Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010
i
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage
Act 2010
No. 10 of 2010
TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Section Page
CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION 3
PART 1.1—LEGISLATIVE FORMALITIES AND
BACKGROUND 3
1 Purpose 3
2 Commencement 3
3 Object 3
4 Simplified outline 4
5 Simplified map 5
PART 1.2—INTERPRETATION 8
Division 1—General 8
6 Definitions 8
7 References to Parts 37
8 Spaces above and below offshore area 37
9 Term of petroleum titles 37
10 Term of greenhouse gas titles 38
11 Renewal of petroleum titles 39
12 Renewal of greenhouse gas titles 41
13 Variation of petroleum titles 42
14 Variation of greenhouse gas titles 42
15 Tied titles 42
16 Vacated area 43
17 Infrastructure facilities 45
18 Terminal station 47
19 Terminal point 47
20 Declared greenhouse gas facility 48
21 Extended meaning of explore 48
22 Potential greenhouse gas storage formation 50
23 Eligible greenhouse gas storage formation 50
24 Potential greenhouse gas injection site 54
25 Incidental greenhouse gas-related substance 54
26 Site plan—identified greenhouse gas storage formation 55
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27 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—approval of
key petroleum operations 56
28 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—grant of
petroleum production licence 58
29 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—approval of
key greenhouse gas operations 60
30 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—grant of
greenhouse gas injection licence 62
31 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—power of
Minister to protect petroleum 65
32 Securities 67
33 Designated agreements 68
34 Ascertainment of wellhead for purposes of Act 69
35 Ascertainment of value of petroleum at wellhead 69
36 Ascertainment of quantity of petroleum recovered 69
37 Graticulation of Earth's surface and constitution of blocks 70
Division 2—Datum provisions 71
38 Objects 71
39 Definitions 72
40 Australian Geodetic Datum 73
41 Geocentric Datum of Australia 73
42 Current datum, previous datum and changeover time 74
43 Use of current datum 74
44 Use of previous datum 75
45 Variation of titles and instruments 77
46 Variation of applications for titles 78
47 No change to actual position of point, line or area 78
48 Transitional regulations 78
Division 3—Apportionment of petroleum recovered from adjoining
title areas 79
49 Title 79
50 Titleholder and title area 79
51 Petroleum recovered through inclined well 79
52 Petroleum pool straddling 2 title areas etc. 80
53 Petroleum pool straddling State title area and Commonwealth
title area 81
54 Petroleum pool straddling State title area and another State title
area 82
55 Unit development 83
56 Supreme Court determinations for purposes of this Division 83
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PART 1.3—ADMINISTRATION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
OFFSHORE AREA 85
57 Minister as member of Joint Authority 85
58 Minister as Designated Authority 85
59 Delegations under Commonwealth Act 85
60 Public servants performing functions under Commonwealth
Act 85
PART 1.4—SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES 87
61 Principles of sustainable development 87
PART 1.5—APPLICATION PROVISIONS 89
62 Application of Act 89
63 Disapplication of State occupational health and safety laws 89
64 Relationship with other Acts 90
65 Underground geological storage formation is the property of
the Crown 91
66 Crown retains Crown land rights 91
67 Ownership of greenhouse gas substance 91
68 Act binds the Crown 91
69 Act applies subject to international obligations 91
CHAPTER 2—REGULATION OF ACTIVITIES RELATING TO
PETROLEUM 92
PART 2.1—INTRODUCTION 92
70 Simplified outline 92
PART 2.2—PETROLEUM EXPLORATION PERMITS 94
Division 1—General provisions 94
71 Simplified outline 94
72 Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for petroleum in
offshore area 95
73 Rights conferred by petroleum exploration permit 95
74 Conditions of petroleum exploration permits 96
75 Standard conditions of work-bid petroleum exploration permits
and special petroleum exploration permits 96
76 Restrictions on conditions of cash-bid petroleum exploration
permits 97
77 Conditions of declared petroleum exploration permits—
approval of key petroleum operations 97
78 Declared petroleum exploration permit—approval by Minister
of key petroleum operations 99
79 Minister must have regard to certain matters before approving
key petroleum operations 99
80 Minister must not give approval in certain circumstances 102
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81 No right to an approval 103
82 Suspension of rights to be disregarded 103
83 Declared petroleum exploration permits 103
84 Duration of petroleum exploration permit 105
85 Extension of petroleum exploration permit if permittee applies
for petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence 107
Division 2—Obtaining a work-bid petroleum exploration permit 108
86 Application for work-bid petroleum exploration permit—
advertising of blocks 108
87 Grant of work-bid petroleum exploration permit—offer
document 110
88 Granting of offer document for work-bid petroleum exploration
permit 111
89 Ranking of applications for work-bid petroleum exploration
permit 111
90 Grant of work-bid petroleum exploration permit 113
91 Withdrawal of application 113
92 Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application 114
Division 3—Obtaining a cash-bid petroleum exploration permit 115
93 Application for cash-bid petroleum exploration permit 115
94 Grant of cash-bid petroleum exploration permit—only one
application 117
95 Grant of cash-bid petroleum exploration permit—2 or more
applications 118
96 Grant of cash-bid petroleum exploration permit 120
97 Extension of cash-bid petroleum exploration permit 121
Division 4—Obtaining a special petroleum exploration permit over
a surrendered block or certain other blocks 122
98 Application for a special petroleum exploration permit over a
surrendered block or certain other blocks 122
99 Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—only one
application 124
100 Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—2 or more
applications 125
101 Grant of special petroleum exploration permit 127
Division 5—Renewal of petroleum exploration permits 128
102 Application for renewal of petroleum exploration permit 128
103 Non-renewable cash-bid petroleum exploration permits 130
104 Limit on renewal of cash-bid petroleum exploration permits 130
105 Limits on renewal of work-bid petroleum exploration permits
and special petroleum exploration permits 130
106 Standard halving rules 132
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107 Additional rules relating to renewals of cash-bid petroleum
exploration permits 133
108 Renewal of petroleum exploration permit—offer document 133
109 Refusal to renew petroleum exploration permit 135
110 Renewal of petroleum exploration permit 135
Division 6—Locations 136
111 Simplified outline 136
112 Nomination of blocks as a location 136
113 Requirement to nominate blocks as a location 138
114 Declaration of location 138
115 Revocation of declaration 139
116 Variation of declaration 142
PART 2.3—PETROLEUM RETENTION LEASES 144
Division 1—General provisions 144
117 Simplified outline 144
118 Rights conferred by petroleum retention lease 144
119 Conditions of petroleum retention leases 145
120 Standard conditions of petroleum retention leases 146
121 Conditions of declared petroleum retention leases—approval
of key petroleum operations 147
122 Declared petroleum retention lease—approval by Minister of
key petroleum operations 148
123 Minister must have regard to certain matters before approving
key petroleum operations 149
124 Circumstances in which approval of key petroleum operations
must not be given 151
125 No right to an approval 152
126 Suspension of rights to be disregarded 152
127 Declared petroleum retention leases 152
128 Duration of petroleum retention lease 154
129 Extension of petroleum retention lease if lessee applies for
petroleum production licence 155
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum retention lease 156
Subdivision 1—Application for petroleum retention lease by the
holder of a petroleum exploration permit 156
130 Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a
petroleum exploration permit 156
131 Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document 157
132 Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease 158
133 Grant of petroleum retention lease 159
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134 Petroleum exploration permit ceases to be in force when
petroleum retention lease comes into force 159
135 Petroleum exploration permit transferred—transferee to be
treated as applicant 159
Subdivision 2—Application for petroleum retention lease by the
holder of a life-of-field petroleum production licence 160
136 Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a
life-of-field petroleum production licence 160
137 Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document 161
138 Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease 162
139 Grant of petroleum retention lease 162
140 Petroleum production licence ceases to be in force when
petroleum retention lease comes into force 163
141 Petroleum production licence transferred—transferee to be
treated as applicant 163
Division 3—Renewal of petroleum retention leases 164
142 Application for renewal of petroleum retention lease 164
143 Renewal of petroleum retention lease—offer document 165
144 Refusal to renew petroleum retention lease 167
145 Renewal of petroleum retention lease 170
Division 4—Revocation of petroleum retention leases 170
146 Notice of proposal to revoke petroleum retention lease 170
147 Revocation of petroleum retention lease 171
PART 2.4—PETROLEUM PRODUCTION LICENCES 174
Division 1—General provisions 174
148 Simplified outline 174
149 Prohibition of unauthorised recovery of petroleum in offshore
area 175
150 Rights conferred by petroleum production licence 175
151 Conditions of petroleum production licences 177
152 Standard conditions of petroleum production licences 177
153 Restrictions on conditions of petroleum production licences 178
154 Renewal conditions of petroleum production licences 178
155 Conditions of declared petroleum production licences—
approval of key petroleum operations 179
156 Declared petroleum production licence—approval by Minister
of key petroleum operations 180
157 Minister must have regard to certain matters before approving
key petroleum operations 181
158 Minister must not give approval in certain circumstances 183
159 No right to an approval 184
160 Suspension of rights to be disregarded 184
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161 Declared petroleum production licences 184
162 Duration of petroleum production licence 186
163 Termination of life-of-field petroleum production licence if no
recovery operations for 5 years 187
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum production licence as a result of
an application made by a petroleum exploration permittee or a
petroleum retention lessee 188
164 Application for petroleum production licence by permittee 188
165 Application period 189
166 Application for petroleum production licence by lessee 190
167 Offer document 191
168 Refusal to grant petroleum production licence 194
169 Minister may defer taking action on application for petroleum
production licence if there is a pending application for a
greenhouse gas assessment permit 198
170 Grant of petroleum production licence 199
171 Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease
ceases to be in force when petroleum production licence
comes into force 200
172 Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease
transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant 200
Division 3—Obtaining a cash-bid petroleum production licence
over a surrendered block or similar block 201
173 Application for cash-bid petroleum production licence over
surrendered blocks or similar blocks 201
174 Deposit 203
175 Grant of cash-bid petroleum production licence—only one
application 203
176 Grant of cash-bid petroleum production licence—2 or more
applications 204
177 Grant of cash-bid petroleum production licence 206
Division 4—Obtaining petroleum production licences over
individual blocks 207
178 Applications for petroleum production licences over
individual blocks 207
179 Grant of petroleum production licences over individual
blocks 208
Division 5—What happens if a block is not taken up 209
180 Revocation of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum
retention lease to the extent to which it relates to a block not
taken up 209
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Division 6—Petroleum field development 210
Subdivision 1—Directions about the recovery of petroleum 210
181 Direction to recover petroleum 210
182 Directions about the rate of recovery of petroleum 211
Subdivision 2—Unit development 212
183 Definitions 212
184 Unit development agreement and unit development scheme 213
185 Directions 214
186 Consultation 215
PART 2.5—INFRASTRUCTURE LICENCES 217
Division 1—General provisions 217
187 Simplified outline 217
188 Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of an
infrastructure facility in the offshore area 217
189 Rights conferred by an infrastructure licence 218
190 Conditions of infrastructure licences 219
191 Duration of infrastructure licence 220
192 Termination of infrastructure licence if no operations for
5 years 220
Division 2—Obtaining an infrastructure licence 222
193 Application for infrastructure licence 222
194 Grant of infrastructure licence—offer document 222
195 Refusal to grant infrastructure licence 223
196 Grant of infrastructure licence 223
197 Consultation with petroleum titleholders—grant of
infrastructure licence 223
198 Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—grant of
infrastructure licence 226
Division 3—Varying an infrastructure licence 228
199 Application for variation of infrastructure licence 228
200 Variation of infrastructure licence 228
201 Consultation with petroleum titleholders—variation of
infrastructure licence 229
202 Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—variation of
infrastructure licence 231
PART 2.6—PIPELINE LICENCES 234
Division 1—General provisions 234
203 Simplified outline 234
204 Offence of unauthorised construction or operation of a
pipeline in the offshore area 234
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205 Offence of starting to operate a pipeline 235
206 Offence of recommencing to operate a pipeline 235
207 Defences 235
208 Consents and certificates 236
209 Rights conferred by pipeline licence 236
210 Conditions of pipeline licences 237
211 Approval by Minister of greenhouse gas substance to be
conveyed in a pipeline 238
212 Duration of pipeline licence 239
213 Termination of pipeline licence if no operations for 5 years 240
214 Alteration or removal of pipeline constructed in breach of this
Act 242
Division 2—Obtaining a pipeline licence 243
215 Application for pipeline licence 243
216 Rights of petroleum production licensees following
application for petroleum-related pipeline licences by other
persons 245
217 Rights of petroleum production licensees following
application for greenhouse gas-related pipeline licences by
other persons 246
218 Rights of greenhouse gas injection licensees following
application for greenhouse gas-related pipeline licences by
other persons 248
219 Grant of petroleum-related pipeline licence—offer document 249
220 Grant of greenhouse gas-related pipeline licence—offer
document 252
221 Refusal to grant petroleum-related pipeline licence 259
222 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas-related pipeline licence 260
223 Grant of pipeline licence 264
Division 3—Varying a pipeline licence 265
224 Variation of pipeline licence on application by licensee 265
225 Variation of pipeline licence at the request of a Minister or a
statutory body 266
Division 4—Pipeline operation 268
226 Ceasing to operate pipeline without consent 268
PART 2.7—PETROLEUM SPECIAL PROSPECTING
AUTHORITIES 269
Division 1—General provisions 269
227 Simplified outline 269
228 Rights conferred by petroleum special prospecting authority 269
229 Conditions of petroleum special prospecting authorities 270
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230 Duration of petroleum special prospecting authority 270
231 Petroleum special prospecting authority cannot be transferred 271
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum special prospecting authority 271
232 Application for petroleum special prospecting authority 271
233 Grant or refusal of petroleum special prospecting authority 272
234 Holders to be informed of the grant of another petroleum
special prospecting authority 272
235 Holders to be informed of the grant of greenhouse gas search
authority 273
PART 2.8—PETROLEUM ACCESS AUTHORITIES 274
Division 1—General provisions 274
236 Simplified outline 274
237 Rights conferred by petroleum access authority 274
238 Conditions of petroleum access authorities 274
239 Duration of petroleum access authority 275
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum access authority 275
240 Application for petroleum access authority 275
241 Grant or refusal of petroleum access authority 277
242 Consultation—grant of petroleum access authority in the
offshore area 278
Division 3—Variation of petroleum access authorities 280
243 Variation of petroleum access authority 280
244 Consultation—variation of petroleum access authority in the
offshore area 280
Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access
authorities 282
245 Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access
authorities 282
Division 5—Revocation of petroleum access authorities 282
246 Revocation of petroleum access authority 282
PART 2.9—PETROLEUM SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION
CONSENTS 284
247 Simplified outline 284
248 Rights conferred by petroleum scientific investigation consent 284
249 Conditions of petroleum scientific investigation consents 284
250 Grant of petroleum scientific investigation consent 285
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PART 2.10—STANDARD PROCEDURES 286
251 Application to be made in an approved manner 286
252 Application fee 286
253 Application may set out additional matters 287
254 Minister may require further information 288
255 Offer documents 290
256 Acceptance of offer—request by applicant 292
257 Acceptance of offer—payment 295
258 Consultation—adverse decisions 296
259 Minister may require information about negotiations for a
designated agreement 297
PART 2.11—VARIATION, SUSPENSION AND EXEMPTION 299
Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating
to petroleum exploration permits, petroleum retention leases,
petroleum production licences, infrastructure licences and pipeline
licences 299
260 Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of titles 299
261 Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or
petroleum retention lease—suspension or exemption 301
262 Suspension of rights—petroleum exploration permit or
petroleum retention lease 302
263 Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or
petroleum retention lease—suspension of rights 302
Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating
to petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access
authorities 303
264 Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of
petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access
authorities 303
PART 2.12—SURRENDER OF TITLES 305
Division 1—Surrender of petroleum exploration permits,
petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases,
infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 305
265 Application for consent to surrender title 305
266 Consent to surrender title 305
267 Surrender of title 309
Division 2—Surrender of petroleum special prospecting
authorities and petroleum access authorities 309
268 Surrender of petroleum special prospecting authority 309
269 Surrender of petroleum access authority 309
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PART 2.13—CANCELLATION OF TITLES 310
Division 1—Cancellation of petroleum exploration permits,
petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases,
infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 310
270 Grounds for cancellation of title 310
271 Cancellation of title 311
272 Consultation 312
273 Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions 312
Division 2—Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting
authorities 315
274 Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting authority 315
PART 2.14—OTHER PROVISIONS 316
275 Reservation of blocks 316
276 Interference with other rights 317
277 No conditions about payment of money 318
278 Changes to the boundary of the offshore area 319
279 Notification of discovery of petroleum in petroleum
exploration permit area or petroleum retention lease area 320
280 Property in recovered petroleum 320
281 Certain payments to be made by State to Commonwealth 321
282 Determination to be disregarded in certain cases 322
CHAPTER 3—REGULATION OF ACTIVITIES RELATING TO
INJECTION AND STORAGE OF GREENHOUSE GAS
SUBSTANCES 323
PART 3.1—INTRODUCTION 323
283 Simplified outline 323
PART 3.2—GREENHOUSE GAS ASSESSMENT PERMITS 325
Division 1—General provisions 325
284 Simplified outline 325
285 Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for potential
greenhouse gas storage formation, or potential greenhouse gas
injection site, in offshore area 326
286 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas assessment permit 326
287 Conditions of greenhouse gas assessment permits 328
288 Standard conditions of greenhouse gas assessment permits 328
289 Conditions on work-bid greenhouse gas assessment permits 329
290 Conditions on cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment permits 329
291 Approval by Minister of key greenhouse gas operations 330
292 Minister must have regard to certain matters before approving
key greenhouse gas operations 330
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293 Circumstances in which approval of key greenhouse gas
operations must not be given 333
294 Duration of greenhouse gas assessment permit 334
295 Extension of greenhouse gas assessment permit if permittee
applies for a declaration of an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation 335
296 Extension of greenhouse gas assessment permit if permittee
applies for a greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas
injection licence 336
Division 2—Obtaining a work-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit 338
297 Application for work-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—
advertising of blocks 338
298 Retention lessee or production licensee to be notified of
proposal to advertise blocks 339
299 Grant of work-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer
document 340
300 Granting of offer document for work-bid greenhouse gas
assessment permit 341
301 Criteria for determining most deserving applicant for work-bid
greenhouse gas assessment permit 342
302 Ranking of applicants for work-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit 342
303 Grant of work-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 344
304 Withdrawal of application 345
305 Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application 346
Division 3—Obtaining a cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit 347
306 Application for cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 347
307 Retention lessee or production licensee to be notified of
proposal to advertise blocks 349
308 Grant of cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—only
one application 350
309 Grant of cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—2 or
more applications 350
310 Grant of cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit 352
Division 4—Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permits 353
311 Application for renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit 353
312 Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit—offer
document 355
313 Refusal to renew greenhouse gas assessment permit 358
314 Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit 360
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Division 5—Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage
formation 361
315 Application for declaration of identified greenhouse gas
storage formation 361
316 Request for further information or further analysis 362
317 Variation of applications under section 315 362
318 Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation 363
319 Variation of declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage
formation 364
320 Revocation of declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage
formation 366
321 Register of Identified Greenhouse Gas Storage Formations 367
Division 6—Directions 368
322 Minister may give directions to greenhouse gas assessment
permittees 368
323 Compliance with directions 369
PART 3.3—GREENHOUSE GAS HOLDING LEASES 370
Division 1—General provisions 370
324 Simplified outline 370
325 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas holding lease 371
326 Conditions of greenhouse gas holding leases 372
327 Standard conditions of greenhouse gas holding leases 373
328 Conditions on greenhouse gas holding lease 373
329 Approval by Minister of key greenhouse gas operations 374
330 Minister must have regard to certain matters 374
331 Circumstances in which the approval must not be given 377
332 Duration of greenhouse gas holding lease 378
333 Extension of greenhouse gas holding lease if lessee applies for
a special greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas
injection licence 379
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas holding lease 381
Subdivision 1—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by
the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit 381
334 Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of
a greenhouse gas assessment permit 381
335 Applications under section 334 383
336 Variation of applications under section 334 384
337 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document 385
338 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease 387
339 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease 387
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340 Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when
greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force 388
341 Greenhouse gas assessment permit transferred—transferee to
be treated as applicant 388
Subdivision 2—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by
the holder of a greenhouse gas injection licence 389
342 Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of
a greenhouse gas injection licence 389
343 Variation of applications under section 342 390
344 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document 390
345 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease 391
346 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease 392
347 Greenhouse gas injection licence ceases to be in force when
greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force 392
348 Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—transferee to be
treated as applicant 393
Subdivision 3—Application for special greenhouse gas holding
lease by an unsuccessful applicant for a greenhouse gas injection
licence 393
349 Application for special greenhouse gas holding lease by an
unsuccessful applicant for a greenhouse gas injection licence 393
350 Variation of applications under section 349 395
351 Grant of special greenhouse gas holding lease—offer
document 395
352 Grant of special greenhouse gas holding lease 396
353 Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force when
special greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force 397
354 Ordinary greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in force
when special greenhouse gas holding lease comes into force 397
355 Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be
treated as applicant 397
356 Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be
treated as applicant 398
Subdivision 4—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by
the holder of a petroleum retention lease 398
357 Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the holder of
a petroleum retention lease 398
358 Variation of applications under section 357 399
359 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document 399
360 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease 400
361 Retention lease transfer—transferee to be treated as applicant 401
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Division 3—Renewal of greenhouse gas holding leases 401
362 Application for renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease 401
363 Renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer document 403
364 Refusal to renew greenhouse gas holding lease 405
365 Renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease 407
Division 4—Directions 408
366 Minister may give directions to greenhouse gas holding
lessees 408
367 Compliance with directions 409
Division 5—Special greenhouse gas holding lessee may be
requested to apply for a greenhouse gas injection licence 410
368 Minister may request special greenhouse gas holding lessee to
apply for a greenhouse gas injection licence 410
Division 6—Cancellation of certain greenhouse gas holding leases
granted to the holders of petroleum retention leases 411
369 Cancellation of certain greenhouse gas holding leases granted
to the holders of petroleum retention leases 411
PART 3.4—GREENHOUSE GAS INJECTION LICENCES 412
Division 1—General provisions 412
370 Simplified outline 412
371 Prohibition of unauthorised injection and storage of
substances in offshore area 413
372 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas injection licence 413
373 Conditions of greenhouse gas injection licences 415
374 Injection and storage of greenhouse gas substance 416
375 Other standard conditions of greenhouse gas injection
licences 418
376 Imposition of additional conditions 419
377 Duration of greenhouse gas injection licence 420
378 Termination of greenhouse gas injection licence if no
injection operations for 5 years 420
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas injection licence 422
Subdivision 1—Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by
the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse
gas holding lease 422
379 Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by greenhouse
gas assessment permittee or greenhouse gas holding lessee 422
380 Applications under section 379 425
381 Variation of applications under section 379 426
382 Offer document for application by permittee 427
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383 Offer document for application by lessee 431
384 Public interest in grant of greenhouse gas injection licence 436
385 Commercial viability test 437
386 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas injection licence 437
387 Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence 437
388 Deferral of decision to grant greenhouse gas injection licence—
pending application for post-commencement petroleum
exploration permit 438
389 Greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding
lease ceases to be in force when greenhouse gas injection
licence comes into force 439
390 Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—transferee to be
treated as applicant 439
391 Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee to be
treated as applicant 440
Subdivision 2—Application for greenhouse gas injection licence
by the holder of a petroleum production licence 440
392 Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by the holder
of a petroleum production licence 440
393 Applications under section 392 444
394 Variation of applications under section 392 445
395 Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence—offer document 446
396 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas injection licence 450
397 Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence 450
398 Petroleum production licence transferred—transferee to be
treated as applicant 451
Division 3—Variations 451
399 Variation of matters specified in greenhouse gas injection
licence—general 451
400 Variation of matters specified in greenhouse gas injection
licence—declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage
formation varied 452
Division 4—Directions 453
401 Minister may give greenhouse gas injection licensee directions
to protect geological formations containing petroleum
pools etc. 453
402 Variation of matters inconsistent with direction to protect
geological formations 455
403 Consultation—directions to do something outside the licence
area 456
404 Compliance with directions 458
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Division 5—Dealing with serious situations 458
405 Serious situation 458
406 Powers of Minister to deal with serious situations 461
407 Variation of matters inconsistent with direction to deal with
serious situation 464
408 Consultation—directions to do something outside the licence
area 465
409 Compliance with directions 467
Division 6—Protection of petroleum discovered in the title area of
a pre-commencement petroleum title 467
410 Powers of Minister to protect petroleum discovered in the title
area of a pre-commencement petroleum title 467
411 Variation of matters inconsistent with direction to protect
petroleum discovered in the title area of a pre-commencement
petroleum title 473
412 Consultation—directions to do something outside the licence
area 474
413 Compliance with directions 476
Division 7—Site closing certificates 476
414 Application for site closing certificate 476
415 Mandatory application—cessation of injection operations 478
416 Mandatory application—grounds for cancellation of licence 479
417 Compliance with direction to apply for site closing certificate 479
418 Mandatory application—greenhouse gas injection licence tied
to a petroleum retention lease or petroleum production
licence 480
419 Variation of applications for site closing certificate 481
420 Issue of site closing certificate—pre-certificate notice 481
421 Matters to which the Minister must have regard—
pre-certificate notice 482
422 Circumstances in which a pre-certificate notice may be
refused 483
423 Circumstances in which a pre-certificate notice must not be
given 484
424 Acknowledgement of receipt of application for site closing
certificate 484
425 Refusal to give pre-certificate notice 485
426 Pre-certificate notice—security etc. 485
427 Issue of site closing certificate 486
428 Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—transferee to be
treated as applicant 487
429 Duration of site closing certificate 487
430 Transfer of site closing certificate 487
431 Transfer of securities 488
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432 Discharge of securities 488
433 Recovery of the State's costs and expenses 488
PART 3.5—GREENHOUSE GAS SEARCH AUTHORITIES 490
Division 1—General provisions 490
434 Simplified outline 490
435 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas search authority 491
436 Conditions of greenhouse gas search authorities 491
437 Duration of greenhouse gas search authority 491
438 Greenhouse gas search authority cannot be transferred 492
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas search authority 492
439 Application for greenhouse gas search authority 492
440 Grant or refusal of greenhouse gas search authority 493
441 Holders to be informed of the grant of another greenhouse
gas search authority 493
442 Holders to be informed of the grant of a petroleum special
prospecting authority 494
PART 3.6—GREENHOUSE GAS SPECIAL AUTHORITIES 495
Division 1—General provisions 495
443 Simplified outline 495
444 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas special authority 495
445 Conditions of greenhouse gas special authorities 495
446 Duration of greenhouse gas special authority 496
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas special authority 496
447 Application for greenhouse gas special authority 496
448 Grant or refusal of greenhouse gas special authority 499
449 Consultation—grant of greenhouse gas special authority 500
Division 3—Variation of greenhouse gas special authorities 501
450 Variation of greenhouse gas special authority 501
451 Consultation—variation of greenhouse gas special authority 501
Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of greenhouse gas
special authorities 503
452 Reporting obligations of holders of greenhouse gas special
authorities 503
Division 5—Revocation of greenhouse gas special authorities 504
453 Revocation of greenhouse gas special authority 504
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PART 3.7—GREENHOUSE GAS RESEARCH CONSENTS 505
454 Simplified outline 505
455 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas research consent 505
456 Conditions of greenhouse gas research consents 506
457 Grant of greenhouse gas research consent 506
PART 3.8—STANDARD PROCEDURES 507
458 Application to be made in an approved manner 507
459 Application fee 507
460 Application may set out additional matters 508
461 Minister may require further information 508
462 Offer documents 509
463 Acceptance of offer—request by applicant 511
464 Acceptance of offer—payment 513
465 Acceptance of offer—lodgment of security 514
466 Consultation—adverse decisions 514
467 Minister may require information about negotiations for a
designated agreement 515
PART 3.9—VARIATION, SUSPENSION AND EXEMPTION 517
Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating
to greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse gas holding
leases and greenhouse gas injection licences 517
468 Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of titles 517
469 Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or
greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension or exemption 519
470 Suspension of rights—greenhouse gas assessment permit or
greenhouse gas holding lease 519
471 Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment permit or
greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension of rights 520
Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating
to greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special
authorities 520
472 Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of
greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse gas special
authorities 520
PART 3.10—SURRENDER OF TITLES 522
Division 1—Surrender of greenhouse gas assessment permits,
greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection
licences 522
473 Application for consent to surrender title 522
474 Consent to surrender title 522
475 Sufficient grounds for surrender of title 525
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476 Work-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—compliance
with work condition 526
477 Surrender area 526
478 Surrender of title 527
Division 2—Surrender of greenhouse gas search authorities and
greenhouse gas special authorities 528
479 Surrender of greenhouse gas search authority 528
480 Surrender of greenhouse gas special authority 528
PART 3.11—CANCELLATION OF TITLES 529
Division 1—Cancellation of greenhouse gas assessment permits,
greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection
licences 529
481 Grounds for cancellation of title 529
482 Cancellation of title 530
483 Consultation 531
484 Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions 532
Division 2—Cancellation of greenhouse gas search authorities 534
485 Cancellation of greenhouse gas search authority 534
PART 3.12—OTHER PROVISIONS 535
486 Notification of eligible greenhouse gas storage formation 535
487 Notification of discovery of petroleum in greenhouse gas
assessment permit area etc. 536
488 Disposing of waste or other matter 537
489 Additional securities etc. 538
490 Transfer of securities 540
491 Discharge of securities 540
492 Approved site plans 540
493 Variation of approved site plans 541
494 Co-existence of greenhouse gas titles and petroleum titles 542
495 Reservation of blocks 543
496 Interference with other rights 544
497 No conditions about payment of money 545
498 Certain portions of blocks to be blocks 546
499 Changes to the boundary of the offshore area 548
500 Minister may monitor the behaviour of a greenhouse gas
substance stored in a part of a geological formation 548
501 Monitoring information may be made publicly available 549
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CHAPTER 4—REGISTRATION OF TRANSFERS OF, AND
DEALINGS IN, PETROLEUM TITLES 550
PART 4.1—INTRODUCTION 550
502 Simplified outline 550
503 Definitions 550
504 Dealing—series of debentures 551
PART 4.2—REGISTER OF TITLES AND PETROLEUM
SPECIAL PROSPECTING AUTHORITIES 552
505 Register to be kept 552
506 Entries in Register—general 552
507 Entry in Register—cessation, revocation or expiry of title 554
PART 4.3—TRANSFER OF TITLES 555
508 Approval and registration of transfers 555
509 Application for approval of transfer 555
510 Documents to accompany application 555
511 Time limit for application 556
512 Date of application to be entered in Register 556
513 Approval of transfer 556
514 Registration of transfer 557
515 Instrument of transfer does not create an interest in the title 558
516 Limit on effect of approval of transfers 558
PART 4.4—DEVOLUTION OF TITLE 559
517 Application to have name entered on the Register as the holder
of a title 559
518 Entry of name in the Register 559
PART 4.5—CHANGE IN NAME OF COMPANY 560
519 Application to have new name entered on the Register 560
520 Alteration in the Register 560
PART 4.6—DEALINGS RELATING TO EXISTING TITLES 561
521 Dealings to which this Part applies 561
522 Approval and registration of dealings 562
523 Application for approval of dealing 562
524 Documents to accompany application 563
525 Charge over assets of a body corporate—copies of
documents 563
526 Timing of application 564
527 Application date to be entered in Register 564
528 Approval of dealing 565
529 Entry of dealing in Register 565
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530 Retention, inspection and return of instruments 566
531 Strict compliance with application provisions not required 567
532 Limit on effect of approval of dealing 567
PART 4.7—DEALINGS IN FUTURE INTERESTS 568
533 Provisional application for approval of dealing 568
534 Documents to accompany provisional application 568
535 Charge over assets of a body corporate—copies of documents 569
536 Timing of provisional application 569
537 Provisional application to be treated as an application under
section 523 when title comes into existence 570
538 Limit on approval of dealing 571
PART 4.8—CORRECTION AND RECTIFICATION OF
REGISTER 572
539 Corrections of clerical errors or obvious defects 572
540 General power of correction of Register 572
541 Rectification of Register 573
PART 4.9—INFORMATION-GATHERING POWERS 575
542 Minister may obtain information from applicants 575
543 Minister may obtain information from a party to an approved
dealing 576
544 Production and inspection of documents 577
545 Minister may retain documents 578
PART 4.10—OTHER PROVISIONS 579
546 Minister not concerned with the effect of instrument lodged
under this Chapter 579
547 True consideration to be shown 579
548 Making a false entry in a Register 580
549 Falsified documents 580
550 Inspection of Register and instruments 580
551 Evidence of matters entered in the Register 580
552 Evidentiary certificate 581
553 Criminal proceedings—copy of certificate to be given to
defendant 14 days before certificate admitted in evidence 582
554 Person signing the certificate may be called to give evidence 582
555 Assessment of fee 583
556 Appeal against assessment of fee 583
557 Fees for entries in the Register of memoranda of transfers of
title 584
558 Fees for approval of dealings relating to petroleum titles 586
559 Exemption from duty 591
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CHAPTER 5—REGISTRATION OF TRANSFERS OF, AND
DEALINGS IN, GREENHOUSE GAS TITLES 592
PART 5.1—INTRODUCTION 592
560 Simplified outline 592
561 Definitions 592
562 Dealing—series of debentures 593
PART 5.2—REGISTER OF TITLES AND GREENHOUSE GAS
SEARCH AUTHORITIES 594
563 Register to be kept 594
564 Entries in Register—general 594
565 Entry in Register—cessation or expiry of title 596
PART 5.3—TRANSFER OF TITLES 597
566 Approval and registration of transfers 597
567 Application for approval of transfer 597
568 Documents to accompany application 597
569 Time limit for application 598
570 Date of application to be entered in Register 598
571 Approval of transfer 598
572 Registration of transfer 601
573 Instrument of transfer does not create an interest in the title 602
574 Limit on effect of approval of transfers 602
PART 5.4—DEVOLUTION OF TITLE 603
575 Application to have name entered on the Register as the
holder of a title 603
576 Entry of name in the Register 603
PART 5.5—CHANGE IN NAME OF COMPANY 604
577 Application to have new name entered on the Register 604
578 Alteration in the Register 604
PART 5.6—DEALINGS RELATING TO EXISTING TITLES 605
579 Dealings to which this Part applies 605
580 Approval and registration of dealings 606
581 Application for approval of dealing 606
582 Documents to accompany application 607
583 Timing of application 608
584 Application date to be entered in Register 608
585 Approval of dealing 608
586 Entry of dealing in Register 609
587 Retention, inspection and return of instruments 610
588 Strict compliance with application provisions not required 611
589 Limit on effect of approval of dealing 611
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PART 5.7—DEALINGS IN FUTURE INTERESTS 612
590 Provisional application for approval of dealing 612
591 Documents to accompany provisional application 612
592 Charge over assets of a body corporate—copies of documents 613
593 Timing of provisional application 613
594 Provisional application to be treated as an application under
section 581 when title comes into existence 614
595 Limit on approval of dealing 615
PART 5.8—CORRECTION AND RECTIFICATION OF
REGISTER 616
596 Corrections of clerical errors or obvious defects 616
597 General power of correction of Register 616
598 Rectification of Register 617
PART 5.9—INFORMATION-GATHERING POWERS 619
599 Minister may obtain information from applicants 619
600 Minister may obtain information from a party to an approved
dealing 620
601 Production and inspection of documents 621
602 Minister may retain documents 622
PART 5.10—OTHER PROVISIONS 623
603 Minister not concerned with the effect of instrument lodged
under this Chapter 623
604 True consideration to be shown 623
605 Making a false entry in the Register 624
606 Falsified documents 624
607 Inspection of Register and instruments 624
608 Evidence of matters entered in the Register 624
609 Evidentiary certificate 625
610 Criminal proceedings—copy of certificate to be given to
defendant 14 days before certificate admitted in evidence 626
611 Person signing the certificate may be called to give evidence 626
612 Assessment of fee 627
613 Appeal against assessment of fee 627
CHAPTER 6—ADMINISTRATION 629
PART 6.1—OPERATIONS 629
614 Simplified outline 629
615 Commencement of works or operations 629
616 Work practices 630
617 Work practices 633
618 Insurance—petroleum permits, leases and licences 638
619 Insurance—petroleum authorities 638
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620 Insurance—greenhouse gas titles 639
621 Maintenance and removal of property etc. by titleholder 640
PART 6.2—DIRECTIONS RELATING TO PETROLEUM 643
Division 1—Simplified outline 643
622 Simplified outline 643
Division 2—General power to give directions 643
623 General power to give directions 643
624 Notification of a direction that has an extended application 646
625 Compliance with direction 647
Division 3—Minister may take action if there is noncompliance
with a direction 648
626 Minister may take action if there is noncompliance with a
direction 648
Division 4—Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a
direction 649
627 Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a direction 649
PART 6.3—DIRECTIONS RELATING TO GREENHOUSE
GAS 650
Division 1—Simplified outline 650
628 Simplified outline 650
Division 2—General power to give directions 650
629 General power to give directions 650
630 Notification of a direction that has an extended application 653
631 Compliance with directions 654
Division 3—Minister may take action if there is noncompliance
with a direction 655
632 Minister may take action if there is noncompliance with a
direction 655
Division 4—Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a
direction 656
633 Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a direction 656
PART 6.4—RESTORATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 658
Division 1—Petroleum 658
634 Simplified outline 658
635 Remedial directions to current holders of permits, leases and
licences 658
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636 Remedial directions to former holders of permits, leases,
licences and authorities etc. 661
637 Minister may take action if a direction has not been complied
with 664
638 Removal, disposal or sale of property by Minister—
noncompliance with direction 665
Division 2—Greenhouse gas 667
639 Simplified outline 667
640 Remedial directions to current holders of permits, leases and
licences 668
641 Site closing directions to current holders of greenhouse gas
injection licences 670
642 Consultation—directions to do something outside the
licence area 674
643 Remedial directions to former holders of permits, leases,
licences and authorities etc. 676
644 Minister may take action if a direction has not been complied
with 678
645 Removal, disposal or sale of property by Minister—
noncompliance with a direction 680
PART 6.5—OFFENCES AND ENFORCEMENT 682
Division 1—Petroleum 682
646 Simplified outline 682
647 Appointment of petroleum project inspectors 682
648 Identity cards of petroleum project inspectors 682
649 Monitoring powers of petroleum project inspectors 683
650 Entry into residential premises 684
651 Facilities and assistance to be provided by occupier or person
in charge 685
652 Obstructing or hindering a petroleum project inspector 686
653 Warrants to enter residential premises 686
654 Interfering with offshore petroleum installations or operations 687
Division 2—Greenhouse gas 688
655 Simplified outline 688
656 Appointment of greenhouse gas project inspectors 689
657 Identity cards of greenhouse gas project inspectors 689
658 Monitoring powers of greenhouse gas project inspectors 690
659 Entry into residential premises 691
660 Facilities and assistance to be provided by occupier or person
in charge 692
661 Obstructing or hindering a greenhouse gas project inspector 693
662 Warrants to enter residential premises 693
663 Interfering with greenhouse gas installations or operations 694
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PART 6.6—SAFETY ZONES AND THE AREA TO BE
AVOIDED 697
Division 1—Introduction 697
664 Simplified outline 697
665 Simplified map of the area to which Schedule 2 applies 697
666 Definitions 698
667 Authorised persons 704
Division 2—Petroleum safety zones 705
668 Petroleum safety zones 705
669 Offences in relation to entering or being present in petroleum
safety zones 705
Division 3—Greenhouse gas safety zones 706
670 Greenhouse gas safety zones 706
671 Offences in relation to entering or being present in greenhouse
gas safety zones 707
Division 4—Unauthorised vessel not to enter area to be avoided 707
672 Minister may authorise entry into area to be avoided 707
673 Unauthorised vessel not to enter area to be avoided 708
Division 5—Powers of authorised persons 710
674 Requirement to move vessel etc. 710
675 Noncompliance with requirement to move vessel etc. 711
676 Hindering or obstructing an authorised person 712
677 Other powers of authorised persons 712
678 Noncompliance with other requirements in relation to a vessel 713
679 Boarding of vessel must be facilitated 714
680 Hindering or obstructing an authorised person 714
681 Giving false and misleading information 714
682 Warrants to exercise powers in relation to vessels 714
683 Exercise of powers in relation to vessels in serious
circumstances without a warrant 716
PART 6.7—COLLECTION OF FEES AND ROYALTIES 717
Division 1—Fees for petroleum titles 717
684 Fees for certain exploration permits 717
685 Fees for petroleum retention leases 717
686 Fees for petroleum production licences 718
687 Fees for infrastructure leases 718
688 Fees for pipeline licences 719
Division 2—Fees for greenhouse gas titles 719
689 Fees for greenhouse gas titles 719
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Division 3—Royalties for petroleum 720
690 Royalty for petroleum 720
691 Reduction of royalty for petroleum in certain cases 720
692 Royalty for petroleum not payable in certain cases 721
693 Payment of royalty for petroleum 722
Division 4—Royalties for greenhouse gas injection and storage 722
694 Liability for, and rate of, royalty for greenhouse gas injection
and storage 722
695 Minister may vary royalty for greenhouse gas injection and
storage 723
696 When royalty for greenhouse gas injection and storage must
be paid 724
Division 5—Late payment and recovery of fees and royalties 724
697 Late payment penalty 724
698 Recovery of fee or royalty debts 724
PART 6.8—OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 726
699 Occupational health and safety 726
700 Listed OHS laws 726
701 Regulations relating to occupational health and safety 727
PART 6.9—NATIONAL OFFSHORE PETROLEUM SAFETY
AUTHORITY 728
Division 1—Introduction 728
702 Simplified outline 728
703 Definitions 729
Division 2—Functions and powers of the Safety Authority 731
704 Safety Authority's functions 731
705 Safety Authority's ordinary powers 732
706 Judicial notice of seal 733
707 Power to refer matters to NOGSAC 733
Division 3—Safety Authority Board 734
