exploration permits and special petroleum exploration permits               208

122A..... Limits on renewal of boundary‑change petroleum exploration permits 211

123........ Standard halving rules..................................................................... 212

124........ Modified halving rules.................................................................... 213

125........ Renewal of petroleum exploration permit—offer document............ 214

126........ Refusal to renew petroleum exploration permit............................... 216

127........ Renewal of petroleum exploration permit........................................ 217

Division 6—Locations                                                                                              218

128........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 218

129........ Nomination of blocks as a location................................................. 218

130........ Requirement to nominate blocks as a location................................. 220

131........ Declaration of location.................................................................... 220

132........ Revocation of declaration................................................................ 222

133........ Variation of declaration................................................................... 226

Part 2.3—Petroleum retention leases                                                                     228

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          228

134........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 228

135........ Rights conferred by petroleum retention lease................................. 229

136........ Conditions of petroleum retention leases......................................... 229

137........ Declared petroleum retention lease—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations........................................................................................................ 233

138........ Declared petroleum retention leases................................................ 236

139........ Duration of petroleum retention lease.............................................. 237

140........ Extension of petroleum retention lease if lessee applies for petroleum production licence        238

Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum retention lease                                  240

Subdivision A—Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a petroleum exploration permit      240

141........ Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a petroleum exploration permit      240

142........ Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document....................... 241

143........ Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease....................................... 242

143A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum retention lease  243

144........ Grant of petroleum retention lease................................................... 244

145........ Petroleum exploration permit ceases to be in force when petroleum retention lease comes into force      244

146........ Petroleum exploration permit transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant       244

Subdivision B—Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a life‑of‑field petroleum production licence                                                                                          245

147........ Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a life‑of‑field petroleum production licence   245

148........ Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document....................... 246

149........ Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease....................................... 247

149A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum retention lease  248

150........ Grant of petroleum retention lease................................................... 248

151........ Petroleum production licence ceases to be in force when petroleum retention lease comes into force      249

152........ Petroleum production licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant       249

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                                                             250

152A..... Grant of petroleum retention lease as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory........................................................................................................ 250

Division 3—Renewal of petroleum retention leases                                 253

153........ Application for renewal of petroleum retention lease...................... 253

154........ Renewal of petroleum retention lease—offer document.................. 254

155........ Refusal to renew petroleum retention lease..................................... 256

155A..... Time limit for making decision about renewal of petroleum retention lease              259

156........ Renewal of petroleum retention lease.............................................. 260

Division 4—Revocation of petroleum retention leases                           261

157........ Notice of proposal to revoke petroleum retention lease................... 261

158........ Revocation of petroleum retention lease.......................................... 262

Part 2.4—Petroleum production licences                                                            264

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          264

159........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 264

160........ Prohibition of unauthorised recovery of petroleum in offshore area 265

161........ Rights conferred by petroleum production licence.......................... 265

162........ Conditions of petroleum production licences.................................. 267

163........ Declared petroleum production licence—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations........................................................................................................ 270

164........ Declared petroleum production licences.......................................... 273

165........ Duration of petroleum production licence....................................... 275

166........ Termination of life‑of‑field petroleum production licence if no recovery operations for 5 years              277

167........ Petroleum production licences to which the Royalty Act applies.... 278

Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum production licence as a result of an application made by a petroleum exploration permittee or a petroleum retention lessee 279

168........ Application for petroleum production licence by permittee............. 279

169........ Application period........................................................................... 281

170........ Application for petroleum production licence by lessee.................. 282

171........ Offer document............................................................................... 283

172........ Consultation—Greater Sunrise unit reservoir petroleum production licence            286

173........ Refusal to grant petroleum production licence................................. 287

173A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum production licence            291

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.......................................... 292

175........ Grant of petroleum production licence............................................ 293

176........ Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease ceases to be in force when petroleum production licence comes into force......................................................................................... 294

177........ Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant           294

Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid petroleum production licence over a surrendered block or similar block                                                                                                        296

178........ Application for cash‑bid petroleum production licence over surrendered blocks or similar blocks          296