708 Functions of the Board 734
709 Powers of the Board 735
710 Validity of decisions 735
Division 4—Chief Executive Officer and staff of the Safety
Authority 735
711 CEO acts for Safety Authority 735
712 Working with the Board 735
713 Delegation 736
714 Secondments to the Safety Authority 736
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Division 5—Other Safety Authority provisions 736
715 Minister may require the Safety Authority to prepare reports
or give information 736
716 Directions to the Safety Authority 737
717 Safety Authority must comply with directions 738
718 Liability for acts and omissions 738
CHAPTER 7—INFORMATION RELATING TO PETROLEUM 739
PART 7.1—DATA MANAGEMENT AND GATHERING OF
INFORMATION 739
Division 1—Introduction 739
719 Simplified outline 739
Division 2—Data management 739
720 Direction to keep records 739
721 Regulations about data management 740
Division 3—Information-gathering powers 743
722 Minister or petroleum project inspector may obtain
information and documents 743
723 Copying documents—reasonable compensation 745
724 Power to examine on oath or affirmation 745
725 Self-incrimination 745
726 Copies of documents 746
727 Minister or petroleum project inspector may retain documents 746
728 False or misleading information 747
729 False or misleading documents 747
730 False or misleading evidence 747
PART 7.2—RELEASE OF REGULATORY INFORMATION 748
731 Notifiable events—Government Gazette notice 748
PART 7.3—RELEASE OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION 750
Division 1—Introduction 750
732 Simplified outline 750
733 Definitions 750
Division 2—Protection of confidentiality of information and
samples 751
Subdivision 1—Information and samples obtained by the Minister 751
734 Protection of confidentiality of documentary information
obtained by the Minister 751
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735 Protection of confidentiality of petroleum mining samples
obtained by the Minister 752
736 Minister may make information or samples available to other
Ministers 752
Subdivision 2—Information and samples obtained by a Victorian
Minister 753
737 Protection of confidentiality of information obtained by a
Victorian Minister 753
738 Protection of confidentiality of petroleum mining samples
obtained by a Victorian Minister 754
Subdivision 3—Miscellaneous 754
739 Fees 754
740 Review by Minister 755
741 Information Privacy Act 2000 755
CHAPTER 8—INFORMATION RELATING TO
GREENHOUSE GAS 756
PART 8.1—DATA MANAGEMENT AND GATHERING OF
INFORMATION 756
Division 1—Introduction 756
742 Simplified outline 756
Division 2—Data management 756
743 Direction to keep records 756
744 Regulations about data management 757
Division 3—Information-gathering powers 760
745 Minister or greenhouse gas project inspector may obtain
information and documents 760
746 Copying documents—reasonable compensation 762
747 Power to examine on oath or affirmation 762
748 Self-incrimination 762
749 Copies of documents 763
750 Minister or greenhouse gas project inspector may retain
documents 763
751 False or misleading information 764
752 False or misleading documents 764
753 False or misleading evidence 764
PART 8.2—RELEASE OF REGULATORY INFORMATION 765
754 Notifiable events—Government Gazette notice 765
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PART 8.3—RELEASE OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION 766
Division 1—Introduction 766
755 Simplified outline 766
756 Definitions 766
757 Documents and samples given to the Minister 767
Division 2—Protection of confidentiality of information and
samples 767
Subdivision 1—Information and samples obtained by the Minister 767
758 Protection of confidentiality of documentary information
obtained by the Minister 767
759 Protection of confidentiality of eligible samples obtained by
the Minister 768
760 Minister may make information or samples available to
another Minister, a Minister of a State, the Northern Territory
or the Commonwealth 768
Subdivision 2—Miscellaneous 769
761 Fees 769
762 Information Privacy Act 769
CHAPTER 9—MISCELLANEOUS 770
PART 9.1—RECONSIDERATION AND REVIEW OF
DECISIONS 770
763 Simplified outline 770
764 Definitions 770
765 Reconsideration of reviewable delegated decision 771
766 Review of reviewable Ministerial decision 773
PART 9.2—EXPERT ADVISORY COMMITTEES 774
767 Establishment of expert advisory committees 774
768 Function of expert advisory committees 774
769 Appointment of expert advisory committee members etc. 777
770 Procedures of expert advisory committees 777
771 Remuneration and allowances 777
772 Leave of absence 778
773 Resignation 778
774 Disclosure of interests to the Minister 778
775 Disclosure of interests to an expert advisory committee 779
776 Other terms and conditions 780
777 Protection of information 780
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PART 9.3—INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE MAKING
OF DESIGNATED AGREEMENTS 782
Division 1—Information-gathering powers 782
778 Minister may obtain information and documents 782
779 Copying documents—reasonable compensation 784
780 Self-incrimination 784
781 Copies of documents 785
782 Minister may retain documents 785
783 False or misleading information 785
784 False or misleading documents 785
Division 2—Protection of information etc. 786
785 Protection of information 786
786 Disclosure of information to titleholder etc. 786
PART 9.4—LIABILITY FOR ACTS AND OMISSIONS 788
787 Liability for acts and omissions 788
PART 9.5—SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS 790
788 Service of documents 790
789 Service of documents on Minister 791
790 Service of documents on 2 or more registered holders of a
petroleum title 791
791 Service of documents on 2 or more registered holders of a
greenhouse gas title 793
PART 9.6—DELEGATION BY MINISTER 796
792 Delegation by Minister 796
PART 9.7—PUBLIC INTEREST 797
793 Public interest 797
PART 9.8—REGULATIONS 798
794 Regulations 798
795 Unconditional or conditional prohibition 799
796 Regulations not limited by conditions provisions 799
797 Offences under regulations 799
PART 9.9—TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS 800
798 Transitional provisions 800
PART 9.10—REPEAL AND AMENDMENTS TO OTHER ACTS 801
799 Repeal 801
800 Consequential amendments of other Acts 801
__________________
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SCHEDULES 802
SCHEDULE 1—Scheduled Area for Victoria 802
SCHEDULE 2—Area that Includes the Area to be Avoided 804
1 Area that includes the area to be avoided 804
SCHEDULE 3—Occupational Health and Safety 806
PART 1—INTRODUCTION 806
1 Objects 806
2 Simplified outline 806
3 Definitions 808
4 Meaning of inspection 813
5 Meaning of recovery 813
6 Vessels or structures that are facilities—offshore petroleum
operations 813
7 Vessels or structures that are facilities—offshore greenhouse
gas storage operations 815
8 Vessels or structures that are not facilities 817
9 Use for a particular purpose 817
10 Pipelines that are facilities 818
11 Operator of a facility or proposed facility 818
12 Operator must ensure presence of operator's representative 819
13 Health and safety of persons using an accommodation facility 819
14 Contractor 819
PART 2—OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 820
Division 1—Duties relating to occupational health and safety 820
15 Duties of operator 820
16 Duties of persons in control of parts of facility or particular
work 823
17 Duties of employers 824
18 Duties of manufacturers in relation to plant and substances 826
19 Duties of suppliers of facilities, plant and substances 828
20 Duties of persons erecting facilities or installing plant 830
21 Duties of persons in relation to occupational health and
safety 831
22 Reliance on information supplied or results of research 832
Division 2—Regulations relating to occupational health and
safety 834
23 Regulations relating to occupational health and safety 834
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PART 3—WORKPLACE ARRANGEMENTS 836
Division 1—Introduction 836
24 Simplified outline 836
Division 2—Designated work groups 837
Subdivision 1—Establishment of designated work groups 837
25 Establishment of designated work groups by request 837
26 Establishment of designated work groups at initiative of
operator 838
Subdivision 2—Variation of designated work groups 839
27 Variation of designated work groups by request 839
28 Variation of designated work groups at initiative of operator 840
Subdivision 3—General 841
29 Referral of disagreement to reviewing authority 841
30 Manner of grouping members of the workforce 842
Division 3—Health and safety representatives 843
Subdivision 1—Selection of health and safety representatives 843
31 Selection of health and safety representatives 843
32 Election of health and safety representatives 843
33 List of health and safety representatives 845
34 Members of designated work group must be notified of
selection etc. of health and safety representative 845
35 Term of office 845
36 Training of health and safety representatives 846
37 Resignation etc. of health and safety representatives 846
38 Disqualification of health and safety representatives 847
39 Deputy health and safety representatives 849
Subdivision 2—Powers of health and safety representatives 850
40 Powers of health and safety representatives 850
41 Assistance by consultant 852
42 Information 853
43 Obligations and liabilities of health and safety representatives 854
44 Provisional improvement notices 854
45 Effect of provisional improvement notice 856
Subdivision 3—Duties of the operator and other employers in
relation to health and safety representatives 858
46 Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to
health and safety representatives 858
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Division 4—Health and safety committees 861
47 Health and safety committees 861
48 Functions of health and safety committees 863
49 Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to
health and safety committees 864
Division 5—Emergency procedures 865
50 Action by health and safety representatives 865
51 Direction to perform other work 867
Division 6—Exemptions 868
52 Exemptions 868
PART 4—INSPECTIONS 868
Division 1—Introduction 868
53 Simplified outline 868
54 Powers, functions and duties of OHS inspectors 869
Division 2—Inspections 869
55 Inspections 869
Division 3—Powers of OHS inspectors in relation to the conduct
of inspections 870
Subdivision 1—General powers of entry and search 870
56 Powers of entry and search—facilities 870
57 Powers of entry and search—regulated business premises
(other than facilities) 872
58 Powers of entry and search—premises (other than regulated
business premises) 873
59 Warrant to enter premises (other than regulated business
premises) 874
60 Obstructing or hindering OHS inspector 876
Subdivision 2—Offence-related searches and seizures 876
61 What is evidential material? 876
62 Offence-related searches and seizures—OHS inspector
already present at facility 876
63 Offence-related searches and seizures—OHS inspector not
already present at facility, premises or vessel 879
64 Data access powers 883
65 Data seizure powers 887
66 Access to computer data 888
67 Compensation for damage to equipment 889
68 Copies of things seized to be provided 890
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69 Operator's representative, occupier or master entitled to be
present during search 891
70 Receipts for things seized 892
71 Retention of things seized 892
72 Magistrate may permit a thing seized to be retained for a
further period 893
73 Magistrate may issue warrant 894
74 Reasonable grounds for issuing warrant etc. 895
75 Contents of warrant 896
76 Provisions relating to issue of warrant by telephone etc. 897
77 Proceedings involving warrant issued by telephone etc. 899
78 This Subdivision does not limit other powers 900
Subdivision 3—Other powers 900
79 Power to require assistance 900
80 Power to require the answering of questions and the
production of documents or articles 901
81 Privilege against self-incrimination abrogated 904
82 Power to take possession of plant, take samples of
substances etc. 904
83 Power to direct that workplace etc. not be disturbed 906
84 Power to issue prohibition notices 908
85 Matters to be specified in prohibition notice 908
86 Copies of prohibition notice to be given 909
87 Prohibition notice must not be breached 909
88 When prohibition notice ceases to have effect 909
89 Power to issue improvement notices 910
90 Matters to be specified in improvement notice 911
91 Copies of improvement notice to be given 911
92 Duty of responsible person to ensure compliance with
improvement notice 913
93 Notices not to be tampered with or removed 913
Division 4—Reports on inspections 914
94 Reports on inspections 914
Division 5—Appeals 915
95 Appeals against decisions of OHS inspectors 915
PART 5—GENERAL PROVISIONS 919
96 Notifying and reporting accidents and dangerous occurrences 919
97 Records of accidents and dangerous occurrences to be kept 920
98 Codes of practice 921
99 Use of codes of practice in criminal proceedings 921
100 Interference etc. with equipment etc. 922
101 Members of workforce not to be levied 922
102 Employer not to dismiss etc. employees on certain grounds 923
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xxxviii
103 Institution of prosecutions 924
104 Conduct of directors, employees and agents 925
105 Schedule not to give rise to other liabilities etc. 926
106 Circumstances preventing compliance may be defence to
prosecution 927
107 Regulations—general 927
SCHEDULE 4—Subject-matter for Regulations 929
SCHEDULE 5—Transitional Provisions 934
1 Definitions 934
2 Re-enactment of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982 936
3 General transitional provisions 936
4 Old infrastructure licences 936
5 Old petroleum access authorities 936
6 Old petroleum exploration permits 937
7 Old petroleum production licences 937
8 Old petroleum retention leases 938
9 Old petroleum scientific investigations consents 938
10 Old petroleum special prospecting authorities 938
11 Old pipeline licences 938
12 Transitional—eligible instruments 938
13 Transitional—acts or things done before commencement 940
14 Transitional—conditions of old titles 940
15 Translation of references in documents 940
16 Transitional regulations 942
17 Petroleum project inspectors 942
18 Offshore area 942
19 Registers 943
20 Registration fees—transfer 944
21 Registration fees—dealings 944
22 Retention and inspection of documents 945
23 Assessment of registration fee 945
24 Payments by the State to the Commonwealth 945
25 Adjustment to period required or allowed for doing an act or
thing etc. 946
26 Old titles—continuation in force beyond date of expiry 949
27 Applications for old infrastructure licences 949
28 Applications for old petroleum access authorities 949
29 Applications for old petroleum exploration permits 950
30 Applications for old petroleum production licences 951
31 Applications for old petroleum retention leases 952
32 Applications for old petroleum scientific investigation
consents 952
33 Applications for old petroleum special prospecting
authorities 952
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xxxix
34 Applications for old pipeline licences 953
35 Requirement to provide further information in connection
with application for title 953
36 Revocation of old petroleum exploration permits, old
petroleum retention leases, old petroleum production licences
and old petroleum access authorities 954
37 Surrender of old title 955
38 Cancellation of old titles 955
39 Commencement of works or operations 956
40 Deduction of debts from proceeds of sale of property 956
41 Authorised persons 956
42 Release of technical information—deemed time of receipt of
certain information and samples 957
43 Liability for acts and omissions 957
44 Meaning of petroleum in the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982 958
45 OHS inspections 958
46 OHS prosecutions 959
47 Disqualification of health and safety representatives 960
SCHEDULE 6—Consequential Amendments 961
1 Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 961
2 Accident Compensation Act 1985 961
3 Dangerous Goods Act 1985 963
4 Gas Industry Act 2001 963
5 Geothermal Energy Resources Act 2005 963
6 Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Act 2008 963
7 Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 964
8 National Gas (Victoria) Act 2008 964
9 National Parks Act 1975 964
10 Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 965
11 Petroleum Act 1998 966
12 Pipelines Act 2005 966
═══════════════
ENDNOTES 967
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1
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse
Gas Storage Act 2010 †
No. 10 of 2010
[Assented to 23 March 2010]
Preamble
In accordance with international law, Australia as a
coastal State has sovereign rights over the
continental shelf beyond the limits of Australian
territorial waters for the purpose of exploiting it
and exploiting its natural resources.
The Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973 of the
Commonwealth declared and enacted that the
sovereignty in respect of the territorial sea of
Australia, its seabed and subsoil, certain internal
waters of Australia, the airspace over those waters
and the seabed and subsoil beneath those waters, is
vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of
the Commonwealth.
The Parliaments of the States and the Legislative
Assembly of the Northern Territory have certain
Victoria
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2
legislative powers in respect of the seabed and
subsoil referred to in the preceding recital and the
Parliament of the Commonwealth has vested in the
Crown in right of each of the States and the Crown
in right of the Northern Territory certain
proprietary rights in respect of that seabed and
subsoil.
It has been agreed between the Commonwealth,
the States and the Northern Territory 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.
This agreement is known as the Offshore
Constitutional Settlement. Various Acts of the
Commonwealth affect the Offshore Constitutional
Settlement.
Arrangements for offshore petroleum beyond the
outer limits of State and Northern Territory coastal
waters are set out in the Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 of the
Commonwealth. Arrangements for offshore
Preamble
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3
petroleum within the outer limits of Victorian
coastal waters are set out in the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982. It is expedient to
amend the law relating to Victorian coastal waters.
The Parliament of Victoria therefore enacts:
CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION
PART 1.1—LEGISLATIVE FORMALITIES AND
BACKGROUND
1 Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to—
(a) re-enact (with modifications) provisions
regulating petroleum exploration and
recovery activities and petroleum facilities;
and
(b) provide for the regulation of geological
storage of carbon dioxide—
in the Victorian offshore area.
2 Commencement
(1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act comes into
operation on a day or days to be proclaimed.
(2) If a provision of this Act does not come into
operation before 1 January 2012, it comes into
operation on that day.
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 the Victorian offshore area.
s. 1
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4 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Act.
(2) This Act sets up a system for regulating the
following activities in the offshore area—
(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.
(3) The offshore area—
(a) starts from the baseline from which the
breadth of the territorial sea is measured off
Victoria; and
(b) extends to 3 nautical miles from the baseline
from which the breadth of the territorial sea
is measured off Victoria.
(4) 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);
s. 4
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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).
(5) The Minister is generally responsible for the
administration of this Act (other than the
occupational health and safety provisions in
Schedule 3).
(6) The National Offshore Petroleum Safety
Authority is responsible for the administration of
occupational health and safety provisions in
Schedule 3.
(7) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Act.
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 Simplified map
(1) This section sets out simplified maps illustrating
areas off the coast of Victoria that are relevant to
this Act.
s. 5
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(2) In the interests of simplification—
(a) coastlines and boundaries have been
smoothed; and
(b) the maps do not show certain waters within
the limits of the State; and
(c) the line marking the outer limits of the
coastal waters of the State appears to be
further out to sea than it actually is.
(3) The maps illustrate the offshore area, the
Commonwealth defined offshore area, and the
scheduled area for Victoria.
Note
Generally, the territorial sea baseline is the line of lowest
astronomical tide along the coast, but it also encompasses straight
lines across bays (bay closing lines), rivers (river closing lines) and
between islands, as well as along heavily indented areas of
coastline (straight baselines) under certain circumstances.
s. 5
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__________________
s. 5
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PART 1.2—INTERPRETATION
Division 1—General
6 Definitions
(1) In this Act—
approved—
(a) when used in any of the following
provisions—
(i) Chapter 3;
(ii) Chapter 5;
(iii) Chapter 8;
(iv) section 791—
means approved in writing by the
Minister; or
(b) in any other case—means approved in
writing by the Minister—
but does not apply to the expression
approved site plan;
approved site plan means a site plan in respect of
which an approval is in force under the
regulations;
Note
See section 492.
authority area—
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum
special prospecting authority—means
the area constituted by the block or
blocks that are the subject of the
petroleum special prospecting
authority; or
s. 6
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(b) when used in relation to a petroleum
access authority—means the area to
which the petroleum access authority
relates; or
(c) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas search authority—means the area
constituted by the block or blocks that
are the subject of the greenhouse gas
search authority; or
(d) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas special authority—means the area
to which the greenhouse gas special
authority relates;
block means a block constituted as provided by
section 37;
cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit
means a greenhouse gas assessment permit
granted under Division 3 of Part 3.2;
cash-bid petroleum exploration permit means—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit granted
under Division 3 of Part 2.2 of this Act;
or
(b) a petroleum exploration permit granted
under Division 5 of Part 2.2 of this Act
by way of the renewal of a permit
referred to in paragraph (a);
charge, when used in relation to the assets of a
body corporate, has the same meaning as in
section 263 of the Corporations Act;
COAG Reform Fund means the COAG Reform
Fund established by section 5 of the COAG
Reform Fund Act 2008 of the
Commonwealth;
s. 6
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Commonwealth Act means the Offshore
Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act
2006 of the Commonwealth;
Commonwealth defined offshore area means the
offshore area of Victoria as defined by
section 8 of the Commonwealth Act;
construct includes place;
corresponding State law means an Act of another
State giving effect to the agreement between
the Commonwealth, the States and the
Northern Territory referred to in the
preamble to this Act;
datum means a reference frame for defining
geographic coordinates;
Note
If the position on the surface of the Earth of a
particular point is identified by a coordinate that is
determined by reference to a particular datum, the use
of a different datum will result in the same point being
identified by a different coordinate.
debenture has the same meaning as in section 263
of the Corporations Act;
declared greenhouse gas facility has the meaning
given by section 20;
declared petroleum exploration permit has the
meaning given by section 83;
declared petroleum production licence has the
meaning given by section 161;
declared petroleum retention lease has the
meaning given by section 127;
designated agreement has the meaning given by
section 33;
s. 6
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Designated Authority has the meaning given to
that term for Victoria by section 70 of the
Commonwealth Act;
detection agent means a substance, whether in a
gaseous or liquid state, that—
(a) when added to—
(i) another substance; or
(ii) a mixture of other substances—
facilitates the monitoring of the
behaviour of that other substance or
that mixture, as the case may be; and
(b) is specified in the regulations;
eligible greenhouse gas storage formation has
the meaning given by section 23;
engage in conduct means—
(a) do an act; or
(b) omit to perform an act;
expert advisory committee means a committee
established under section 767;
expert advisory committee member means a
member of an expert advisory committee,
and includes the Chair of an expert advisory
committee;
expiry date—
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease or petroleum production licence—
has the meaning given by section 9; or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas assessment permit or a greenhouse
gas holding lease (other than a special
s. 6
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greenhouse gas holding lease)—has the
meaning given by section 10;
explore—
(a) when used in relation to petroleum—
has a meaning affected by
section 21(1); or
(b) when used in relation to a potential
greenhouse gas storage formation—has
a meaning affected by section 21(2) and
(3); or
(c) when used in relation to a potential
greenhouse gas injection site—has a
meaning affected by section 21(4);
fundamental suitability determinants—
(a) when used in relation to an eligible
greenhouse gas storage formation—has
the meaning given by section 23(8); or
(b) when used in relation to an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation—has
the meaning given by section 318(1);
geographic coordinate includes—
(a) a meridian of longitude by itself; and
(b) a parallel of latitude by itself;
geological formation includes—
(a) any seal or reservoir of a geological
formation; and
(b) any associated geological attributes or
features of a geological formation;
s. 6
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good oilfield practice means all those things that
are generally accepted as good and safe in—
(a) the carrying on of exploration for
petroleum; or
(b) petroleum recovery operations;
good processing and transport practice means all
those things that are generally accepted as
good and safe in—
(a) the processing, conveyance, transport
and storage of petroleum; and
(b) the preparation of petroleum for
transport;
graticular section has the meaning given by
section 37;
greenhouse gas assessment permit means a
greenhouse gas assessment permit granted
under Part 3.2;
greenhouse gas assessment permit area means
the permit area of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit;
greenhouse gas assessment permittee means the
registered holder of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit;
greenhouse gas facility line means a pipe, or
system of pipes, that is—
(a) for conveying a greenhouse gas
substance; and
(b) part of a declared greenhouse gas
facility;
greenhouse gas holding lease means a
greenhouse gas holding lease granted under
Part 3.3;
s. 6
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greenhouse gas holding lease area means the
lease area of a greenhouse gas holding lease;
greenhouse gas holding lessee means the
registered holder of a greenhouse gas
holding lease;
greenhouse gas infrastructure line means a pipe,
or system of pipes, that is—
(a) for conveying a greenhouse gas
substance; and
(b) part of an infrastructure facility;
greenhouse gas injection licence means a
greenhouse gas injection licence granted
under Part 3.4;
greenhouse gas injection licence area means the
licence area of a greenhouse gas injection
licence;
greenhouse gas injection licensee means the
registered holder of a greenhouse gas
injection licence;
greenhouse gas injection line means a pipe, or
system of pipes, for—
(a) conveying a greenhouse gas substance
to be compressed, processed or
otherwise prepared for injection into an
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation; or
(b) conveying a greenhouse gas substance
for storage prior to being injected into
an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation; or
s. 6
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(c) conveying a greenhouse gas substance
for injection into an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation—
so long as the greenhouse gas substance does
not pass through a terminal point on the pipe,
or system of pipes, as the case may be,
before it is injected into the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation;
greenhouse gas pipeline means—
(a) a pipe, or system of pipes, in the
offshore area for conveying a
greenhouse gas substance, other than—
(i) a greenhouse gas injection line; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas infrastructure
line; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas facility line; or
(iv) a pipe, or a system of pipes, that is
specified in the regulations; or
(b) a part of a pipe covered by
paragraph (a); or
(c) a part of a system of pipes covered by
paragraph (a);
greenhouse gas project inspector means a person
appointed as a greenhouse gas project
inspector under section 656;
greenhouse gas pumping station means
equipment for pumping a greenhouse gas
substance or water, and includes any
structure associated with that equipment;
greenhouse gas research consent means a
greenhouse gas research consent granted
under Part 3.7;
s. 6
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greenhouse gas search authority means a
greenhouse gas search authority granted
under Part 3.5;
greenhouse gas special authority means a
greenhouse gas special authority granted
under Part 3.6;
greenhouse gas substance means—
(a) carbon dioxide, whether in a gaseous or
liquid state; or
(b) a prescribed greenhouse gas, whether in
a gaseous or liquid state; or
(c) a mixture of any or all of the following
substances—
(i) carbon dioxide, whether in a
gaseous or liquid state;
(ii) one or more prescribed
greenhouse gases, whether in a
gaseous or liquid state;
(iii) one or more incidental greenhouse
gas-related substances, whether in
a gaseous or liquid state, that
relate to either or both of the
substances mentioned in
subparagraphs (i) and (ii);
(iv) a prescribed detection agent,
whether in a gaseous or liquid
state—
so long as—
(v) the mixture consists
overwhelmingly of either or both
of the substances mentioned in
subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and
s. 6
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(vi) if the mixture includes a
prescribed detection agent—the
concentration of the prescribed
detection agent in the mixture is
not more than the concentration
prescribed in relation to that
detection agent;
greenhouse gas tank station means a tank, or
system of tanks, for holding or storing a
greenhouse gas substance, and includes any
structure associated with that tank or system
of tanks;
greenhouse gas valve station means equipment
for regulating the flow of a greenhouse gas
substance, and includes any structure
associated with that equipment;
identified greenhouse gas storage formation has
the meaning given by section 315;
incidental greenhouse gas-related substance has
the meaning given by section 25;
infrastructure facility has the meaning given by
section 17;
infrastructure licence means an infrastructure
licence granted under Part 2.5 of this Act;
infrastructure licence area means the licence area
of an infrastructure licence;
infrastructure licensee means the registered
holder of an infrastructure licence;
Joint Authority has the meaning given to that
term for Victoria by section 56 of the
Commonwealth Act;
s. 6
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key greenhouse gas operation means—
(a) an operation to make a well; or
(b) an operation to inject, on an appraisal
basis, a greenhouse gas substance into a
part of a geological formation; or
(c) an operation to store, on an appraisal
basis, a greenhouse gas substance in a
part of a geological formation; or
(d) an operation to inject, on an appraisal
basis, air, petroleum or water into a part
of a geological formation; or
(e) an operation to store, on an appraisal
basis, air, petroleum or water in a part
of a geological formation; or
(f) an operation to carry out a seismic
survey or any other kind of survey; or
(g) an operation to monitor the behaviour
of—
(i) a greenhouse gas substance; or
(ii) air; or
(iii) petroleum; or
(iv) water—
stored in a part of a geological
formation; or
(h) an operation to carry out baseline
investigations relating to the storage of
a greenhouse gas substance in a part of
the geological formation; or
(i) an operation to take samples of the
seabed or subsoil of the offshore area;
or
s. 6
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(j) an operation specified in the
regulations;
key petroleum operation means—
(a) an operation to make a well; or
(b) an operation to inject a substance into a
part of a geological formation; or
(c) an operation to store a substance in a
part of a geological formation; or
(d) an operation to carry out a seismic
survey or any other kind of survey; or
(e) an operation to monitor the behaviour
of a substance stored in a part of a
geological formation; or
(f) an operation to take samples of the
seabed or subsoil of the offshore area;
or
(g) an operation specified in the
regulations;
lease area—
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum
retention lease—means the area
constituted by the block or blocks that
are the subject of the petroleum
retention lease; or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas holding lease—means the area
constituted by the block or blocks that
are the subject of the greenhouse gas
holding lease;
s. 6
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lessee—
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum
retention lease—means the registered
holder of the petroleum retention lease;
or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas holding lease—means the
registered holder of the greenhouse gas
holding lease;
licence area—
(a) when used in relation to an
infrastructure licence—means the place
in relation to which the infrastructure
licence is in force; or
(b) when used in relation to a petroleum
production licence—means the area
constituted by the block or blocks that
are the subject of the petroleum
production licence; or
(c) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas injection licence—means the area
constituted by the block or blocks that
are the subject of the greenhouse gas
injection licence;
Note
The place in relation to which an infrastructure
licence is in force must be a place in the offshore
area—see section 193(2) and section 194.
licensee—
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum
production licence—means the
registered holder of the petroleum
production licence; or
s. 6
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(b) when used in relation to an
infrastructure licence—means the
registered holder of the infrastructure
licence; or
(c) when used in relation to a pipeline
licence—means the registered holder of
the pipeline licence; or
(d) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas injection licence—means the
registered holder of the greenhouse gas
injection licence;
life-of-field petroleum production licence means
a petroleum production licence;
listed OHS laws has the meaning given by
section 700;
location means a block or blocks in relation to
which a declaration under section 114 is in
force;
marine national park has the same meaning as in
the National Parks Act 1975;
marine sanctuary has the same meaning as in the
National Parks Act 1975;
natural resources has the same meaning as in the
Commonwealth Act;
offshore area means—
(a) that part of the scheduled area for
Victoria that consists of the territorial
sea; and
(b) any waters that are—
(i) on the landward side of the
territorial sea; and
(ii) not within the limits of Victoria;
and
s. 6
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(c) if at any time the breadth of the
territorial sea of Australia is determined
or declared to be greater than 3 nautical
miles, the offshore area continues to
have effect as if the breadth of the
territorial sea of Australia had
continued to be 3 nautical miles;
Note
The offshore area corresponds to the term the
adjacent area under the repealed Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
OHS inspector means a person appointed as an
OHS inspector under section 680 of the
Commonwealth Act;
original greenhouse gas assessment permit
means a greenhouse gas assessment permit
that was granted otherwise than by way of
renewal;
original petroleum exploration permit means a
petroleum exploration permit granted
otherwise than by way of renewal;
original petroleum production licence means a
petroleum production licence granted
otherwise than by way of renewal;
original petroleum retention lease means a
petroleum retention lease granted otherwise
than by way of renewal;
part of a geological formation includes a part of a
combination of geological formations;
partly cancelled means—
(a) in relation to a petroleum exploration
permit or petroleum production
licence—cancelled as to one or more,
but not all, of the blocks the subject of
the permit or licence; and
s. 6
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(b) in relation to a pipeline licence—
cancelled as to a part of the pipeline the
subject of the licence;
partly revoked, in relation to a petroleum
exploration permit or petroleum retention
lease, means revoked as to one or more, but
not all, of the blocks the subject of the permit
or lease;
partly surrendered, in relation to a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum production
licence or greenhouse gas injection licence,
means surrendered as to one or more, but not
all, of the blocks the subject of the permit or
licence;
partly terminated, in relation to a pipeline licence,
means terminated as to a part of the pipeline
the subject of the licence;
permit area—
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum
exploration permit—means the area
constituted by the block or blocks that
are the subject of the petroleum
exploration permit; or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas assessment permit—means the area
constituted by the block or blocks that
are the subject of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit;
permittee—
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum
exploration permit—means the
registered holder of the petroleum
exploration permit; or
s. 6
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(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas assessment permit—means the
registered holder of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit;
petroleum means—
(a) any naturally occurring hydrocarbon,
whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid
state; or
(b) any naturally occurring mixture of
hydrocarbons, whether in a gaseous,
liquid or solid state; or
(c) any naturally occurring mixture of—
(i) one or more hydrocarbons,
whether in a gaseous, liquid or
solid state; and
(ii) one or more of the following, that
is to say, hydrogen sulphide,
nitrogen, helium and carbon
dioxide—
and—
(d) includes any petroleum as defined by
paragraph (a), (b) or (c) that has been
returned to a natural reservoir; and
(e) for the purposes of the pipeline
provisions, also includes any petroleum
as defined by paragraph (a), (b), (c)
or (d), where—
(i) one or more things have been
added; or
(ii) one or more things have been
wholly or partly removed—
or both; and
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(f) for the purposes of the pipeline
provisions, also includes any mixture
that—
(i) has been recovered from a well;
and
(ii) includes petroleum as defined by
paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d)—
whether or not—
(iii) one or more things have been
added; or
(iv) one or more things have been
wholly or partly removed—
or both;
petroleum access authority means a petroleum
access authority granted under Part 2.8 of
this Act;
petroleum exploration permit means—
(a) a work-bid petroleum exploration
permit; or
(b) a cash-bid petroleum exploration
permit; or
(c) a special petroleum exploration permit;
petroleum exploration permit area means the
permit area of a petroleum exploration
permit;
petroleum exploration permittee means the
registered holder of a petroleum exploration
permit;
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petroleum pipeline means—
(a) a pipe, or system of pipes, in the
offshore area for conveying petroleum
(whether or not the petroleum is
recovered from the offshore area), other
than a secondary line; or
(b) a part of a pipe covered by
paragraph (a); or
(c) a part of a system of pipes covered by
paragraph (a);
petroleum pool means a naturally occurring
discrete accumulation of petroleum;
petroleum production licence means a petroleum
production licence granted under Part 2.4 of
this Act;
petroleum production licence area means the
licence area of a petroleum production
licence;
petroleum production licensee means the
registered holder of a petroleum production
licence;
petroleum project inspector means a person
appointed as a petroleum project inspector
under section 647;
petroleum pumping station means equipment for
pumping petroleum or water, and includes
any structure associated with that equipment;
petroleum retention lease means a petroleum
retention lease granted under Part 2.3 of this
Act;
petroleum retention lease area means the lease
area of a petroleum retention lease;
petroleum retention lessee means the registered
holder of a petroleum retention lease;
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petroleum scientific investigation consent means
a petroleum scientific investigation consent
granted under Part 2.9 of this Act;
petroleum special prospecting authority means a
petroleum special prospecting authority
granted under Part 2.7 of this Act;
petroleum tank station means a tank, or system of
tanks, for holding or storing petroleum, and
includes any structure associated with that
tank or system of tanks;
petroleum valve station means equipment for
regulating the flow of petroleum, and
includes any structure associated with that
equipment;
pipeline means—
(a) a petroleum pipeline; or
(b) a greenhouse gas pipeline;
pipeline licence means a pipeline licence granted
under Part 2.6 of this Act;
pipeline licensee means the registered holder of a
pipeline licence;
pipeline provisions means the following—
(a) Part 2.6;
(b) the definition of greenhouse gas
pipeline in this section;
(c) the definition of greenhouse gas
pumping station in this section;
(d) the definition of greenhouse gas tank
station in this section;
(e) the definition of greenhouse gas valve
station in this section;
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(f) the definition of petroleum pipeline in
this section;
(g) the definition of petroleum pumping
station in this section;
(h) the definition of petroleum tank station
in this section;
(i) the definition of petroleum valve
station in this section;
(j) the definition of pipeline in this section;
(k) item 3 of the table in section 616(1);
post-commencement petroleum exploration
permit means—
(a) an original petroleum exploration
permit that was granted after the
commencement of this section; or
(b) a petroleum exploration permit that was
granted by way of renewal, where the
original petroleum exploration permit
was granted after the commencement of
this section;
post-commencement petroleum production
licence means—
(a) a petroleum production licence that was
granted to the registered holder of—
(i) a post-commencement petroleum
exploration permit; or
(ii) a post-commencement petroleum
retention lease—
that was in force over the block or
blocks to which the petroleum
production licence relates; or
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(b) a petroleum production licence granted
under section 177; or
(c) a petroleum production licence granted
under section 179, where the initial
petroleum production licence
mentioned in section 178 was a
post-commencement petroleum
production licence;
post-commencement petroleum retention lease
means—
(a) an original petroleum retention lease
that was granted to the registered holder
of—
(i) a post-commencement petroleum
exploration permit; or
(ii) a post-commencement petroleum
production licence—
that was in force over the block or
blocks to which the original petroleum
retention lease relates; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease that was
granted by way of renewal, where the
original petroleum retention lease was
granted to the registered holder of—
(i) a post-commencement petroleum
exploration permit; or
(ii) a post-commencement petroleum
production licence—
that was in force over the block or
blocks to which the original petroleum
retention lease related;
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post-commencement petroleum title means—
(a) a post-commencement petroleum
exploration permit; or
(b) a post-commencement petroleum
retention lease; or
(c) a post-commencement petroleum
production licence;
potential greenhouse gas injection site has the
meaning given by section 24;
potential greenhouse gas storage formation has
the meaning given by section 22;
pre-commencement petroleum exploration
permit means a petroleum exploration permit
other than a post-commencement petroleum
exploration permit;
pre-commencement petroleum production
licence means a petroleum production
licence other than a post-commencement
petroleum production licence;
pre-commencement petroleum retention lease
means a petroleum retention lease other than
a post-commencement petroleum retention
lease;
pre-commencement petroleum title means—
(a) a pre-commencement petroleum
exploration permit; or
(b) a pre-commencement petroleum
retention lease; or
(c) a pre-commencement petroleum
production licence;
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pumping station means—
(a) a greenhouse gas pumping station; or
(b) a petroleum pumping station;
Register—
(a) when used in Chapter 4—has the
meaning given by section 503; or
(b) when used in Chapter 5—has the
meaning given by section 561;
registered holder, in relation to a title, means the
person whose name is shown in the Register
kept under section 505 or 563 as the holder
of the title;
regulated operation means—
(a) an activity to which Chapter 2 applies;
or
(b) an activity to which Chapter 3 applies;
Note
See also subsection (2).
renewal—
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease or petroleum production licence—
has the meaning given by section 11; or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas assessment permit or greenhouse
gas holding lease—has the meaning
given by section 12;
Safety Authority means the National Offshore
Petroleum Safety Authority continued in
existence by section 645 of the
Commonwealth Act;
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scheduled area for Victoria means the area set
out in Schedule 1;
secondary line means a pipe, or system of pipes,
for—
(a) returning petroleum to a natural
reservoir; or
(b) conveying petroleum for use for
petroleum exploration operations; or
(c) conveying petroleum for use for
petroleum recovery operations; or
(d) conveying petroleum that is to be flared
or vented; or
(e) conveying petroleum from a well,
wherever located, to a terminal station
in the offshore area without passing
through another terminal station;
serious situation, in relation to an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation, has the
meaning given by section 405;
significant risk has a meaning affected by
section 27, 28, 29, 30 or 31;
site closing certificate means a certificate issued
under section 427;
site plan, in relation to an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation, has the meaning given
by section 26;
spatial extent of an eligible greenhouse gas
storage formation has the meaning given by
section 23(3);
special greenhouse gas holding lease means a
greenhouse gas holding lease granted under
section 352;
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special petroleum exploration permit means—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit granted
under Division 4 of Part 2.2 of this Act;
or
(b) a petroleum exploration permit granted
under Division 5 of Part 2.2 of this Act
by way of the renewal of a permit
referred to in paragraph (a);
tank station means—
(a) a greenhouse gas tank station; or
(b) a petroleum tank station;
term—
(a) when used in relation to a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease, petroleum production licence,
infrastructure licence, pipeline licence,
petroleum special prospecting authority
or petroleum access authority—has the
meaning given by section 9; or
(b) when used in relation to a greenhouse
gas assessment permit, greenhouse gas
holding lease, greenhouse gas injection
licence, greenhouse gas search
authority or greenhouse gas special
authority—has the meaning given by
section 10;
terminal point has the meaning given by
section 19;
terminal station has the meaning given by
section 18;
tied, in relation to a greenhouse gas holding lease
or greenhouse gas injection licence, has the
meaning given by section 15;
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title—
(a) when used in the definition of
registered holder—means a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease, petroleum production licence,
infrastructure licence, pipeline licence,
petroleum special prospecting
authority, petroleum access authority,
greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease,
greenhouse gas injection licence,
greenhouse gas search authority or
greenhouse gas special authority; or
(b) when used in Division 2 of Part 1.2—
has the meaning given by section 39; or
(c) when used in Division 3 of Part 1.2—
has the meaning given by section 49; or
(d) when used in section 498—has the
meaning given by section 498(6); or
(e) when used in Chapter 4—has the
meaning given by section 503; or
(f) when used in section 623—has the
meaning given by section 623(1); or
(g) when used in Chapter 5—has the
meaning given by section 561; or
(h) when used in section 629—has the
meaning given by section 629(1);
title area—
(a) when used in Division 3 of Part 1.2—
has the meaning given by section 50; or
(b) when used in section 621—has the
meaning given by section 621(1); or
(c) when used in section 635—has the
meaning given by section 635(6);
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titleholder—
(a) when used in Division 3 of Part 1.2—
has the meaning given by section 50; or
(b) when used in section 621—has the
meaning given by section 621(1);
vacated area has the meaning given by section 16;
valve station means—
(a) a greenhouse gas valve station; or
(b) a petroleum valve station;
vessel means a vessel used in navigation, other
than air navigation, and includes a barge,
lighter or other floating vessel;
Victorian Minister means a Minister of the Crown
in right of the State;
water line means a pipe, or system of pipes, for
conveying water in connection with—
(a) petroleum exploration operations; or
(b) petroleum recovery operations; or
(c) exploration for potential greenhouse
gas storage formations; or
(d) exploration for potential greenhouse
gas injection sites; or
(e) the injection of a greenhouse gas
substance into an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation; or
(f) the injection, on an appraisal basis, of a
greenhouse gas substance into a part of
a geological formation; or
(g) the injection, on an appraisal basis, of
air, petroleum or water into a part of a
geological formation;
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well means a hole in the seabed or subsoil made
by drilling, boring or any other means in
connection with—
(a) exploration for petroleum; or
(b) petroleum recovery operations; or
(c) exploration for potential greenhouse
gas storage formations; or
(d) exploration for potential greenhouse
gas injection sites; or
(e) the injection of a greenhouse gas
substance into an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation; or
(f) the injection, on an appraisal basis, of a
greenhouse gas substance into a part of
a geological formation; or
(g) the injection, on an appraisal basis, of
air, petroleum or water into a part of a
geological formation—
but does not include a seismic shot hole;
wholly cancelled, in relation to a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum production
licence or pipeline licence, means cancelled
as to all the blocks, or as to the whole of the
pipeline, the subject of the permit or licence;
wholly revoked, in relation to a petroleum
exploration permit or petroleum retention
lease, means revoked as to all the blocks the
subject of the permit or lease;
work-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit
means a greenhouse gas assessment permit
granted under Division 2 of Part 3.2;
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work-bid petroleum exploration permit means—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit granted
under Division 2 of Part 2.2 of this Act;
or
(b) a petroleum exploration permit granted
under Division 5 of Part 2.2 of this Act
by way of the renewal of a permit
referred to in paragraph (a).