179........ Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence—only one application 298

180........ Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence—2 or more applications                299

181........ Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence.............................. 302

Division 4—Obtaining petroleum production licences over individual blocks   304

182........ Applications for petroleum production licences over individual blocks 304

183........ Grant of petroleum production licences over individual blocks....... 305

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                                  307

183A..... Grant of petroleum production licence as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory........................................................................................................ 307

Division 5—Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licences 310

184........ Application for renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence 310

185........ Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence—offer document 312

186........ Refusal to renew fixed‑term petroleum production licence.............. 315

186A..... Time limit for making decision about renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence      316

187........ Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence...................... 317

Division 6—What happens if a block is not taken up                              318

188........ Revocation of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease to the extent to which it relates to a block not taken up........................................................................................... 318

Division 7—Petroleum field development                                                      321

Subdivision A—Directions about the recovery of petroleum                     321

189........ Direction to recover petroleum........................................................ 321

190........ Directions about the rate of recovery of petroleum.......................... 321

Subdivision B—Unit development                                                                     323

191........ Unit development............................................................................ 323

Part 2.5—Infrastructure licences                                                                             327

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          327

192........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 327

193........ Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of an infrastructure facility in an offshore area     327

194........ Rights conferred by an infrastructure licence.................................. 328

195........ Conditions of infrastructure licences............................................... 329

196........ Duration of infrastructure licence.................................................... 329

197........ Termination of infrastructure licence if no operations for 5 years... 330

Division 2—Obtaining an infrastructure licence                                       332

198........ Application for infrastructure licence.............................................. 332

199........ Grant of infrastructure licence—offer document............................. 332

200........ Refusal to grant infrastructure licence............................................. 333

200A..... Time limit for making decision about grant of infrastructure licence 334

201........ Grant of infrastructure licence......................................................... 334

202........ Consultation with petroleum titleholders—grant of infrastructure licence                335

203........ Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—grant of infrastructure licence        337

Division 3—Varying an infrastructure licence                                           339

204........ Application for variation of infrastructure licence........................... 339

205........ Variation of infrastructure licence................................................... 339

206........ Consultation with petroleum titleholders—variation of infrastructure licence           341

207........ Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—variation of infrastructure licence  343

Division 4—Directions by responsible Commonwealth Minister      345

208........ Directions by responsible Commonwealth Minister....................... 345

Part 2.6—Pipeline licences                                                                                            346

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          346

209........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 346

210........ Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of a pipeline in an offshore area           346

211........ Rights conferred by pipeline licence................................................ 347

212........ Conditions of pipeline licences........................................................ 348

213........ Approval by Joint Authority of greenhouse gas substance to be conveyed in a pipeline          349

214........ Duration of pipeline licence............................................................. 351

215........ Termination of pipeline licence if no operations for 5 years............ 351

216........ Alteration or removal of pipeline constructed in breach of this Act. 353

Division 2—Obtaining a pipeline licence                                                        355

217........ Application for pipeline licence....................................................... 355

218........ Rights of petroleum production licensees following application for petroleum‑related pipeline licences by other persons........................................................................................................ 355

219........ Rights of petroleum production licensees following application for greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licences by other persons............................................................................................ 356

220........ Rights of greenhouse gas injection licensees following application for greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licences by other persons............................................................................................ 358

221........ Grant of petroleum‑related pipeline licence—offer document......... 359

222........ Grant of greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licence—offer document. 363

223........ Refusal to grant petroleum‑related pipeline licence.......................... 371

224........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licence................. 373

225........ Grant of pipeline licence.................................................................. 378

Division 3—Varying a pipeline licence                                                            379

226........ Variation of pipeline licence on application by licensee................... 379

227........ Variation of pipeline licence at the request of a Minister or a statutory body            381

Division 4—Pipeline operation                                                                            384

228........ Ceasing to operate pipeline without consent.................................... 384

Part 2.7—Petroleum special prospecting authorities                                    386

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          386

229........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 386

230........ Rights conferred by petroleum special prospecting authority.......... 386