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition
of regulated operation, assume that each
reference in section 371 to a substance were a
reference to a greenhouse gas substance.
7 References to Parts
Unless the context otherwise requires, a reference
in this Act to a Part by a number must be
construed as a reference to the Part, designated by
that number, of this Act.
8 Spaces above and below offshore area
For the purposes of this Act—
(a) the space above or below the offshore area is
taken to be in that area; and
(b) the space above or below an area that is part
of the offshore area is taken to be in that part.
9 Term of petroleum titles
For the purposes of this Act, the table has effect—
Term of title etc.
Item A reference in this Act to... is a reference to...
1 the term of—
(a) a petroleum exploration
permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
the period during which
the permit, lease, licence
or authority remains in
force.
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Term of title etc.
Item A reference in this Act to... is a reference to...
(c) a petroleum production
licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence; or
(f) a petroleum special
prospecting authority; or
(g) a petroleum access
authority—
2 a year of the term of—
(a) a petroleum exploration
permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production
licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence—
a period of one year
beginning on—
(a) the day on which the
permit, lease or
licence comes into
force; or
(b) any anniversary of
that day.
3 the expiry date of—
(a) a petroleum exploration
permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production
licence—
the day on which the
permit, lease or licence
ceases to be in force.
10 Term of greenhouse gas titles
For the purposes of this Act, the table has effect—
Term of title etc.
Item A reference in this Act to... is a reference to...
1 the term of—
(a) greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding
lease; or
the period during which
the permit, lease, licence
or authority remains in
force.
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Term of title etc.
Item A reference in this Act to... is a reference to...
(c) a greenhouse gas injection
licence; or
(d) a greenhouse gas search
authority; or
(e) a greenhouse gas special
authority—
2 a year of the term of—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding
lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection
licence—
a period of one year
beginning on—
(a) the day on which the
permit, lease or
licence comes into
force; or
(b) any anniversary of
that day.
3 the expiry date of—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding
lease (other than a special
greenhouse gas holding
lease)—
the day on which the
permit or lease ceases to
be in force.
11 Renewal of petroleum titles
For the purposes of this Act, the table has effect—
Renewal of titles
Item Column 1
A reference in this Act to...
Column 2
is a reference to...
1 the renewal, or the grant of a
renewal, of a petroleum
exploration permit
the grant of a petroleum
exploration permit over
some or all of the blocks
specified in the permit
mentioned in column 1,
to begin on—
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Renewal of titles
Item Column 1
A reference in this Act to...
Column 2
is a reference to...
(a) the day after the
expiry date of the
permit mentioned in
column 1; or
(b) the day after the
expiry date of the
petroleum
exploration permit
granted on a
previous renewal of
the permit mentioned
in column 1.
2 the renewal, or the grant of a
renewal, of a petroleum
retention lease
the grant of a petroleum
retention lease over all
of the blocks in relation
to which the lease
mentioned in column 1
was in force, to begin
on—
(a) the day after the
expiry date of the
lease mentioned in
column 1; or
(b) the day after the
expiry date of the
petroleum retention
lease granted on a
previous renewal of
the lease mentioned
in column 1.
3 the renewal, or the grant of a
renewal, of a petroleum
production licence
the grant of a petroleum
production licence over
the block or blocks
specified in the licence
mentioned in column 1,
to begin on—
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Renewal of titles
Item Column 1
A reference in this Act to...
Column 2
is a reference to...
(a) the day after the
expiry date of the
licence mentioned in
column 1; or
(b) the day after the
expiry date of the
petroleum
production licence
granted on a
previous renewal of
the licence
mentioned in
column 1.
12 Renewal of greenhouse gas titles
For the purposes of this Act, the table has effect—
Renewal of titles
Item Column 1
A reference in this Act to...
Column 2
is a reference to...
1 the renewal, or the grant of a
renewal, of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit
the grant of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit over all of
the blocks in relation to which
the permit mentioned in
column 1 was in force, to begin
on the day after the expiry date
of the permit mentioned in
column 1.
2 the renewal, or the grant of a
renewal, of a greenhouse gas
holding lease
the grant of a greenhouse gas
holding lease over all of the
blocks in relation to which the
lease mentioned in column 1
was in force, to begin on the
day after the expiry date of the
lease mentioned in column 1.
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13 Variation of petroleum titles
If a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease, petroleum production licence,
infrastructure licence, pipeline licence, petroleum
special prospecting authority or petroleum access
authority is varied, a reference in this Act to the
permit, lease, licence or authority is a reference to
the permit, lease, licence or authority as varied.
14 Variation of greenhouse gas titles
If—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(d) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(e) a greenhouse gas special authority—
is varied, a reference in this Act to the permit,
lease, licence or authority is a reference to the
permit, lease, licence or authority as varied.
15 Tied titles
(1) This section applies if a greenhouse gas holding
lease (the greenhouse gas lease) is granted under
section 360 to the registered holder of a petroleum
retention lease (the petroleum lease).
(2) For the purposes of this Act, each of the
following—
(a) the greenhouse gas lease;
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease granted by
way of renewal of the greenhouse gas lease;
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence derived
from a lease referred to in paragraph (a)
or (b)—
is tied to each of the following—
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(d) the petroleum lease;
(e) a petroleum retention lease granted by way
of renewal of the petroleum lease;
(f) a petroleum production licence derived from
a lease referred to in paragraph (d) or (e).
16 Vacated area
For the purposes of this Act, the table has effect—
Vacated area
Item In the case of... the vacated area is...
1 a petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease or
petroleum production licence
that has expired
the area constituted by the
blocks over which the
permit, lease or licence was
in force but has not been
renewed.
2 a petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease or
petroleum production licence
that has been wholly revoked or
partly revoked
the area constituted by the
blocks as to which the
permit, lease or licence was
so revoked.
3 a petroleum exploration permit
or petroleum production licence
that has been wholly cancelled
or partly cancelled
the area constituted by the
blocks as to which the
permit or licence was so
cancelled.
4 a petroleum retention lease that
has been cancelled
the lease area.
5 a petroleum production licence
that has been terminated
the licence area.
6 an infrastructure licence that has
been cancelled or terminated
the licence area.
7 a pipeline licence that has been
wholly or partly terminated
the part of the offshore area
in which the pipeline or the
part of the pipeline was
constructed.
8 a pipeline licence that has been
wholly cancelled or partly
cancelled
the part of the offshore area
in which the pipeline or the
part of the pipeline was
constructed.
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Vacated area
Item In the case of... the vacated area is...
9 a petroleum special prospecting
authority that—
(a) has been surrendered or
cancelled; or
(b) has expired—
the authority area.
10 a petroleum access authority
that—
(a) has been revoked or
surrendered; or
(b) has expired—
the authority area.
11 a greenhouse gas assessment
permit that has expired
the area constituted by the
blocks over which the
permit was in force but has
not been renewed.
12 a greenhouse gas holding lease
(other than a special greenhouse
gas holding licence) that has
expired
the area constituted by the
blocks over which the lease
was in force but has not
been renewed.
13 a greenhouse gas assessment
permit that has been cancelled
the permit area.
14 a greenhouse gas holding lease
that has been cancelled
the lease area.
15 a greenhouse gas injection
licence that has been cancelled
the licence area.
16 a greenhouse gas search
authority that—
(a) has been surrendered or
cancelled; or
(b) has expired—
the authority area.
17 a greenhouse gas special
authority that—
(a) has been revoked or
surrendered; or
(b) has expired
the authority area.
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17 Infrastructure facilities
(1) For the purposes of this Act, an infrastructure
facility is a facility, structure or installation for
engaging in any of the activities to which
subsection (2) or (3) applies, so long as—
(a) the facility, structure or installation rests on
the seabed; or
(b) the facility, structure or installation is fixed
or connected to the seabed (whether or not
the facility is floating); or
(c) the facility, structure or installation is
attached or tethered to a facility, structure or
installation referred to in paragraph (a)
or (b).
(2) This subsection applies to the following
activities—
(a) remote control of facilities, structures or
installations used to recover petroleum in a
petroleum production licence area;
(b) processing petroleum recovered in any place,
including—
(i) converting petroleum into another form
by physical or chemical means, or both
(for example, converting it into
liquefied natural gas or methanol); and
(ii) partial processing of petroleum (for
example, by removing water);
(c) storing petroleum before it is transported to
another place;
(d) preparing petroleum for transport to another
place (for example, pumping or
compressing);
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(e) activities related to any of the above—
but, except as mentioned in paragraph (a), this
subsection does not apply to exploring for, or
recovering, petroleum.
(3) This subsection applies to the following
activities—
(a) activities preparatory to injecting a
greenhouse gas substance into an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation (for
example, controlling the flow of a
greenhouse gas substance into the relevant
well);
(b) preparing a greenhouse gas substance for
injection into an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation (for example, pumping,
processing or compressing);
(c) preparing a greenhouse gas substance for
transport to another place (for example,
pumping or compressing);
(d) storing a greenhouse gas substance before it
is—
(i) transported to another place; or
(ii) injected into an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation; or
(iii) subjected to any other activity at a
facility, structure or installation;
(e) monitoring the behaviour of a greenhouse
gas substance stored in an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation;
(f) remote control of facilities, structures or
installations used to—
(i) inject a greenhouse gas substance into
an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation; or
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(ii) store a greenhouse gas substance in an
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation; or
(iii) do anything mentioned in any of the
above paragraphs;
(g) activities related to any of the above.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the injection of
a greenhouse gas substance into an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation is taken to take
place at the top of the relevant well.
18 Terminal station
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, declare any of the following
to be a terminal station for the purposes of this
Act—
(a) a specified petroleum pumping station in the
offshore area;
(b) a specified petroleum tank station in the
offshore area;
(c) a specified petroleum valve station in the
offshore area.
(2) A declaration under subsection (1) has effect
accordingly.
(3) To avoid doubt, a declaration may be made under
subsection (1) whether or not a person has applied
for a pipeline licence.
19 Terminal point
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, declare that a specified point
on a pipe, or system of pipes, for conveying a
greenhouse gas substance is a terminal point for
the purposes of this Act.
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(2) A declaration under subsection (1) has effect
accordingly.
(3) To avoid doubt, a declaration may be made under
subsection (1) whether or not a person has applied
for a pipeline licence.
20 Declared greenhouse gas facility
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, declare that a specified
facility, structure or installation in a greenhouse
gas injection licence area is a declared
greenhouse gas facility for the purposes of this
Act.
(2) A declaration under subsection (1) has effect
accordingly.
21 Extended meaning of explore
(1) For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a person—
(i) carries out a seismic survey, or any
other kind of survey, in the offshore
area; or
(ii) takes samples of the seabed or subsoil
of the offshore area; and
(b) the person does so with the intention that the
person or another could use the survey data,
or information derived from the samples, as
the case may be, for the purpose of
discovering petroleum—
the person is taken to explore for petroleum.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a person—
(i) carries out a seismic survey, or any
other kind of survey, in the offshore
area; or
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(ii) takes samples of the seabed or subsoil
of the offshore area; and
(b) the person does so with the intention that the
person or another could use the survey data,
or information derived from the samples, as
the case may be, for the purpose of
discovering one or more potential
greenhouse gas storage formations—
the person is taken to explore for those potential
greenhouse gas storage formations.
(3) For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a person has reasonable grounds to suspect
that a part of a geological formation could be
an eligible greenhouse gas storage formation;
and
(b) the person carries out an activity for the
purposes of ascertaining either or both of the
following—
(i) the spatial extent of the eligible
greenhouse gas storage formation;
(ii) any of the fundamental suitability
determinants of the eligible greenhouse
gas storage formation—
the person is taken to explore for a potential
greenhouse gas storage formation.
(4) For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a person—
(i) carries out a seismic survey, or any
other kind of survey, in the offshore
area; or
(ii) takes samples of the seabed or subsoil
of the offshore area; and
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(b) the person does so with the intention that the
person or another could use the survey data,
or information derived from the samples, as
the case may be, for the purpose of
discovering one or more potential
greenhouse gas injection sites—
the person is taken to explore for those potential
greenhouse gas injection sites.
22 Potential greenhouse gas storage formation
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a potential
greenhouse gas storage formation is a part of a
geological formation, where that part is suitable,
with or without engineering enhancements, for the
permanent storage of a greenhouse gas substance
injected into that part.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), it is not
necessary to identify the greenhouse gas
substance.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), in determining
whether a part of a geological formation is
suitable, with or without engineering
enhancements, for the permanent storage of a
greenhouse gas substance injected into that part,
regard may be had to reasonably foreseeable
technological developments.
23 Eligible greenhouse gas storage formation
(1) For the purposes of this Act, an eligible
greenhouse gas storage formation is a part of a
geological formation, where that part—
(a) is suitable, without engineering
enhancements, for the permanent storage of a
particular amount of a particular greenhouse
gas substance injected at a particular point or
points into that part over a particular period;
or
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(b) is suitable, with engineering enhancements,
for the permanent storage of a particular
amount of a particular greenhouse gas
substance injected at a particular point or
points into that part over a particular period.
(2) An amount referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (b)
must be at least 100 000 tonnes.
(3) For the purposes of this Act, the spatial extent of
an eligible greenhouse gas storage formation is the
expected migration pathway or pathways, over the
period—
(a) beginning at the start of the particular period
referred to in whichever of subsection (1)(a)
or (b) is applicable; and
(b) ending at the notional site closing certificate
time—
of the particular amount of the particular
greenhouse gas substance injected as mentioned in
whichever of subsection (1)(a) or (b) is applicable.
(4) In determining the spatial extent of an eligible
greenhouse gas storage formation, regard must be
had to—
(a) the fundamental suitability determinants; and
(b) such other matters as are relevant.
(5) The regulations may provide that the expected
migration pathway or pathways are to be
ascertained on the basis of—
(a) one or more assumptions (if any) specified in
the regulations; and
(b) a level of probability specified in the
regulations; and
(c) a methodology (if any) specified in the
regulations.
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(6) For the purposes of the application of this section
to a part of a geological formation covered by
subsection (1)(a), the notional site closing
certificate time is worked out as follows—
(a) assume that the particular amount of the
particular greenhouse gas substance referred
to in that paragraph was injected at the
particular point or points referred to in that
paragraph over the particular period referred
to in that paragraph;
(b) assume that, throughout that period, that part
was an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation;
(c) assume that, throughout that period,
operations for the injection of the greenhouse
gas substance into that part—
(i) were authorised by a greenhouse gas
injection licence; and
(ii) complied with the requirements of this
Act and the regulations;
(d) assume that, at the end of that period,
operations for the injection of the greenhouse
gas substance into that part ceased;
(e) estimate the earliest time after the end of that
period when the Minister would be in a
position to issue a site closing certificate in
relation to the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation;
(f) that time is the notional site closing
certificate time.
(7) For the purposes of the application of this section
to a part of a geological formation covered by
subsection (1)(b), the notional site closing
certificate time is worked out as follows—
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(a) assume that the engineering enhancements
referred to in that paragraph had been made;
(b) assume that the particular amount of the
particular greenhouse gas substance referred
to in that paragraph was injected at the
particular point or points referred to in that
paragraph over the particular period referred
to in that paragraph;
(c) assume that, throughout that period, that part
was an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation;
(d) assume that, throughout that period,
operations for the injection of the greenhouse
gas substance into that part—
(i) were authorised by a greenhouse gas
injection licence; and
(ii) complied with the requirements of this
Act and the regulations;
(e) assume that, at the end of that period,
operations for the injection of the greenhouse
gas substance into that part ceased;
(f) estimate the earliest time after the end of that
period when the Minister would be in a
position to issue a site closing certificate in
relation to the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation;
(g) that time is the notional site closing
certificate time.
(8) For the purposes of this Act, the following are the
fundamental suitability determinants of an
eligible greenhouse gas storage formation—
(a) the particular amount referred to in
whichever of subsection (1)(a) or (b) is
applicable;
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(b) the particular greenhouse gas substance
referred to in whichever of subsection (1)(a)
or (b) is applicable;
(c) the particular point or points referred to in
whichever of subsection (1)(a) or (b) is
applicable;
(d) the particular period referred to in whichever
of subsection (1)(a) or (b) is applicable;
(e) if subsection (1)(b) is applicable—the
engineering enhancements referred to in that
paragraph;
(f) the effective sealing feature, attribute or
mechanism that enables the permanent
storage referred to in whichever of
subsection (1)(a) or (b) is applicable.
24 Potential greenhouse gas injection site
For the purposes of this Act, a potential
greenhouse gas injection site is a place that—
(a) is a suitable place to make a well or wells to
inject a greenhouse gas substance into a part
of a geological formation; and
(b) is wholly situated in the offshore area.
25 Incidental greenhouse gas-related substance
(1) This section applies if either or both of the
following substances (primary greenhouse gas
substances) are captured from a particular source
material—
(a) carbon dioxide;
(b) one or more prescribed greenhouse gases.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, the following are
incidental greenhouse gas-related substances in
relation to a primary greenhouse gas substance—
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(a) any substance that is incidentally derived
from the source material;
(b) any substance that is incidentally derived
from the capture;
(c) if the primary greenhouse gas substance,
whether in a pure form or in a mixture with
other substances, is transported—any
substance that is incidentally derived from
the transportation;
(d) if the primary greenhouse gas substance,
whether in a pure form or in a mixture with
other substances, is injected into a part of a
geological formation—any substance that is
incidentally derived from the injection;
(e) if the primary greenhouse gas substance,
whether in a pure form or in a mixture with
other substances, is stored in a part of a
geological formation—any substance that is
incidentally derived from the storage.
26 Site plan—identified greenhouse gas storage
formation
For the purposes of this Act, a site plan, in
relation to an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, is a document that—
(a) relates to the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation; and
(b) complies with such requirements as are
specified in the regulations; and
(c) is divided into the following parts—
(i) Part A, which sets out predictions for
the behaviour of a greenhouse gas
substance stored in the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation;
(ii) Part B, which deals with other matters.
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27 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—
approval of key petroleum operations
(1) For the purposes of sections 79, 80, 83, 123, 124,
127, 157, 158, 161 and 768(2)(a), the question of
whether there is a significant risk that a key
petroleum operation will have a significant
adverse impact on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
is to be determined in a manner ascertained in
accordance with the regulations.
(2) A manner ascertained in accordance with
regulations made for the purposes of subsection
(1) must take into account—
(a) the probability, or range of probabilities, of
the occurrence of the adverse impact; and
(b) the economic consequences of the adverse
impact; and
(c) the economic consequences of the adverse
impact relative to the potential economic
value of the operations referred to in
whichever of subsection (1)(a) or (b) is
applicable.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters that may
be taken into account.
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) have effect subject to
subsections (5) and (6).
(5) For the purposes of sections 79, 80, 83, 123, 124,
127, 157, 158, 161 and 768(2)(a), a key petroleum
operation will have an adverse impact on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
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(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
(the relevant greenhouse gas operations) if, and
only if, the key petroleum operation will result
in—
(c) an increase in the capital costs (other than
prescribed costs) of the relevant greenhouse
gas operations; or
(d) an increase in the operating costs (other than
prescribed costs) of the relevant greenhouse
gas operations; or
(e) a reduction in the rate of injection of the
greenhouse gas substance; or
(f) a reduction in the quantity of the greenhouse
gas substance that will be able to be stored.
(6) For the purposes of sections 79, 80, 83, 123, 124,
127, 157, 158, 161 and 768(2)(a), if there is a risk
that a key petroleum operation will have an
adverse impact on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
then that risk is not to be treated as significant,
and that adverse impact is not to be treated as
significant, if the amount that, under the
regulations, is taken to be the probability-
weighted impact cost of the key petroleum
operation is less than the amount that, under the
regulations, is taken to be the threshold amount.
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28 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—
grant of petroleum production licence
(1) For the purposes of sections 167 and 168, the
question of whether there is a significant risk that
any of the operations that could be carried on
under a petroleum production licence will have a
significant adverse impact on operations that are
being, or could be, carried on under—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence—
is to be determined in a manner ascertained in
accordance with the regulations.
(2) A manner ascertained in accordance with
regulations made for the purposes of subsection
(1) must take into account—
(a) the probability, or range of probabilities, of
the occurrence of the adverse impact; and
(b) the economic consequences of the adverse
impact; and
(c) the economic consequences of the adverse
impact relative to the potential economic
value of the operations that are being, or
could be, carried on under the permit, lease
or licence referred to in whichever of
subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) is applicable.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters that may
be taken into account.
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) have effect subject to
subsections (5) and (6).
(5) For the purposes of sections 167 and 168, an
operation that could be carried on under a
petroleum production licence (the petroleum
production licence operation) will have an
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adverse impact on operations (the relevant
greenhouse gas operations) that are being, or
could be, carried on under—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence—
if, and only if, the petroleum production licence
operation will result in—
(d) an increase in the capital costs (other than
prescribed costs) of the relevant greenhouse
gas operations; or
(e) an increase in the operating costs (other than
prescribed costs) of the relevant greenhouse
gas operations; or
(f) a reduction in the rate of injection of the
greenhouse gas substance; or
(g) a reduction in the quantity of the greenhouse
gas substance that will be able to be stored.
(6) For the purposes of sections 167 and 168, if there
is a risk that an operation that could be carried on
under a petroleum production licence (the
petroleum production licence operation) will
have an adverse impact on operations that are
being, or could be, carried on under—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence—
then that risk is not to be treated as significant,
and that adverse impact is not to be treated as
significant, if the amount that, under the
regulations, is taken to be the probability-
weighted impact cost of the petroleum production
licence operation is less than the amount that,
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under the regulations, is taken to be the threshold
amount.
29 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—
approval of key greenhouse gas operations
(1) For the purposes of sections 292, 293, 330, 331
and 768(2)(b), the question of whether there is a
significant risk that a key greenhouse gas
operation will have a significant adverse impact
on petroleum exploration operations, or petroleum
recovery operations, that are being, or could be,
carried on under—
(a) an existing petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) an existing petroleum retention lease; or
(c) an existing petroleum production licence; or
(d) a future petroleum exploration permit; or
(e) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(f) a future petroleum production licence—
is to be determined in a manner ascertained in
accordance with the regulations.
(2) A manner ascertained in accordance with
regulations made for the purposes of subsection
(1) must take into account—
(a) the probability, or range of probabilities, of
the occurrence of the adverse impact; and
(b) the economic consequences of the adverse
impact; and
(c) the economic consequences of the adverse
impact relative to the potential economic
value of the petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that are being, or could be,
carried on under the permit, lease or licence
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referred to in whichever of subsection (1)(a),
(b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) is applicable.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters that may
be taken into account.
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) have effect subject to
subsections (5) and (6).
(5) For the purposes of sections 292, 293, 330, 331
and 768(2)(b), a key greenhouse gas operation
will have an adverse impact on petroleum
exploration operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that are being, or could be, carried on
under—
(a) an existing petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) an existing petroleum retention lease; or
(c) an existing petroleum production licence; or
(d) a future petroleum exploration permit; or
(e) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(f) a future petroleum production licence—
if, and only if, the key greenhouse gas operation
will result in—
(g) an increase in the capital costs (other than
prescribed costs) of the petroleum
exploration operations or petroleum recovery
operations; or
(h) an increase in the operating costs (other than
prescribed costs) of the petroleum
exploration operations or petroleum recovery
operations; or
(i) a reduction in the rate of recovery of the
petroleum; or
(j) a reduction in the quantity of the petroleum
that will be able to be recovered.
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(6) For the purposes of sections 292, 293, 330, 331
and 768(2)(b), if there is a risk that a key
greenhouse gas operation will have an adverse
impact on petroleum exploration operations, or
petroleum recovery operations, that are being, or
could be, carried on under—
(a) an existing petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) an existing petroleum retention lease; or
(c) an existing petroleum production licence; or
(d) a future petroleum exploration permit; or
(e) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(f) a future petroleum production licence—
then that risk is not to be treated as significant,
and that adverse impact is not to be treated as
significant, if the amount that, under the
regulations, is taken to be the probability-
weighted impact cost of the key greenhouse gas
operation is less than the amount that, under the
regulations, is taken to be the threshold amount.
30 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—
grant of greenhouse gas injection licence
(1) For the purposes of sections 382, 383, 395 and
768(2)(c), the question of whether there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under a greenhouse gas
injection licence will have a significant adverse
impact on operations that are being, or could be,
carried on under—
(a) an existing petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) an existing petroleum retention lease; or
(c) an existing petroleum production licence; or
(d) a future petroleum exploration permit; or
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(e) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(f) a future petroleum production licence—
is to be determined in a manner ascertained in
accordance with the regulations.
(2) A manner ascertained in accordance with
regulations made for the purposes of subsection
(1) must take into account—
(a) the probability, or range of probabilities, of
the occurrence of the adverse impact; and
(b) the economic consequences of the adverse
impact; and
(c) the economic consequences of the adverse
impact relative to the potential economic
value of the operations that are being, or
could be, carried on under the permit, lease
or licence referred to in whichever of
subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) is
applicable.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters that may
be taken into account.
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) have effect subject to
subsections (5) and (6).
(5) For the purposes of sections 382, 383, 395 and
768(2)(c), an operation that could be carried on
under a greenhouse gas injection licence (the
injection licence operation) will have an adverse
impact on operations (the relevant petroleum
operations) that are being, or could be, carried on
under—
(a) an existing petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) an existing petroleum retention lease; or
(c) an existing petroleum production licence; or
(d) a future petroleum exploration permit; or
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(e) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(f) a future petroleum production licence—
if, and only if, the injection licence operation will
result in—
(g) an increase in the capital costs (other than
prescribed costs) of the relevant petroleum
operations; or
(h) an increase in the operating costs (other than
prescribed costs) of the relevant petroleum
operations; or
(i) a reduction in the rate of recovery of the
petroleum; or
(j) a reduction in the quantity of the petroleum
that will be able to be recovered.
(6) For the purposes of sections 382, 383, 395 and
768(2)(c), if there is a risk that an operation that
could be carried on under a greenhouse gas
injection licence (the injection licence operation)
will have an adverse impact on operations that are
being, or could be, carried on under—
(a) an existing petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) an existing petroleum retention lease; or
(c) an existing petroleum production licence; or
(d) a future petroleum exploration permit; or
(e) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(f) a future petroleum production licence—
then that risk is not to be treated as significant,
and that adverse impact is not to be treated as
significant, if the amount that, under the
regulations, is taken to be the probability-
weighted impact cost of the injection licence
operation is less than the amount that, under the
regulations, is taken to be the threshold amount.
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31 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—
power of Minister to protect petroleum
(1) For the purposes of sections 410 and 768(2)(d),
the question of whether there is a significant risk
that any of the operations that are being, or could
be, carried on under a greenhouse gas injection
licence will have a significant adverse impact
on—
(a) operations to recover petroleum; or
(b) the commercial viability of the recovery of
petroleum—
is to be determined in a manner ascertained in
accordance with the regulations.
(2) A manner ascertained in accordance with
regulations made for the purposes of subsection
(1) must take into account—
(a) the probability, or range of probabilities, of
the occurrence of the adverse impact; and
(b) the economic consequences of the adverse
impact; and
(c) the economic consequences of the adverse
impact relative to the potential economic
value of the operations or recovery referred
to in whichever of subsection (1)(a) or (b) is
applicable.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters that may
be taken into account.
(4) Subsections (1) and (2) have effect subject to
subsections (5) and (6).
(5) For the purposes of sections 410 and 768(2)(d), an
operation that could be carried on under a
greenhouse gas injection licence (the injection
licence operation) will have an adverse impact
on—
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(a) operations to recover petroleum; or
(b) the commercial viability of the recovery of
petroleum—
if, and only if, the injection licence operation will
result in—
(c) an increase in the capital costs (other than
prescribed costs) of the recovery of the
petroleum; or
(d) an increase in the operating costs (other than
prescribed costs) of the recovery of the
petroleum; or
(e) a reduction in the rate of recovery of the
petroleum; or
(f) a reduction in the quantity of the petroleum
that will be able to be recovered.
(6) For the purposes of sections 410 and 768(2)(d), if
there is a risk that an operation that is being, or
could be, carried on under a greenhouse gas
injection licence (the injection licence operation)
will have an adverse impact on—
(a) operations to recover petroleum; or
(b) the commercial viability of the recovery of
petroleum—
then that risk is not to be treated as significant,
and that adverse impact is not to be treated as
significant, if the amount that, under the
regulations, is taken to be the probability-
weighted impact cost of the injection licence
operation is less than the amount that, under the
regulations, is taken to be the threshold amount.
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32 Securities
(1) For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence is in force; and
(b) either—
(i) the successful applicant for the permit,
lease or licence lodged a security with
the Minister in response to the offer
document for the permit, lease or
licence; or
(ii) the registered holder, or a former
registered holder, of the permit, lease or
licence lodged a security with the
Minister in response to a notice under
section 489; and
(c) the security has not been wholly
discharged—
the security is taken to be in force in relation to
the permit, lease or licence.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a site closing certificate is in force; and
(b) the successful applicant for the certificate
lodged a security with the Minister in
response to the pre-certificate notice for the
site closing certificate; and
(c) the security has not been wholly
discharged—
the security is taken to be in force in relation to
the site closing certificate.
Note
For pre-certificate notice, see sections 420, 421, 422 and 423.
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33 Designated agreements
For the purposes of this Act, a designated
agreement is an agreement of the kind referred to
in any of the following provisions—
(a) section 79(2)(f);
(b) section 79(3)(d);
(c) section 80;
(d) section 123(2)(f);
(e) section 123(3)(d);
(f) section 124;
(g) section 157(2)(f);
(h) section 157(3)(d);
(i) section 158;
(j) section 292(2)(d);
(k) section 292(3)(d);
(l) section 293(1);
(m) section 293(2);
(n) section 330(2)(d);
(o) section 330(3)(d);
(p) section 331(1);
(q) section 331(2);
(r) section 382(1)(d)(iii);
(s) section 382(1)(e)(iii);
(t) section 383(1)(d)(iii);
(u) section 383(1)(e)(iii);
(v) section 384(1)(a);
(w) section 395(d)(v);
(x) section 395(e);
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(y) section 395(f);
(z) section 395(g);
(za) section 410(1)(e).
34 Ascertainment of wellhead for purposes of Act
For the purposes of this Act, the wellhead, in
relation to any petroleum, is—
(a) the valve station that is agreed between a
petroleum exploration permittee, petroleum
retention lessee or petroleum production
licensee and the Minister; or
(b) if there is no agreement as to the valve
station within the period allowed by the
Minister for agreement to be reached—the
valve station determined by the Minister.
35 Ascertainment of value of petroleum at wellhead
For the purposes of this Act, the value at the
wellhead of any petroleum is—
(a) the amount that is agreed between a
petroleum exploration permittee, petroleum
retention lessee or petroleum production
licensee and the Minister; or
(b) if there is no agreement as to the amount
within the period allowed by the Minister for
agreement to be reached—the amount
determined by the Minister.
36 Ascertainment of quantity of petroleum recovered
For the purposes of this Act, the quantity of
petroleum recovered by a petroleum exploration
permittee, petroleum retention lessee or petroleum
production licensee from a well during a period is
taken to be—
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(a) the quantity measured during that period by a
measuring device approved by the Minister
and installed at the wellhead or at any other
place the Minister approves; or
(b) if a measuring device is not installed, or the
Minister is not satisfied that the quantity of
petroleum recovered by the permittee, lessee
or licensee from that well has been properly
or accurately measured by a measuring
device referred to in paragraph (a)—the
quantity determined by the Minister as being
the quantity recovered by the permittee,
lessee or licensee from that well during that
period.
37 Graticulation of Earth's surface and constitution of
blocks
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the surface of the
Earth is taken to be divided—
(a) by the meridian of Greenwich and by
meridians that are at an angular distance
from that meridian of 5 minutes, or a
multiple of 5 minutes, of longitude; and
(b) by the equator and by parallels of latitude
that are at an angular distance from the
equator of 5 minutes, or a multiple of
5 minutes, of latitude—
into sections called graticular sections, each of
which is bounded—
(c) by portions of 2 of those meridians that are at
an angular distance from each other of
5 minutes of longitude; and
(d) by portions of 2 of those parallels of latitude
that are at an angular distance from each
other of 5 minutes of latitude.
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(2) For the purposes of this Act—
(a) a graticular section that is wholly within the
offshore area constitutes a block; and
(b) if a part only of a graticular section is, or
parts only of a graticular section are, within
the offshore area, the area of that part, or of
those parts, constitutes a block.
(3) A reference in this Act to a block that is
constituted by a graticular section includes a
reference to a block that is constituted by the area
of a part only, or by the areas of parts only, of a
graticular section.
(4) A reference in this Act to a graticular section that
constitutes a block includes a reference to—
(a) a graticular section only part of which
constitutes a block; or
(b) a graticular section only parts of which
constitute a block.
Note
For datum, see section 40.
Division 2—Datum provisions
38 Objects
The objects of this Division are—
(a) to use the Australian Geodetic Datum to
determine the position of graticular sections
or blocks; and
(b) to use the Geocentric Datum of Australia to
determine the position of certain other areas;
and
(c) to enable the position of a point, line or area
to be described, in a title or other instrument
under this Act, using—
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(i) the Geocentric Datum of Australia; or
(ii) another datum identified in the
regulations—
(but not so as to change the position of a
point, line or area).
39 Definitions
In this Division—
Australian Geodetic Datum means the Australian
Geodetic Datum as defined in
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 84
of 6 October 1966 (AGD66 geodetic data
set);
Geocentric Datum of Australia means the
Geocentric Datum of Australia as defined in
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 35
of 6 September 1995 (GDA94 geocentric
data set);
greenhouse gas title means—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(d) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(e) a greenhouse gas special authority;
instrument under this Act does not include the
regulations;
petroleum title means—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence; or
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(f) a petroleum special prospecting
authority; or
(g) a petroleum access authority;
this Act includes the regulations;
title means—
(a) a greenhouse gas title; or
(b) a petroleum title.
40 Australian Geodetic Datum
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the position on the
surface of the Earth of a graticular section or
block is to be determined by reference to the
Australian Geodetic Datum.
Note
Australian Geodetic Datum is defined in section 39.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply for the purposes of
describing, in a title or other instrument under this
Act, the position on the surface of the Earth of a
point, line or area.
41 Geocentric Datum of Australia
(1) For the purposes of this Act, the position on the
surface of the Earth of—
(a) an area described in Schedule 1; or
(b) the area described in Schedule 2—
is to be determined by reference to the Geocentric
Datum of Australia.
Note
1 Schedule 1 describes the scheduled area for Victoria.
2 Schedule 2 describes the area that includes the area to
be avoided.
3 Geocentric Datum of Australia is defined in
section 39.
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(2) Subsection (1) does not apply for the purposes of
describing, in a title or other instrument under this
Act, the position on the surface of the Earth of a
point, line or area.
42 Current datum, previous datum and changeover
time
(1) The regulations may declare that, for the purposes
of describing, in a title or other instrument under
this Act, the position on the surface of the Earth of
a point, line or area—
(a) a specified datum is the current datum; and
(b) that datum replaces the previous datum.
(2) The previous datum is—
(a) if a datum is the first datum declared to be
the current datum under subsection (1)—the
Geocentric Datum of Australia; or
(b) in any other case—the datum that was the
current datum immediately before the
changeover time.
(3) The changeover time is the time when the
declaration takes effect.
(4) Before the first declaration under subsection (1)
takes effect, the Geocentric Datum of Australia
applies for the purposes of describing, in a title or
other instrument under this Act, the position on
the surface of the Earth of a point, line or area.
43 Use of current datum
For the purposes of this Act, after the changeover
time, for a title or instrument set out in the table,
the position on the surface of the Earth of a point,
line or area set out in the table is to be described
by reference to the current datum, and the relevant
title or instrument may be annotated
accordingly—
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Points, lines and areas
Item Title or instrument Point, line or area
1 a petroleum exploration
permit
the permit area of a petroleum
exploration permit granted after
the changeover time
2 a petroleum retention
lease
the lease area of a petroleum
retention lease granted after the
changeover time
3 a petroleum production
licence
the licence area of a petroleum
production licence granted after
the changeover time
4 an infrastructure licence the licence area of an infrastructure
licence granted after the
changeover time
5 a petroleum special
prospecting authority
the authority area of a petroleum
special prospecting authority
granted after the changeover time
6 a petroleum access
authority
the authority area of a petroleum
access authority granted after the
changeover time
7 a pipeline licence the route of a pipeline authorised
by a pipeline licence granted after
the changeover time
8 any other instrument
under this Act
a point, line or area set out in any
other instrument under this Act
made after the changeover time
Note
A grant of a petroleum exploration permit, a petroleum retention
lease or a petroleum production licence may be a grant by way of
renewal—see section 11.
44 Use of previous datum
(1) For the purposes of this Act, after the changeover
time, for a title or instrument set out in the table,
the position on the surface of the Earth of a point,
line or area set out in the table is to be described
by reference to the previous datum—
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Points, lines and areas
Item Title or instrument Point, line or area
1 a petroleum exploration
permit
the permit area of a petroleum
exploration permit that was in
force immediately before the
changeover time
2 a petroleum retention
lease
the lease area of a petroleum
retention lease that was in force
immediately before the changeover
time
3 a petroleum production
licence
the licence area of a petroleum
production licence that was in
force immediately before the
changeover time
4 an infrastructure licence the licence area of an infrastructure
licence that was in force
immediately before the changeover
time
5 a petroleum special
prospecting authority
the authority area of a petroleum
special prospecting authority that
was in force immediately before
the changeover time
6 a petroleum access
authority
the authority area of a petroleum
access authority that was in force
immediately before the changeover
time
7 a pipeline licence the route of a pipeline authorised
by a pipeline licence that was in
force immediately before the
changeover time
8 any other instrument
under this Act
a point, line or area set out in any
other instrument under this Act
that was in force immediately
before the changeover time
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(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to section 45
(which deals with variation of titles and
instruments).
45 Variation of titles and instruments
The table has effect—
Variation of titles and instruments
Item
The regulations may authorise the
Minister to issue an instrument
varying... for the sole purpose of...
1 a petroleum exploration permit
that was in force immediately
before the changeover time
relabelling the permit area
using geographic
coordinates based on the
current datum.
2 a petroleum retention lease that
was in force immediately before
the changeover time
relabelling the lease area
using geographic
coordinates based on the
current datum.
3 a petroleum production licence
that was in force immediately
before the changeover time
relabelling the licence area
using geographic
coordinates based on the
current datum.
4 an infrastructure licence that was
in force immediately before the
changeover time
relabelling the licence area
using geographic
coordinates based on the
current datum.
5 a petroleum special prospecting
authority or a petroleum access
authority that was in force
immediately before the
changeover time
relabelling the authority
area using geographic
coordinates based on the
current datum.
6 a pipeline licence that was in force
immediately before the
changeover time
relabelling the route of the
pipeline using geographic
coordinates based on the
current datum.
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Variation of titles and instruments
Item
The regulations may authorise the
Minister to issue an instrument
varying... for the sole purpose of...
7 any other instrument under this
Act that—
(a) sets out a point, line or area;
and
(b) was in force immediately
before the changeover time
relabelling the point, line
or area using geographic
coordinates based on the
current datum.
8 a title or other instrument under
this Act
inserting an annotation
about the applicable
datum.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
variation, see section 731.
46 Variation of applications for titles
The regulations may authorise the Minister to
issue an instrument varying an application for a
title for the sole purpose of relabelling a point,
line or area by reference to geographic coordinates
based on the current datum.
47 No change to actual position of point, line or area
This Division does not authorise any change to the
position on the surface of the Earth of a point, line
or area.
48 Transitional regulations
The regulations may make provision for matters
of a transitional nature arising from the change
from the previous datum to the current datum.
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Division 3—Apportionment of petroleum recovered from
adjoining title areas
49 Title
In this Division—
title means—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence.
50 Titleholder and title area
For the purposes of this Division, the table has
effect—
Titleholder and title area
Item In the case of... the titleholder is... and the title area is...
1 a petroleum
exploration
permit
the permittee the permit area.
2 a petroleum
retention lease
the lessee the lease area.
3 a petroleum
production
licence
the licensee the licence area.
51 Petroleum recovered through inclined well
For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a wellhead is situated in the title area of a
title (the first title); and
(b) the well from that wellhead is inclined so as
to enter a petroleum pool at a place within an
adjoining title area of a title (the second title)
of the same titleholder; and
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(c) the pool does not extend to the title area of
the first title—
any petroleum recovered through that well is
taken to have been recovered in the adjoining title
area under the second title.
52 Petroleum pool straddling 2 title areas etc.
For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a petroleum pool is partly in the title area of
a title and partly in an adjoining title area of
a title of the same titleholder (whether in the
offshore area or not); and
(b) petroleum is recovered from that pool
through a well or wells in one or both of the
title areas—
then—
(c) there is taken to have been recovered in each
of the title areas, under the title in relation to
the title area, such proportion of all
petroleum so recovered as may reasonably
be treated as being derived from that area,
having regard to the nature and probable
extent of the pool; and
(d) the respective proportions are to be
determined by agreement between—
(i) the titleholder; and
(ii) the Minister—
or, in the absence of agreement, by the
Supreme Court on the application of the
titleholder or the Minister.
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53 Petroleum pool straddling State title area and
Commonwealth title area
For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a petroleum pool is partly in the title area of
a title and partly in an area (the
Commonwealth title area) in which the
titleholder has authority under the
Commonwealth Act to explore for, or
recover, petroleum; and
(b) petroleum is recovered from that pool
through a well or wells in the title area of the
title, the Commonwealth title area, or both—
then—
(c) there is taken to have been recovered in the
title area of the title such proportion of all
petroleum so recovered as may reasonably
be treated as being derived from that area,
having regard to the nature and probable
extent of the pool; and
(d) that proportion is to be determined by
agreement between—
(i) the titleholder of the title; and
(ii) the Joint Authority; and
(iii) the Minister—
or, in the absence of agreement, by the
Supreme Court on the application of—
(iv) the titleholder of the title; or
(v) the Joint Authority; or
(vi) the Minister.
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54 Petroleum pool straddling State title area and
another State title area
For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a petroleum pool is partly in the title area of
a title and partly in an area (the other State
title area) in which the titleholder has
authority under a corresponding State law to
explore for, or recover, petroleum; and
(b) petroleum is recovered from that pool
through a well or wells in the title area of the
title, the other State title area, or both—
then—
(c) there is taken to have been recovered in the
title area of the title such proportion of all
petroleum so recovered as may reasonably
be treated as being derived from that area,
having regard to the nature and probable
extent of the pool; and
(d) that proportion is to be determined by
agreement between—
(i) the titleholder of the title; and
(ii) the Minister; and
(iii) the Minister of the Crown in right of
the other State who is administering the
corresponding State law—
or, in the absence of agreement, by the
Supreme Court on the application of —
(iv) the titleholder of the title; or
(v) either of those Ministers.
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55 Unit development
For the purposes of this Act, if—
(a) a petroleum pool is—
(i) partly in a petroleum production licence
area; and
(ii) partly in another area (whether in the
offshore area or not) in relation to
which another person has authority
(whether under this Act, the
Commonwealth Act or under the law of
another State or a Territory) to explore
for or recover petroleum; and
(b) a unit development agreement in accordance
with section 184 is in force between the
licensee and that other person; and
(c) petroleum is recovered from that pool
through a well or wells in the licence area,
the other area or both—
there is taken to have been recovered in that
licence area such proportion of all petroleum so
recovered as is specified in, or determined in
accordance with, the agreement.
56 Supreme Court determinations for purposes of this
Division
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a petroleum pool is—
(i) partly in a title area of a title; and
(ii) partly in another area outside the
offshore area in which the titleholder
has, under the Commonwealth Act or a
corresponding State law, authority to
explore for, or recover, petroleum; and
(b) petroleum is recovered from that pool; and
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(c) the Supreme Court of another State makes a
determination, under the Commonwealth
Act or a corresponding State law, of the
proportion of the petroleum recovered from
that pool that is, for the purposes of the
Commonwealth Act or the corresponding
State law, to be taken to have been recovered
from the other area.
(2) The Supreme Court must not make a
determination under this Division that is
inconsistent with the determination of the
Supreme Court of the other State.
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PART 1.3—ADMINISTRATION OF THE COMMONWEALTH
OFFSHORE AREA
57 Minister as member of Joint Authority
(1) The Minister may exercise any power which the
Commonwealth Act is expressed to authorise the
Minister to exercise as a member of the Joint
Authority.
(2) The Minister must perform any function which the
Commonwealth Act is expressed to require the
Minister to perform as a member of the Joint
Authority.
58 Minister as Designated Authority
The Minister is authorised to perform the
functions and exercise the powers which the
Commonwealth Act is expressed to require or
empower the Designated Authority in respect of
the Commonwealth defined offshore area to
perform or exercise.
59 Delegations under Commonwealth Act
If, in the exercise of a power which the
Commonwealth Act is expressed to confer upon
the Designated Authority in respect of the
Commonwealth defined offshore area, the
Minister delegates a power to a person who is an
employee in the public service or who holds any
office in the service of the State of Victoria, the
person may exercise the power.
60 Public servants performing functions under
Commonwealth Act
An employee in the public service of Victoria
must perform any function which the Minister, as
the Designated Authority in respect of the
Commonwealth defined offshore area, or as a
member of the Joint Authority, requires the
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employee to perform in relation to the
Commonwealth Act.
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PART 1.4—SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES
61 Principles of sustainable development
(1) It is the intention of Parliament that in the
administration of this Act regard should be given
to the principles of sustainable development.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, the principles of
sustainable development are that—
(a) individual and community wellbeing and
welfare should be enhanced by following a
path of economic development that
safeguards the welfare of future generations;
(b) there should be equity within and between
generations;
(c) biological diversity should be protected and
ecological integrity maintained;
(d) there should be recognition of the need to
develop a strong, growing, diversified and
internationally competitive economy that can
enhance the capacity for environmental
protection;
(e) measures to be adopted should be cost-
effective and flexible, not disproportionate to
the issues being addressed, including
improved valuation, pricing and incentive
mechanisms;
(f) both long-term and short-term economic,
environmental, social and equity
considerations should be effectively
integrated into decision-making;
(g) if there are threats of serious or irreversible
environmental damage, lack of full scientific
certainty should not be used as a reason for
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postponing measures to prevent
environmental degradation;
(h) decision-making should be guided by—
(i) a careful evaluation to avoid serious or
irreversible damage to the environment
wherever practicable; and
(ii) an assessment of the risk-weighted
consequences of various options;
(i) key petroleum operations and key
greenhouse gas operations should make a
positive contribution to regional
development and respect the aspirations of
the community and of Indigenous peoples;
(j) decisions and actions should provide for
community involvement in issues that affect
them.
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PART 1.5—APPLICATION PROVISIONS
62 Application of Act
This Act applies to the offshore area that—
(a) starts from the baseline from which the
breadth of the territorial sea is measured off
Victoria; and
(b) extends to 3 nautical miles from the baseline
from which the breadth of the territorial sea
is measured off Victoria.
63 Disapplication of State occupational health and
safety laws
(1) The prescribed occupational health and safety
laws do not apply in relation to—
(a) a facility; or
(b) a person at a facility; or
(c) a person near a facility, to the extent to
which the person is affected by—
(i) a facility; or
(ii) activities that take place at a facility; or
(d) activities that take place at a facility.
(2) A reference in subsection (1) to the prescribed
occupational health and safety laws is a reference
to such of the provisions of those laws that, but for
subsection (1), would apply in the offshore area
by virtue of section 57 of the Interpretation of
Legislation Act 1984 or the cooperative scheme
within the meaning of the Crimes at Sea Act
1999.
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(3) In this section—
facility has the same meaning as in Schedule 3;
prescribed occupational health and safety laws
mean any laws of the State relating to
occupational health and safety (whether or
not they also relate to other matters) that are
prescribed by the regulations for the
purposes of this section.
(4) This section applies despite anything to the
contrary in section 57 of the Interpretation of
Legislation Act 1984 or the Crimes at Sea Act
1999.
64 Relationship with other Acts
(1) This Act is not intended to exclude or limit the
concurrent operation of any of the following
Acts—
(a) the Dangerous Goods Act 1985;
(b) the Environment Protection Act 1970;
(c) the Water Act 1989.
(2) If a provision of this Act is inconsistent with a
provision of an Act referred to in subsection (1),
the provision of the Act referred to in that
subsection prevails.
(3) Nothing in this Act affects the operation of any of
the following Acts—
(a) the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006;
(b) the Coastal Management Act 1995;
(c) the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988;
(d) the National Parks Act 1975.
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65 Underground geological storage formation is the
property of the Crown
(1) The Crown owns all underground geological
storage formations below the surface of any
submerged land in the offshore area.
(2) The Crown is not liable to pay any compensation
in respect of a loss caused by the operation of this
section.
66 Crown retains Crown land rights
In conferring any grant, lease, licence or other
tenure of any Crown land after the
commencement of this section on any person, the
Crown retains all rights that it has in relation to
any underground geological storage formation
below the surface of that land, unless otherwise
stated in the document by which the grant, lease,
licence or other tenure is conferred.
67 Ownership of greenhouse gas substance
If a greenhouse gas injection licence is cancelled
or surrendered, the Crown becomes the owner of
any greenhouse gas substance that has been
injected into an underground geological formation
under that licence.
68 Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown in right of Victoria and,
so far as the legislative power of the Parliament
permits, the Crown in all its other capacities.
69 Act applies subject to international obligations
The provisions of this Act have effect subject to
the obligations of Australia under international
law, including obligations under any agreement
between Australia and any other country or
countries.
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CHAPTER 2—REGULATION OF ACTIVITIES
RELATING TO PETROLEUM
PART 2.1—INTRODUCTION
70 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Chapter.
(2) This Chapter 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).
(3) A petroleum exploration permit authorises the
permittee to explore for petroleum in the permit
area.
(4) If a petroleum pool is identified in a petroleum
exploration permit area, the Minister may declare
a location over the blocks to which the petroleum
pool extends.
(5) After the declaration of a location, the permittee
may apply for a petroleum retention lease or a
petroleum production licence.
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(6) A petroleum retention lease is granted if the
recovery of petroleum is not currently
commercially viable, but is likely to become
commercially viable within 15 years. The lessee
may apply for a petroleum production licence.
(7) A petroleum production licence authorises the
licensee to carry out petroleum recovery
operations in the licence area.
(8) An infrastructure licence authorises the licensee to
construct and operate an infrastructure facility in
the licence area. An infrastructure facility may
relate to petroleum or a greenhouse gas substance.
(9) A pipeline licence authorises the licensee to
construct and operate a pipeline. A pipeline may
be used to convey petroleum or a greenhouse gas
substance.
(10) A petroleum special prospecting authority
authorises the holder to carry on petroleum
exploration operations in the authority area
(but not to make a well).
(11) A petroleum access authority authorises the holder
to carry on certain petroleum exploration
operations, and certain operations relating to the
recovery of petroleum, in the authority area
(but not to make a well).
(12) Part 2.9 provides for the grant of petroleum
scientific investigation consents. A petroleum
scientific investigation consent authorises the
holder to carry on petroleum exploration
operations in the course of a scientific
investigation.
(13) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this
Chapter.
__________________
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PART 2.2—PETROLEUM EXPLORATION PERMITS
Division 1—General provisions
71 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) It is an offence to explore for petroleum in the
offshore area except—
(a) under a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) as otherwise authorised or required by or
under this Act.
(3) This Part provides for the grant of petroleum
exploration permits over blocks in the offshore
area.
(4) A petroleum exploration permit authorises the
permittee to explore for petroleum in the permit
area.
(5) There are 3 types of petroleum exploration
permits—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit granted on
the basis of work program bidding
(a work-bid petroleum exploration permit);
(b) a petroleum exploration permit granted on
the basis of cash bidding (a cash-bid
petroleum exploration permit);
(c) a petroleum exploration permit granted over
a surrendered block or certain other blocks
(a special petroleum exploration permit).
(6) If a petroleum pool is identified in a petroleum
exploration permit area, the Minister may declare
a location over the blocks to which the petroleum
pool extends.
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(7) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
72 Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for
petroleum in offshore area
A person must not intentionally explore for
petroleum in the offshore area unless that
exploration is—
(a) authorised by a petroleum exploration
permit; or
(b) otherwise authorised or required by or under
this Act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
73 Rights conferred by petroleum exploration permit
(1) A petroleum exploration permit authorises the
permittee, in accordance with the conditions
(if any) to which the permit is subject—
(a) to explore for petroleum in the permit area;
and
(b) to recover petroleum on an appraisal basis in
the permit area; and
(c) to carry on such operations, and execute such
works, in the permit area as are necessary for
those purposes.
(2) Express references in this Act to the injection or
storage of a substance do not imply that
subsection (1) does not operate so as to authorise
the permittee—
(a) to carry on operations to inject a substance
into the seabed or subsoil of the offshore
area; or
(b) to carry on operations to store (whether on a
permanent basis or otherwise) a substance in
the seabed or subsoil of the offshore area.
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(3) The regulations may provide that a petroleum
exploration permit authorises the permittee, in
accordance with the conditions (if any) to which
the permit is subject—
(a) to explore in the permit area for a potential
greenhouse gas storage formation; and
(b) to explore in the permit area for a potential
greenhouse gas injection site; and
(c) to carry on such operations, and execute such
works, in the permit area as are necessary for
those purposes.
(4) The rights conferred on the permittee by or under
subsection (1) or (3) are subject to this Act and the
regulations.
74 Conditions of petroleum exploration permits
(1) The Minister may grant a petroleum exploration
permit subject to whatever conditions the Minister
thinks appropriate.
Note
A grant of a permit may be a grant by way of renewal—see
section 11.
(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
permit.
75 Standard conditions of work-bid petroleum
exploration permits and special petroleum
exploration permits
(1) Any or all of the following conditions may be
specified in a work-bid petroleum exploration
permit or a special petroleum exploration
permit—
(a) conditions requiring the permittee to carry
out work in, or in relation to, the permit area
(including conditions requiring the permittee
to carry out the work during a period of
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12 months or longer, or during periods each
of which is 12 months or longer);
(b) conditions relating to the amounts that the
permittee must spend in carrying out such
work;
(c) conditions requiring the permittee to comply
with directions that—
(i) relate to the matters covered by
paragraphs (a) and (b); and
(ii) are given in accordance with the
permit.
(2) Subsection (1) does not limit sections 74(1) or
77(3).
76 Restrictions on conditions of cash-bid petroleum
exploration permits
Despite section 74(1), a cash-bid petroleum
exploration permit must not be granted subject to
conditions requiring the permittee to—
(a) carry out work in, or in relation to, the permit
area; or
(b) spend particular amounts on the carrying out
of work in, or in relation to, the permit area.
Note
A grant of a permit may be a grant by way of renewal—see
section 11.
77 Conditions of declared petroleum exploration
permits—approval of key petroleum operations
(1) A declared petroleum exploration permit is
subject to the condition that the permittee will not
carry on key petroleum operations under the
permit unless the Minister has approved the
operations under section 78.
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(2) Despite section 74(2), the condition mentioned in
subsection (1) does not need to be specified in the
permit.
(3) If, under section 78, the Minister approves the
carrying on of one or more key petroleum
operations under a declared petroleum exploration
permit, the Minister may, by written notice given
to the permittee, vary the permit by imposing one
or more conditions to which the permit is subject.
(4) A variation of a declared petroleum exploration
permit under subsection (3) takes effect on the day
on which notice of the variation is given to the
permittee.
(5) A condition imposed under subsection (3) may
require the permittee to ensure that—
(a) all wells; or
(b) one or more specified wells—
made in the permit area by any person engaged or
concerned in operations authorised by the permit
are made in a manner, and to a standard, that will
facilitate the plugging or closing off of the wells
in a way that restores or maintains the suitability
of a part of a geological formation for the
permanent storage of greenhouse gas substances.
(6) Subsection (5) does not limit—
(a) subsection (3); or
(b) Part 6.2; or
(c) Part 6.4.
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(7) If—
(a) a declared petroleum exploration permit is
subject to a condition; and
(b) the condition was imposed under
subsection (3)—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
permittee, vary or revoke the condition.
(8) A variation of a declared petroleum exploration
permit under subsection (7) takes effect on the day
on which notice of the variation is given to the
permittee.
(9) Subsection (7) does not limit section 260.
78 Declared petroleum exploration permit—approval
by Minister of key petroleum operations
(1) The registered holder of a declared petroleum
exploration permit may apply to the Minister for
approval to carry on one or more key petroleum
operations under the permit.
(2) If an application for approval is made under
subsection (1), the Minister may—
(a) give the approval; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to give the approval.
(3) In deciding whether to give the approval, the
Minister must comply with sections 79 and 80.
79 Minister must have regard to certain matters before
approving key petroleum operations
(1) The Minister must have regard to the impact
(if any) that any of the key petroleum operations
to which an application under section 78 relates
could have on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
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(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on under—
(c) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(d) an existing greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(e) an existing greenhouse gas injection licence;
or
(f) if a greenhouse gas assessment permit or a
greenhouse gas holding lease is in force over
a block or blocks—
(i) a future greenhouse gas holding lease
over the block or any of the blocks; or
(ii) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence over the block or any of the
blocks.
(2) If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations to which an application under
section 78 relates will have a significant adverse
impact on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on under—
(c) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit held by a person other than the
applicant; or
(d) an existing greenhouse gas holding lease
held by a person other than the applicant; or
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(e) an existing greenhouse gas injection licence
held by a person other than the applicant—
the Minister must have regard to—
(f) whether the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence, as the case may be, has
agreed, in writing, to the applicant carrying
on the key petroleum operations in respect of
which the Minister is so satisfied; and
(g) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(3) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations to which an application under
section 78 relates will have a significant
adverse impact on—
(i) operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
(ii) operations for the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance—
that could be carried on under—
(iii) a future greenhouse gas holding lease
over a block or blocks; or
(iv) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence over a block or blocks; and
(b) a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence is in force over the
block or any of the blocks; and
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(c) the greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence is held by a person
other than the applicant—
the Minister must have regard to—
(d) whether the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence covered by
paragraph (b) has agreed, in writing, to the
applicant carrying on the key petroleum
operations in respect of which the Minister is
so satisfied; and
(e) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(4) The Minister must have regard to the public
interest.
(5) Subsections (1), (2) and (3) do not limit
subsection (4).
(6) This section does not limit the matters to which
the Minister may have regard to in deciding
whether to give an approval under section 78.
80 Minister must not give approval in certain
circumstances
If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations to which an application for approval
under section 78 relates will have a significant
adverse impact on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
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(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on under an
existing greenhouse gas injection licence, the
Minister must not give the approval under section
78 unless the registered holder of the greenhouse
gas injection licence has agreed, in writing, to the
applicant carrying on the key petroleum
operations in respect of which the Minister is so
satisfied.
81 No right to an approval
To avoid doubt, section 73 does not imply that a
petroleum exploration permittee who applies for
approval under section 78(1) is entitled to be
given the approval.
82 Suspension of rights to be disregarded
For the purposes of sections 78, 79 and 80,
disregard a suspension of rights under section 470.
83 Declared petroleum exploration permits
(1) If—
(a) a post-commencement petroleum exploration
permit is in force; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations that could be carried on under the
permit will have a significant adverse impact
on—
(i) operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
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(ii) operations for the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on
under—
(iii) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(iv) an existing greenhouse gas holding
lease; or
(v) an existing greenhouse gas injection
licence; or
(vi) a future greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(vii) a future greenhouse gas holding lease;
or
(viii) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
petroleum exploration permittee, determine that
the petroleum exploration permit is a declared
petroleum exploration permit for the purposes of
this Act.
(2) If—
(a) a determination is in force under subsection
(1) in relation to a post-commencement
petroleum exploration permit; and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations that could be carried on under the
permit will have a significant adverse impact
on—
(i) operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
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(ii) operations for the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on
under—
(iii) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(iv) an existing greenhouse gas holding
lease; or
(v) an existing greenhouse gas injection
licence; or
(vi) a future greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(vii) a future greenhouse gas holding lease;
or
(viii) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
petroleum exploration permittee, revoke the
determination.
84 Duration of petroleum exploration permit
(1) The duration of a petroleum exploration permit is
worked out using the table—
Duration of petroleum exploration permits
Item This kind of permit... remains in force...
1 an original petroleum
exploration permit
for the period of 6 years beginning
on—
(a) the day on which the permit is
granted; or
(b) if a later day is specified in the
permit as the day on which the
permit is to come into force—that
later day.
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Duration of petroleum exploration permits
Item This kind of permit... remains in force...
2 a petroleum
exploration permit
granted by way of
renewal
for the period of 5 years beginning
on—
(a) the day on which the permit is
granted; or
(b) if a later day is specified in the
permit as the day on which the
permit is to come into force—that
later day.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Notes
1 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of
a petroleum exploration permit if the permittee applies
for a petroleum retention lease or petroleum production
licence, see section 85.
2 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of
petroleum exploration permits pending decisions on
renewal applications, see section 102(5).
3 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of
cash-bid petroleum exploration permits, see section 97.
4 For special rules about the extension of the duration of
a petroleum exploration permit following a suspension
or exemption decision, see sections 261 and 263.
5 For the revocation of a petroleum exploration permit,
see section 180.
6 For special rules about when a petroleum exploration
permit ceases to be in force following the grant of a
petroleum retention lease or petroleum production
licence, see sections 134 and 171.
7 For the surrender of a petroleum exploration permit,
see Part 2.12.
8 For the cancellation of a petroleum exploration permit,
see Part 2.13.
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85 Extension of petroleum exploration permit if
permittee applies for petroleum retention lease or
petroleum production licence
(1) If—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit over a block
or blocks cannot be renewed or further
renewed; and
(b) before the time when the permit would, apart
from this subsection, expire, the permittee
applies to the Minister for the grant by the
Minister of a petroleum retention lease or
petroleum production licence over the block
or one or more of the blocks; and
(c) the block or blocks covered by the
application are included in a location—
the table has effect—
Extension of permit
Item In this case... the permit continues in force over the
block or blocks covered by the
application until...
1 the Minister gives the
permittee an offer
document relating to a
petroleum retention
lease or petroleum
production licence over
the block or one or
more of the blocks
the lease or licence is granted, the
permittee withdraws the application
or the application lapses.
2 the application is for a
petroleum retention
lease and the Minister
decides not to grant the
lease to the permittee
the end of the period of one year after
the day on which the notice of refusal
was given to the permittee.
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Extension of permit
Item In this case... the permit continues in force over the
block or blocks covered by the
application until...
3 the application is for a
petroleum production
licence and the Minister
decides not to grant the
licence to the permittee
notice of the decision is given to the
permittee.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter
but despite section 84.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 84.
Division 2—Obtaining a work-bid petroleum exploration
permit
86 Application for work-bid petroleum exploration
permit—advertising of blocks
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette—
(a) invite applications for the grant by the
Minister of a petroleum exploration permit
over the block, or any or all of the blocks,
specified in the notice; and
(b) specify a period within which applications
may be made.
(2) If the Minister has published a notice under
section 93(1) inviting applications for the grant of
a petroleum exploration permit over a block, the
block must not be specified in a notice under
subsection (1) of this section at any time during
the period specified in the section 93(1) notice.
Note
Section 93(1) deals with cash-bid petroleum exploration
permits.
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(3) An application under this section must be
accompanied by details of—
(a) the applicant's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the block or blocks
specified in the application; and
(b) the technical qualifications of the applicant
and of the applicant's employees; and
(c) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
(d) the financial resources available to the
applicant.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(4) The number of blocks specified in an application
under this section must not be more than 400.
(5) If 16 or more blocks are available, the number of
blocks specified in an application under this
section must not be less than 16.
(6) If less than 16 blocks are available, the number of
blocks specified in an application under this
section must be the number available.
(7) Subsections (5) and (6) do not apply to
applications if the Minister, for reasons that the
Minister thinks sufficient, includes in the
subsection (1) notice a direction that subsections
(5) and (6) do not apply to those applications.
(8) The blocks specified in an application under this
section must be blocks that are constituted by
graticular sections that—
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(a) constitute a single area; and
(b) are such that each graticular section in that
area has a side in common with at least one
other graticular section in that area.
(9) Subsection (8) does not apply to applications if
the Minister, for reasons that the Minister thinks
sufficient, includes in the subsection (1) notice a
direction that subsection (8) does not apply to
those applications.
87 Grant of work-bid petroleum exploration permit—
offer document
(1) This section applies if an application for the grant
of a petroleum exploration permit has been made
under section 86.
(2) The Minister may—
(a) give the applicant a written notice (called an
offer document) telling the applicant that the
Minister is prepared to grant the applicant a
petroleum exploration permit over the block
or blocks specified in the offer document; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to grant a petroleum exploration
permit to the applicant.
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 254 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 254(3).
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88 Granting of offer document for work-bid petroleum
exploration permit
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister publishes a notice under section
86(1) inviting applications for the grant of a
petroleum exploration permit; and
(b) at the end of the period specified in the
notice, 2 or more applications have been
made under section 86 for the grant of a
petroleum exploration permit over the same
block or blocks.
(2) The Minister may give an offer document under
section 87 to whichever applicant, in the
Minister's opinion, is most deserving of the grant
of the petroleum exploration permit.
(3) In determining which of the applicants is most
deserving of the grant of the petroleum
exploration permit, the Minister—
(a) must have regard to criteria made publicly
available by the Minister; and
(b) may rank the applications in accordance with
section 89.
89 Ranking of applications for work-bid petroleum
exploration permit
(1) For the purposes of section 88, the Minister may
rank the applicants for a petroleum exploration
permit in the order in which, in the Minister's
opinion, they are deserving of the grant of the
petroleum exploration permit, with the most
deserving applicant being ranked highest.
(2) The Minister may exclude from the ranking any
applicant who, in the Minister's opinion, is not
deserving of the grant of the petroleum
exploration permit.
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(3) If the Minister—
(a) has considered the information
accompanying the applications; and
(b) is of the opinion that 2 or more of the
applicants are equally deserving of the grant
of the petroleum exploration permit—
the Minister may, by written notice given to each
of those applicants, invite them to give the
Minister details (the work/expenditure details) of
their proposals for additional work and
expenditure in relation to the block or blocks
concerned.
(4) A notice under subsection (3) must—
(a) specify the kinds of work/expenditure details
that the Minister considers to be relevant in
determining which of the applicants is most
deserving of the grant of the petroleum
exploration permit; and
(b) specify the period within which the
work/expenditure details must be given to
the Minister.
(5) If an applicant gives work/expenditure details to
the Minister, and those details are—
(a) of a kind specified in the notice; and
(b) given within the period specified in the
notice—
the Minister must have regard to the details in
determining which of the applicants is most
deserving of the grant of the petroleum
exploration permit.
Note
See also section 92, which deals with the effect of the
withdrawal or lapse of an application.
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90 Grant of work-bid petroleum exploration permit
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 87; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section—
the Minister must grant the applicant a petroleum
exploration permit over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Note
If the applicant does not make a request under section 256 within
the period applicable under that section, the application lapses at
the end of that period—see section 256(4).
91 Withdrawal of application
(1) This section applies if the Minister publishes a
notice under section 86(1) inviting applications
for the grant of a petroleum exploration permit.
(2) If a person has made an application, the person
may, by written notice given to the Minister,
withdraw the application at any time before a
petroleum exploration permit is granted as a result
of the application.
(3) If 2 or more persons have made a joint
application, all of those persons may, by written
notice given to the Minister, withdraw the
application at any time before a petroleum
exploration permit is granted as a result of the
application.
(4) If—
(a) a joint application was made under
section 86 for the grant of a petroleum
exploration permit; and
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(b) all of the joint applicants, by written notice
given to the Minister, tell the Minister that
one or more, but not all, of them, as specified
in the notice, withdraw from the
application—
then—
(c) the application continues in force as if it had
been made by the remaining applicant or
applicants; and
(d) if the Minister had given the joint applicants
an offer document in relation to the
application—the Minister is taken not to
have given the offer document to the joint
applicants.
92 Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application
(1) This section applies if—
(a) 2 or more applications have been made under
section 86 for the grant of a petroleum
exploration permit over the same block or
blocks; and
(b) one or more, but not all, of the applications
are withdrawn or have lapsed.
(2) A withdrawn or lapsed application is taken not to
have been made.
(3) If the Minister gave an offer document in relation
to a withdrawn or lapsed application, the Minister
is taken not to have given an offer document in
relation to the withdrawn or lapsed application.
(4) If the applicant, or one of the applicants, whose
application had been withdrawn had requested the
Minister under section 256 to grant a petroleum
exploration permit to the applicant concerned, the
request is taken not to have been made.
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(5) If the following conditions are satisfied in relation
to a remaining applicant—
(a) the Minister had refused to grant a petroleum
exploration permit to the remaining
applicant;
(b) the Minister did not exclude the remaining
applicant from the ranking under
section 89(2)—
the refusal is taken not to have occurred.
Division 3—Obtaining a cash-bid petroleum exploration
permit
93 Application for cash-bid petroleum exploration
permit
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette—
(a) invite applications by way of cash bidding
for the grant by the Minister of a petroleum
exploration permit over the block or blocks
specified in the notice; and
(b) specify a period within which applications
may be made.
(2) If the Minister has published a notice under
section 86(1) inviting applications for the grant of
a petroleum exploration permit over a block, the
block must not be specified in a notice under
subsection (1) of this section at any time during
the period specified in the section 86(1) notice.
Note
Section 86(1) deals with work-bid petroleum exploration
permits.
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(3) A notice under subsection (1) must—
(a) state whether the permit is able to be
renewed; and
(b) contain a summary of the conditions to
which the permit will be subject; and
(c) specify the matters that the Minister will take
into account in deciding whether to reject an
application.
(4) If a notice under subsection (1) specifies more
than one block, those blocks must be constituted
by graticular sections that—
(a) constitute a single area; and
(b) are such that each graticular section in that
area has a side in common with at least one
other graticular section in that area.
(5) If a notice under subsection (1) specifies more
than one block, an application under this section
must be for a petroleum exploration permit over
all of the specified blocks.
(6) An application under this section must—
(a) be accompanied by details of—
(i) the technical qualifications of the
applicant and of the applicant's
employees; and
(ii) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
(iii) the financial resources available to the
applicant; and
(b) specify the amount that the applicant would
be prepared to pay for the grant of the
permit.
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Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about application
procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied by an
application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the applicant to
give further information.
94 Grant of cash-bid petroleum exploration permit—
only one application
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister publishes a notice under section
93(1) inviting applications for the grant of a
petroleum exploration permit over a block or
blocks; and
(b) at the end of the period specified in the
notice, only one application has been made
under section 93 in relation to the block or
blocks.
(2) The Minister may—
(a) give the applicant a written notice (called an
offer document) telling the applicant that the
Minister is prepared to grant the applicant a
petroleum exploration permit over that block
or those blocks; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
reject the application.
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under section 254 to
provide further information, the Minister may refuse to give
the applicant an offer document—see section 254(3).
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95 Grant of cash-bid petroleum exploration permit—
2 or more applications
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister publishes a notice under section
93(1) inviting applications for the grant of a
petroleum exploration permit over a block or
blocks; and
(b) at the end of the period specified in the
notice, 2 or more applications have been
made under section 93 in relation to the
block or blocks.
(2) The Minister may reject any or all of the
applications.
(3) If the Minister does not reject all of the
applications, the table has effect—
Unrejected applications
Item If... the Minister may give a
written notice (called an
offer document) to...
1 only one application remains
unrejected
the applicant.
2 (a) 2 or more applications remain
unrejected; and
(b) the amounts specified in the
applications under section
93(6)(b) are equal
one of those applicants.
3 (a) 2 or more applications remain
unrejected; and
(b) the amounts specified in the
applications under section
93(6)(b) are not equal; and
(c) the amount specified in one of
the applications is higher than
the amount or amounts specified
in the remaining application or
applications
whichever of those
applicants specified the
highest amount.
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Unrejected applications
Item If... the Minister may give a
written notice (called an
offer document) to...
4 (a) 3 or more applications remain
unrejected; and
(b) 2 or more of the amounts
specified in the applications
under section 93(6)(b) are—
(i) equal; and
(ii) higher than the amount or
amounts specified in the
remaining application or
applications
one of the applicants who
specified the equal highest
amount.
(4) An offer document given to an applicant must tell
the applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant
the applicant a petroleum exploration permit over
the block or blocks.
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If an applicant breaches a requirement under
section 254 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 254(3).
(5) If—
(a) an applicant is given an offer document
under this section; and
(b) the application lapses as provided by
section 256 or 257; and
(c) there are one or more remaining unrejected
applications—
subsections (3) and (4) of this section apply in
relation to the remaining unrejected applications.
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(6) If the Minister does not give an offer document to
an applicant, the Minister must, by written notice
given to the applicant, inform the applicant that
the application was unsuccessful.
96 Grant of cash-bid petroleum exploration permit
(1) If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 94 or 95; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
(c) the applicant has paid the specified amount
within the period applicable under
section 257—
the Minister must grant the applicant a petroleum
exploration permit over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 256 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 256(4).
2 If the applicant has not paid the specified amount
within the period applicable under section 257, the
application lapses at the end of that period—see
section 257(1).
(2) For the purposes of this section, the specified
amount is the amount specified in the offer
document as the amount that the applicant must
pay for the grant of the petroleum exploration
permit.
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97 Extension of cash-bid petroleum exploration permit
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a cash-bid petroleum exploration permit
expires; and
(b) the permit cannot be renewed.
Note
See section 103 (non-renewable permits) and section 104
(limit on renewal of permits).
(2) If, before the expiry of the permit—
(a) the Minister had required the permittee to
nominate, under section 113, a block or
blocks in relation to which the permit was in
force; and
(b) the permittee had not complied with the
requirement—
the permit continues in force over that block or
those blocks until the end of the period the
permittee has to comply with the requirement.
(3) If, before the expiry of the permit—
(a) a block or blocks in relation to which the
permit was in force had been nominated
under section 112; or
(b) both—
(i) a declaration under section 114 had
been made in relation to a block or
blocks in relation to which the permit
was in force; and
(ii) the permittee had not requested that the
declaration be revoked—
the permit continues in force over that block or
those blocks until whichever of the following
events happens first—
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(c) a declaration under section 114 in relation to
the block or blocks is revoked;
(d) a petroleum retention lease or a petroleum
production licence is granted in relation to
the block or blocks;
(e) the application period referred to in
section 114 in relation to the block or blocks
ends without the permittee making an
application under that section for a
petroleum retention lease in relation to the
block or blocks.
(4) This section has effect subject to this Chapter but
despite section 84.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 84.
Division 4—Obtaining a special petroleum exploration
permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks
98 Application for a special petroleum exploration
permit over a surrendered block or certain other
blocks
(1) If—
(a) a petroleum retention lease is surrendered,
cancelled or revoked to the extent to which it
relates to a block or blocks; or
(b) a petroleum production licence is
surrendered or cancelled to the extent to
which it relates to a block or blocks; or
(c) a petroleum production licence that relates to
a block or blocks is terminated; or
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(d) both—
(i) a petroleum exploration permit is
surrendered, cancelled or revoked to the
extent to which it relates to a block or
blocks; and
(ii) at the time of the surrender,
cancellation or revocation, the block or
blocks were, or were included in, a
location—
the Minister may, at any later time, by notice
published in the Government Gazette—
(e) invite applications for the grant by the
Minister of a petroleum exploration permit
over that block or such of those blocks as are
specified in the notice; and
(f) specify a period within which applications
may be made.
(2) A notice under subsection (1) must state that an
applicant must specify an amount that the
applicant would be prepared to pay for the grant
of the permit.
(3) If a notice under subsection (1) specifies more
than one block, an application under this section
must be for a petroleum exploration permit over
all of the specified blocks.
(4) An application under this section must—
(a) be accompanied by details of—
(i) the applicant's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the block or
blocks specified in the application; and
(ii) the technical qualifications of the
applicant and of the applicant's
employees; and
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(iii) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
(iv) the financial resources available to the
applicant; and
(b) specify the amount that the applicant would
be prepared to pay for the grant of the
permit.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(5) An application under this section must be
accompanied by a deposit of 10% of the amount
that the applicant has specified under
subsection (4)(b).
(6) If the permit is not granted, the deposit must be
refunded to the applicant.
(7) Subsection (6) does not apply if—
(a) the applicant has been given an offer
document under section 99 or 100 in relation
to the application; and
(b) the applicant does not, under section 256,
request the grant of the permit.
99 Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—
only one application
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister publishes a notice under section
98(1) inviting applications for the grant of a
petroleum exploration permit over a block or
blocks; and
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(b) at the end of the period specified in the
notice, only one application has been made
under section 98 in relation to the block or
blocks.
(2) The Minister may—
(a) give the applicant a written notice (called an
offer document) telling the applicant that the
Minister is prepared to grant the applicant a
petroleum exploration permit over that block
or those blocks; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
reject the application.
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 254 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 254(3).
100 Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—
2 or more applications
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister publishes a notice under section
98(1) inviting applications for the grant of a
petroleum exploration permit over a block or
blocks; and
(b) at the end of the period specified in the
notice, 2 or more applications have been
made under section 98 in relation to the
block or blocks.
(2) The Minister may reject any or all of the
applications.
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(3) If the Minister does not reject all of the
applications, the table has effect—
Unrejected applications
Item If...
the Minister may give
a written notice (called
an offer document) to...
1 only one application remains unrejected the applicant.
2 (a) 2 or more applications remain
unrejected; and
(b) the amounts specified in the
applications under section 98(4)(b)
are equal
one of those
applicants.
3 (a) 2 or more applications remain
unrejected; and
(b) the amounts specified in the
applications under section 98(4)(b)
are not equal; and
(c) the amount specified in one of the
applications is higher than the
amount or amounts specified in the
remaining application or
applications
whichever of those
applicants specified the
highest amount.
4 (a) 3 or more applications remain
unrejected; and
(b) 2 or more of the amounts specified
in the applications under section
98(4)(b) are—
(i) equal; and
(ii) higher than the amount or
amounts specified in the
remaining application or
applications
one of the applicants
who specified the
equal highest amount.
(4) An offer document given to an applicant must tell
the applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant
the applicant a petroleum exploration permit over
the block or blocks.
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Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If an applicant breaches a requirement under
section 254 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 254(3).
(5) If—
(a) an applicant is given an offer document
under this section; and
(b) the application lapses as provided by
section 256 or 257; and
(c) there are one or more remaining unrejected
applications—
subsections (3) and (4) of this section apply in
relation to the remaining unrejected applications.
(6) If the Minister does not give an offer document to
an applicant, the Minister must, by written notice
given to the applicant, inform the applicant that
the application was unsuccessful.
101 Grant of special petroleum exploration permit
(1) If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 99 or 100; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
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(c) the applicant has paid the specified balance
within the period applicable under
section 257—
the Minister must grant the applicant a petroleum
exploration permit over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 256 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 256(4).
2 If the applicant has not paid the specified balance
within the period applicable under section 257, the
application lapses at the end of that period—see section
257(2).
(2) For the purposes of this section, the specified
balance is the balance specified in the offer
document as the balance of the amount that the
applicant must pay for the grant of the petroleum
exploration permit.
Division 5—Renewal of petroleum exploration permits
102 Application for renewal of petroleum exploration
permit
(1) A petroleum exploration permittee may apply to
the Minister for the renewal by the Minister of the
permit in relation to such of the blocks the subject
of the permit as are specified in the application.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
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(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to the following
provisions—
(a) section 103 (non-renewable cash-bid
petroleum exploration permits);
(b) section 104 (limit on renewal of cash-bid
petroleum exploration permits);
(c) section 105 (limits on renewal of work-bid
petroleum exploration permits and special
petroleum exploration permits);
(d) section 106 (standard halving rules);
(e) section 107 (modified halving rules).
(3) An application to renew a petroleum exploration
permit must be made at least 90 days before the
expiry date of the permit.
(4) Despite subsection (3), the Minister may accept an
application to renew a petroleum exploration
permit if the application is made—
(a) later than 90 days before the expiry date of
the permit; and
(b) before the expiry date of the permit.
(5) If—
(a) a petroleum exploration permittee makes an
application to renew the permit; and
(b) the permit would, apart from this subsection,
expire—
(i) before the Minister grants, or refuses to
grant, the renewal of the permit; or
(ii) before the application lapses as
provided by section 256—
the permit continues in force—
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(c) until the Minister grants, or refuses to grant,
the renewal of the permit; or
(d) until the application so lapses—
whichever happens first.
(6) Subsection (5) has effect subject to this Chapter
but despite section 84.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 84.
103 Non-renewable cash-bid petroleum exploration
permits
A petroleum exploration permittee must not apply
to renew a cash-bid petroleum exploration permit
if the notice under section 93(1) relating to the
grant of the permit stated that the permit was not
able to be renewed.
104 Limit on renewal of cash-bid petroleum exploration
permits
A petroleum exploration permittee must not apply
to renew a cash-bid petroleum exploration permit
if the Minister has previously granted a renewal of
the permit.
105 Limits on renewal of work-bid petroleum
exploration permits and special petroleum
exploration permits
(1) This section applies to an application for renewal
of a work-bid petroleum exploration permit or a
special petroleum exploration permit.
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(2) The table has effect—
Limits on renewal
Item In this case...
Do the
standard
halving rules
in section 106
and rules in
section 107
apply?
Can the
permit be
renewed
more than
twice?
1 an application for
renewal of a work-bid
petroleum exploration
permit, where the
original petroleum
exploration permit was
granted—
(a) on or after 1 January
2003; and
(b) as a result of an
application made in
response to an
invitation in a notice
that was published
under section 86(1)
on or after 1 January
2003
Yes No
2 an application for
renewal of a special
petroleum exploration
permit, where the
original petroleum
exploration permit was
granted on or after
1 January 2003
Yes No
3 any other application
for renewal of a
petroleum exploration
permit
Yes Yes, so
long as the
standard
halving
rules do
not prevent
the
renewal
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106 Standard halving rules
(1) This section sets out the standard halving rules.
(2) This section applies to—
(a) an application for renewal of a cash-bid
petroleum exploration permit that is capable
of being renewed; and
(b) an application for renewal that is covered by
item 1, 2 or 3 of the table in section 105(2).
(3) The maximum number of blocks in relation to
which an application for a renewal of a permit
may be made is worked out using the table—
Maximum number of blocks
Item In this case...
the maximum number of
blocks is...
1 the number of non-location blocks in
relation to which the permit is in force
is a number (the divisible number) that
is divisible by 2 without remainder
one-half of the divisible
number.