231........ Conditions of petroleum special prospecting authorities................. 387

232........ Duration of petroleum special prospecting authority....................... 387

233........ Petroleum special prospecting authority cannot be transferred........ 387

Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum special prospecting authority  388

234........ Application for petroleum special prospecting authority................. 388

235........ Grant or refusal of petroleum special prospecting authority............ 388

236........ Holders to be informed of the grant of another petroleum special prospecting authority          389

237........ Holders to be informed of the grant of greenhouse gas search authority  389

Part 2.8—Petroleum access authorities                                                                 391

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          391

238........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 391

239........ Rights conferred by petroleum access authority.............................. 391

240........ Conditions of petroleum access authorities..................................... 391

241........ Duration of petroleum access authority........................................... 392

Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum access authority                              393

242........ Application for petroleum access authority..................................... 393

243........ Grant or refusal of petroleum access authority................................ 394

244........ Consultation—grant of petroleum access authority in same offshore area                396

245........ Consultation—approval of grant of petroleum access authority in adjoining offshore area      397

Division 3—Variation of petroleum access authorities                          399

246........ Variation of petroleum access authority.......................................... 399

247........ Consultation—variation of petroleum access authority in same offshore area          399

248........ Consultation—approval of variation of petroleum access authority in adjoining offshore area                401

Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access authorities 403

249........ Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access authorities.... 403

Division 5—Revocation of petroleum access authorities                      405

250........ Revocation of petroleum access authority....................................... 405

Part 2.9—Petroleum scientific investigation consents                                  406

251........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 406

252........ Rights conferred by petroleum scientific investigation consent....... 406

253........ Conditions of petroleum scientific investigation consents............... 406

254........ Grant of petroleum scientific investigation consent......................... 407

Part 2.10—Standard procedures                                                                              408

255........ Application and cash bid to be made in an approved manner.......... 408

256........ Application fee................................................................................ 408

257........ Application may set out additional matters...................................... 410

258........ Titles Administrator may require further information...................... 410

259........ Offer documents............................................................................. 412

260........ Acceptance of offer—request by applicant...................................... 414

260A..... Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits—failure to respond to offer 419

261........ Special petroleum exploration permits and s 181 petroleum production licences—failure to pay             420

262........ Consultation—adverse decisions.................................................... 421

263........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may require information about negotiations for a designated agreement      423

Part 2.11—Variation, suspension and exemption                                          425

Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to petroleum exploration permits, petroleum retention leases, petroleum production licences, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences                                                                                 425

264........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of titles............. 425

265........ Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease—suspension of conditions           429

265A..... Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease pending decision on application for suspension of conditions................................................................. 429

266........ Suspension of rights—petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease   430

267........ Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease—suspension of rights  431

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............................................................................. 432

Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities                    438

268........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities........................................................................................ 438

Part 2.12—Surrender of titles                                                                                    440

Division 1—Surrender of petroleum exploration permits, petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences          440

269........ Application for consent to surrender title........................................ 440

270........ Consent to surrender title................................................................ 441

271........ Surrender of title............................................................................. 444

Division 2—Surrender of petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities                                                                                                                    446

272........ Surrender of petroleum special prospecting authority..................... 446

273........ Surrender of petroleum access authority......................................... 446

Part 2.13—Cancellation of titles                                                                                447

Division 1—Cancellation of petroleum exploration permits, petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences          447

274........ Grounds for cancellation of title...................................................... 447

275........ Cancellation of title.......................................................................... 448

276........ Consultation.................................................................................... 449

277........ Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions....................... 449

277A..... NOPSEMA to notify the Titles Administrator of grounds for cancellation of title   452

Division 2—Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting authorities                453

278........ Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting authority.................. 453

Part 2.14—Other provisions                                                                                        454

279........ Reservation of blocks...................................................................... 454

280........ Interference with other rights.......................................................... 455

281........ No conditions about payment of money.......................................... 456

282........ Certain portions of blocks to be blocks........................................... 457

283........ Changes to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 459

284........ Notification of discovery of petroleum in petroleum exploration permit area, petroleum retention lease area or petroleum production licence area.................................................................... 460