2 the number of non-location blocks in
relation to which the permit is in force
is a number that is one less or one
more than a number (the divisible
number) that is divisible by 4 without
remainder
one-half of the divisible
number.
(4) Subsection (3) has effect subject to section 107.
(5) An application to renew a permit may include, in
addition to the blocks worked out under
subsection (3)—
(a) a block that is, or is included in, a location
and in relation to which the permit is in
force; or
(b) 2 or more blocks covered by paragraph (a).
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(6) In this section—
non-location block means a block that is neither a
location nor included in a location.
107 Additional rules relating to renewals of cash-bid
petroleum exploration permits
(1) This section applies to—
(a) an application for renewal of a cash-bid
petroleum exploration permit that is capable
of being renewed; and
(b) an application for renewal that is covered by
item 1, 2 or 3 of the table in section 105(2).
(2) An application cannot be made to renew a permit
in relation to only one block.
(3) If a permit is in force in relation to 5 or 6 blocks,
an application may be made to renew the permit in
relation to 4 of those blocks.
(4) If a permit is in force in relation to 2, 3 or
4 blocks, an application may be made to renew the
permit in relation to all those blocks.
(5) If a permit is renewed as a result of an application
referred to in subsection (4), an application may
not be made for the further renewal of the permit.
108 Renewal of petroleum exploration permit—offer
document
(1) This section applies if an application to renew a
petroleum exploration permit has been made
under section 102.
(2) The Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to renew
the permit if each of the following has been
complied with—
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(a) the conditions to which the petroleum
exploration permit is, or has from time to
time been, subject;
(b) the provisions of this Chapter, Chapter 4,
Chapter 6 and Part 7.1;
(c) the regulations.
Note
Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
(3) The Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to renew
the permit if—
(a) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
exploration permit is, or has from time
to time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the renewal of the permit.
Note
Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer documents
(for example, a requirement that an offer document must contain a
summary of conditions).
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109 Refusal to renew petroleum exploration permit
(1) This section applies if an application to renew a
petroleum exploration permit has been made
under section 102.
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to renew the permit if—
(a) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
exploration permit is, or has from time
to time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the renewal of the permit.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 258.
110 Renewal of petroleum exploration permit
The Minister must renew a petroleum exploration
permit to which an application under section 119
relates if—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 108; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section.
Note
If the applicant does not make a request under section 256 within
the period applicable under that section, the application lapses at
the end of that period—see section 256(4).
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Division 6—Locations
111 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Division.
(2) If a petroleum pool is identified in a petroleum
exploration permit area, the Minister may declare
a location over the blocks to which the petroleum
pool extends.
(3) Generally, the blocks must be nominated for
declaration by the permittee.
(4) The Minister may require the permittee to
nominate the blocks.
(5) The declaration may be revoked or varied in
certain circumstances.
(6) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this
Division.
112 Nomination of blocks as a location
(1) If—
(a) a petroleum pool is identified in a petroleum
exploration permit area; and
(b) the permittee or another person has, whether
in or outside the permit area, recovered
petroleum from the pool—
the permittee may nominate, for declaration as a
location—
(c) if the pool extends to only one block in the
permit area—that block; or
(d) if the pool extends to 2 or more blocks in the
permit area—those blocks.
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(2) If—
(a) 2 or more petroleum pools are identified in a
petroleum exploration permit area; and
(b) the permittee or another person has, whether
in or outside the permit area, recovered
petroleum from each of those pools—
the permittee may, instead of making a
nomination under subsection (1) in relation to
each pool, nominate for declaration as a single
location—
(c) all of the blocks to which the pools extend;
or
(d) all of the blocks to which any 2 or more of
the pools extend.
(3) To be effective, a nomination under subsection (2)
that relates to 2 or more pools must be such that,
in the case of each of the pools, at least one of the
blocks to which the pool extends immediately
adjoins a block to which the other, or another, of
those pools extends.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), a block
immediately adjoins another block if the graticular
section that constitutes or includes that block and
the graticular section that constitutes or includes
that other block—
(a) have a side in common; or
(b) are joined together at one point only.
(5) A nomination under this section must be—
(a) in writing; and
(b) given to the Minister.
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113 Requirement to nominate blocks as a location
(1) If—
(a) the Minister is of the opinion that a
petroleum exploration permittee is entitled to
nominate a block or blocks under section
112(1) or (2); and
(b) the permittee has not done so—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
permittee, require the permittee to nominate the
block or blocks within—
(c) 90 days after the day on which the notice
was given; or
(d) such longer period, not more than 180 days
after the day on which the notice was given,
as the Minister allows.
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(d) only on written application made
by the permittee within the period of 90 days
mentioned in subsection (1)(c).
(3) If the permittee does not comply with the
requirement, the Minister may, by written notice
given to the permittee, nominate the block or
blocks for declaration as a location.
114 Declaration of location
(1) If—
(a) a petroleum exploration permittee has made
a nomination under section 112; and
(b) the Minister is of the opinion that the
permittee is entitled under that section to
nominate the block or blocks specified in the
nomination—
the Minister must, by writing, declare the
nominated block or blocks to be a location.
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(2) A copy of a declaration under subsection (1) must
be published in the Government Gazette.
(3) The Minister may form an opinion for the
purposes of this section if the Minister considers
that there are reasonable grounds for doing so
having regard to any information the Minister has,
whether given by the permittee or otherwise.
(4) If the Minister has made a nomination under
section 113, the Minister must, by notice
published in the Government Gazette, declare the
nominated block or blocks to be a location.
115 Revocation of declaration
(1) If—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit is in force
over a block that constitutes, or the blocks
that constitute, a location; and
(b) the permittee requests the Minister to revoke
the declaration of the location—
the Minister may, by writing, revoke the
declaration of the location.
(2) A copy of a revocation under subsection (1) is to
be published in the Government Gazette.
(3) If—
(a) a block or blocks constituting or forming part
of a location was or were the subject of a
petroleum exploration permit or a petroleum
retention lease; and
(b) that block is, or those blocks are, no longer
the subject of the permit or lease—
the Minister must, by notice published in the
Government Gazette—
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(c) in a case where that block constitutes, or
those blocks constitute, that location—
revoke the declaration of that location; or
(d) in a case where that block forms, or those
blocks form, part of that location—revoke
the declaration of that location to the extent
to which the declaration relates to that block
or those blocks.
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to a
block if—
(a) a person has applied for the grant of a
petroleum production licence over the block,
and the Minister has not made a decision in
relation to the application; or
(b) a petroleum production licence is in force in
relation to the block.
(5) Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to a
block if—
(a) a person has applied for the grant of a
petroleum retention lease over the block, and
the Minister has not made a decision in
relation to the application; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease is in force in
relation to the block.
(6) If a petroleum retention lease is granted in relation
to a block or blocks forming part of a location, the
Minister must, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, revoke the declaration of the
location to the extent to which the declaration
relates to the block that is, or the blocks that are,
not within the petroleum retention lease area.
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(7) If—
(a) the Minister refuses to grant a petroleum
retention lease in relation to a block or
blocks constituting or forming part of a
location; and
(b) the reason, or one of the reasons, for the
refusal is that the Minister is not satisfied as
to the matter referred to in section 131(b)(ii)
(which deals with commercial viability)—
the Minister must, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, revoke the declaration of
that location.
Note
If a petroleum exploration permit is in force over a block
that constitutes a location, the permittee's application for a
petroleum retention lease over the block is rejected as
mentioned in subsection (7), and the permittee wants to
apply for a petroleum production licence, then the permittee
must re-nominate the block for declaration as a location
before the permittee applies for the petroleum production
licence.
(8) If—
(a) an application for the grant of a petroleum
production licence has been made under
section 164 or 166; and
(b) the application specifies 2 or more blocks;
and
(c) a petroleum production licence is granted in
respect of—
(i) only one of the blocks; or
(ii) some, but not all, of the blocks; and
(d) the remaining block or blocks form part of a
location—
the Minister must, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, revoke the declaration of the
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location to the extent to which the declaration
relates to the remaining block or blocks.
Notes
1 Section 164 deals with applications by permittees.
2 Section 166 deals with applications by lessees.
116 Variation of declaration
(1) If a petroleum exploration permit is in force over a
block that constitutes, or blocks that constitute, a
location, the Minister may, by writing, vary the
declaration of the location—
(a) by adding to the location a block—
(i) that is in the permit area; and
(ii) to which, in the opinion of the Minister,
a petroleum pool within the location
extends; or
(b) by deleting from the location a block to
which, in the opinion of the Minister, no
petroleum pool within the location extends.
(2) A copy of a variation under subsection (1) is to be
published in the Government Gazette.
(3) The Minister may vary a declaration only if—
(a) the permittee requests the variation; or
(b) all of the following conditions are satisfied—
(i) the Minister gives the permittee written
notice of the proposed variation,
identifying the block to be added to, or
deleted from, the location;
(ii) the notice invites the permittee to give
the Minister a submission about the
proposed variation;
(iii) the notice specifies a time limit for
making the submission;
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(iv) the Minister has considered any
submission made in accordance with
the notice.
(4) The time limit must be at least 30 days after the
notice is given.
(5) The Minister may form an opinion for the
purposes of this section if the Minister considers
that there are reasonable grounds for doing so
having regard to any information the Minister has,
whether given by the permittee or otherwise.
__________________
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PART 2.3—PETROLEUM RETENTION LEASES
Division 1—General provisions
117 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) This Part provides for the grant of petroleum
retention leases over blocks in the offshore area.
(3) A petroleum retention lease authorises the lessee
to explore for petroleum in the lease area.
(4) A petroleum retention lease over a block may be
granted to—
(a) the holder of a petroleum exploration permit
over the block; or
(b) the holder of a life-of-field petroleum
production licence over the block.
(5) The criteria for granting a petroleum retention
lease over a block are—
(a) the block contains petroleum; and
(b) the recovery of petroleum is not currently
commercially viable, but is likely to become
commercially viable within 15 years.
(6) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
118 Rights conferred by petroleum retention lease
(1) A petroleum retention lease authorises the lessee,
in accordance with the conditions (if any) to
which the lease is subject—
(a) to explore for petroleum in the lease area;
and
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(b) to recover petroleum on an appraisal basis in
the lease area; and
(c) to carry on such operations, and execute such
works, in the lease area as are necessary for
those purposes.
(2) Express references in this Act to the injection or
storage of a substance do not imply that
subsection (1) does not operate so as to authorise
the lessee—
(a) to carry on operations to inject a substance
into the seabed or subsoil of the offshore
area; or
(b) to carry on operations to store (whether on a
permanent basis or otherwise) a substance in
the seabed or subsoil of the offshore area.
(3) The regulations may provide that a petroleum
retention lease authorises the lessee, in accordance
with the conditions (if any) to which the lease is
subject—
(a) to explore in the lease area for a potential
greenhouse gas storage formation; and
(b) to explore in the lease area for a potential
greenhouse gas injection site; and
(c) to carry on such operations, and execute such
works, in the lease area as are necessary for
those purposes.
(4) The rights conferred on the lessee by or under
subsection (1) or (3) are subject to this Act and the
regulations.
119 Conditions of petroleum retention leases
(1) The Minister may grant a petroleum retention
lease subject to whatever conditions the Minister
thinks appropriate.
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(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
lease.
120 Standard conditions of petroleum retention leases
(1) A petroleum retention lease is subject to a
condition that if the Minister gives the lessee a
written notice requesting the lessee to—
(a) re-evaluate the commercial viability of
petroleum production in the lease area
(otherwise than by the drilling of wells); and
(b) inform the Minister in writing of the results
of the re-evaluation—
the lessee must comply with the request within—
(c) the period of 90 days after the notice is
given; or
(d) such longer period as the Minister allows.
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(d) only on written application made
by the lessee within the period of 90 days
mentioned in subsection (1)(c).
(3) If a petroleum retention lessee has complied with
a subsection (1) request during the term of the
lease, the Minister must not give the lessee a
further subsection (1) request during that term.
(4) Despite section 119(2), the condition mentioned in
subsection (1) does not need to be specified in the
lease.
(5) Any or all of the following conditions may be
specified in a petroleum retention lease—
(a) conditions requiring the lessee to carry out
work in, or in relation to, the lease area;
(b) conditions about the amounts that the lessee
must spend in carrying out such work;
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(c) conditions requiring the lessee to comply
with directions that—
(i) relate to the matters covered by
paragraphs (a) and (b);
(ii) are given in accordance with the lease.
(6) Subsection (5) does not limit section 119(1)
or 121(3).
121 Conditions of declared petroleum retention leases—
approval of key petroleum operations
(1) A declared petroleum retention lease is subject to
the condition that the lessee will not carry on key
petroleum operations under the lease unless the
Minister has approved the operations under
section 122.
(2) Despite section 119(2), the condition mentioned in
subsection (1) does not need to be specified in the
lease.
(3) If, under section 122, the Minister approves the
carrying on of one or more key petroleum
operations under a declared petroleum retention
lease, the Minister may, by written notice given to
the lessee, vary the lease by imposing one or more
conditions to which the lease is subject.
(4) A variation of a declared petroleum retention lease
under subsection (3) takes effect on the day on
which notice of the variation is given to the lessee.
(5) A condition imposed under subsection (3) may
require the lessee to ensure that—
(a) all wells; or
(b) one or more specified wells—
made in the lease area by any person engaged or
concerned in operations authorised by the lease
are made in a manner, and to a standard, that will
facilitate the plugging or closing off of the wells
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in a way that restores or maintains the suitability
of a part of a geological formation for the
permanent storage of greenhouse gas substances.
(6) Subsection (5) does not limit—
(a) subsection (3); or
(b) Part 6.2; or
(c) Part 6.4.
(7) If—
(a) a declared petroleum retention lease is
subject to a condition; and
(b) the condition was imposed under
subsection (3)—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
lessee, vary or revoke the condition.
(8) A variation of a declared petroleum retention lease
under subsection (7) takes effect on the day on
which notice of the variation is given to the lessee.
(9) Subsection (8) does not limit section 260.
122 Declared petroleum retention lease—approval by
Minister of key petroleum operations
(1) The registered holder of a declared petroleum
retention lease may apply to the Minister for
approval to carry on one or more key petroleum
operations under the lease.
(2) If an application for approval is made under
subsection (1), the Minister may—
(a) give the approval; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to give the approval.
(3) In deciding whether to give the approval, the
Minister must comply with sections 123 and 124.
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123 Minister must have regard to certain matters before
approving key petroleum operations
(1) The Minister must have regard to the impact
(if any) that any of the key petroleum operations
to which an application under section 122 relates
could have on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on under—
(c) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(d) an existing greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(e) an existing greenhouse gas injection licence;
or
(f) if a greenhouse gas assessment permit or a
greenhouse gas holding lease is in force over
a block or blocks—
(i) a future greenhouse gas holding lease
over the block or any of the blocks; or
(ii) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence over the block or any of the
blocks.
(2) If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations to which an application under
section 122 relates will have a significant adverse
impact on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
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that are being, or could be, carried on under—
(c) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit held by a person other than the
applicant; or
(d) an existing greenhouse gas holding lease
held by a person other than the applicant; or
(e) an existing greenhouse gas injection licence
held by a person other than the applicant—
the Minister must have regard to—
(f) whether the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence, as the case may be, has
agreed, in writing, to the applicant carrying
on the key petroleum operations in respect of
which the Minister is so satisfied; and
(g) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(3) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations to which an application under
section 122 relates will have a significant
adverse impact on—
(i) operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
(ii) operations for the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance—
that could be carried on under—
(iii) a future greenhouse gas holding lease
over a block or blocks; or
(iv) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence over a block or blocks; and
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(b) a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence is in force over the
block or any of the blocks; and
(c) the greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence is held by a person
other than the applicant—
the Minister must have regard to—
(d) whether the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence covered by
paragraph (b) has agreed, in writing, to the
applicant carrying on the key petroleum
operations in respect of which the Minister is
so satisfied; and
(e) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(4) The Minister must have regard to the public
interest.
(5) Subsections (1), (2) and (3) do not limit
subsection (4).
(6) This section does not limit the matters to which
the Minister may have regard to in deciding
whether to give an approval under section 122.
124 Circumstances in which approval of key petroleum
operations must not be given
If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations to which an application under
section 122 relates will have a significant adverse
impact on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
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(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on under an
existing greenhouse gas injection licence, the
Minister must not give the approval under
section 122 unless the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas injection licence has agreed, in
writing, to the applicant carrying on the key
petroleum operations in respect of which the
Minister is so satisfied.
125 No right to an approval
To avoid doubt, section 118 does not imply that a
petroleum retention lessee who applies for
approval under section 122(1) of this section is
entitled to be given the approval.
126 Suspension of rights to be disregarded
For the purposes of sections 122, 123 and 124,
disregard a suspension of rights under section 470.
127 Declared petroleum retention leases
(1) If—
(a) a post-commencement petroleum retention
lease is in force; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations that could be carried on under the
lease will have a significant adverse impact
on—
(i) operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
(ii) operations for the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on
under—
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(iii) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(iv) an existing greenhouse gas holding
lease; or
(v) an existing greenhouse gas injection
licence; or
(vi) a future greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(vii) a future greenhouse gas holding lease;
or
(viii) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
petroleum retention lessee, determine that the
petroleum retention lease is a declared petroleum
retention lease for the purposes of this Act.
(2) If—
(a) a determination is in force under subsection
(1) in relation to a post-commencement
petroleum retention lease; and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations that could be carried on under the
lease will have a significant adverse impact
on—
(i) operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
(ii) operations for the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on
under—
(iii) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
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(iv) an existing greenhouse gas holding
lease; or
(v) an existing greenhouse gas injection
licence; or
(vi) a future greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(vii) a future greenhouse gas holding lease;
or
(viii) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
petroleum retention lessee, revoke the
determination.
128 Duration of petroleum retention lease
(1) A petroleum retention lease remains in force for
the period of 5 years beginning on—
(a) the day on which the lease is granted; or
(b) if a later day is specified in the lease as the
day on which the lease is to come into
force—that later day.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Notes
1 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of
a petroleum retention lease if the lessee applies for a
petroleum production licence, see section 129.
2 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of
petroleum retention leases pending decisions on
renewal applications, see section 142(5).
3 For special rules about the duration of a petroleum
retention lease once a decision has been made refusing
to renew the lease, see section 144(6) and (7).
4 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of
a petroleum retention lease following a suspension or
exemption decision, see sections 261 and 263.
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5 For the revocation of a petroleum retention lease, see
section 180.
6 For a special rule about when a petroleum retention
lease ceases to be in force following the grant of a
petroleum production licence, see section 171.
7 For the surrender of a petroleum retention lease, see
Part 2.12.
8 For the cancellation of a petroleum retention lease, see
Part 2.13.
129 Extension of petroleum retention lease if lessee
applies for petroleum production licence
(1) If—
(a) a petroleum retention lease is in force over a
block or blocks; and
(b) before the time when the lease would, apart
from this subsection, expire, the lessee
applies to the Minister for the grant by the
Minister of a petroleum production licence
over the block or one or more of the
blocks—
the table has effect—
Extension of lease
Item In this case... the lease continues in force over the
block or blocks covered by the
application until...
1 the Minister gives the
lessee an offer document
relating to a petroleum
production licence over
the block or one or more
of the blocks
the licence is granted, the lessee
withdraws the application or the
application lapses.
2 the Minister decides not
to grant a petroleum
production licence to the
lessee
notice of the decision is given to the
lessee.
s. 129
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(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter
but despite section 128.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 128.
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum retention lease
Subdivision 1—Application for petroleum retention lease by
the holder of a petroleum exploration permit
130 Application for petroleum retention lease by the
holder of a petroleum exploration permit
(1) If a petroleum exploration permit is in force over a
block that constitutes, or the blocks that constitute,
a location, the permittee may, within the
application period, apply to the Minister for the
grant by the Minister of a petroleum retention
lease over that block or over one or more of those
blocks.
Note
For application period, see subsection (3).
(2) An application under this section must be
accompanied by details of—
(a) the applicant's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the area comprised
in the block or blocks specified in the
application; and
(b) the current commercial viability of the
recovery of petroleum from that area; and
(c) the possible future commercial viability of
the recovery of petroleum from that area.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
s. 130
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2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(3) The application period for an application under
this section is—
(a) the period of 2 years after the day (the
declaration day) on which the block that
constitutes the location concerned was, or the
blocks that constitute the location concerned
were, declared to be a location; or
(b) such longer period, not more than 4 years
after the declaration day, as the Minister
allows.
(4) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (3)(b) only on written application made
by the permittee within the period of 2 years
mentioned in subsection (3)(a).
131 Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document
If—
(a) an application for a petroleum retention lease
has been made under section 130; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that—
(i) the area comprised in the block, or any
one or more of the blocks, specified in
the application contains petroleum; and
(ii) the recovery of petroleum from that
area is not, at the time of the
application, commercially viable but is
likely to become commercially viable
within 15 years after that time—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
s. 131
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applicant a petroleum retention lease over the
block or blocks as to which the Minister is
satisfied as mentioned in paragraph (b).
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under section 254 to
provide further information, the Joint Authority may refuse to
give the applicant an offer document—see section 254(3).
132 Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease
(1) This section applies if an application for a
petroleum retention lease has been made under
section 130.
(2) If the Minister is not satisfied as to the matters
referred to in section 131(b) in relation to the
block, or all the blocks, specified in the
application, the Minister must, by written notice
given to the applicant, refuse to grant a petroleum
retention lease to the applicant.
(3) If—
(a) the application specifies 2 or more blocks;
and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied as to the matters
referred to in section 131(b) in relation to—
(i) only one of the blocks; or
(ii) some, but not all, of the blocks—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant a petroleum retention
lease to the applicant in relation to the block or
blocks as to which the Minister is not satisfied as
mentioned in section 131(b).
s. 132
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133 Grant of petroleum retention lease
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 131; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section—
the Minister must grant the applicant a petroleum
retention lease over the block or blocks specified
in the offer document.
Note
If the applicant does not make a request under section 256 within
the period applicable under that section, the application lapses at
the end of that period—see section 256(4).
134 Petroleum exploration permit ceases to be in force
when petroleum retention lease comes into force
When a petroleum retention lease under
section 133 comes into force in relation to one or
more blocks, a petroleum exploration permit
ceases to be in force to the extent to which it
relates to those blocks.
135 Petroleum exploration permit transferred—
transferee to be treated as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a petroleum
exploration permit is registered under
section 514—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 130 for the grant of a petroleum
retention lease over a block or blocks in
relation to which the petroleum exploration
permit is in force; and
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(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 131 or 132 in relation
to the application.
(2) After the transfer, sections 130 to 133 and
Part 2.10 have effect in relation to the application
as if any reference in those sections and that Part
to the applicant were a reference to the transferee.
Subdivision 2—Application for petroleum retention lease by
the holder of a life-of-field petroleum production licence
136 Application for petroleum retention lease by the
holder of a life-of-field petroleum production licence
(1) If—
(a) a life-of-field petroleum production licence
is in force over a block or blocks; and
(b) the following conditions are satisfied in
relation to an area (the unused area) that
consists of the block or any or all of the
blocks—
(i) petroleum has been found to exist in the
unused area;
(ii) no petroleum recovery operations are
being carried on under the licence in
relation to the unused area;
the licensee may, within the application period,
apply to the Minister for the grant by the Minister
of a petroleum retention lease over the unused
area.
Note
For application period, see subsection (3).
s. 136
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(2) An application under this section must be
accompanied by details of—
(a) the applicant's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the unused area;
and
(b) the current commercial viability of the
recovery of petroleum from the unused area;
and
(c) the possible future commercial viability of
the recovery of petroleum from the unused
area.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(3) The application period for an application under
this section by a petroleum production licensee is
the period of 5 years that began on—
(a) the day on which the licence was granted; or
(b) if any petroleum recovery operations have
been carried on under the licence in relation
to the unused area—the last day on which
any such operations were so carried on.
137 Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document
If—
(a) an application for a petroleum retention lease
has been made under section 136; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that recovery of
petroleum from the unused area—
(i) is not, at the time of the application,
commercially viable; and
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(ii) is likely to become commercially viable
within the period of 15 years after that
time—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant a petroleum retention lease over the
unused area.
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under section 254 to
provide further information, the Minister may refuse to give
the applicant an offer document—see section 254(3).
138 Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease
If—
(a) an application for a petroleum retention lease
has been made under section 136; and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied as to the matters
referred to in section 137(b) in relation to the
unused area—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant a petroleum retention
lease to the applicant.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 258.
139 Grant of petroleum retention lease
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 137; and
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(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section—
the Minister must grant the applicant a petroleum
retention lease over the unused area.
Note
If the applicant does not make a request under section 256 within
the period applicable under that section, the application lapses at
the end of that period—see section 256(4).
140 Petroleum production licence ceases to be in force
when petroleum retention lease comes into force
When a petroleum retention lease under
section 139 comes into force in relation to one or
more blocks, a petroleum production licence
ceases to be in force to the extent to which it
relates to those blocks.
141 Petroleum production licence transferred—
transferee to be treated as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a petroleum
production licence is registered under
section 514—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 136 for the grant of a petroleum
retention lease over a block or blocks in
relation to which the petroleum production
licence is in force; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 137 or 138 in relation
to the application.
(2) After the transfer, sections 136 to 139 and
Part 2.10 have effect in relation to the application
as if any reference in those sections and that Part
to the applicant were a reference to the transferee.
s. 140
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Division 3—Renewal of petroleum retention leases
142 Application for renewal of petroleum retention lease
(1) A petroleum retention lessee may apply to the
Minister for the renewal by the Minister of the
lease.
(2) An application to renew a petroleum retention
lease must be made—
(a) not more than 12 months before the expiry
date of the lease; and
(b) at least 180 days before the expiry date of the
lease.
(3) Despite subsection (2), the Minister may accept an
application to renew a petroleum retention lease if
the application is made—
(a) later than 180 days before the expiry date of
the lease; and
(b) before the expiry date of the lease.
(4) An application to renew a petroleum retention
lease must be accompanied by details of—
(a) the lessee's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the lease area; and
(b) the current commercial viability of recovery
of petroleum from the lease area; and
(c) the possible future commercial viability of
recovery of petroleum from the lease area.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
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(5) If—
(a) a petroleum retention lessee makes an
application to renew the lease; and
(b) the lease would, apart from this subsection,
expire—
(i) before the Minister grants, or refuses to
grant, the renewal of the lease; or
(ii) before the application lapses as
provided by section 256—
the lease continues in force—
(c) until the Minister grants, or refuses to grant,
the renewal of the lease; or
(d) until the application so lapses—
whichever happens first.
(6) Subsection (5) has effect subject to this Chapter
but despite section 128.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 128.
143 Renewal of petroleum retention lease—offer
document
(1) This section applies if an application to renew a
petroleum retention lease has been made under
section 142.
(2) If—
(a) each of the following has been complied
with—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
retention lease is, or has from time to
time been, subject;
s. 143
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(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1;
(iii) the regulations; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that recovery of
petroleum from the lease area—
(i) is not, at the time of the application,
commercially viable; and
(ii) is likely to become commercially viable
within the period of 15 years after that
time—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to renew
the lease.
Note
Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
(3) If—
(a) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
retention lease is, or has from time to
time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the renewal of the petroleum retention lease;
and
s. 143
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(c) the Minister is satisfied that recovery of
petroleum from the lease area—
(i) is not, at the time of the application,
commercially viable; and
(ii) is likely to become commercially viable
within the period of 15 years after that
time—
the Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to renew
the lease.
Note
Section 259 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
144 Refusal to renew petroleum retention lease
(1) This section applies if an application to renew a
petroleum retention lease has been made under
section 142.
(2) If—
(a) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
retention lease is, or has from time to
time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
s. 144
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(b) the Minister is not satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the renewal of the petroleum retention
lease—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to renew the lease.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 258.
(3) If the Minister is satisfied that recovery of
petroleum from the lease area is, at the time of the
application, commercially viable, the Minister
must, by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to renew the lease.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 258.
(4) If the Minister is satisfied that recovery of
petroleum from the lease area is unlikely to
become commercially viable within the period of
15 years after the time of the application, the
Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to renew the lease.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 258.
(5) A notice of refusal under subsection (3) must
contain a statement to the effect that the lessee
may, within 12 months after the notice was given,
apply for a petroleum production licence over one
or more of the blocks comprised in the lease.
(6) If—
(a) the Minister makes a decision under
subsection (3) refusing to renew the lease;
and
(b) a notice of refusal is given to the applicant;
and
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(c) within 12 months after the notice was given,
the lessee applies for a petroleum production
licence over one or more of the blocks
comprised in the lease; and
(d) the lease would, apart from this subsection,
expire—
(i) before the Minister grants, or refuses to
grant, the petroleum production licence;
or
(ii) before the application lapses—
the lease continues in force until—
(e) the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the
petroleum production licence; or
(f) the application lapses—
whichever happens first.
(7) If—
(a) the Minister makes a decision under
subsection (3) refusing to renew the lease;
and
(b) a notice of refusal is given to the applicant;
and
(c) subsection (6) does not apply; and
(d) the lease would, apart from this subsection,
expire within 12 months after the notice was
given—
the lease continues in force until the end of the
12-month period beginning on the day on which
the notice was given.
(8) Subsections (6) and (7) have effect subject to this
Chapter but despite section 128.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 128.
s. 144
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145 Renewal of petroleum retention lease
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 143; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section—
the Minister must renew the petroleum retention
lease.
Note
If the applicant does not make a request under section 256 within
the period applicable under that section, the application lapses at
the end of that period—see section 256(4).
Division 4—Revocation of petroleum retention leases
146 Notice of proposal to revoke petroleum retention
lease
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a petroleum retention lessee has been given a
notice under section 120(1) during the term
of the lease; and
(b) the lessee has carried out, and has informed
the Minister of the results of, the
re-evaluation required by the notice; and
(c) the lessee has not made an application to
renew the lease; and
(d) after consideration of—
(i) the results of the re-evaluation referred
to in paragraph (b); and
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(ii) such other matters as the Minister
thinks fit—
the Minister is of the opinion that recovery of
petroleum from the lease area is commercially
viable.
Note
Section 120(1) deals with re-evaluation of the commercial
viability of petroleum production in the lease area.
(2) The Minister may give the lessee, and such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks appropriate,
a written notice—
(a) telling the recipient of the notice that the
Minister—
(i) has formed the opinion that recovery of
petroleum from the lease area is
commercially viable; and
(ii) proposes to revoke the lease; and
(b) inviting the recipient of the notice to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal to revoke the lease; and
(c) specifying a time limit for making that
submission.
(3) The time limit must be at least 30 days after the
notice is given.
147 Revocation of petroleum retention lease
(1) If—
(a) a notice under section 146(2) is given to—
(i) the lessee of a petroleum retention
lease; or
(ii) the lessee of a petroleum retention lease
and one or more other persons; and
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(b) either—
(i) the lessee does not make a submission
in accordance with the notice; or
(ii) the Minister, after consideration of any
submissions made in accordance with
the notice, determines that the lease
should be revoked—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
lessee, revoke the lease.
(2) If—
(a) a petroleum retention lease is revoked under
subsection (1); and
(b) the lessee applies for a petroleum production
licence in relation to one or more of the
blocks comprised in the lease within the
period of 12 months beginning on the day on
which the notice of revocation was given—
the revocation of the lease takes effect—
(c) when the Minister grants, or refuses to grant,
the petroleum production licence; or
(d) when the application lapses—
whichever happens first.
(3) If—
(a) a petroleum retention lease is revoked under
subsection (1); and
(b) the lessee does not apply for a petroleum
production licence in relation to one or more
of the blocks comprised in the lease within
the period of 12 months beginning on the
day on which the notice of revocation was
given—
the revocation of the lease takes effect at the end
of that 12-month period.
s. 147
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(4) If a petroleum retention lease is revoked under
subsection (1), the lease continues in force until
the revocation takes effect in accordance with
subsection (2) or (3).
__________________
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PART 2.4—PETROLEUM PRODUCTION LICENCES
Division 1—General provisions
148 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) It is an offence to recover petroleum in the
offshore area except—
(a) under a petroleum production licence; or
(b) as otherwise authorised or required by or
under this Act.
(3) This Part provides for the grant of petroleum
production licences over blocks in the offshore
area.
(4) A petroleum production licence authorises the
licensee to carry out petroleum recovery
operations in the licence area.
(5) There are 3 ways in which a petroleum production
licence can be granted—
(a) grant of a petroleum production licence as a
result of an application made by a petroleum
exploration permittee or a petroleum
retention lessee;
(b) grant of a petroleum production licence over
a surrendered block or a similar block;
(c) grant of a petroleum production licence over
an individual block in exchange for another
licence that was in force over the same
block.
(6) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
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149 Prohibition of unauthorised recovery of petroleum
in offshore area
A person must not intentionally carry on
petroleum recovery operations in the offshore area
unless the petroleum recovery operations are—
(a) authorised by a petroleum production
licence; or
(b) otherwise authorised or required by or under
this Act.
Penalty: 5 years imprisonment.
150 Rights conferred by petroleum production licence
(1) A petroleum production licence authorises the
licensee, in accordance with the conditions
(if any) to which the licence is subject—
(a) to recover petroleum in the licence area; and
(b) to recover petroleum from the licence area in
another area to which the licensee has lawful
access for that purpose; and
(c) to explore for petroleum in the licence area;
and
(d) to carry on such operations, and execute such
works, in the licence area as are necessary
for those purposes.
(2) Express references in this Act to the injection or
storage of a substance do not imply that
subsection (1) does not operate so as to authorise
the licensee—
(a) to carry on operations to inject a substance
into the seabed or subsoil of the offshore
area; or
(b) to carry on operations to store (whether on a
permanent basis or otherwise) a substance in
the seabed or subsoil of the offshore area.
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(3) The regulations may provide that a petroleum
production licence authorises the licensee, in
accordance with the conditions (if any) to which
the licence is subject—
(a) to explore in the licence area for a potential
greenhouse gas storage formation; and
(b) to explore in the licence area for a potential
greenhouse gas injection site; and
(c) to carry on such operations, and execute such
works, in the licence area as are necessary
for those purposes.
(4) The regulations may provide that, if—
(a) petroleum is recovered in the licence area of
a petroleum production licence (the first
licence); and
(b) operations for the recovery or processing of
the petroleum are carried on using a facility
located in the licence area of another
petroleum production licence (the second
licence); and
(c) a prescribed substance (which may be a
hydrocarbon) is recovered as an incidental
consequence of the recovery of the
petroleum—
the second licence authorises the licensee of the
second licence, in accordance with the conditions
(if any) to which the second licence is subject—
(d) to inject the substance into the seabed or
subsoil of the licence area of the second
licence; and
(e) to store (whether on a permanent basis or
otherwise) the substance in the seabed or
subsoil of the licence area of the second
licence; and
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(f) to carry on such operations, and execute such
works, in the licence area of the second
licence as are necessary for those purposes.
(5) Subsections (3) and (4) do not limit
subsection (1).
(6) The rights conferred on the licensee by or under
subsection (1), (3) or (4) are subject to this Act
and the regulations.
151 Conditions of petroleum production licences
(1) The Minister may grant a petroleum production
licence subject to whatever conditions the
Minister thinks appropriate.
Note
A grant of a licence may be a grant by way of renewal—
see section 11.
(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
licence.
152 Standard conditions of petroleum production
licences
(1) A petroleum production licence may be granted
subject to a general condition requiring the
licensee to—
(a) explore for petroleum in the licence area
with a view to determining whether there is
any additional recoverable petroleum in the
licence area; and
(b) recover such petroleum if it is commercially
viable to do so.
(2) Subsection (1) does not limit section 151(1)
or 155(3).
s. 151
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153 Restrictions on conditions of petroleum production
licences
(1) Despite section 151(1), a petroleum production
licence must not be granted subject to specific
conditions requiring the licensee to—
(a) make a well in the licence area; or
(b) carry out a seismic survey, or any other kind
of survey, in, or in relation to, the licence
area; or
(c) spend particular amounts on the carrying out
of work in, or in relation to, the licence area.
(2) To avoid doubt, a condition covered by section
152(1) does not breach subsection (1).
154 Renewal conditions of petroleum production
licences
In making a decision about the conditions to
which a petroleum production licence granted on
renewal will be subject, the Minister must have
regard to—
(a) the investment of the licensee, or of any
former licensee, during the term of—
(i) the original petroleum production
licence; or
(ii) any petroleum production licence
granted on a previous renewal—
where the investment relates to—
(iii) operations authorised by the licence
concerned; or
(iv) any other development connected with
those operations; and
(b) such other matters (if any) as the Minister
considers relevant.
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155 Conditions of declared petroleum production
licences—approval of key petroleum operations
(1) A declared petroleum production licence is
subject to the condition that the licensee will not
carry on key petroleum operations under the
licence unless the Minister has approved the
operations under section 156.
(2) Despite section 151(2), the condition mentioned in
subsection (1) does not need to be specified in the
licence.
(3) If, under section 156, the Minister approves the
carrying on of one or more key petroleum
operations under a declared petroleum production
licence, the Minister may, by written notice given
to the licensee, vary the licence by imposing one
or more conditions to which the licence is subject.
(4) A variation of a declared petroleum production
licence under subsection (3) takes effect on the
day on which notice of the variation is given to
the licensee.
(5) A condition imposed under subsection (3) may
require the licensee to ensure that—
(a) all wells; or
(b) one or more specified wells—
made in the licence area by any person engaged or
concerned in operations authorised by the licence
are made in a manner, and to a standard, that will
facilitate the plugging or closing off of the wells
in a way that restores or maintains the suitability
of a part of a geological formation for the
permanent storage of greenhouse gas substances.
s. 155
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(6) Subsection (5) does not limit—
(a) subsection (3); or
(b) Part 6.2; or
(c) Part 6.4.
(7) If—
(a) a declared petroleum production licence is
subject to a condition; and
(b) the condition was imposed under
subsection (3)—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, vary or revoke the condition.
(8) A variation of a declared petroleum production
licence under subsection (7) takes effect on the
day on which notice of the variation is given to
the licensee.
(9) Subsection (8) does not limit section 260.
156 Declared petroleum production licence—approval
by Minister of key petroleum operations
(1) The registered holder of a declared petroleum
production licence may apply to the Minister for
approval to carry on one or more key petroleum
operations under the licence.
(2) If an application for approval is made under
subsection (1), the Minister may—
(a) give the approval; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to give the approval.
(3) In deciding whether to give the approval, the
Minister must comply with sections 157 and 158.
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157 Minister must have regard to certain matters before
approving key petroleum operations
(1) The Minister must have regard to the impact
(if any) that any of the key petroleum operations
to which an application under section 156 relates
could have on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on under—
(c) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(d) an existing greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(e) an existing greenhouse gas injection licence;
or
(f) if a greenhouse gas assessment permit or a
greenhouse gas holding lease is in force over
a block or blocks—
(i) a future greenhouse gas holding lease
over the block or any of the blocks; or
(ii) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence over the block or any of the
blocks.
(2) If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations to which an application under
section 156 relates will have a significant adverse
impact on—
(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
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(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on under—
(c) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit held by a person other than the
applicant; or
(d) an existing greenhouse gas holding lease
held by a person other than the applicant; or
(e) an existing greenhouse gas injection licence
held by a person other than the applicant—
the Minister must have regard to—
(f) whether the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence, as the case may be, has
agreed, in writing, to the applicant carrying
on the key petroleum operations in respect of
which the Minister is so satisfied; and
(g) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(3) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations to which an application under
section 156 relates will have a significant
adverse impact on—
(i) operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
(ii) operations for the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance—
that could be carried on under—
(iii) a future greenhouse gas holding lease
over a block or blocks; or
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(iv) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence over a block or blocks; and
(b) a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence is in force over the
block or any of the blocks; and
(c) the greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence is held by a person
other than the applicant—
the Minister must have regard to—
(d) whether the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence covered by
paragraph (b) has agreed, in writing, to the
applicant carrying on the key petroleum
operations in respect of which the Minister is
so satisfied; and
(e) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(4) The Minister must have regard to the public
interest.
(5) Subsections (1), (2) and (3) do not limit
subsection (4).
(6) This section does not limit the matters to which
the Minister may have regard to in deciding
whether to give an approval under section 156.
158 Minister must not give approval in certain
circumstances
If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations to which an application under
section 156 relates will have a significant adverse
impact on—
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(a) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
(b) operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on under an
existing greenhouse gas injection licence, the
Minister must not give the approval under
section 156 unless the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas injection licence has agreed, in
writing, to the applicant carrying on the key
petroleum operations in respect of which the
Minister is so satisfied.
159 No right to an approval
To avoid doubt, section 150 does not imply that a
petroleum production licensee who applies for
approval under section 156(1) is entitled to be
given the approval.
160 Suspension of rights to be disregarded
For the purposes of sections 156, 157 and 158,
disregard a suspension of rights under section 470.
161 Declared petroleum production licences
(1) If—
(a) a post-commencement petroleum production
licence is in force; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations that could be carried on under the
licence will have a significant adverse
impact on—
(i) operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
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(ii) operations for the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on
under—
(iii) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(iv) an existing greenhouse gas holding
lease; or
(v) an existing greenhouse gas injection
licence; or
(vi) a future greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(vii) a future greenhouse gas holding lease;
or
(viii) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
petroleum production licensee, determine that the
petroleum production licence is a declared
petroleum production licence for the purposes of
this Act.
(2) If—
(a) a determination is in force under
subsection (1) in relation to a
post-commencement petroleum production
licence; and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key petroleum
operations that could be carried on under the
licence will have a significant adverse
impact on—
(i) operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
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(ii) operations for the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance—
that are being, or could be, carried on
under—
(iii) an existing greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(iv) an existing greenhouse gas holding
lease; or
(v) an existing greenhouse gas injection
licence; or
(vi) a future greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(vii) a future greenhouse gas holding lease;
or
(viii) a future greenhouse gas injection
licence—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
petroleum production licensee, revoke the
determination.
162 Duration of petroleum production licence
(1) A petroleum production licence remains in force
indefinitely.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Notes
1 For special rules about the duration of licences granted over
individual blocks, see section 179(3).
2 For the revocation of an initial petroleum production licence
mentioned in section 178, see section 179(4).
3 For a special rule about when a petroleum production licence
ceases to be in force following the grant of a petroleum
retention lease, see section 140.
4 For the surrender of a petroleum production licence, see
Part 2.12.
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5 For the cancellation of a petroleum production licence, see
Part 2.13.
6 For the termination of a life-of-field petroleum production
licence if there have been no recovery operations for 5 years,
see section 163.
163 Termination of life-of-field petroleum production
licence if no recovery operations for 5 years
(1) If—
(a) there is a life-of-field petroleum production
licence; and
(b) no petroleum recovery operations under the
licence have been carried on at any time
during a continuous period of at least
5 years—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, tell the licensee that the Minister
proposes to terminate the licence after the end of
30 days after the notice is given.
(2) At any time after the end of 30 days after the
notice is given to the licensee, the Minister may,
by written notice given to the licensee, terminate
the licence.
Note
For remedial directions following termination, see
section 636.
(3) In working out, for the purposes of subsection (1),
the period in which no petroleum recovery
operations were carried on under a licence,
disregard any period in which no such operations
were carried on because of circumstances beyond
the licensee's control.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the depletion
of recoverable petroleum is not a circumstance
beyond the licensee's control.
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(5) The Minister may give a copy of a notice under
subsection (1) to such other persons (if any) as the
Minister thinks fit.
(6) A notice under subsection (1) must—
(a) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal to terminate the licence; and
(b) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(7) In deciding whether to terminate the licence, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum production licence as a
result of an application made by a petroleum exploration
permittee or a petroleum retention lessee
164 Application for petroleum production licence by
permittee
(1) If a petroleum exploration permit is in force over a
block that constitutes, or the blocks that constitute,
a location, the permittee may, within the
application period, apply to the Minister for the
grant by the Minister of a petroleum production
licence over that block or over one or more of
those blocks.
Note
For application period, see section 165.
(2) At any time before an offer document relating to
the application is given to the applicant, the
applicant may, by written notice given to the
Minister, vary the number of blocks specified in
the application.
(3) A variation of an application must be made in an
approved manner.
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(4) A variation of an application may set out any
additional matters that the applicant wishes to be
considered.
(5) An application, or a variation of an application,
under this section must be accompanied by details
of the applicant's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the area comprised in
the block or blocks covered by the application or
the varied application, as the case may be.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about application
procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied by an
application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the applicant to
give further information.
165 Application period
(1) The application period for an application under
section 164 is—
(a) the period of 2 years after the day (the
declaration day) on which the block that
constitutes the location concerned was, or the
blocks that constitute the location concerned
were, declared to be a location; or
(b) such longer period, not more than 4 years
after the declaration day, as the Minister
allows.
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(b) only on written application made
by the permittee within the period of 2 years
mentioned in subsection (1)(a).
(3) Despite subsection (1), if—
(a) a petroleum exploration permittee has
applied for a petroleum retention lease under
section 130 over a block or blocks; and
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(b) a notice refusing to grant the petroleum
retention lease has been given to the
permittee under section 132—
the application period for an application made by
the permittee under section 164 for the grant of a
petroleum production licence over the block or
blocks is whichever of the following periods ends
last—
(c) the period that is applicable under
subsection (1);
(d) the period of 12 months after the day on
which the notice was given.
Note
A failure to make an application within the application
period results in revocation of the petroleum exploration
permit to the extent to which it relates to the block
concerned—see section 180.
166 Application for petroleum production licence by
lessee
(1) If a petroleum retention lease is in force over a
block or blocks, the lessee may apply to the
Minister for the grant by the Minister of a
petroleum production licence over that block or
over one or more of those blocks.
(2) An application under this section must be
accompanied by details of the applicant's
proposals for work and expenditure in relation to
the area comprised in the block or blocks
specified in the application.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about application
procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied by an
application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the applicant to
give further information.
s. 166
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167 Offer document
(1) If—
(a) an application for the grant of a petroleum
production licence has been made under
section 164 or 166; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that the area
comprised in the block, or any one or more
of the blocks, specified in the application
contains petroleum; and
(c) in a case where (assuming that the applicant
were granted a petroleum production licence
over the block or blocks as to which the
Minister is satisfied as mentioned in
paragraph (b)) the petroleum production
licence would be a post-commencement
petroleum production licence, and—
(i) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the
operations that could be carried on
under the petroleum production licence
will have a significant adverse impact
on operations that are being, or could
be, carried on under a greenhouse gas
assessment permit or a greenhouse gas
holding lease; or
(ii) if one or more identified greenhouse
gas storage formations are wholly
situated in the permit area of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit or
the lease area of a greenhouse gas
holding lease—the Minister is satisfied
that there is a significant risk that any
of the operations that could be carried
on under the petroleum production
licence will have a significant adverse
impact on operations that could be
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carried on under a future greenhouse
gas injection licence, where the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, or any of the identified
greenhouse gas storage formations, is
wholly situated in the licence area of
the future greenhouse gas injection
licence—
the Minister is satisfied that it is in the public
interest for the petroleum production licence
to be granted to the applicant; and
(d) in a case where—
(i) (assuming that the applicant were
granted a petroleum production licence
over the block or blocks as to which the
Minister is so satisfied as mentioned in
paragraph (b)) the petroleum
production licence would be a post-
commencement petroleum production
licence; and
(ii) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the
operations that could be carried on
under the petroleum production licence
will have a significant adverse impact
on operations that are being, or could
be, carried on under a greenhouse gas
injection licence—
the Minister is satisfied that—
(iii) the registered holder of the greenhouse
gas injection licence has agreed, in
writing, to the grant of the petroleum
production licence; and
(iv) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 5.6 applies—the
dealing has been approved under
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section 585 or is reasonably likely to be
approved under that section; and
(v) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 4.6 would apply
if the petroleum production licence
were to come into existence—it is
reasonably likely that the dealing
would, after the petroleum production
licence comes into existence, be
approved under section 528—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant a petroleum production licence over the
block or blocks as to which the Minister is so
satisfied as mentioned in paragraph (b).
Notes
1 Section 164 deals with applications by permittees.
2 Section 166 deals with applications by lessees.
3 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
4 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 254 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 254(3).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(d), in
considering whether the grant of the petroleum
production licence is in the public interest, the
Minister must have regard to—
(a) whether the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas assessment permit or
greenhouse gas holding lease, as the case
may be, has agreed, in writing, to the grant
of the petroleum production licence; and
(b) if so—the terms of that agreement.
s. 167
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(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters to which
the Minister may have regard.
(4) This section has effect subject to section 169.
168 Refusal to grant petroleum production licence
(1) This section applies if an application for the grant
of a petroleum production licence has been made
under section 164 or 166.
Notes
1 Section 164 deals with applications by permittees.
2 Section 166 deals with applications by lessees.
(2) If—
(a) the application specifies one block; and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied that the block
contains petroleum—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant a petroleum production
licence to the applicant.
(3) If—
(a) the application specifies 2 or more blocks;
and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied that any of the
blocks contains petroleum—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant a petroleum production
licence to the applicant.
(4) If—
(a) the application specifies 2 or more blocks;
and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that:
(i) only one of the blocks contains
petroleum; or
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(ii) some, but not all, of the blocks contain
petroleum—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant a petroleum production
licence to the applicant in relation to the
remaining block or blocks.
Note
The petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention
lease remains in force in relation to the remaining block or
blocks.
(5) If—
(a) (assuming that the applicant were granted a
petroleum production licence over the block
or blocks as to which the Minister is satisfied
as mentioned in section 167(1)(b)) the
petroleum production licence would be a
post-commencement petroleum production
licence; and
(b) either—
(i) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the
operations that could be carried on
under the petroleum production licence
will have a significant adverse impact
on operations that are being, or could
be, carried on under a greenhouse gas
assessment permit or a greenhouse gas
holding lease; or
(ii) if one or more identified greenhouse
gas storage formations are wholly
situated in the permit area of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit or
the lease area of a greenhouse gas
holding lease—the Minister is satisfied
that there is a significant risk that any
of the operations that could be carried
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on under the petroleum production
licence will have a significant adverse
impact on operations that could be
carried on under a future greenhouse
gas injection licence, where the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, or any of the identified
greenhouse gas storage formations, is
wholly situated in the licence area of
the future greenhouse gas injection
licence; and
(c) the Minister is not satisfied that it is in the
public interest for the petroleum production
licence to be granted to the applicant—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant a petroleum production
licence to the applicant.
(6) If—
(a) (assuming that the applicant were granted a
petroleum production licence over the block
or blocks as to which the Minister is satisfied
as mentioned in section 167(1)(b)) the
petroleum production licence would be a
post-commencement petroleum production
licence; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under the petroleum
production licence will have a significant
adverse impact on operations that are being,
or could be, carried on under a greenhouse
gas injection licence; and
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(c) the Minister is not satisfied that—
(i) the registered holder of the greenhouse
gas injection licence has agreed, in
writing, to the grant of the petroleum
production licence; and
(ii) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 5.6 applies—the
dealing has been approved under
section 585 or is reasonably likely to be
approved under that section; and
(iii) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 4.6 would apply
if the petroleum production licence
were to come into existence—it is
reasonably likely that the dealing
would, after the petroleum production
licence comes into existence, be
approved under section 528—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant a petroleum production
licence to the applicant.
(7) A notice under this section must set out the
reasons for the Minister's refusal.
(8) For the purposes of subsection (6)(c), in
considering whether the grant of the petroleum
production licence is in the public interest, the
Minister must have regard to—
(a) whether the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas assessment permit or
greenhouse gas holding lease, as the case
may be, has agreed, in writing, to the grant
of the petroleum production licence; and
(b) if so—the terms of that agreement.
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(9) Subsection (8) does not limit the matters to which
the Minister may have regard.
(10) This section has effect subject to section 169.
169 Minister may defer taking action on application for
petroleum production licence if there is a pending
application for a greenhouse gas assessment permit
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application for the grant of a petroleum
production licence has been made under
section 164 or 166; and
(b) assuming that the applicant were granted a
petroleum production licence over the block
or blocks as to which the Minister is so
satisfied as mentioned in section 167(1)(b),
the petroleum production licence would be a
post-commencement petroleum production
licence; and
(c) when the application for the grant of the
petroleum production licence was made, an
application for a greenhouse gas assessment
permit was being considered by the Minister;
and
(d) the Minister is satisfied that it would be in
the public interest to defer taking any action
under section 167 or 168 in relation to the
application for the grant of the petroleum
production licence until the application for
the greenhouse gas assessment permit is
finalised.
(2) The Minister must not take any action under
section 167 or 168 in relation to the application
for the grant of the petroleum production licence
until 24 hours after whichever of the following
events happens first—
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(a) the Minister grants a greenhouse gas
assessment permit to the applicant for the
permit;
(b) the application for the greenhouse gas
assessment permit lapses;
(c) the Minister refuses to grant a greenhouse
gas assessment permit to the applicant for the
permit.
170 Grant of petroleum production licence
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 167; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section—
the Minister must grant the applicant a petroleum
production licence over the block or blocks as to
which the Minister is satisfied as mentioned in
section 167(1)(b).
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 256 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 256(4).
2 If an application made by a petroleum exploration
permittee in relation to a block lapses, the petroleum
exploration permit is revoked to the extent to which it
relates to that block—see section 180.
3 If an application made by a petroleum retention lessee
in relation to a block lapses, the petroleum retention
lease is revoked to the extent to which it relates to that
block—see section 180.
s. 170
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171 Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum
retention lease ceases to be in force when petroleum
production licence comes into force
When a petroleum production licence under
section 170 comes into force in relation to one or
more blocks, a petroleum exploration permit or
petroleum retention lease ceases to be in force to
the extent to which it relates to those blocks.
172 Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum
retention lease transferred—transferee to be treated
as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a petroleum
exploration permit or petroleum retention lease is
registered under section 514—
(a) after an application has been made—
(i) under section 164 for the grant of a
petroleum production licence over a
block in relation to which the petroleum
exploration permit is in force; or
(ii) under section 166 for the grant of a
petroleum production licence over a
block in relation to which the petroleum
retention lease is in force; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 167 or 168 in relation
to the application.
(2) After the transfer—
(a) in the case of an application under
section 164—that section has effect in
relation to the application as if any reference
in subsection (3) of that section to the
applicant were a reference to the transferee;
and
s. 171
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(b) in all cases—sections 167 and 170 and
Part 2.10 of this Act have effect in relation to
the application as if any reference in those
sections and that Part to the applicant were a
reference to the transferee.
Division 3—Obtaining a cash-bid petroleum production
licence over a surrendered block or similar block
173 Application for cash-bid petroleum production
licence over surrendered blocks or similar blocks
(1) If—
(a) a petroleum production licence is
surrendered or cancelled to the extent to
which it relates to a block; or
(b) a petroleum production licence is terminated
to the extent to which it relates to a block; or
(c) a petroleum exploration permit or petroleum
retention lease is surrendered, cancelled or
revoked to the extent to which it relates to a
block—
(i) that, at the time of the surrender,
cancellation or revocation, was, or was
included in, a location; and
(ii) in which, in the opinion of the Minister,
there is petroleum—
the Minister may, at any later time, by notice
published in the Government Gazette—
(d) invite applications for the grant by the
Minister of a petroleum production licence
over that block; and
(e) specify a period within which applications
may be made.
s. 173
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(2) A notice under subsection (1) must state that an
applicant is required to specify—
(a) an amount that the applicant would be
prepared to pay for the grant of the licence;
or
(b) a rate of royalty that the applicant would be
prepared to pay, if the licence were granted,
being a rate exceeding 10% of the wellhead
value of petroleum recovered.
(3) If the Minister, in a notice under subsection (1),
states that an applicant must specify a rate of
royalty referred to in subsection (2)(b), the
Minister may, in that notice, also state that the
applicant will be required to pay an amount
specified in that notice for the grant of the licence.
(4) An application under this section must—
(a) be accompanied by details of the applicant's
proposals for work and expenditure in
relation to the area comprised in the block;
and
(b) specify—
(i) the amount that the applicant would be
prepared to pay for the grant of the
licence; or
(ii) the rate of royalty referred to in
subsection (2)(b) and the amount the
applicant must pay for the grant of the
licence (if any).
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
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174 Deposit
(1) An application for a cash-bid petroleum
production licence under section 173 must be
accompanied by a deposit of 10% of—
(a) the amount that the applicant has specified
under section 173(4)(b)(i) as the amount that
the applicant would be prepared to pay for
the grant of the licence; or
(b) the amount specified by the Minister under
section 173(3) in a notice under section
173(1) as the amount that applicant must be
required to pay for the grant of the licence.
(2) If the petroleum production licence is not granted,
a deposit under subsection (1) must be refunded to
the applicant.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if—
(a) the applicant has been given an offer
document under section 175(2) or 176(3) in
relation to the application; and
(b) the applicant does not, under section 256,
request the grant of the petroleum production
licence.
175 Grant of cash-bid petroleum production licence—
only one application
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister publishes a notice under section
173(1) inviting applications for the grant of a
petroleum production licence over a block;
and
(b) at the end of the period specified in the
notice, only one application has been made
under section 173 in relation to the block.
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(2) The Minister may—
(a) give the applicant a written notice (called an
offer document) telling the applicant that the
Minister is prepared to grant the applicant a
petroleum production licence over that
block; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
reject the application.
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 254 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 254(3).
176 Grant of cash-bid petroleum production licence—
2 or more applications
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister publishes a notice under section
173(1) inviting applications for the grant of a
petroleum production licence over a block;
and
(b) at the end of the period specified in the
notice, 2 or more applications have been
made under section 173 in relation to the
block.
(2) The Minister may reject any or all of the
applications.
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(3) If the Minister does not reject all of the
applications, the table has effect—
Unrejected applications
Item If... the Minister may give a
written notice (called an offer
document) to...
1 only one application remains
unrejected
the applicant.
2 (a) 2 or more applications
remain unrejected; and
(b) the amounts and rates of
royalty specified in the
applications under section
173(4) are equal
one of those applicants.
3 (a) 2 or more applications
remain unrejected; and
(b) the amounts and rates of
royalty specified in the
applications under section
173(4) are not equal; and
(c) the amount specified in one
of the applications is higher
than the amount or amounts
specified in the remaining
application or applications
whichever of those applicants
specified the highest amount.
4 (a) 3 or more applications
remain unrejected; and
(b) 2 or more of the amounts
and rates of royalty
specified in the applications
under section 173(4) are—
(i) equal; and
(ii) higher than the
amount or amounts
specified in the
remaining application
or applications
one of the applicants who
specified the equal highest
amount.
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(4) An offer document given to an applicant must tell
the applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant
the applicant a petroleum production licence over
the block.
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 254 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 254(3).
(5) If—
(a) an applicant is given an offer document
under this section; and
(b) the application lapses as provided by
section 256 or 257; and
(c) there are one or more remaining unrejected
applications—
subsections (3) and (4) of this section apply in
relation to the remaining unrejected applications.
(6) If the Minister does not give an offer document to
an applicant, the Minister must, by written notice
given to the applicant, inform the applicant that
the application was unsuccessful.
177 Grant of cash-bid petroleum production licence
(1) If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 175 or 176; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
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(c) in the case of an offer document under
section 176—the applicant has paid the
specified balance within the period
applicable under section 257;
the Minister must grant the applicant a petroleum
production licence over the block specified in the
offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 256 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 256(4).
2 In the case of an offer document under section 176, if
the applicant has not paid the specified balance within
the period applicable under section 257, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 257(2).
(2) For the purposes of this section, the specified
balance is the balance specified in the offer
document as the balance of the amount that the
applicant must pay for the grant of the petroleum
production licence.
Division 4—Obtaining petroleum production licences over
individual blocks
178 Applications for petroleum production licences over
individual blocks
(1) This section applies to a petroleum production
licence (the initial petroleum production licence)
if—
(a) the licence is in force over 2 or more blocks;
and
(b) the blocks do not form a location or part of a
location.
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(2) The licensee of the initial petroleum production
licence may apply to the Minister for the grant of
2 or more new petroleum production licences over
the blocks that were the subject of the initial
petroleum production licence, in exchange for the
initial petroleum production licence.
(3) An application under this section—
(a) must specify the number of new petroleum
production licences required; and
(b) must specify the block or blocks that were
the subject of the initial petroleum
production licence and for which each new
petroleum production licence is sought.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about application
procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied by an
application fee.
179 Grant of petroleum production licences over
individual blocks
(1) This section applies if a licensee of an initial
petroleum production licence mentioned in
section 178 has made an application under that
section.
(2) The Minister must grant the licensee new
petroleum production licences in accordance with
the application.
(3) A new petroleum production licence under this
section must be granted subject to conditions
corresponding as closely as practicable to the
conditions to which the initial petroleum
production licence was subject.
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(4) If new petroleum production licences are granted
under this section—
(a) the initial petroleum production licence is
revoked; and
(b) the revocation has effect on the day on which
those new licences come into force.
Division 5—What happens if a block is not taken up
180 Revocation of petroleum exploration permit or
petroleum retention lease to the extent to which it
relates to a block not taken up
(1) If—
(a) a petroleum exploration permittee could
apply under section 164 for a petroleum
production licence in relation to a block or
blocks; and
(b) the permittee does not, within the application
period, make the application—
then—
(c) the petroleum exploration permit is revoked
to the extent to which it relates to that block
or those blocks; and
(d) the revocation has effect at the end of the
application period.
Note
For application period, see section 165.
(2) If an application made by a petroleum exploration
permittee under section 164 in relation to a block
or blocks lapses—
(a) the petroleum exploration permit is revoked
to the extent to which it relates to that block
or those blocks; and
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(b) the revocation has effect—
(i) at the end of the application period; or
(ii) on the lapsing of the application—
whichever is the later.
Note
For lapsing of applications, see section 256.
(3) If an application made by a petroleum retention
lessee under section 166 in relation to a block or
blocks lapses—
(a) the petroleum retention lease is revoked to
the extent to which it relates to that block or
those blocks; and
(b) the revocation has effect on the lapsing of
the application.
Notes
1 For lapsing of applications, see section 256.
2 See also section 115(3) (revocation of declaration of
location where block is no longer the subject of a
petroleum exploration permit or a petroleum retention
lease).
Division 6—Petroleum field development
Subdivision 1—Directions about the recovery of petroleum
181 Direction to recover petroleum
(1) If—
(a) petroleum is not being recovered in a
petroleum production licence area; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that there is
recoverable petroleum in that area—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, direct the licensee to take all necessary
and practicable steps to recover that petroleum.
s. 181
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(2) If—
(a) a direction is in force under subsection (1) in
relation to a licensee; and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied with the steps
taken or being taken by the licensee—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, direct the licensee to take such steps as
the Minister thinks necessary and practicable for,
or in relation to, the recovery of petroleum in the
licence area.
182 Directions about the rate of recovery of petroleum
(1) If petroleum is being recovered in a petroleum
production licence area, the Minister may, by
written notice given to the licensee, direct the
licensee to take all necessary and practicable steps
to increase or reduce the rate at which petroleum
is being recovered—
(a) in the licence area; or
(b) from a petroleum pool in the licence area—
to the rate specified in the notice.
(2) If—
(a) a direction is in force under subsection (1) in
relation to a licensee; and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied with the steps
taken or being taken by the licensee—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, give the licensee such directions as the
Minister thinks necessary and practicable for, or
in relation to, the increase or reduction of the rate
at which petroleum is being recovered—
(c) in the licence area; or
(d) from a petroleum pool in the licence area.
s. 182
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(3) In deciding whether to give a direction under this
section, the Minister may take into account
matters relating to the effects on State revenue of
the proposed direction.
(4) Subsection (3) does not limit the matters that may
be taken into account.
(5) The Minister must not give a direction under this
section if the direction would require action to be
taken that is contrary to good oilfield practice.
Subdivision 2—Unit development
183 Definitions
In this Subdivision—
dealing means a dealing to which Part 4.6 applies;
unit development—
(a) applies in relation to a petroleum pool
that is partly in a particular licence area
of a licensee of a petroleum production
licence and partly in—
(i) the licence area of another
licensee of a petroleum production
licence; or
(ii) an area that is not within the
offshore area but in which a
person other than the
first-mentioned licensee is
lawfully entitled to carry on
petroleum recovery operations
from the pool; and
(b) means the carrying on of petroleum
recovery operations from that pool
under cooperative arrangements
between the persons entitled to carry on
such operations in each of those areas.
s. 183
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184 Unit development agreement and unit development
scheme
(1) A licensee of a petroleum production licence may
from time to time enter into a written agreement
for, or in relation to, the unit development of a
petroleum pool, but nothing in this subsection
derogates from the operation of section 522.
(2) The Minister, on the Minister's own initiative or
on application made to the Minister in writing
by—
(a) a licensee of a petroleum production licence
in whose licence area there is a part of a
particular petroleum pool; or
(b) a person who is lawfully entitled to carry on
petroleum recovery operations in an area
outside the offshore area that includes part of
a particular petroleum pool that extends into
the offshore area—
may, for the purpose of securing the more
effective recovery of petroleum from the
petroleum pool, direct any licensee of a petroleum
production licence whose licence area includes
part of the petroleum pool, by written notice given
to the licensee, to—
(c) enter into a written agreement, within the
period specified in the notice, for, or in
relation to, the unit development of the
petroleum pool; and
(d) lodge an application in accordance with
section 523 for approval of any dealing to
which the agreement relates.
(3) If—
(a) a licensee of a petroleum production licence
who is directed under subsection (2) to enter
into an agreement for, or in relation to, the
s. 184
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unit development of a petroleum pool does
not enter into such an agreement within the
specified period; or
(b) the licensee enters into such an agreement,
but—
(i) an application for approval of a dealing
to which the agreement relates is not
lodged with the Minister; or
(ii) if an application is so lodged—the
dealing is not approved under
section 528—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, direct the licensee to submit to the
Minister, within the period specified in the notice,
a scheme for, or in relation to, the unit
development of the petroleum pool.
185 Directions
(1) At any time after the end of the period within
which a scheme for, or in relation to, the unit
development of a petroleum pool is to be
submitted by a licensee under section 184(3), the
Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, give to the licensee such directions as the
Minister thinks necessary for the purpose of
securing the more effective recovery of petroleum
from the petroleum pool.
(2) If a person is the licensee of petroleum production
licences in relation to 2 or more licence areas in
each of which there is part of a particular
petroleum pool, the Minister may, by written
notice given to the licensee, give to the licensee
such directions as the Minister thinks necessary
for the purpose of securing the more effective
recovery of petroleum from the petroleum pool.
s. 185
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(3) If—
(a) an agreement under section 184 is in force;
or
(b) the Minister has given directions under
subsection (1) or (2)—
the Minister may, having regard to additional
information that has become available, by written
notice given to the licensee or licensees
concerned, give to the licensee or licensees such
directions, or further directions, as the case may
be, as the Minister thinks necessary for the
purpose of securing the more effective recovery of
petroleum from the petroleum pool.
(4) The Minister must not give a direction under
subsection (2) or (3) unless the Minister has given
to the licensee or licensees concerned an
opportunity to confer with the Minister about the
proposed direction.
(5) Directions under this section may include
directions as to the rate at which petroleum is to
be recovered.
186 Consultation
(1) If a petroleum pool extends, or is reasonably
believed by the Minister to extend, from the
offshore area into—
(a) lands to which the laws of the State, or of
another State, relating to exploiting
petroleum resources apply; or
(b) the offshore area of an adjoining State—
the Minister must consult about exploiting the
petroleum pool with—
(c) the appropriate authority of the State referred
to in paragraph (a); or
s. 186
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(d) the Designated Authority (as defined under
the Commonwealth Act) of the adjoining
State referred to in paragraph (b).
Note
The offshore area of a State other than Victoria is defined
by section 8 of the Commonwealth Act.
(2) If subsection (1) applies in relation to a petroleum
pool, the Minister must not—
(a) approve an agreement under this section; or
(b) give a direction under this section—
in relation to that petroleum pool except with the
approval of the appropriate authority and any
other State concerned.
__________________
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PART 2.5—INFRASTRUCTURE LICENCES
Division 1—General provisions
187 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) It is an offence to construct or operate an
infrastructure facility in the offshore area
except—
(a) under an infrastructure licence; or
(b) as otherwise authorised or required by or
under this Act.
(3) This Part provides for the grant of infrastructure
licences.
(4) An infrastructure licence authorises the licensee to
construct and operate an infrastructure facility in
the licence area. An infrastructure facility may
relate to petroleum or a greenhouse gas substance.
(5) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
188 Prohibition of unauthorised construction or
operation of an infrastructure facility in the offshore
area
A person must not intentionally—
(a) start to construct or reconstruct an
infrastructure facility; or
(b) continue to construct or reconstruct an
infrastructure facility; or
(c) start to alter an infrastructure facility; or
(d) continue to alter an infrastructure facility; or
s. 187
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(e) operate an infrastructure facility—
in the offshore area unless that person is
authorised by an infrastructure licence or
otherwise authorised or required by or under this
Act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
189 Rights conferred by an infrastructure licence
(1) An infrastructure licence authorises the licensee,
in accordance with the conditions (if any) to
which the licence is subject—
(a) in the case of an infrastructure licence
granted before the commencement of this
section—
(i) to construct infrastructure facilities in
the licence area; and
(ii) to operate infrastructure facilities in the
licence area—
so long as those facilities are for engaging
in—
(iii) a section 17(2) activity; or
(iv) a section 17(3) activity specified in the
licence as the result of a variation under
section 200; or
(b) in the case of an infrastructure licence
granted after the commencement of this
section—
(i) to construct infrastructure facilities in
the licence area; and
(ii) to operate infrastructure facilities in the
licence area—
so long as those facilities are for engaging
in—
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(iii) a section 17(2) activity specified in the
licence; or
(iv) a section 17(3) activity specified in the
licence.
(2) The rights conferred on the licensee by
subsection (1) are subject to this Act and the
regulations.
(3) To avoid doubt, the grant of an infrastructure
licence is not a precondition to doing anything
that could be authorised by a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention lease,
petroleum production licence or pipeline licence.
190 Conditions of infrastructure licences
(1) The Minister may grant an infrastructure licence
subject to whatever conditions the Minister thinks
appropriate.
(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
licence.
(3) An infrastructure licence is subject to the
condition that, if—
(a) regulations are made for the purpose of
subsection (4); and
(b) those regulations impose requirements on the
licensee—
the licensee will comply with those requirements.
(4) The regulations may establish a regime for third
party access to services provided by means of the
use of an infrastructure facility that is for
engaging in any of the activities to which
section 17(3) applies.
Note
Section 17(3) applies to certain greenhouse gas activities.
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(5) Despite subsection (2), the condition mentioned in
subsection (3) does not need to be specified in the
licence.
191 Duration of infrastructure licence
(1) An infrastructure licence remains in force
indefinitely.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Notes
1 For the surrender of an infrastructure licence, see Part 2.12.
2 For the cancellation of an infrastructure licence, see Part 2.13.
3 For the termination of an infrastructure licence if there have
been no operations for 5 years, see section 192.
192 Termination of infrastructure licence if no
operations for 5 years
(1) If an infrastructure licence is in force, and the
licensee—
(a) has not carried out any construction work
under the licence at any time during a
continuous period of at least 5 years; and
(b) has not used the infrastructure facilities
constructed under the licence at any time
during a continuous period of at least
5 years—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, tell the licensee that the Minister
proposes to terminate the infrastructure licence
after the end of 30 days after the notice is given.
(2) At any time after the end of 30 days after the
notice referred to in subsection (1) is given to the
licensee, the Minister may, by written notice given
to the licensee, terminate the infrastructure
licence.
s. 191
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Note
For remedial directions following termination, see
section 636.
(3) In working out, for the purposes of
subsection (1)—
(a) the period in which an infrastructure licensee
did not carry out any construction work
under the licence; or
(b) the period in which an infrastructure licensee
did not use the infrastructure facilities
constructed under the licence—
disregard any period in which construction work
was not carried out, or the infrastructure facilities
were not used, as the case may be, because of
circumstances beyond the licensee's control.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the depletion
of recoverable petroleum is not a circumstance
beyond the licensee's control.
(5) The Minister may give a copy of a notice under
subsection (1) to such other persons (if any) as the
Minister thinks fit.
(6) A notice under subsection (1) must—
(a) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal to terminate the licence; and
(b) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(7) In deciding whether to terminate the licence, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
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Division 2—Obtaining an infrastructure licence
193 Application for infrastructure licence
(1) A person may apply to the Minister for the grant
by the Minister of an infrastructure licence.
(2) An application under this section must be
accompanied by details of the applicant's
proposals for the construction and operation of
infrastructure facilities at a place that is—
(a) in the offshore area; and
(b) described in the application.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
194 Grant of infrastructure licence—offer document
If an application for the grant of an infrastructure
licence has been made under section 193, the
Minister may give the applicant a written notice
(called an offer document) telling the applicant
the Minister is prepared to grant the applicant an
infrastructure licence in relation to the place
described in the application.
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under section 254 to
provide further information, the Minister may refuse to give
the applicant an offer document—see section 254(3).
3 For consultation procedures, see sections 197 and 198.
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195 Refusal to grant infrastructure licence
If—
(a) an application for the grant of an
infrastructure licence has been made under
section 193; and
(b) the Minister decides not to give the applicant
an offer document under section 194—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant the infrastructure
licence.
196 Grant of infrastructure licence
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 194; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section—
the Minister must grant the applicant the
infrastructure licence concerned.
Note
If the applicant does not make a request under section 256 within
the period applicable under that section, the application lapses at
the end of that period—see section 256(4).
197 Consultation with petroleum titleholders—grant of
infrastructure licence
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application for an infrastructure licence
(the proposed infrastructure licence) has
been made under section 193 in relation to a
place in a block; and
s. 195
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(b) the block—
(i) is the subject of a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease or petroleum production licence;
or
(ii) is, or is proposed to be, transected by a
pipeline in accordance with the
provisions of a pipeline licence; or
(iii) includes the whole or a part of a place
that is the subject of another
infrastructure licence; or
(iv) is the subject of a petroleum special
prospecting authority or petroleum
access authority; and
(c) the applicant is not the registered holder of
the petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease, petroleum production
licence, pipeline licence, other infrastructure
licence, petroleum special prospecting
authority or petroleum access authority; and
(d) if paragraph (b)(i), (ii) or (iii) applies—the
registered holder of the petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease, petroleum production licence, pipeline
licence or other infrastructure licence has not
given written consent to the grant of the
proposed infrastructure licence; and
(e) if paragraph (b)(iv) applies—
(i) the registered holder of the petroleum
special prospecting authority or
petroleum access authority has not
given written consent to the grant of the
proposed infrastructure licence; or
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(ii) the petroleum special prospecting
authority or petroleum access authority
will not expire before any construction
or operation of infrastructure facilities
under the proposed infrastructure
licence would occur.
(2) Before the Minister gives the applicant an offer
document under section 194, the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease, petroleum
production licence, pipeline licence, other
infrastructure licence, petroleum special
prospecting authority or petroleum access
authority, give at least 30 days notice of the
Minister's proposal to give the applicant the
offer document; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the proposed infrastructure
licence; and
(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for the making of that
submission.
(4) In deciding—
(a) whether to give the applicant the offer
document; and
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(b) the conditions (if any) to which the proposed
infrastructure licence should be subject—
the Minister must take into account any
submissions made in accordance with the notice.
198 Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—
grant of infrastructure licence
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application for an infrastructure licence
(the proposed infrastructure licence) has
been made under section 193 in relation to a
place in a block; and
(b) the block—
(i) is the subject of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit, greenhouse gas
holding lease or greenhouse gas
injection licence; or
(ii) is the subject of a greenhouse gas
search authority or greenhouse gas
special authority; and
(c) the applicant is not the registered holder of
the greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease, greenhouse
gas injection licence, greenhouse gas search
authority or greenhouse gas special
authority; and
(d) if paragraph (b)(i) applies—the registered
holder of the greenhouse gas assessment
permit, greenhouse gas holding lease or
greenhouse gas injection licence has not
given written consent to the grant of the
proposed infrastructure licence; and
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(e) if paragraph (b)(ii) applies—
(i) the registered holder of the greenhouse
gas search authority or greenhouse gas
special authority has not given written
consent to the grant of the proposed
infrastructure licence; or
(ii) the greenhouse gas search authority or
greenhouse gas special authority will
not expire before any construction or
operation of infrastructure facilities
under the proposed infrastructure
licence would occur.
(2) Before the Minister gives the applicant an offer
document under section 194, the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the greenhouse gas assessment
permit, greenhouse gas holding lease,
greenhouse gas injection licence, greenhouse
gas search authority or greenhouse gas
special authority, give at least 30 days notice
of the Minister's proposal to give the
applicant the offer document; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the proposed infrastructure
licence; and
(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for the making of that
submission.
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(4) In deciding—
(a) whether to give the applicant the offer
document; and
(b) the conditions (if any) to which the proposed
infrastructure licence should be subject—
the Minister must take into account any
submissions made in accordance with the notice.
Division 3—Varying an infrastructure licence
199 Application for variation of infrastructure licence
(1) An infrastructure licensee may apply to the
Minister for the variation by the Minister of the
licence.
(2) An application under this section must—
(a) be accompanied by details of the proposed
variation; and
(b) set out the reasons for the proposed
variation.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about application
procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied by an
application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the applicant to
give further information.
200 Variation of infrastructure licence
(1) If an infrastructure licensee applies under
section 199 for a variation of the licence, the
Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee—
(a) vary the licence to such extent as the
Minister thinks necessary; or
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(b) refuse to vary the licence.
Note
For consultation procedures, see sections 201 and 202.
(2) A variation of an infrastructure licence under this
section takes effect on the day on which notice of
the variation is published in the Government
Gazette.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
variation, see section 731.
201 Consultation with petroleum titleholders—variation
of infrastructure licence
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an infrastructure licence (the first
infrastructure licence) relates to a place in a
block; and
(b) an application for variation of the first
infrastructure licence is made under
section 199; and
(c) the block—
(i) is the subject of a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease or petroleum production licence;
or
(ii) is, or is proposed to be, transected by a
pipeline in accordance with the
provisions of a pipeline licence; or
(iii) includes the whole or a part of a place
that is the subject of another
infrastructure licence; or
(iv) is the subject of a petroleum special
prospecting authority or petroleum
access authority; and
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(d) the applicant is not the registered holder of
the petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease, petroleum production
licence, pipeline licence, other infrastructure
licence, petroleum special prospecting
authority or petroleum access authority; and
(e) if paragraph (c)(i), (ii) or (iii) applies—the
registered holder of the petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease, petroleum production licence, pipeline
licence or other infrastructure licence has not
given written consent to the variation of the
first infrastructure licence; and
(f) if paragraph (c)(iv) applies—
(i) the registered holder of the petroleum
special prospecting authority or
petroleum access authority has not
given written consent to the variation of
the first infrastructure licence; or
(ii) the petroleum special prospecting
authority or petroleum access authority
will not expire before any construction
or operation of infrastructure facilities
under the first infrastructure licence, as
proposed to be varied, would occur.
(2) Before varying the first infrastructure licence, the
Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease, petroleum
production licence, pipeline licence, other
infrastructure licence, petroleum special
prospecting authority or petroleum access
authority, give at least 30 days notice that the
Minister is considering the application; and
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(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the proposed variation; and
(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for the making of that
submission.
(4) In deciding whether to vary the first infrastructure
licence, the Minister must take into account any
submissions made in accordance with the notice.
202 Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—
variation of infrastructure licence
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an infrastructure licence (the first
infrastructure licence) relates to a place in a
block; and
(b) an application for variation of the first
infrastructure licence is made under
section 199; and
(c) the block—
(i) is the subject of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit, greenhouse gas
holding lease or greenhouse gas
injection licence; or
(ii) is the subject of a greenhouse gas
search authority or greenhouse gas
special authority; and
(d) the applicant is not the registered holder of
the greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease, greenhouse
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gas injection licence, greenhouse gas search
authority or greenhouse gas special
authority; and
(e) if paragraph (c)(i) applies—the registered
holder of the greenhouse gas assessment
permit, greenhouse gas holding lease or
greenhouse gas injection licence has not
given written consent to the variation of the
first infrastructure licence; and
(f) if paragraph (c)(ii) applies—
(i) the registered holder of the greenhouse
gas search authority or greenhouse gas
special authority has not given written
consent to the variation of the first
infrastructure licence; or
(ii) the greenhouse gas search authority or
greenhouse gas special authority will
not expire before any construction or
operation of infrastructure facilities
under the first infrastructure licence, as
proposed to be varied, would occur.
(2) Before varying the first infrastructure licence, the
Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the greenhouse gas assessment
permit, greenhouse gas holding lease,
greenhouse gas injection licence, greenhouse
gas search authority or greenhouse gas
special authority, give at least 30 days notice
that the Minister is considering the
application; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
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(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the proposed variation; and
(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for the making of that
submission.
(4) In deciding whether to vary the first infrastructure
licence, the Minister must take into account any
submissions made in accordance with the notice.
__________________
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PART 2.6—PIPELINE LICENCES
Division 1—General provisions
203 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) It is an offence to construct or operate a pipeline
in the offshore area without a pipeline licence.
(3) This Part provides for the grant of pipeline
licences.
(4) A pipeline licence authorises the licensee to
construct and operate a pipeline. A pipeline may
be used to convey petroleum or a greenhouse gas
substance.
(5) A pipeline licensee must not cease to operate the
pipeline without the consent of the Minister.
(6) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
204 Offence of unauthorised construction or operation
of a pipeline in the offshore area
A person must not intentionally—
(a) start to construct or reconstruct a pipeline; or
(b) continue to construct or reconstruct a
pipeline; or
(c) start to alter a pipeline; or
(d) continue to alter a pipeline; or
(e) operate a pipeline—
in the offshore area unless that person is
authorised by a pipeline licence to do so.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
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205 Offence of starting to operate a pipeline
A person must not intentionally start to operate a
pipeline in the offshore area unless—
(a) the pipeline has been constructed and tested
in accordance with a pipeline licence; and
(b) the Minister has certified in writing that the
Minister is satisfied that—
(i) the pipeline has been constructed and
tested in accordance with a pipeline
licence; and
(ii) the pipeline is fit to be operated.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
206 Offence of recommencing to operate a pipeline
A person must not intentionally recommence to
operate a pipeline, the previous operation of
which was discontinued, in the offshore area
unless the recommencement is carried out—
(a) with the written consent of the Minister; and
(b) in accordance with the conditions (if any)
specified in that consent.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
207 Defences
(1) Sections 204, 205 and 206 do not apply if—
(a) in an emergency in which there is a
likelihood of loss or injury; or
(b) for the purpose of maintaining a pipeline in
good order or repair—
the person engages in the conduct to avoid that
loss or injury, or to maintain the pipeline in good
order and repair, and the person—
(c) as soon as practicable, notifies the Minister
of the conduct; and
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(d) complies with any directions given to the
person by the Minister.
(2) Sections 204, 205 and 206 do not apply to
anything done in compliance with a direction
under—
(a) this Act; or
(b) the regulations.
208 Consents and certificates
The Minister may—
(a) refuse to give a consent or certificate for the
purposes of this Division; or
(b) make a consent under section 206 subject to
such conditions as are specified in the
consent.