285........ Property in petroleum not recovered from a Greater Sunrise unit reservoir              462

286........ Property in petroleum recovered from a Greater Sunrise unit reservoir 462

286A..... Notification requirements—registered holders of titles................... 464

286B..... Publication of prescribed time limits............................................... 467

286C..... Report about decisions not made within time limits........................ 467

Chapter 3—Regulation of activities relating to injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances                                                                                          469

Part 3.1—Introduction                                                                                                    469

287........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 469

287A..... Application of this Chapter (and associated provisions) to bodies politic 470

Part 3.2—Greenhouse gas assessment permits                                                472

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          472

288........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 472

289........ Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for potential greenhouse gas storage formation, or potential greenhouse gas injection site, in offshore area.......................................................... 473

290........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas assessment permit.................. 473

291........ Conditions of greenhouse gas assessment permits—general.......... 475

291A..... Conditions of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permits 476

292........ Approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key greenhouse gas operations—general             478

292A..... Approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key greenhouse gas operations carried on under a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit.................................................. 482

293........ Duration of greenhouse gas assessment permit............................... 487

294........ Extension of greenhouse gas assessment permit if permittee applies for a declaration of an identified greenhouse gas storage formation............................................................................ 492

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        493

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 495

295B..... Permit area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit is taken to be included in the offshore area     496

Division 2—Obtaining a work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit  498

Subdivision A—General provisions                                                                  498

296........ Application for work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—advertising of blocks              498

297........ Petroleum retention lessee or petroleum production licensee to be notified of proposal to advertise blocks             499

298........ Grant of work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer document 500

299........ Ranking of multiple applicants for work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit     502

300........ Grant of work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit.................... 504

301........ Withdrawal of application............................................................... 505

302........ Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application.................................... 506

Subdivision B—Consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permits  507

302A..... Application for a consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit           507

302B..... Grant of consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 510

302C..... Consequences of grant of consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit              510

Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 512

303........ Application for cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit........... 512

304........ Petroleum retention lessee or petroleum production licensee to be notified of proposal to advertise blocks             513

305........ Grant of cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—only one application           514

306........ Grant of cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—2 or more applications        516

307........ Grant of cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit..................... 519

Division 3A—Obtaining a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit                521

307A..... Application for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit 521

307B..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer document       524

307C..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit.......... 525

307D..... Consequences of grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit        526

Division 4—Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permits              527

Subdivision A—Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permits (other than cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permits)                                                                  527

308........ Application for renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit)............................................................................................. 527

309........ Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer document... 529

310........ Refusal to renew greenhouse gas assessment permit...................... 533

311........ Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit............................... 535

Subdivision B—Renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permits         536

311A..... Application for renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit       536

311B..... Renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer document   538

311C..... Refusal to renew cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit 541

311D..... Renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit..... 543

Division 5—Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation            544

312........ Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation—general 544

312A..... Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation—cross‑boundary         547

313........ Variation of declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation  552

314........ Revocation of declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation               554

315........ Register of Identified Greenhouse Gas Storage Formations........... 555

Division 6—Directions                                                                                             556

316........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give directions to greenhouse gas assessment permittees     556

317........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 557

Part 3.3—Greenhouse gas holding leases                                                            558

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          558

318........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 558

319........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas holding lease.......................... 559

320........ Conditions of greenhouse gas holding leases (other than cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding leases)             560

320A..... Conditions of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding leases........ 562

321........ Approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key greenhouse gas operations—general             563

321A..... Approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key greenhouse gas operations carried on under a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease.......................................................... 567

322........ Duration of greenhouse gas holding lease....................................... 572

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)            574

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.. 575

323B..... Lease area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease is taken to be included in the offshore area              578

Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas holding lease                          580

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)                                                            580

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)              580

325........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document................ 584

326........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease................................ 586

327........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease............................................ 587

328........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force      587

329........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant              587

Subdivision AA—Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit                                       588

329A..... Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit........................................................................... 588