209 Rights conferred by pipeline licence
(1) A pipeline licence authorises the licensee, in
accordance with the conditions (if any) to which
the licence is subject—
(a) to construct in the part of the offshore area
specified in the licence a pipeline—
(i) of the design, construction, size and
capacity specified in the licence; and
(ii) along the route specified in the licence;
and
(iii) in the position, in relation to the seabed,
specified in the licence; and
(b) to construct in the part of the offshore area
specified in the licence the pumping stations,
tank stations and valve stations specified in
the licence in the positions specified in the
licence; and
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(c) to operate—
(i) that pipeline; and
(ii) those pumping stations, tank stations
and valve stations; and
(d) to carry on such operations, to execute such
works and to do all such other things in the
part of the offshore area specified in the
licence as are necessary for, or incidental to,
the construction or operation of—
(i) that pipeline; and
(ii) those pumping stations, tank stations
and valve stations.
(2) The rights conferred on the licensee by
subsection (1) are subject to this Act and the
regulations.
210 Conditions of pipeline licences
(1) The Minister may grant a pipeline licence subject
to whatever conditions the Minister thinks
appropriate.
(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
licence.
(3) A pipeline licence may be granted subject to a
condition that the licensee must complete the
construction of the pipeline within the period
specified in the licence.
(4) A pipeline licence is subject to the condition that
the licensee will not operate the pipeline to
convey a greenhouse gas substance unless the
Minister has approved the greenhouse gas
substance under section 211.
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(5) A pipeline licence is subject to the condition that,
if—
(a) regulations are made for the purposes of
subsection (6); and
(b) those regulations impose requirements on the
licensee—
the licensee will comply with those requirements.
(6) The regulations may establish a regime for third
party access to services provided by means of the
use of greenhouse gas pipelines.
(7) Despite subsection (2), the conditions mentioned
in subsections (4) and (5) do not need to be
specified in the licence.
(8) Subsections (3), (4) and (5) do not limit
subsection (1).
211 Approval by Minister of greenhouse gas substance
to be conveyed in a pipeline
(1) A pipeline licensee may apply to the Minister for
approval of a greenhouse gas substance that is to
be conveyed by means of the pipeline.
(2) If an application for approval is made under
subsection (1), the Minister may, by written notice
given to the applicant—
(a) give the approval, with or without conditions
to which the approval is subject; or
(b) refuse to give the approval.
(3) In deciding whether to give an approval, the
Minister must have regard to—
(a) in a case where it is proposed to inject the
greenhouse gas substance into an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation—
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(i) whether the greenhouse gas substance
is suitable for injection into the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation; and
(ii) whether the greenhouse gas substance
is suitable for permanent storage in the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation; and
(b) in a case where it is proposed to inject the
greenhouse gas substance, on an appraisal
basis, into a potential greenhouse gas storage
formation (other than an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation)—
(i) whether the greenhouse gas substance
is suitable for injection, on an appraisal
basis, into the potential greenhouse gas
storage formation; and
(ii) whether the greenhouse gas substance
is suitable for storage, on an appraisal
basis, in the potential greenhouse gas
storage formation; and
(c) such other matters (if any) as the Minister
considers relevant.
(4) To avoid doubt, section 209 does not imply that a
pipeline licensee who applies for approval under
subsection (1) is entitled to be given the approval.
212 Duration of pipeline licence
(1) A pipeline licence comes into force—
(a) on the day on which the pipeline licence is
granted; or
(b) if a later day is specified in the pipeline
licence as being the day on which the
pipeline licence is to come into force—on
that later day.
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(2) A pipeline licence remains in force indefinitely.
(3) Subsection (2) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Notes
1 For the surrender of a pipeline licence, see Part 2.12.
2 For the cancellation of a pipeline licence, see Part 2.13.
3 For the termination of a pipeline licence if there have been no
operations for 5 years, see section 213.
213 Termination of pipeline licence if no operations for
5 years
(1) If a pipeline licence is in force, and the licensee—
(a) has not carried out any construction work
under the licence at any time during a
continuous period of at least 5 years; and
(b) has not used the pipeline or a part of the
pipeline at any time during a continuous
period of at least 5 years—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, tell the licensee that the Minister
proposes to—
(c) terminate the pipeline licence; or
(d) terminate the pipeline licence in relation to
the part of the pipeline—
as the case may be, after the end of 30 days after
the notice is given.
(2) At any time after the end of 30 days after the
notice referred to in subsection (1) is given to the
licensee, the Minister may, by written notice given
to the licensee—
(a) terminate the pipeline licence; or
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(b) terminate the pipeline licence in relation to
the part of the pipeline—
as the case may be.
Note
For remedial directions following termination, see
section 636.
(3) In working out, for the purposes of
subsection (1)—
(a) the period in which a pipeline licensee did
not carry out any construction work under
the licence; or
(b) the period in which a pipeline licensee did
not use the pipeline or a part of the
pipeline—
disregard any period in which construction work
was not carried out, or the pipeline or part of the
pipeline was not used, as the case may be, because
of circumstances beyond the licensee's control.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the depletion
of recoverable petroleum is not a circumstance
beyond the licensee's control.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (3), the failure to
obtain a greenhouse gas substance for conveyance
in the pipeline, or a part of the pipeline, is not a
circumstance beyond the licensee's control.
(6) The Minister may give a copy of a notice under
subsection (1) to such other persons (if any) as the
Minister thinks fit.
(7) A notice under subsection (1) must—
(a) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal to—
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(i) terminate the pipeline licence; or
(ii) terminate the pipeline licence in
relation to the part of the pipeline; and
(b) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(8) In deciding whether to—
(a) terminate the pipeline licence; or
(b) terminate the pipeline licence in relation to
the part of the pipeline—
the Minister must take into account any
submissions made in accordance with the notice.
214 Alteration or removal of pipeline constructed in
breach of this Act
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the construction of a pipeline is started,
continued or completed in breach of this Act;
or
(b) a pipeline is altered or reconstructed in
breach of this Act.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to
whichever of the following persons is
applicable—
(a) if the construction of the pipeline has been
completed—the owner of the pipeline;
(b) if the construction of the pipeline has not
been completed—the person for whom the
pipeline is being constructed—
direct the person—
(c) to make specified alterations to the pipeline;
or
(d) to move the pipeline to a specified place in
the offshore area; or
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(e) to remove the pipeline from the offshore
area—
within the period specified in the direction.
(3) The period specified in the direction must be
reasonable.
(4) If a person does not comply with a direction under
subsection (2) within—
(a) the period specified in the direction; or
(b) such longer period as the Minister allows—
the Minister may do any or all of the things
required by the direction to be done.
(5) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (4)(b) only on written application made
by the person referred to in subsection (4) within
the period specified in the direction.
(6) Costs and expenses incurred by the Minister under
subsection (4) are—
(a) a debt due to the State by the person referred
to in that subsection; and
(b) recoverable in a court of competent
jurisdiction.
Division 2—Obtaining a pipeline licence
215 Application for pipeline licence
(1) A person may apply to the Minister for the grant
by the Minister of a pipeline licence.
(2) An application under this section must be
accompanied by details of—
(a) the proposed design and construction of the
pipeline; and
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(b) the proposed size and capacity of the
pipeline; and
(c) the applicant's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the construction of
the pipeline; and
(d) the technical qualifications of the applicant
and of the applicant's employees; and
(e) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
(f) the financial resources available to the
applicant; and
(g) any agreements that the applicant—
(i) has entered into; or
(ii) proposes to enter into—
for, or in relation to, the supply or
conveyance of petroleum or greenhouse gas
substances by means of the pipeline.
(3) An application under this section must be
accompanied by a plan, drawn to an approved
scale, showing—
(a) the route to be followed by the pipeline; and
(b) the sites of pumping stations, tank stations
and valve stations to be used in connection
with the pipeline; and
(c) the site of any pumping station, tank station
or valve station that the applicant wants to be
declared under section 18 to be a terminal
station in connection with the pipeline; and
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(d) the location of any point that the applicant
wants to be declared under section 19 to be a
terminal point in connection with the
pipeline.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about application
procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied by an
application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the applicant to
give further information.
4 If a pipeline licensee wants to alter the pipeline, the licensee
will need to apply under section 224 for the variation of the
licence.
216 Rights of petroleum production licensees following
application for petroleum-related pipeline licences
by other persons
(1) If—
(a) a person applies for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction of a petroleum
pipeline for the conveyance of petroleum
recovered in a petroleum production licence
area; and
(b) the person is not the petroleum production
licensee—
the petroleum production licensee may, within—
(c) 90 days after the publication in the
Government Gazette of notice of the
application; or
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(d) such longer period, not more than 180 days,
as the Minister allows—
apply under section 215 for such a pipeline
licence and, in the application, request that the
application mentioned in the Government Gazette
notice be rejected.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
application, see section 731.
(2) If a pipeline licence is granted to the petroleum
production licensee as a result of an application
covered by subsection (1), the Minister must, by
written notice given to the person mentioned in
subsection (1)(a), reject the application mentioned
in subsection (1)(c).
(3) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(d) only on written application made
by the petroleum production licensee within the
period of 90 days mentioned in subsection (1)(c).
217 Rights of petroleum production licensees following
application for greenhouse gas-related pipeline
licences by other persons
(1) If—
(a) a person applies for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a petroleum
production licence area in the offshore
area; or
(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
petroleum production licence area to a
place in the petroleum production
licence area; and
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(b) either—
(i) if paragraph (a)(i) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is a
by-product of petroleum recovery
operations carried on under the
petroleum production licence; or
(ii) if paragraph (a)(ii) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into the seabed or subsoil for
the purpose of enhancing petroleum
recovery operations carried on under
the petroleum production licence; and
(c) the person is not the petroleum production
licensee—
the petroleum production licensee may, within—
(d) 90 days after the publication in the
Government Gazette of notice of the
application; or
(e) such longer period, not more than 180 days,
as the Minister allows—
apply under section 215 for such a pipeline
licence and, in the application, request that the
application mentioned in the Government Gazette
notice be rejected.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
application, see section 731.
(2) If a pipeline licence is granted to the petroleum
production licensee as a result of an application
covered by subsection (1), the Minister must, by
written notice given to the person mentioned in
subsection (1)(a), reject the application mentioned
in subsection (1)(d).
s. 217
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(3) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(e) only on written application made
by the petroleum production licensee within the
period of 90 days mentioned in subsection (1)(d).
218 Rights of greenhouse gas injection licensees
following application for greenhouse gas-related
pipeline licences by other persons
(1) If—
(a) a person applies for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a greenhouse gas
injection licence area in the offshore
area; or
(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
greenhouse gas injection area to a place
in the greenhouse gas injection licence
area; and
(b) the greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation that is wholly situated in
the greenhouse gas injection licence area;
and
(c) the person is not the greenhouse gas injection
licensee—
the greenhouse gas injection licensee may,
within—
(d) 90 days after the publication in the
Government Gazette of notice of the
application; or
s. 218
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(e) such longer period, not more than 180 days,
as the Minister allows—
apply under section 215 for such a pipeline
licence and, in the application, request that the
application mentioned in the Government Gazette
notice be rejected.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
application, see section 731.
(2) If a pipeline licence is granted to the greenhouse
gas injection licensee as a result of an application
covered by subsection (1), the Minister must, by
written notice given to the person mentioned in
subsection (1)(a), reject the application mentioned
in subsection (1)(d).
(3) The Minister may allow a longer period under
paragraph (1)(e) only on written application made
by the greenhouse gas injection licensee within
the period of 90 days mentioned in
subsection (1)(d).
219 Grant of petroleum-related pipeline licence—offer
document
(1) This section applies if an application for a pipeline
licence has been made under section 215.
(2) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction in the offshore
area of a petroleum pipeline for the
conveyance of petroleum recovered in a
petroleum production licence area; and
(b) the applicant is not the petroleum production
licensee; and
s. 219
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(c) the application has not been rejected under
section 216(2)—
the Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant the pipeline licence.
(3) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction of a petroleum
pipeline for the conveyance of petroleum
recovered in a petroleum production licence
area; and
(b) the applicant is the petroleum production
licensee; and
(c) each of the following has been complied
with—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
production licence is, or has from time
to time been, subject;
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1;
(iii) the regulations—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant the pipeline licence.
(4) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction of a petroleum
pipeline for the conveyance of petroleum
recovered in a petroleum production licence
area; and
s. 219
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(b) the applicant is the petroleum production
licensee; and
(c) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
production licence is, or has from time
to time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(d) the Minister is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the pipeline licence—
the Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant the pipeline licence.
(5) If the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction in the offshore area of
a petroleum pipeline for the conveyance of
petroleum recovered from a place beyond the
outer limits of the offshore area, the Minister may
give the applicant a written notice (called an offer
document) telling the applicant that the Minister
is prepared to grant the applicant a pipeline
licence.
(6) An offer document under this section must specify
the route to be followed by the petroleum pipeline,
and that route must be—
(a) the route shown in the plan accompanying
the application; or
s. 219
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(b) if the Minister is of the opinion that, for any
reason, that route is not appropriate—a route
that, in the opinion of the Minister, is
appropriate.
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 254 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 254(3).
220 Grant of greenhouse gas-related pipeline licence—
offer document
(1) This section applies if an application for a pipeline
licence has been made under section 215.
(2) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a petroleum
production licence area in the offshore
area; or
(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
petroleum production licence area to a
place in the petroleum production
licence area; and
(b) either—
(i) if paragraph (a)(i) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is a
by-product of petroleum recovery
operations carried on under the
petroleum production licence; or
s. 220
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(ii) if paragraph (a)(ii) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into the seabed or subsoil for
the purpose of enhancing petroleum
recovery operations carried on under
the petroleum production licence; and
(c) the applicant is not the petroleum production
licensee; and
(d) the application has not been rejected under
section 217(2)—
the Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant the pipeline licence.
(3) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a petroleum
production licence area in the offshore
area; or
(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
petroleum production licence area to a
place in the petroleum production
licence area; and
(b) either—
(i) if paragraph (a)(i) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is a
by-product of petroleum recovery
operations carried on under the
petroleum production licence; or
s. 220
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(ii) if paragraph (a)(ii) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into the seabed or subsoil for
the purpose of enhancing petroleum
recovery operations carried on under
the petroleum production licence; and
(c) the applicant is the petroleum production
licensee; and
(d) each of the following has been complied
with—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
production licence is, or has from time
to time been, subject;
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1;
(iii) the regulations—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant the pipeline licence.
(4) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a petroleum
production licence area in the offshore
area; or
(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
petroleum production licence area to a
place in the petroleum production
licence area; and
s. 220
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(b) either—
(i) if paragraph (a)(i) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is a
by-product of petroleum recovery
operations carried on under the
petroleum production licence; or
(ii) if paragraph (a)(ii) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into the seabed or subsoil for
the purpose of enhancing petroleum
recovery operations carried on under
the petroleum production licence; and
(c) the applicant is the petroleum production
licensee; and
(d) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
production licence is, or has from time
to time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(e) the Minister is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the pipeline licence—
the Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant the pipeline licence.
s. 220
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(5) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a greenhouse gas
injection licence area in the offshore
area; or
(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
greenhouse gas injection area to a place
in the greenhouse gas injection licence
area; and
(b) the greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation that is wholly situated in
the greenhouse gas injection licence area;
and
(c) the applicant is not the greenhouse gas
injection licensee; and
(d) the application has not been rejected under
section 218(2)—
the Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant the pipeline licence.
(6) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a greenhouse gas
injection licence area in the offshore
area; or
s. 220
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(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
greenhouse gas injection area to a place
in the greenhouse gas injection licence
area; and
(b) the greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation that is wholly situated in
the greenhouse gas injection licence area;
and
(c) the applicant is the greenhouse gas injection
licensee; and
(d) each of the following has been complied
with—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas injection licence is, or has from
time to time been, subject;
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1;
(iii) the regulations—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant the pipeline licence.
(7) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a greenhouse gas
injection licence area in the offshore
area; or
s. 220
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(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
greenhouse gas injection area to a place
in the greenhouse gas injection licence
area; and
(b) the greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation that is wholly situated in
the greenhouse gas injection licence area;
and
(c) the applicant is the greenhouse gas injection
licensee; and
(d) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas injection licence is, or has from
time to time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(e) the Minister is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the pipeline licence—
the Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant the pipeline licence.
(8) An offer document under this section must specify
the route to be followed by the greenhouse gas
pipeline, and that route must be—
(a) the route shown in the plan accompanying
the application; or
s. 220
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(b) if the Minister is of the opinion that, for any
reason, that route is not appropriate—a route
that, in the opinion of the Minister, is
appropriate.
Notes
1 Section 255 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under section 254 to
provide further information, the Minister may refuse to give
the applicant an offer document—see section 254(3).
221 Refusal to grant petroleum-related pipeline licence
(1) This section applies if an application for a pipeline
licence has been made under section 215.
(2) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction of a petroleum
pipeline for the conveyance of petroleum
recovered in a petroleum production licence
area; and
(b) the applicant is the petroleum production
licensee; and
(c) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
production licence is, or has from time
to time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
s. 221
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(d) the Minister is not satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
a pipeline licence—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant the pipeline licence.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 258.
(3) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction of a petroleum
pipeline for the conveyance of petroleum
recovered in a petroleum production licence
area; and
(b) the applicant is not the petroleum production
licensee—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant the pipeline licence.
222 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas-related pipeline
licence
(1) This section applies if an application for a pipeline
licence has been made under section 215.
(2) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a petroleum
production licence area in the offshore
area; or
(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
petroleum production licence area to a
place in the petroleum production
licence area; and
s. 222
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(b) either—
(i) if paragraph (a)(i) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is a
by-product of petroleum recovery
operations carried on under the
petroleum production licence; or
(ii) if paragraph (a)(ii) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into the seabed or subsoil for
the purpose of enhancing petroleum
recovery operations carried on under
the petroleum production licence; and
(c) the applicant is the petroleum production
licensee; and
(d) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the petroleum
production licence is, or has from time
to time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(e) the Minister is not satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
a pipeline licence—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant the pipeline licence.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 258.
(3) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
s. 222
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(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a petroleum
production licence area in the offshore
area; or
(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
petroleum production licence area to a
place in the petroleum production
licence area; and
(b) either—
(i) if paragraph (a)(i) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is a
by-product of petroleum recovery
operations carried on under the
petroleum production licence; or
(ii) if paragraph (a)(ii) applies—the
greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into the seabed or subsoil for
the purpose of enhancing petroleum
recovery operations carried on under
the petroleum production licence; and
(c) the applicant is not the petroleum production
licensee—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant the pipeline licence.
(4) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a greenhouse gas
injection licence area in the offshore
area; or
s. 222
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(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
greenhouse gas injection area to a place
in the greenhouse gas injection licence
area; and
(b) the greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation that is wholly situated in
the greenhouse gas injection licence area;
and
(c) the applicant is the greenhouse gas injection
licensee; and
(d) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas injection licence is, or has from
time to time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(e) the Minister is not satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
a pipeline licence—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant the pipeline licence.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 258.
(5) If—
(a) the application is for a pipeline licence in
relation to the construction, in the offshore
area, of a greenhouse gas pipeline for—
s. 222
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(i) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance within a greenhouse gas
injection licence area in the offshore
area; or
(ii) the conveyance of a greenhouse gas
substance from a place outside a
greenhouse gas injection licence area to
a place in the greenhouse gas injection
licence area; and
(b) the greenhouse gas substance is to be
injected into an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation that is wholly situated in
the greenhouse gas injection licence area;
and
(c) the applicant is not the greenhouse gas
injection licensee—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant the pipeline licence.
223 Grant of pipeline licence
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 219 or 220; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 256 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section—
the Minister must grant the applicant the pipeline
licence concerned.
Note
If the applicant does not make a request under section 256 within
the period applicable under that section, the application lapses at
the end of that period—see section 256(4).
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Division 3—Varying a pipeline licence
224 Variation of pipeline licence on application by
licensee
(1) A pipeline licensee may apply to the Minister for
the variation by the Minister of the licence.
(2) An application under this section must—
(a) be accompanied by details of the proposed
variation; and
(b) specify the reasons for the proposed
variation.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 254 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(3) When notice of an application under this section is
published in the Government Gazette, the notice
must specify a period within which a person may
make a written submission to the Minister about
the application.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
application, see section 731.
(4) After considering any submissions made to the
Minister under subsection (3), the Minister may,
by written notice given to the applicant—
(a) vary the pipeline licence to such extent as the
Minister thinks necessary; or
(b) refuse to vary the pipeline licence.
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(5) A variation of a pipeline licence under this section
takes effect on the day on which notice of the
variation is published in the Government Gazette.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
variation, see section 731.
225 Variation of pipeline licence at the request of a
Minister or a statutory body
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to a
pipeline licensee, direct the licensee to—
(a) make such changes to the design,
construction, route or position of the pipeline
concerned as are specified in the direction;
and
(b) make those changes within the period
specified in the direction—
and, if the Minister gives such a direction, the
Minister must vary the pipeline licence in
accordance with the direction.
(2) The period specified in the direction must be
reasonable.
(3) A variation of a pipeline licence under this section
takes effect on the day on which notice of the
variation is published in the Government Gazette.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
variation, see section 731.
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(4) The Minister may give a direction under
subsection (1) only if—
(a) the Minister is requested to do so by—
(i) a Minister of this State or the
Commonwealth or of another State or
the Northern Territory; or
(ii) a body established by a law of this State
or the Commonwealth or of another
State or a Territory; and
(b) in the Minister's opinion, it is in the public
interest to give the direction.
(5) A person who is given a direction under
subsection (1) must not intentionally contravene
the direction.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
(6) If—
(a) the Minister gives a direction to a person
under subsection (1) in relation to a pipeline
in the offshore area; and
(b) the person complies with the direction—
the person may bring an action in Supreme Court
against the Minister or body who made the request
under subsection (4).
(7) The court must—
(a) hear the action without a jury; and
(b) determine whether it is just that the whole or
a part of the reasonable cost of complying
with the direction ought to be paid to the
plaintiff by the defendant.
(8) If the court determines that it is just that such a
payment ought to be made, the court must
determine the amount of the payment and give
judgment accordingly.
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Division 4—Pipeline operation
226 Ceasing to operate pipeline without consent
(1) A person who is a pipeline licensee in relation to a
pipeline must not intentionally cease to operate
the pipeline.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the failure of the
licensee to operate the pipeline is—
(a) with the written consent of the Minister; and
(b) in accordance with the conditions (if any)
specified in the consent.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply if the failure of the
licensee to operate the pipeline was—
(a) in the ordinary course of operating the
pipeline; or
(b) for the purpose of repairing or maintaining
the pipeline; or
(c) in an emergency in which there was a
likelihood of loss or injury.
__________________
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PART 2.7—PETROLEUM SPECIAL PROSPECTING
AUTHORITIES
Division 1—General provisions
227 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) This Part provides for the grant of petroleum
special prospecting authorities over blocks in the
offshore area.
(3) A petroleum special prospecting authority may be
granted over a block so long as none of the
following is in force over the block—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit;
(b) a petroleum retention lease;
(c) a petroleum production licence;
(d) a greenhouse gas assessment permit;
(e) a greenhouse gas holding lease;
(f) a greenhouse gas injection licence.
(4) A petroleum special prospecting authority
authorises the holder to carry on petroleum
exploration operations in the authority area
(but not to make a well).
(5) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
228 Rights conferred by petroleum special prospecting
authority
(1) A petroleum special prospecting authority
authorises the registered holder, in accordance
with the conditions (if any) to which the authority
is subject, to carry on, in the authority area, the
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petroleum exploration operations specified in the
authority.
(2) A petroleum special prospecting authority does
not authorise the registered holder to make a well.
(3) The rights conferred on the registered holder by
subsection (1) are subject to this Act and the
regulations.
229 Conditions of petroleum special prospecting
authorities
(1) The Minister may grant a petroleum special
prospecting authority subject to whatever
conditions the Minister thinks appropriate.
Note
See also section 618, which deals with insurance.
(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
petroleum special prospecting authority.
230 Duration of petroleum special prospecting authority
(1) A petroleum special prospecting authority comes
into force on the day specified in the authority as
the day on which the authority is to come into
force.
(2) A petroleum special prospecting authority remains
in force for the period specified in the authority.
(3) The period specified under subsection (2) must
not be longer than 180 days.
(4) Subsection (2) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Notes
1 For the surrender of a petroleum special prospecting
authority, see Part 2.12.
2 For the cancellation of a petroleum special prospecting
authority, see Part 2.13.
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231 Petroleum special prospecting authority cannot be
transferred
A petroleum special prospecting authority cannot
be transferred.
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum special prospecting
authority
232 Application for petroleum special prospecting
authority
(1) A person may apply to the Minister for the grant
of a petroleum special prospecting authority over
a block or blocks, so long as none of the following
is in force over that block or any of those
blocks—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit;
(b) a petroleum retention lease;
(c) a petroleum production licence;
(d) a greenhouse gas assessment permit;
(e) a greenhouse gas holding lease;
(f) a greenhouse gas injection licence.
(2) An application under this section must specify—
(a) the petroleum exploration operations that the
applicant proposes to carry on; and
(b) the block or blocks within which the
applicant proposes to carry on those
operations.
Notes
1 Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about application
procedures.
2 Section 252 requires the application to be accompanied by an
application fee.
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233 Grant or refusal of petroleum special prospecting
authority
If an application for a petroleum special
prospecting authority has been made under
section 232, the Minister may—
(a) grant the applicant a petroleum special
prospecting authority; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to grant a petroleum special
prospecting authority to the applicant.
234 Holders to be informed of the grant of another
petroleum special prospecting authority
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a person (the first person) is the registered
holder of a petroleum special prospecting
authority over a block; and
(b) another petroleum special prospecting
authority is granted to another person
(the second person) over the block.
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
first person, inform the first person of—
(a) the petroleum exploration operations
authorised by the petroleum special
prospecting authority granted to the second
person; and
(b) the conditions of the petroleum special
prospecting authority granted to the second
person.
(3) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
second person, inform the second person of—
(a) the petroleum exploration operations
authorised by the petroleum special
prospecting authority granted to the first
person; and
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(b) the conditions of the petroleum special
prospecting authority granted to the first
person.
235 Holders to be informed of the grant of greenhouse
gas search authority
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a person (the first person) is the registered
holder of a petroleum special prospecting
authority over a block; and
(b) a greenhouse gas search authority is granted
to another person (the second person) over
the block.
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
first person, inform the first person of—
(a) the operations authorised by the greenhouse
gas search authority granted to the second
person; and
(b) the conditions of the greenhouse gas search
authority granted to the second person.
(3) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
second person, inform the second person of—
(a) the petroleum exploration operations
authorised by the petroleum special
prospecting authority granted to the first
person; and
(b) the conditions of the petroleum special
prospecting authority granted to the first
person.
__________________
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PART 2.8—PETROLEUM ACCESS AUTHORITIES
Division 1—General provisions
236 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) This Part provides for the grant of petroleum
access authorities over blocks in the offshore area.
(3) A petroleum access authority authorises the holder
to carry on certain petroleum exploration
operations, and certain operations relating to the
recovery of petroleum, in the authority area
(but not to make a well).
(4) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
237 Rights conferred by petroleum access authority
(1) A petroleum access authority authorises the
registered holder, in accordance with the
conditions (if any) to which the authority is
subject, to carry on, in the authority area, the
operations specified in the authority.
(2) A petroleum access authority does not authorise
the registered holder to make a well.
(3) The rights conferred on the registered holder by
subsection (1) are subject to this Act and the
regulations.
238 Conditions of petroleum access authorities
(1) The Minister may grant a petroleum access
authority subject to whatever conditions the
Minister thinks appropriate.
Note
See also section 619, which deals with insurance.
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(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
petroleum access authority.
239 Duration of petroleum access authority
(1) A petroleum access authority comes into force on
the day specified in the authority as the day on
which the authority is to come into force.
(2) A petroleum access authority remains in force for
the period specified in the authority, but may be
extended by the Minister for a further specified
period.
(3) Subsection (2) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Notes
1 For the surrender of a petroleum access authority, see
Part 2.12.
2 For the revocation of a petroleum access authority, see
section 246.
Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum access authority
240 Application for petroleum access authority
(1) The table has effect—
Application for petroleum access authority
Item Column 1
This person...
Column 2
may apply to...
Column 3
for the grant of a petroleum
access authority to enable the
person to...
1 the registered
holder of a
petroleum
exploration
permit, petroleum
retention lease or
petroleum
production
licence relating to
the offshore area
the Minister carry on, in an area that is part
of the offshore area but outside
the permit area, lease area or
licence area—
either or both of the
following—
(a) petroleum exploration
operations;
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Application for petroleum access authority
Item Column 1
This person...
Column 2
may apply to...
Column 3
for the grant of a petroleum
access authority to enable the
person to...
(b) operations related to the
recovery of petroleum in or
from the permit area, lease
area or licence area.
2 the holder of a
Commonwealth
title or adjacent
State title who
wants to gain
access to the
offshore area
the Minister carry on, in a part of the
offshore area, either or both of
the following—
(a) petroleum exploration
operations;
(b) operations related to the
recovery of petroleum in or
from the area to which that
Commonwealth title or
adjacent State title relates.
3 the registered
holder of a
petroleum special
prospecting
authority relating
to the offshore
area
the Minister carry on petroleum exploration
operations in an area that is
part of the offshore area but
outside the authority area of
the petroleum special
prospecting authority.
(2) An application under this section must specify—
(a) the operations that the applicant proposes to
carry on; and
(b) the area in which the applicant proposes to
carry on those operations.
Note
Part 2.10 contains additional provisions about application
procedures.
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(3) In this section—
adjacent State title means an authority (however
described) under a corresponding State law
to explore for, or recover, petroleum;
Commonwealth title means an instrument under
the Commonwealth Act that confers, in
relation to the Commonwealth defined
offshore area or the offshore area (within the
meaning of that Act) for another State, some
or all of the rights that a State title confers in
relation to the offshore area;
Note
Commonwealth defined offshore area is defined in
section 6(1).
State title means—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence.
241 Grant or refusal of petroleum access authority
(1) If—
(a) an application for a petroleum access
authority has been made under section 240;
and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that it is necessary or
desirable to grant the petroleum access
authority for—
(i) the more effective exercise of the
applicant's rights; or
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(ii) the proper performance of the
applicant's duties—
in the applicant's capacity as—
(iii) the registered holder of a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease or petroleum production licence;
or
(iv) the holder of a State title; or
(v) the registered holder of a petroleum
special prospecting authority—
the Minister may—
(c) grant the applicant a petroleum access
authority; or
(d) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to grant a petroleum access authority
to the applicant.
(2) In this section state title has the same meaning as
in section 240.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 242.
242 Consultation—grant of petroleum access authority
in the offshore area
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application for a petroleum access
authority has been made under section 240 in
relation to the offshore area (the application
area); and
(b) the application area is, to any extent, the
subject of a petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease, petroleum
production licence or petroleum special
prospecting authority; and
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(c) the applicant is not the registered holder of
the petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease, petroleum production licence
or petroleum special prospecting authority;
and
(d) the registered holder of the petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease, petroleum production licence or
petroleum special prospecting authority has
not given written consent to the grant of the
petroleum access authority.
(2) Before granting the petroleum access authority,
the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease, petroleum
production licence or petroleum special
prospecting authority, give at least 30 days
notice of the Minister's intention to grant the
petroleum access authority; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the petroleum access
authority that is proposed to be granted; and
(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
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(4) In deciding—
(a) whether to grant the petroleum access
authority; and
(b) the conditions (if any) to which the
petroleum access authority should be
subject—
the Minister must take into account any
submissions made in accordance with the notice.
Division 3—Variation of petroleum access authorities
243 Variation of petroleum access authority
The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of a petroleum access authority,
vary the petroleum access authority.
244 Consultation—variation of petroleum access
authority in the offshore area
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a petroleum access authority was granted as
a result of an application under section 240
in relation to the offshore area; and
(b) the Minister proposes to vary the petroleum
access authority; and
(c) the authority area is, to any extent, the
subject of a petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease, petroleum
production licence or petroleum special
prospecting authority; and
(d) the applicant is not the registered holder of
the petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease, petroleum production licence
or petroleum special prospecting authority;
and
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(e) the registered holder of the petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease, petroleum production licence or
petroleum special prospecting authority has
not given written consent to the variation of
the petroleum access authority.
(2) Before varying the petroleum access authority, the
Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease, petroleum
production licence or petroleum special
prospecting authority, give at least 30 days
notice of the Minister's intention to vary the
petroleum access authority; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to—
(i) the registered holder of the petroleum
access authority; and
(ii) such other persons (if any) as the
Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the variation that is
proposed to be made; and
(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(4) In deciding whether to vary the petroleum access
authority, the Minister must take into account any
submissions made in accordance with the notice.
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Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum
access authorities
245 Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access
authorities
(1) If—
(a) at any time during a particular month, a
petroleum access authority is in force in
relation to an area that consists of, or
includes, a block that is the subject of a
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease or petroleum production
licence; and
(b) the registered holder of the petroleum access
authority is not the registered holder of the
permit, lease or licence—
the registered holder of the petroleum access
authority must, within 30 days after the end of that
month, give the registered holder of the permit,
lease or licence—
(c) a written report about the operations carried
on in that block during that month; and
(d) a written summary of the facts ascertained
from those operations.
(2) A person who is subject to a requirement under
subsection (1) must comply with that requirement.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
Division 5—Revocation of petroleum access authorities
246 Revocation of petroleum access authority
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of a petroleum access authority,
revoke the petroleum access authority.
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(2) If—
(a) the Minister revokes a petroleum access
authority; and
(b) the petroleum access authority authorised
operations in—
(i) a petroleum exploration permit area; or
(ii) a petroleum retention lease area; or
(iii) a petroleum production licence area—
the Minister must give written notice of the
revocation to the permittee, lessee or
licensee.
__________________
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PART 2.9—PETROLEUM SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION
CONSENTS
247 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) This Part provides for the grant of petroleum
scientific investigation consents.
(3) A petroleum scientific investigation consent
authorises the holder to carry on petroleum
exploration operations in the course of a scientific
investigation.
(4) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
248 Rights conferred by petroleum scientific
investigation consent
(1) A petroleum scientific investigation consent
authorises the holder, in accordance with the
conditions (if any) to which the consent is subject,
to carry on, in the offshore area specified in the
consent, the petroleum exploration operations
specified in the consent in the course of the
scientific investigation specified in the consent.
(2) The rights conferred on the holder by
subsection (1) are subject to section 276.
Note
Section 276 deals with interference with other rights.
249 Conditions of petroleum scientific investigation
consents
(1) The Minister may grant a petroleum scientific
investigation consent subject to whatever
conditions the Minister thinks appropriate.
(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
consent.
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250 Grant of petroleum scientific investigation consent
(1) The Minister may grant a written petroleum
scientific investigation consent authorising a
person to carry on, in the offshore area, petroleum
exploration operations in the course of a scientific
investigation.
(2) The person is the holder of the consent.
__________________
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PART 2.10—STANDARD PROCEDURES
251 Application to be made in an approved manner
(1) This section applies to an application for—
(a) the grant or renewal of a petroleum
exploration permit; or
(b) the grant or renewal of a petroleum retention
lease; or
(c) the grant, variation or renewal of a petroleum
production licence; or
(d) the grant or variation of an infrastructure
licence; or
(e) the grant or variation of a pipeline licence; or
(f) the grant of a petroleum special prospecting
authority; or
(g) the grant of a petroleum access authority.
(2) The application must be made in an approved
manner.
252 Application fee
(1) This section applies to an application for—
(a) the grant or renewal of a petroleum
exploration permit; or
(b) the grant or renewal of a petroleum retention
lease; or
(c) the grant or renewal of a petroleum
production licence; or
(d) the grant or variation of an infrastructure
licence; or
(e) the grant or variation of a pipeline licence; or
(f) the grant of a petroleum special prospecting
authority.
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(2) The application must be accompanied by the fee
(if any) prescribed by the regulations.
(3) Different fees may be prescribed for different
applications.
(4) A fee must not be such as to amount to taxation.
(5) To avoid doubt, a fee is in addition to—
(a) the amount that a person specifies in an
application as the amount that the person is
prepared to pay for—
(i) a cash-bid petroleum exploration
permit; or
(ii) a special petroleum exploration permit;
or
(iii) a section 177 petroleum production
licence; and
(b) the amount specified in an offer document as
the amount that a person must pay for a
cash-bid petroleum exploration permit; and
(c) the balance specified in an offer document as
the balance that a person must pay for—
(i) a special petroleum exploration permit;
or
(ii) a section 177 petroleum production
licence.
253 Application may set out additional matters
(1) This section applies to the following—
(a) an application for the grant of a petroleum
exploration permit (otherwise than by way of
renewal);
(b) an application for the grant of a petroleum
retention lease (otherwise than by way of
renewal);
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(c) an application under section 164, 166 or 173
for the grant of a petroleum production
licence;
(d) an application for the variation of a
petroleum production licence;
(e) an application for the grant of an
infrastructure licence;
(f) an application for the grant of a pipeline
licence;
(g) an application for the grant of a petroleum
access authority.
(2) The application may set out any additional matters
that the applicant wishes to be considered.
254 Minister may require further information
(1) This section applies to an application for—
(a) the grant of a petroleum exploration permit
(otherwise than by way of renewal); or
(b) the grant or renewal of a petroleum retention
lease; or
(c) the grant of a petroleum production licence
(otherwise than by way of renewal and
otherwise than by way of grant under
section 179); or
(d) the variation of a petroleum production
licence; or
(e) the grant or variation of an infrastructure
licence; or
(f) the grant or variation of a pipeline licence.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant, require the applicant to give the
Minister, within the period specified in the notice,
further information in connection with the
application.
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(3) If the applicant breaches the requirement, the
Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant—
(a) refuse to consider the application; or
(b) refuse to take any action, or any further
action, in relation to the application.
(4) Subsection (3) has effect despite any provision of
this Act that requires the Minister to—
(a) consider the application; or
(b) take any particular action in relation to the
application.
(5) A reference in this section to taking action in
relation to the application includes a reference to
giving an offer document in relation to the
application.
(6) If an application for the grant of a petroleum
production licence has been made under
section 164 or 166 then—
(a) if the Minister does not require the applicant
to give further information under subsection
(2)—the Minister must, within 30 days after
the application was made, determine whether
or not sufficient information has been
received to determine the application; or
(b) if the Minister requires the applicant to give
further information under subsection (2)—
the Minister must, within 30 days after
receiving the information, determine whether
or not sufficient information has been
received to determine the application.
(7) If, under subsection (6), the Minister determines
that sufficient information has been provided, the
Minister must issue the applicant with a notice to
that effect specifying the last date on which
information was provided.
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(8) The issuing of a notice under subsection (7) does
not prevent the Minister from later requiring
further information under subsection (2).
However, the later requirement does not affect the
notice under subsection (7).
(9) If an application covered by subsection (6)—
(a) lapses; or
(b) is withdrawn; or
(c) is refused—
any notice issued under subsection (7) in relation
to that application is taken never to have been
issued.
255 Offer documents
(1) This section applies to an offer document that
relates to an application for—
(a) the grant or renewal of a petroleum
exploration permit; or
(b) the grant or renewal of a petroleum retention
lease; or
(c) the grant or renewal of a petroleum
production licence; or
(d) the grant of an infrastructure licence; or
(e) the grant of a pipeline licence.
(2) The offer document must contain—
(a) a summary of the conditions to which the
permit, lease or licence will be subject; and
(b) a statement to the effect that the application
will lapse if the applicant does not make a
request under section 256.
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(3) If the offer document relates to an application for
the grant of a cash-bid petroleum exploration
permit, the offer document must—
(a) specify the amount that the applicant must
pay for the permit; and
(b) contain a statement to the effect that the
application will lapse if the applicant does
not pay the amount to the State within the
period allowed for making a request under
section 256.
(4) If the offer document relates to an application for
the grant of a special petroleum exploration
permit, the offer document must—
(a) specify the balance of the amount that the
applicant must pay for the permit; and
(b) contain a statement to the effect that the
application will lapse if the applicant does
not pay the balance to the State within the
period allowed for making a request under
section 256.
(5) If the offer document is given under section 176 to
an applicant for a petroleum production licence,
the offer document must—
(a) specify the balance of the amount that the
applicant must pay for the licence; and
(b) contain a statement to the effect that the
application will lapse if the applicant does
not pay the balance to the State within the
period allowed for making a request under
section 256.
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256 Acceptance of offer—request by applicant
(1) The table has effect—
Acceptance of offer by applicant
Item Column 1
If an offer
document
relates to an
application
for the grant
of...
Column 2
the applicant may, within...
Column 3
by written notice
given to the
Minister, request
the Minister to
grant the
applicant...
1 a work-bid
petroleum
exploration
permit
whichever of the following
periods is applicable—
(a) 30 days after the offer
document was given to
the applicant;
(b) such longer period, not
more than 60 days after
the offer document was
given to the applicant, as
the Minister allows—
the permit.
2 a cash-bid
petroleum
exploration
permit
30 days after the offer
document was given to the
applicant,
the permit.
3 a special
petroleum
exploration
permit
whichever of the following
periods is applicable—
(a) 90 days after the offer
document was given to
the applicant;
(b) such longer period, not
more than 180 days after
the offer document was
given to the applicant, as
the Minister allows—
the permit.
4 the renewal
of a
petroleum
exploration
permit
30 days after the offer
document was given to the
applicant,
the renewal of the
permit.
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Acceptance of offer by applicant
Item Column 1
If an offer
document
relates to an
application
for the grant
of...
Column 2
the applicant may, within...
Column 3
by written notice
given to the
Minister, request
the Minister to
grant the
applicant...
5 a petroleum
retention
lease
whichever of the following
periods is applicable—
(a) 30 days after the offer
document was given to
the applicant;
(b) such longer period, not
more than 60 days after
the offer document was
given to the applicant, as
the Minister allows—
the lease.
6 the renewal
of a
petroleum
retention
lease
30 days after the offer
document was given to the
applicant,
the renewal of the
lease.