329B..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document               592

329C..... Refusal to grant cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease...... 594

329D..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease.................. 595

329E...... Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force................................................................................................ 596

329F...... Greenhouse gas assessment permit transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant              596

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)                                                                597

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)     597

331........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document................ 599

332........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease................................ 600

333........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease............................................ 601

334........ Greenhouse gas injection licence ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force          601

335........ Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 601

Subdivision BA—Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence                                           602

335A..... Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence............................................................................... 602

335B..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document               604

335C..... Refusal to grant cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease...... 605

335D..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease.................. 606

335E...... Greenhouse gas injection licence ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force          607

335F...... Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 607

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)           608

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).............................................................................. 608

337........ Grant of special greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document.... 610

337A..... Refusal to grant special greenhouse gas holding lease.................... 611

338........ Grant of special greenhouse gas holding lease................................ 611

339........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when special greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force........................................................................................................ 612

340........ Ordinary greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force when special greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force........................................................................................................ 612

341........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant   612

342........ Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant           613

Subdivision CA—Application for special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by an unsuccessful applicant for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence  614

342A..... Application for special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease by an unsuccessful applicant for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence...................................................... 614

342B..... Grant of special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document    616

342BA.. Refusal to grant special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease 617

342C..... Grant of special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease...... 618

342D..... Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force.............................................................................. 618

342E...... Ordinary greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force when special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force.............................................................................. 619

342F...... Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant   619

342G..... Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant           619

Subdivision D—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a petroleum retention lease        620

343........ Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of a petroleum retention lease      620

344........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document................ 624

344A..... Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease................................ 624

345........ Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease............................................ 625

346........ Petroleum retention lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant  626

Division 3—Renewal of greenhouse gas holding leases                         627

Subdivision A—Renewal of a greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease)                                                                                            627

347........ Application for renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease)........................................................................................................ 627

348........ Renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document........... 629

349........ Refusal to renew greenhouse gas holding lease.............................. 631

350........ Renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease....................................... 634

Subdivision B—Renewal of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease 634

350A..... Application for renewal of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease            634

350B..... Renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document           636

350C..... Refusal to renew cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease..... 639

350D..... Renewal of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease............. 641

Division 4—Directions                                                                                             643

351........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give directions to greenhouse gas holding lessees                643

352........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 644

Division 5—Special greenhouse gas holding lessee may be requested to apply for a greenhouse gas injection licence                                                                                 645

353........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may request special greenhouse gas holding lessee to apply for a greenhouse gas injection licence............................................................................... 645

Division 5A—Special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lessee may be requested to apply for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence           646

353A..... Cross‑boundary Authority may request special cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lessee to apply for a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence............................ 646

Division 6—Cancellation of certain greenhouse gas holding leases granted to the holders of petroleum retention leases                                                                                  647

354........ Cancellation of certain greenhouse gas holding leases granted to the holders of petroleum retention leases             647

Part 3.4—Greenhouse gas injection licences                                                     648

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          648

355........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 648

356........ Prohibition of unauthorised injection and storage of substances in offshore area     649

357........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas injection licence..................... 650

358........ Conditions of greenhouse gas injection licences—general.............. 651

358A..... Conditions of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licences.... 655

359........ Duration of greenhouse gas injection licence.................................. 659

360........ Termination of greenhouse gas injection licence if no injection operations for 5 years             659

360A..... Licence area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence is taken to be included in the offshore area       661

Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas injection licence                   663

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)                                               663

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)    663

362........ Offer document............................................................................... 667

363........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas injection licence............................ 675

364........ Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence....................................... 676

365........ Deferral of decision to grant greenhouse gas injection licence—pending application for post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit........................................................................... 676

366........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas injection licence comes into force.................................................................. 677

367........ Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant   678

368........ Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant           678

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                                                                                                       679

368A..... Application for cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence by cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permittee or cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lessee........... 679

368B..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence—offer document           683

368C..... Refusal to grant cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence.. 697

368D..... Grant of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence.............. 698

368E...... Deferral of decision to grant cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence—pending application for post‑commencement petroleum exploration permit......................... 699

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........................... 700

368G..... Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant   700

368H..... Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant           701

Subdivision B—Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by the holder of a petroleum production licence                                                                                                       702

369........ Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by the holder of a petroleum production licence           702

370........ Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence—offer document........... 706

371........ Refusal to grant greenhouse gas injection licence............................ 709

372........ Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence....................................... 710

373........ Petroleum production licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant       710

Division 3—Variations                                                                                             712

374........ Variation of matters specified in greenhouse gas injection licence (other than a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence)—general............................................................................. 712

374A..... Variation of matters specified in cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence—general   714

375........ Variation of matters specified in greenhouse gas injection licence—declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation varied.............................................................................. 716

Division 4—Directions                                                                                             717

376........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may give greenhouse gas injection licensee directions to protect geological formations containing petroleum pools etc...................................... 717

377........ Consultation—directions................................................................. 719

378........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 721

Division 5—Dealing with serious situations                                                  723

379........ Serious situation.............................................................................. 723

380........ Powers of responsible Commonwealth Minister to deal with serious situations      725

381........ Consultation—directions to do something outside the licence area. 728

382........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 729

Division 6—Protection of petroleum discovered in the title area of a pre‑commencement petroleum title                                                                                                                    731

383........ Powers of responsible Commonwealth Minister to protect petroleum discovered in the title area of a pre‑commencement petroleum title.................................................................................. 731

384........ Consultation—directions to do something outside the licence area. 738

385........ Compliance with directions............................................................. 739

Division 7—Site closing certificates                                                                  741

386........ Application for site closing certificate............................................. 741

387........ Variation of application for site closing certificate........................... 746

388........ Issue of site closing certificate—pre‑certificate notice..................... 746

389........ Acknowledgement of receipt of application for site closing certificate 749

390........ Refusal to give pre‑certificate notice................................................ 749

391........ Pre‑certificate notice—security etc.................................................. 750

392........ Issue of site closing certificate......................................................... 751

393........ Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 752

394........ Duration of site closing certificate................................................... 752

395........ Transfer of site closing certificate.................................................... 752

396........ Transfer of securities....................................................................... 753

397........ Discharge of securities.................................................................... 753

398........ Recovery of the Commonwealth’s costs and expenses................... 753

Division 8—Long‑term liabilities                                                                        755

399........ Closure assurance period................................................................ 755

400........ Indemnity—long‑term liability........................................................ 756

401........ Commonwealth to assume long‑term liability if licensee has ceased to exist            757

Part 3.5—Greenhouse gas search authorities                                                   758

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          758

402........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 758

403........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas search authority..................... 759

404........ Conditions of greenhouse gas search authorities............................. 759

405........ Duration of greenhouse gas search authority.................................. 759

406........ Greenhouse gas search authority cannot be transferred................... 760

Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas search authority                  761

407........ Application for greenhouse gas search authority............................. 761

408........ Grant or refusal of greenhouse gas search authority....................... 761

409........ Holders to be informed of the grant of another greenhouse gas search authority     762

410........ Holders to be informed of the grant of a petroleum special prospecting authority    762

Part 3.6—Greenhouse gas special authorities                                                   764

Division 1—General provisions                                                                          764

411........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 764

412........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas special authority..................... 764

413........ Conditions of greenhouse gas special authorities............................ 764

414........ Duration of greenhouse gas special authority.................................. 765

Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas special authority                  766

415........ Application for greenhouse gas special authority............................ 766

416........ Grant or refusal of greenhouse gas special authority....................... 767

417........ Consultation—grant of greenhouse gas special authority................ 768

Division 3—Variation of greenhouse gas special authorities              770

418........ Variation of greenhouse gas special authority................................. 770

419........ Consultation—variation of greenhouse gas special authority.......... 770

Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of greenhouse gas special authorities     772

420........ Reporting obligations of holders of greenhouse gas special authorities 772

Division 5—Revocation of greenhouse gas special authorities          773

421........ Revocation of greenhouse gas special authority.............................. 773

Part 3.7—Greenhouse gas research consents                                                   774

422........ Simplified outline............................................................................ 774

423........ Rights conferred by greenhouse gas research consent.................... 774

424........ Conditions of greenhouse gas research consents............................ 775

425........ Grant of greenhouse gas research consent...................................... 775

Part 3.8—Standard procedures                                                                                776

426........ Application to be made in an approved manner............................... 776

427........ Application fee................................................................................ 776

428........ Application may set out additional matters...................................... 777

429........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may require further information 778

429A..... Titles Administrator may require further information...................... 779

430........ Offer documents............................................................................. 780

431........ Acceptance of offer—request by applicant (titles other than cross‑boundary titles) 782

431A..... Acceptance of offer—request by applicant (cross‑boundary titles). 784

432........ Acceptance of offer—payment........................................................ 786

433........ Acceptance of offer—lodgment of security..................................... 786

434........ Consultation—adverse decisions (general)..................................... 787

434A..... Consultation—adverse decisions (cross‑boundary titles)................ 788

435........ Responsible Commonwealth Minister may require information about negotiations for a designated agreement      789

Part 3.9—Variation, suspension and exemption                                             791

Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection licences       791

Subdivision A—General                                                                                       791

436........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of titles............. 791

437........ Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension of conditions........................................................................................................ 795

437A..... Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease pending decision on application for suspension of conditions........................................................... 796

438........ Suspension of rights—greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease   797

439........ Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension of rights   798

Subdivision B—Cross‑boundary titles                                                              798

439A..... Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of cross‑boundary titles            798

439B..... Extension of term of cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit or cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension of conditions..................................................... 801

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........ 802

Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special authorities                                 804

440........ Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special authorities........................................................................................ 804

Part 3.10—Surrender of titles                                                                                    806

Division 1—Surrender of greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection licences                                             806

441........ Application for consent to surrender title........................................ 806

442........ Consent to surrender title................................................................ 806

443........ Surrender of title............................................................................. 811

Division 2—Surrender of greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special authorities                                                                                                                    812

444........ Surrender of greenhouse gas search authority................................. 812

445........ Surrender of greenhouse gas special authority................................ 812

Part 3.11—Cancellation of titles                                                                                813

Division 1—Cancellation of greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection licences                                             813

446........ Grounds for cancellation of title...................................................... 813

447........ Cancellation of title.......................................................................... 814

448........ Consultation.................................................................................... 815

449........ Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions....................... 816

449A..... NOPSEMA to notify the Titles Administrator of grounds for cancellation of title   819

Division 2—Cancellation of greenhouse gas search authorities        820

450........ Cancellation of greenhouse gas search authority............................. 820

Part 3.12—Other provisions                                                                                        821

451........ Notification of eligible greenhouse gas storage formation............... 821

451A..... Notification of eligible greenhouse gas storage formation—cross‑boundary           822

451B..... Notification of eligible greenhouse gas storage formation—consolidation of work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit........................................................................................................ 824

452........ Notification of discovery of petroleum in greenhouse gas assessment permit area etc.            825

452A..... Notification requirements—registered holders of titles................... 826

453........ Disposing of waste or other matter................................................. 829

454........ Additional securities etc.................................................................. 830

455........ Transfer of securities....................................................................... 832

456........ Discharge of securities.................................................................... 833

457........ Approved site plans........................................................................ 833

458........ Co‑existence of greenhouse gas titles and petroleum titles.............. 835

459........ Reservation of blocks...................................................................... 836

460........ Interference with other rights.......................................................... 837

461........ No conditions about payment of money.......................................... 839

461A..... Certain State/Territory blocks to be blocks for the purposes of this Act.. 839

462........ Certain portions of blocks to be blocks........................................... 839

463........ Changes to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 842

464........ Commonwealth may monitor the behaviour of a greenhouse gas substance stored in a part of a geological formation........................................................................................................ 843

465........ Monitoring information may be made publicly available................. 843


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.