7 a petroleum
production
licence
whichever of the following
periods is applicable—
(a) 90 days after the offer
document was given to
the applicant;
(b) such longer period, not
more than 180 days after
the offer document was
given to the applicant, as
the Minister allows—
the licence.
8 the renewal
of a
petroleum
production
licence
30 days after the offer
document was given to the
applicant,
the renewal of the
licence.
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Acceptance of offer by applicant
Item Column 1
If an offer
document
relates to an
application
for the grant
of...
Column 2
the applicant may, within...
Column 3
by written notice
given to the
Minister, request
the Minister to
grant the
applicant...
9 an
infrastructure
licence
whichever of the following
periods is applicable—
(a) 90 days after the offer
document was given to
the applicant;
(b) such longer period, not
more than 180 days after
the offer document was
given to the applicant, as
the Minister allows—
the licence.
10 a pipeline
licence
whichever of the following
periods is applicable—
(a) 90 days after the offer
document was given to
the applicant;
(b) such longer period, not
more than 180 days after
the offer document was
given to the applicant, as
the Minister allows—
the licence.
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
paragraph (b) of column 2 of item 1 or 5 of the
table only on written application made by the
applicant within the period of 30 days mentioned
in paragraph (a) of that column.
(3) The Minister may allow a longer period under
paragraph (b) of column 2 of item 3, 7, 9 or 10 of
the table only on written application made by the
applicant within the period of 90 days mentioned
in paragraph (a) of that column.
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(4) If an applicant does not make a request under an
item of the table within the period applicable
under column 2 of the table, the application lapses
at the end of that period.
257 Acceptance of offer—payment
(1) If—
(a) an offer document specifies an amount that
the applicant must pay to the State for the
grant of a cash-bid petroleum exploration
permit; and
(b) the applicant has not paid that amount within
the period applicable under column 2 of the
table in section 256(1)—
the application lapses at the end of that period.
(2) If—
(a) an offer document specifies the balance of
the amount that the applicant must pay to the
State for the grant of—
(i) a special petroleum exploration permit;
or
(ii) a section 177 petroleum production
licence; and
(b) the applicant has not paid that balance within
the period applicable under column 2 of the
table in section 256(1)—
the application lapses at the end of that period.
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258 Consultation—adverse decisions
(1) This section applies to a decision set out in the
table, and the affected person in relation to that
decision is set out in the table.
Decisions and affected persons
Item Column 1
Provision under
which decision is
made
Column 2
Decision of the Minister
Column 3
Affected person
1 section 109 refusal to renew a
petroleum exploration
permit
the permittee
2 section 138 refusal to grant a
petroleum retention
lease to a petroleum
production licensee
the licensee
3 section 144 refusal to renew a
petroleum retention
lease
the lessee
4 section 221 refusal to grant a
pipeline licence to a
petroleum production
licensee
the licensee
5 section 222 refusal to grant a
pipeline licence to a
petroleum production
licensee
the licensee.
6 section 222 refusal to grant a
pipeline licence to a
greenhouse gas injection
licensee
the licensee.
(2) Before making the decision, the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the affected
person, give at least 30 days notice of the
Minister's intention to make the decision;
and
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(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the decision that is
proposed to be made; and
(b) set out the reasons for the proposal; and
(c) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(d) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(4) In deciding whether to make the decision, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
259 Minister may require information about
negotiations for a designated agreement
(1) This section applies to the following
applications—
(a) an application under section 78(1) for
approval to carry on one or more key
petroleum operations under a declared
petroleum exploration permit;
(b) an application under section 122 for approval
to carry on one or more key petroleum
operations under a declared petroleum
retention lease;
(c) an application under section 156(1) for
approval to carry on one or more key
petroleum operations under a declared
petroleum production licence—
where either or both of the following are relevant
to the Minister's decision on the application—
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(d) the existence or non-existence of a
designated agreement;
(e) the terms of a designated agreement.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant, require the applicant to give to the
Minister, within the period specified in the notice,
a written report about negotiations, or attempts at
negotiations, relating to—
(a) the entering into of the designated
agreement; and
(b) the terms of the designated agreement.
(3) If the applicant breaches the requirement, the
Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant—
(a) refuse to consider the application; or
(b) refuse to take any action, or any further
action, in relation to the application.
(4) Subsection (3) has effect despite any provision of
this Act that requires the Minister to—
(a) consider the application; or
(b) take any particular action in relation to the
application.
__________________
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PART 2.11—VARIATION, SUSPENSION AND EXEMPTION
Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions
relating to petroleum exploration permits, petroleum
retention leases, petroleum production licences,
infrastructure licences and pipeline licences
260 Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of
titles
(1) This section applies if an event specified in the
table happens, or a circumstance specified in the
table exists—
When the conditions of a title may be the subject of a variation, suspension
or exemption
Item Title Event or circumstance
1 a petroleum exploration
permit, petroleum
retention lease,
petroleum production
licence, infrastructure
licence or pipeline
licence
the permittee, lessee or licensee
applies in writing to the Minister
for—
(a) a variation or suspension of any
of the conditions to which the
permit, lease or licence is subject;
or
(b) exemption from compliance with
any of the conditions to which the
permit, lease or licence is subject.
2 a petroleum exploration
permit, petroleum
retention lease,
petroleum production
licence, infrastructure
licence or pipeline
licence
the Minister gives a direction or
consent to the permittee, lessee or
licensee under—
(a) this Chapter; or
(b) Chapter 6; or
(c) Part 7.1; or
(d) the regulations.
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When the conditions of a title may be the subject of a variation, suspension
or exemption
Item Title Event or circumstance
3 a petroleum exploration
permit or petroleum
production licence
the permit or licence is—
(a) partly cancelled; or
(b) partly revoked; or
(c) partly surrendered.
4 a petroleum retention
lease
the lease is partly revoked.
5 a petroleum exploration
permit, petroleum
retention lease or
petroleum production
licence
the permit, lease or licence is taken to
continue in force until the Minister
grants, or refuses to grant, the
renewal of the permit, lease or
licence (see sections 102(5) and
142(5)).
6 a petroleum production
licence
the licensee enters into an agreement
under section 184, or a direction is
given to the licensee under that
section.
7 a pipeline licence the licence is partly cancelled.
8 a pipeline licence the licence is varied under
section 224 or 225.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
permittee, lessee or licensee—
(a) vary; or
(b) suspend; or
(c) exempt the permittee, lessee or licensee from
compliance with—
any of the conditions to which the permit, lease, or
licence is subject, on such conditions (if any) as
are specified in the notice.
(3) Subsection (2) does not authorise the giving of a
notice to the extent that it would affect the term of
a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
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retention lease, petroleum production licence,
infrastructure licence or pipeline licence.
Note
See also section 261 (extension of term).
(4) A variation of a petroleum production licence,
infrastructure licence or pipeline licence under
this section takes effect on the day on which
notice of the variation is published in the
Government Gazette.
(5) A variation of a petroleum exploration permit or
petroleum retention lease under this section takes
effect on the day on which notice of the variation
is given to the permittee or lessee.
261 Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit
or petroleum retention lease—suspension or
exemption
(1) This section applies if, under section 260, the
Minister—
(a) suspends any of the conditions to which a
petroleum exploration permit or petroleum
retention lease is subject; or
(b) exempts a petroleum exploration permittee
or petroleum retention lessee from
compliance with any of the conditions to
which the permit or lease is subject.
(2) Despite section 260(3), if the Minister considers
that the circumstances make it reasonable to do so,
the Minister may extend the term of the permit or
lease by a period not more than the period of the
suspension or exemption.
(3) The extension may be—
(a) in the notice of suspension or exemption; or
(b) by a later written notice given to the
permittee or lessee.
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262 Suspension of rights—petroleum exploration permit
or petroleum retention lease
(1) If the Minister is satisfied that it is necessary to do
so in the national interest, the Minister must, by
written notice given to a petroleum exploration
permittee or petroleum retention lessee, suspend,
either—
(a) for a specified period; or
(b) indefinitely—
any or all of the rights conferred by the permit or
lease.
(2) If any rights are suspended under subsection (1),
any conditions that must be complied with in the
exercise of those rights are also suspended.
(3) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
permittee or lessee, terminate a suspension of
rights under subsection (1).
263 Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit
or petroleum retention lease—suspension of rights
(1) This section applies if rights conferred by a
petroleum exploration permit or petroleum
retention lease are suspended under section 262.
(2) The Minister may extend the term of the permit or
lease by a period not more than the period of the
suspension.
(3) The extension may be—
(a) in the notice of suspension; or
(b) by a later written notice given to the
permittee or lessee.
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Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions
relating to petroleum special prospecting authorities and
petroleum access authorities
264 Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of
petroleum special prospecting authorities and
petroleum access authorities
(1) This section applies if an event specified in the
table happens, or a circumstance specified in the
table exists—
When the conditions of a title may be the subject of a variation, suspension
or exemption
Item Title Event or circumstance
1 a petroleum access
authority
a petroleum access authority is in force over
the whole or a part of a block that is the
subject of a petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease or petroleum
production licence.
2 a petroleum access
authority
the Minister varies a petroleum access
authority over a block that is the subject of a
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease or petroleum production
licence.
3 a petroleum
special
prospecting
authority or
petroleum access
authority
the registered holder of the authority applies
in writing to the Minister for—
(a) a variation or suspension of any of the
conditions to which the authority is
subject; or
(b) exemption from compliance with any of
the conditions to which the authority is
subject.
4 a petroleum
special
prospecting
authority or
petroleum access
authority
the Minister gives a direction or consent to
the registered holder of the authority
under—
(a) this Chapter; or
(b) Chapter 6; or
(c) Part 7.1; or
(d) the regulations.
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(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of the authority—
(a) vary; or
(b) suspend; or
(c) exempt the registered holder from
compliance with—
any of the conditions to which the authority is
subject, on such conditions (if any) as are
specified in the notice.
__________________
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PART 2.12—SURRENDER OF TITLES
Division 1—Surrender of petroleum exploration permits,
petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases,
infrastructure licences and pipeline licences
265 Application for consent to surrender title
(1) The table has effect—
Surrender
Item The registered holder of...
may apply to the Minister for consent
to surrender...
1 a petroleum exploration
permit
the permit as to some or all of the
blocks in relation to which the permit
is in force.
2 a petroleum production
licence
the licence as to some or all of the
blocks in relation to which the licence
is in force.
3 a petroleum retention
lease
the lease.
4 an infrastructure licence the licence.
5 a pipeline licence the licence as to the whole or a part of
the pipeline in relation to which the
licence is in force.
(2) An application under subsection (1) must be in
writing.
266 Consent to surrender title
(1) This section applies if an application is made
under section 265 for a consent.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant—
(a) give consent; or
(b) refuse to consent.
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(3) The Minister may consent to the surrender sought
by the application only if the registered holder of
the permit, lease or licence—
(a) has paid all fees and amounts payable by the
holder under this Act or has made
arrangements that are satisfactory to the
Minister for the payment of those fees and
amounts; and
(b) has complied with the conditions to which
the permit, lease or licence is subject and
with the provisions of—
(i) this Chapter; and
(ii) Chapter 4; and
(iii) Chapter 6; and
(iv) Part 7.1; and
(v) the regulations; and
(c) has—
(i) to the satisfaction of the Minister,
removed or caused to be removed from
the surrender area (defined by
subsection (7)) all property brought into
the surrender area by any person
engaged or concerned in the operations
authorised by the permit, lease or
licence; or
(ii) made arrangements that are satisfactory
to the Minister in relation to that
property; and
(d) has, to the satisfaction of the Minister,
plugged or closed off all wells made in the
surrender area by any person engaged or
concerned in the operations authorised by the
permit, lease or licence; and
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(e) has provided, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, for the conservation and protection
of the natural resources in the surrender area;
and
(f) has, to the satisfaction of the Minister, made
good any damage to the seabed or subsoil in
the surrender area caused by any person
engaged or concerned in the operations
authorised by the permit, lease or licence—
but, if the registered holder has complied with
those requirements, the Minister must not
unreasonably refuse consent to the surrender.
(4) Subsection (3)(e) has effect subject to—
(a) this Chapter; and
(b) Chapter 6; and
(c) the regulations.
(5) Despite subsection (3), if—
(a) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the permit,
lease or licence is subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 and Part 7.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the giving of
consent to the surrender sought by the
application—
the Minister may give consent under subsection
(2) to the surrender sought by the application.
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(6) For the purposes of this section, if—
(a) the application for consent relates to a
work-bid petroleum exploration permit; and
(b) a condition of the permit requires the
registered holder to carry out specified work
during a period specified in the permit; and
(c) the application is made during such a
period—
the registered holder of the permit is taken not to
have complied with the condition unless the
holder has completed the work specified for the
period mentioned in paragraph (b).
(7) For the purposes of this section, the surrender
area is worked out using the table—
Surrender area
Item In the case of a surrender of... the surrender area is...
1 a petroleum exploration permit
or petroleum production
licence
the area constituted by the
blocks as to which the permit
or licence is proposed to be
surrendered.
2 a petroleum retention lease the lease area.
3 an infrastructure licence the licence area.
4 a pipeline licence (a) in the case of the
surrender of the licence as
to the whole of the
pipeline in relation to
which the licence is in
force—the part of the
offshore area in which the
pipeline is constructed; or
(b) in the case of the
surrender of the licence as
to a part of the pipeline in
relation to which the
licence is in force—the
part of the offshore area in
which the part of the
pipeline is constructed.
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267 Surrender of title
(1) This section applies if the Minister consents under
section 266 to—
(a) the surrender, in whole or in part, of—
(i) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(ii) a petroleum production licence; or
(iii) a pipeline licence; or
(b) the surrender of—
(i) a petroleum retention lease; or
(ii) an infrastructure licence.
(2) The registered holder of the permit, lease or
licence may, by written notice given to the
Minister, surrender the whole or the part, as the
case may be, of the permit, lease or licence.
(3) The surrender takes effect on the day on which
notice of the surrender is published in the
Government Gazette.
Division 2—Surrender of petroleum special prospecting
authorities and petroleum access authorities
268 Surrender of petroleum special prospecting
authority
The registered holder of a petroleum special
prospecting authority may, by written notice given
to the Minister, surrender the petroleum special
prospecting authority.
269 Surrender of petroleum access authority
The registered holder of a petroleum access
authority may, by written notice given to the
Minister, surrender the petroleum access
authority.
__________________
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PART 2.13—CANCELLATION OF TITLES
Division 1—Cancellation of petroleum exploration permits,
petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases,
infrastructure licences and pipeline licences
270 Grounds for cancellation of title
For the purposes of this Division, each of the
following is a ground for cancelling a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention lease,
petroleum production licence, infrastructure
licence or pipeline licence—
(a) the registered holder has not complied with a
condition to which the permit, lease or
licence is subject;
(b) the registered holder has not complied with a
direction given to the holder by the Minister
under this Chapter, Chapter 6 or Part 7.1;
(c) the registered holder has not complied with a
provision of—
(i) this Chapter; or
(ii) Chapter 4; or
(iii) Chapter 6; or
(iv) Part 7.1; or
(v) the regulations;
(d) the registered holder has not paid an amount
payable by the holder under this Act within
the period of 90 days after the day on which
the amount became payable.
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271 Cancellation of title
(1) The table has effect—
Cancellation
Item
If there is a ground for
cancelling...
the Minister may, by written notice
given to the registered holder,...
1 a petroleum exploration
permit
cancel the permit as to some or all of
the blocks in relation to which the
permit is in force.
2 a petroleum retention
lease
cancel the lease as to all of the
blocks in relation to which the lease
is in force.
3 a petroleum production
licence
cancel the licence as to some or all
of the blocks in relation to which the
licence is in force.
4 an infrastructure licence cancel the licence.
5 a pipeline licence cancel the pipeline licence as to the
whole or a part of the pipeline in
relation to which the licence is in
force.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 272.
(2) In exercising a power conferred by subsection (1),
the Minister must take into account any action
taken by the registered holder—
(a) to remove the ground of cancellation; or
(b) to prevent the recurrence of similar grounds.
(3) A cancellation takes effect on the day on which
notice of the cancellation is published in the
Government Gazette.
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272 Consultation
(1) Before making a decision under section 271(1),
the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder, give at least 30 days notice of the
Minister's intention to make the decision;
and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(2) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the decision that is
proposed to be made; and
(b) set out the reasons for the proposal; and
(c) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(d) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(3) In deciding whether to make the decision, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
273 Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions
(1) If—
(a) the registered holder of a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease, petroleum production licence,
infrastructure licence or pipeline licence has
not complied with a provision of—
(i) this Chapter; or
(ii) Chapter 4; or
(iii) Chapter 6; or
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(iv) Part 7.1; or
(v) the regulations; and
(b) the holder has been convicted of an offence
relating to that noncompliance—
the Minister may exercise a power of cancellation
under section 271(1) on the ground of that
noncompliance, even though the holder has been
convicted of that offence.
(2) If—
(a) a person who was the registered holder of a
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease, petroleum production
licence, infrastructure licence or pipeline
licence has not complied with a provision
of—
(i) this Chapter; or
(ii) Chapter 4; or
(iii) Chapter 6; or
(iv) Part 7.1; or
(v) the regulations; and
(b) the Minister has exercised a power of
cancellation under section 271(1) on the
ground of that noncompliance—
the person may be convicted of an offence relating
to the noncompliance, even though the Minister
has exercised that power of cancellation.
(3) If—
(a) the registered holder of a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease, petroleum production licence,
infrastructure licence or pipeline licence has
not paid an amount payable by the holder
under this Act within the period of 90 days
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after the day on which the amount became
payable; and
(b) either—
(i) judgment for the amount has been
obtained; or
(ii) the amount, or any part of the amount,
has been paid or recovered—
the Minister may exercise a power of cancellation
under section 271(1) on the ground of that
non-payment, even though—
(c) judgment for the amount has been obtained;
or
(d) the amount, or a part of the amount, has been
paid or recovered.
(4) If—
(a) a person who was the registered holder of a
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease, petroleum production
licence, infrastructure licence or pipeline
licence has not paid an amount payable by
the person under this Act
within the period of 90 days after the day on
which the amount became payable; and
(b) the Minister has exercised a power of
cancellation under section 271(1) on the
ground of that non-payment—
the person continues to be liable to pay—
(c) that amount; and
(d) any late payment penalty relating to that
amount—
even though the Minister has exercised that power
of cancellation.
s. 273
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Division 2—Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting
authorities
274 Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting
authority
The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of a petroleum special
prospecting authority, cancel the petroleum
special prospecting authority if the holder has
breached a condition of the petroleum special
prospecting authority.
__________________
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PART 2.14—OTHER PROVISIONS
275 Reservation of blocks
(1) If the following conditions are satisfied in relation
to a particular block—
(a) there is no petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease or petroleum
production licence over the block;
(b) there is no place in the block that is an
infrastructure licence area;
(c) there is no pipeline over or in the block;
(d) there are no pending applications for the
grant of a petroleum exploration permit or
petroleum production licence over the block;
(e) there are no pending applications for the
grant of an infrastructure licence relating to a
place in the block;
(f) there are no pending applications for the
grant of a pipeline licence relating to a
pipeline or proposed pipeline over or in the
block—
the Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, declare that—
(g) the block is not to be the subject of a
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease, petroleum production
licence, petroleum special prospecting
authority or petroleum access authority; and
(h) an infrastructure licence is not to be granted
in relation to a place within the block; and
(i) a pipeline licence is not to be granted in
relation to a pipeline over or in the block.
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(2) If a declaration under subsection (1) is in force in
relation to a block—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease, petroleum production
licence, petroleum special prospecting
authority or petroleum access authority must
not be granted over that block; and
(b) an infrastructure licence must not be granted
in relation to a place within that block; and
(c) a pipeline licence must not be granted in
relation to a pipeline over or in that block.
(3) Subsection (2) has effect despite any other
provision of this Act.
276 Interference with other rights
(1) This section applies to the following—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit;
(b) a petroleum retention lease;
(c) a petroleum production licence;
(d) an infrastructure licence;
(e) a pipeline licence;
(f) a petroleum special prospecting authority;
(g) a petroleum access authority;
(h) a petroleum scientific investigation consent.
(2) A person (the first person) carrying on activities
in the offshore area under the permit, lease,
licence, authority or consent must carry on those
activities in a manner that does not interfere
with—
(a) navigation; or
(b) fishing; or
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(c) the conservation of the resources of the sea
and seabed; or
(d) any activities of another person being
lawfully carried on by way of—
(i) exploration for, recovery of or
conveyance of a mineral (whether
petroleum or not); or
(ii) construction or operation of a pipeline;
or
(e) the enjoyment of native title rights and
interests (within the meaning of the Native
Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth)—
to a greater extent than is necessary for the
reasonable exercise of the rights and performance
of the duties of the first person.
(3) A person who is subject to a requirement under
subsection (2) must comply with that requirement.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
277 No conditions about payment of money
There must not be included in—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence; or
(f) any other instrument under this Act—
a condition requiring the payment of money to the
Minister.
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278 Changes to the boundary of the offshore area
(1) If—
(a) a State title has been granted on the basis that
an area (the first area) is within the offshore
area; and
(b) as a result of a change to the boundary of the
offshore area, the first area—
(i) ceases to be within the offshore area;
and
(ii) falls within the Commonwealth defined
offshore area—
this Act applies in relation to the State title as
if the first area were still within the offshore
area.
(2) Subsection (1) continues to apply to the first area
only while the State title remains in force.
(3) This section applies to a change to the boundary
of the coastal waters of the State, whether
occurring before, at or after the commencement of
this section.
(4) In this section—
State title means—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence.
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279 Notification of discovery of petroleum in petroleum
exploration permit area or petroleum retention lease
area
(1) This section applies if petroleum is discovered in
a petroleum exploration permit area or a
petroleum retention lease area.
(2) The permittee or lessee must immediately inform
the Minister of the discovery.
(3) The permittee or lessee must, within 3 days after
the date of the discovery, give the Minister a
written notice setting out details of the discovery.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply if the
petroleum is discovered by—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permittee; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lessee; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licensee.
(5) A person who is subject to a requirement under
subsection (2) or (3) must comply with that
requirement.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
280 Property in recovered petroleum
(1) This section applies if petroleum is recovered—
(a) by a petroleum exploration permittee in the
permit area; or
(b) by a petroleum retention lessee in the lease
area; or
(c) by a petroleum production licensee in the
licence area.
(2) The petroleum becomes the property of the
permittee, lessee or licensee.
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(3) The petroleum is not subject to any rights of other
persons (other than a person to whom the
permittee, lessee or licensee transfers, assigns or
otherwise disposes of the petroleum or an interest
in the petroleum).
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) have effect subject to this
Act.
Note
See also Division 3 of Part 1.2 (which deals with apportionment of
petroleum recovered from adjoining title areas).
281 Certain payments to be made by State to
Commonwealth
(1) The Treasurer must, not later than the last day of
each month, pay to the Commonwealth amounts
determined in accordance with the formula—
B
4A
where—
A is the amount of royalty payable under this
Act, together with the amount, if any,
payable under this Act by reason of late
payment of that royalty, by a permittee,
lessee or licensee in respect of petroleum
recovered in the offshore area under the
permit, lease or licence and received by the
Minister during the preceding month; and
B is the percentage rate at which royalty is
payable under this Act by the permittee,
lessee or licensee in respect of that
petroleum.
(2) The Consolidated Fund is appropriated to the
necessary extent to enable payments to be made to
the Commonwealth in accordance with
subsection (1).
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282 Determination to be disregarded in certain cases
If a determination has been made by the Minister
under section 691 in relation to a well, that
determination is to be disregarded in determining
the value of B for the purposes of section 281.
__________________
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CHAPTER 3—REGULATION OF ACTIVITIES
RELATING TO INJECTION AND STORAGE OF
GREENHOUSE GAS SUBSTANCES
PART 3.1—INTRODUCTION
283 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Chapter.
(2) This Chapter provides for the grant of the
following titles—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit
(see Part 3.2);
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease
(see Part 3.3);
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence
(see Part 3.4);
(d) a greenhouse gas search authority
(see Part 3.5);
(e) a greenhouse gas special authority
(see Part 3.6).
(3) A greenhouse gas assessment permit authorises
the permittee to explore in the permit area for
potential greenhouse gas storage formations and
potential greenhouse gas injection sites.
(4) If an eligible greenhouse gas storage formation is
identified in a greenhouse gas permit area, the
Minister may declare that the formation is an
identified greenhouse gas storage formation.
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(5) After the declaration of an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation in a greenhouse gas permit
area, the permittee may apply for a greenhouse
gas holding lease or a greenhouse gas injection
licence.
(6) A greenhouse gas holding lease is granted if the
applicant is not currently in a position to inject
and store a greenhouse gas substance, but is likely
to be in such a position within 15 years.
The lessee may apply for a greenhouse gas
injection licence.
(7) A greenhouse gas injection licence authorises the
licensee to carry out greenhouse gas injection and
storage operations in the licence area.
(8) A greenhouse gas search authority authorises the
holder to carry on operations in the authority area
relating to the exploration for potential
greenhouse gas storage formations or potential
greenhouse gas injection sites (but not to make a
well).
(9) A greenhouse gas special authority authorises the
holder to carry on certain greenhouse gas-related
operations in the authority area (but not to make a
well).
(10) Part 3.7 provides for the grant of greenhouse gas
research consents. A greenhouse gas research
consent authorises the holder to carry on
greenhouse gas-related operations in the course of
a scientific investigation.
(11) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this
Chapter.
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PART 3.2—GREENHOUSE GAS ASSESSMENT PERMITS
Division 1—General provisions
284 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) It is an offence to explore in the offshore area for
a potential greenhouse gas storage formation, or a
potential greenhouse gas injection site, except—
(a) under a greenhouse gas assessment permit;
or
(b) as otherwise authorised or required by or
under this Act.
(3) This Part provides for the grant of greenhouse gas
assessment permits over blocks in the offshore
area.
(4) A greenhouse gas assessment permit authorises
the permittee to explore in the permit area for
potential greenhouse gas storage formations and
potential greenhouse gas injection sites.
(5) There are 2 types of greenhouse gas assessment
permits—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted
on the basis of work program bidding
(a work-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit);
(b) a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted
on the basis of cash bidding (a cash-bid
greenhouse gas assessment permit).
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(6) If an eligible greenhouse gas storage formation is
identified in a greenhouse gas permit area, the
Minister may declare that the formation is an
identified greenhouse gas storage formation.
(7) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
285 Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for
potential greenhouse gas storage formation, or
potential greenhouse gas injection site, in offshore
area
A person must not intentionally explore for—
(a) a potential greenhouse gas storage formation;
or
(b) a potential greenhouse gas injection site—
in the offshore area unless that exploration is
authorised by a greenhouse gas assessment permit
or is otherwise authorised or required to do so by
or under this Act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
286 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas assessment
permit
(1) A greenhouse gas assessment permit authorises
the permittee, in accordance with the conditions
(if any) to which the permit is subject—
(a) to explore in the permit area for a potential
greenhouse gas storage formation; and
(b) to explore in the permit area for a potential
greenhouse gas injection site; and
(c) to inject, on an appraisal basis, a greenhouse
gas substance into a part of a geological
formation, so long as the relevant well is
situated in the permit area; and
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(d) to store, on an appraisal basis, a greenhouse
gas substance in a part of a geological
formation, so long as the injection of the
stored greenhouse gas substance takes place
at a well situated in the permit area; and
(e) to inject, on an appraisal basis—
(i) air; or
(ii) petroleum; or
(iii) water—
into a part of a geological formation for
purposes in connection with the exploration
authorised by paragraph (a) or (b), so long as
the relevant well is situated in the permit
area; and
(f) to store, on an appraisal basis—
(i) air; or
(ii) petroleum; or
(iii) water—
in a part of a geological formation for
purposes in connection with the exploration
authorised by paragraph (a) or (b), so long as
the injection of the stored air, petroleum or
water takes place at a well situated in the
permit area; and
(g) with the written consent of the Minister, to
recover petroleum in the permit area for the
sole purpose of appraising a discovery of
petroleum that was made as an incidental
consequence of—
(i) the exploration authorised by
paragraph (a) or (b); or
(ii) the injection authorised by
paragraph (c) or (e); and
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(h) to carry on such operations, and execute such
works, in the permit area as are necessary for
those purposes.
(2) The rights conferred on the permittee by
subsection (1) are subject to this Act and the
regulations.
(3) If petroleum is recovered by the permittee in the
permit area as authorised by subsection (1)(g), the
petroleum does not become the property of the
permittee.
(4) A greenhouse gas assessment permit does not
authorise the permittee to make a well outside the
permit area.
287 Conditions of greenhouse gas assessment permits
(1) The Minister may grant a greenhouse gas
assessment permit subject to whatever conditions
the Minister thinks appropriate.
(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
permit.
(3) This section applies subject to section 497.
288 Standard conditions of greenhouse gas assessment
permits
(1) A greenhouse gas assessment permit is subject to
the condition that—
(a) the permittee will not carry on key
greenhouse gas operations under the permit
unless—
(i) the Minister has approved the
operations under section 291; and
(ii) the permittee complies with the
conditions (if any) to which the
approval is subject; and
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(b) if the permittee is given a notice under
section 489, the permittee will comply with
the notice.
(2) Despite section 287(2), the conditions mentioned
in this section do not need to be specified in the
permit.
289 Conditions on work-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permits
Without limiting section 287(1), any or all of the
following conditions may be specified in a
work-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—
(a) conditions requiring the permittee to carry
out work in, or in relation to, the permit area,
including conditions requiring the permittee
to carry out the work—
(i) during a period of 12 months or longer;
or
(ii) during periods each of which is
12 months or longer;
(b) conditions relating to the amounts that the
permittee must spend in carrying out work
described in paragraph (a);
(c) conditions requiring the permittee to comply
with directions that—
(i) relate to the matters covered by
paragraphs (a) and (b); and
(ii) are given in accordance with the
permit.
290 Conditions on cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permits
Despite section 291(1), a cash-bid greenhouse gas
assessment permit must not be granted subject to
conditions requiring the permittee to—
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(a) carry out work in, or in relation to, the permit
area; or
(b) spend particular amounts on the carrying out
of work in, or in relation to, the permit area.
291 Approval by Minister of key greenhouse gas
operations
(1) A greenhouse gas assessment permittee may apply
to the Minister for approval to carry on one or
more key greenhouse gas operations under the
permit.
(2) If an application for approval is made under
subsection (1), the Minister may—
(a) give the approval, with or without conditions
to which the approval is subject; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to give the approval.
(3) In deciding whether to give the approval, the
Minister must comply with sections 292 and 293.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a suspension of
rights under section 262 must be disregarded.
(5) To avoid doubt, section 286 does not imply that a
greenhouse gas assessment permittee who applies
for approval under this section is entitled to be
given the approval.
292 Minister must have regard to certain matters before
approving key greenhouse gas operations
(1) The Minister must have regard to the impact
(if any) that any of the key greenhouse gas
operations to which an application for approval
under section 291 relates could have on petroleum
exploration operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that are being, or could be, carried on
under—
(a) an existing petroleum exploration permit; or
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(b) an existing petroleum retention lease; or
(c) an existing petroleum production licence; or
(d) a future petroleum exploration permit; or
(e) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(f) a future petroleum production licence.
(2) If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key greenhouse gas
operations to which an application for approval
under section 291 relates will have a significant
adverse impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery operations, that
are being, or could be, carried on under—
(a) an existing petroleum exploration permit
held by a person other than the applicant; or
(b) an existing petroleum retention lease held by
a person other than the applicant; or
(c) an existing petroleum production licence
held by a person other than the applicant—
the Minister must have regard to—
(d) whether the registered holder of the
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease or petroleum production
licence, as the case may be, has agreed, in
writing, to the applicant carrying on the key
greenhouse gas operations in respect of
which the Minister is so satisfied; and
(e) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(3) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key
greenhouse gas operations to which an
application for approval under section 291
relates will have a significant adverse impact
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on petroleum exploration operations, or
petroleum recovery operations, that could be
carried on under—
(i) a future petroleum exploration permit
over a block or blocks; or
(ii) a future petroleum retention lease over
a block or blocks; or
(iii) a future petroleum production licence
over a block or blocks; and
(b) a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease or petroleum production
licence is in force over the block or any of
the blocks; and
(c) the petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease or petroleum production
licence is held by a person other than the
applicant—
the Minister must have regard to—
(d) whether the registered holder of the
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease or petroleum production
licence covered by paragraph (b) has agreed,
in writing, to the applicant carrying on the
key greenhouse gas operations in respect of
which the Minister is so satisfied; and
(e) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(4) If any of the key greenhouse gas operations to
which an application for approval under
section 291 relates is—
(a) an operation to inject, on an appraisal basis,
a substance into a part of a geological
formation; or
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(b) an operation to store, on an appraisal basis, a
substance in a part of a geological
formation—
the Minister must have regard to the composition
of the substance.
(5) The Minister must have regard to the public
interest.
(6) Subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4) do not limit
subsection (5).
(7) This section does not limit the matters to which
the Minister may have regard to in deciding
whether to give an approval under section 291.
293 Circumstances in which approval of key greenhouse
gas operations must not be given
(1) If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key greenhouse gas
operations to which an application for approval
under section 291 relates will have a significant
adverse impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery operations, that
are being, or could be, carried on under—
(a) an existing pre-commencement petroleum
title held by a person other than the
applicant; or
(b) an existing post-commencement petroleum
production licence held by a person other
than the applicant—
the Minister must not give the approval under
section 291 unless the registered holder of the
pre-commencement petroleum title, or the
post-commencement petroleum production
licence, as the case may be, has agreed, in writing,
to the applicant carrying on the key greenhouse
gas operations in respect of which the Minister is
so satisfied.
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(2) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key
greenhouse gas operations to which an
application for approval under section 291
relates will have a significant adverse impact
on petroleum exploration operations, or
petroleum recovery operations, that could be
carried on under a future pre-commencement
petroleum title over a block or blocks; and
(b) the existing pre-commencement petroleum
title in force over the block or any of the
blocks is held by a person other than the
applicant—
the Minister must not give the approval under
section 291 unless the registered holder of the
existing pre-commencement petroleum title has
agreed, in writing, to the applicant carrying on the
key greenhouse gas operations in respect of which
the Minister is so satisfied.
294 Duration of greenhouse gas assessment permit
(1) The duration of a greenhouse gas assessment
permit is worked out using the table—
Duration of greenhouse gas assessment permits
Item This kind of permit... remains in force...
1 an original
greenhouse gas
assessment permit
for the period of 6 years beginning on—
(a) the day on which the permit is
granted; or
(b) if a later day is specified in the permit
as the day on which the permit is to
come into force—that later day.
2 a greenhouse gas
assessment permit
granted by way of
renewal
for the period of 3 years beginning on—
(a) the day on which the permit is
granted; or
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Duration of greenhouse gas assessment permits
Item This kind of permit... remains in force...
(b) if a later day is specified in the permit
as the day on which the permit is to
come into force—that later day.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Notes
1 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit if the permittee applies for
a declaration of an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, see section 295.
2 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit pending a decision on a
renewal application, see section 311(6).
3 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit if the permittee applies for
a greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection
licence, see section 296.
4 For special rules about when a greenhouse gas assessment
permit ceases to be in force following the grant of a
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection
licence, see sections 340 and 378.
5 For special rules about the extension of the duration of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit following a suspension or
exemption decision, see sections 469 and 471.
6 For the surrender of a greenhouse gas assessment permit, see
Part 3.10.
7 For the cancellation of a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
see Part 3.11.
295 Extension of greenhouse gas assessment permit if
permittee applies for a declaration of an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation
(1) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit is in
force; and
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(b) before the time when the permit would, apart
from this subsection, expire, the permittee
applies to the Minister for a declaration of an
identified greenhouse gas storage formation;
and
(c) if the declaration were made in accordance
with the application, the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation would be
wholly situated in the permit area—
the permit continues in force until whichever is
the latest of the following times—
(d) if the Minister makes a declaration of an
identified greenhouse gas storage formation
that is wholly situated in the permit area—
the end of the period of 12 months after the
day on which the declaration is made;
(e) if the Minister refuses to make a declaration
of an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation that is wholly situated in the
permit area—the time when notice of the
refusal is given to the permittee;
(f) the time when the permit would, apart from
this subsection, expire.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter,
but despite section 294.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 294.
296 Extension of greenhouse gas assessment permit if
permittee applies for a greenhouse gas holding lease
or greenhouse gas injection licence
(1) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit is in
force over a block or blocks; and
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(b) before the time when the permit would, apart
from this subsection, expire, the permittee
applies to the Minister for the grant of a
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence over the block or one or
more of the blocks—
the table has effect—
Extension of permit
Item In this case...
the permit continues in force
over the block or blocks
covered by the application
until...
1 the Minister gives the permittee
an offer document relating to a
greenhouse gas holding lease or
greenhouse gas injection licence
over the block or one or more of
the blocks
the lease or licence is granted,
the permittee withdraws the
application or the application
lapses.
2 the application is for a
greenhouse gas holding lease and
the Minister refuses to grant the
lease to the permittee
the end of the period of
12 months after the day on
which the notice of the
refusal was given to the
permittee.
3 the application is for a
greenhouse gas injection licence
and the Minister refuses to grant
the licence to the permittee on a
ground covered by section
382(1)(c), (d), (e), (f) or (g)
the end of the period of
90 days after the day on
which the notice of the
refusal was given to the
permittee.
4 the application is for a
greenhouse gas injection licence
and the Minister refuses to grant
the licence to the permittee on a
ground not mentioned in item 3
notice of the refusal is given
to the permittee.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter
but despite section 294.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 294.
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Division 2—Obtaining a work-bid greenhouse gas
assessment permit
297 Application for work-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit—advertising of blocks
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette—
(a) invite applications for the grant of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit over the
block, or any or all of the blocks, specified in
the notice; and
(b) specify a period within which applications
may be made.
(2) If the Minister has published a notice under
section 306(1) inviting applications for the grant
of a greenhouse gas assessment permit over a
block, the block must not be specified in a notice
under subsection (1) of this section at any time
during the period specified in the section 306(1)
notice.
Note
Section 306(1) deals with cash-bid greenhouse gas
assessment permits.
(3) An application under this section must be
accompanied by details of—
(a) the applicant's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the block or blocks
specified in the application; and
(b) the technical qualifications of the applicant
and of the applicant's employees; and
(c) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
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(d) the financial resources available to the
applicant.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(4) The blocks specified in an application under this
section must be blocks that are constituted by
graticular sections that—
(a) constitute a single area; and
(b) are such that each graticular section in that
area has a side in common with at least one
other graticular section in that area.
(5) Subsection (4) does not apply to applications if
the Minister, for reasons that the Minister thinks
sufficient, includes in the subsection (1) notice a
direction that subsection (4) does not apply to
those applications.
298 Retention lessee or production licensee to be notified
of proposal to advertise blocks
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister proposes to publish a notice
under section 297(1) specifying a block that
is the subject of a petroleum retention lease
or petroleum production licence; and
(b) at the time of the proposal, the lessee or
licensee is entitled to make an application for
the grant of a greenhouse gas holding lease
over the block.
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(2) The Minister must, at least 60 days before the
proposed publication of the section 297(1) notice,
notify the lessee or licensee of the proposed
publication.
(3) If, during the period—
(a) beginning when the lessee or licensee is
given the notification under subsection (2);
and
(b) ending at the end of the day of proposed
publication of the section 297(1) notice—
the lessee or licensee makes an application for the
grant of a greenhouse gas holding lease over the
block, the Minister must not publish the
section 297(1) notice until—
(c) the application lapses; or
(d) the lessee or licensee withdraws the
application; or
(e) the Minister refuses to grant the greenhouse
gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection
licence.
299 Grant of work-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit—offer document
(1) This section applies if an application for the grant
of a greenhouse gas assessment permit has been
made under section 297.
(2) The Minister may—
(a) give the applicant a notice (called an offer
document) telling the applicant that the
Minister is prepared to grant the applicant a
greenhouse gas assessment permit over the
block or blocks specified in the offer
document; or
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(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to grant a greenhouse gas assessment
permit to the applicant.
Notes
1 Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 461 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 461(3).
(3) The Minister must make a decision under
subsection (2) within 12 months after the end of
the period specified in the relevant notice under
section 297(1).
300 Granting of offer document for work-bid
greenhouse gas assessment permit
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister publishes a notice under
section 297(1) inviting applications for the
grant of a greenhouse gas assessment permit;
and
(b) at the end of the period specified in the
notice, 2 or more applications have been
made under section 297 for the grant of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit over the
same block or blocks.
(2) The Minister may give an offer document under
section 299 to whichever applicant, in the
Minister's opinion, is most deserving of the grant
of the greenhouse gas assessment permit.
(3) In determining which of the applicants is most
deserving of the grant of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit, the Minister—
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(a) must have regard to the criteria made
publicly available under section 301; and
(b) may rank the applicants in accordance with
section 302.
301 Criteria for determining most deserving applicant
for work-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit
(1) The Minister must make publicly available the
criteria for determining which applicant is most
deserving of a greenhouse gas assessment permit.
(2) Criteria under subsection (1) must consist of, or
include, criteria relating to proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the block or blocks
concerned.
(3) Criteria under subsection (1) may include criteria
relating to any or all of the following matters—
(a) economic matters;
(b) commercial matters;
(c) public interest matters.
(4) Subsection (2) does not limit section 300(3).
302 Ranking of applicants for work-bid greenhouse gas
assessment permit
(1) For the purposes of section 300, the Minister may
rank the applicants for a greenhouse gas
assessment permit in the order in which, in the
Minister's opinion, they are deserving of the grant
of the greenhouse gas assessment permit, with the
most deserving applicant being ranked highest.
(2) The Minister may exclude from the ranking any
applicant who, in the Minister's opinion, is not
deserving of the grant of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit.
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(3) If the Minister—
(a) has considered the information
accompanying the applications; and
(b) is of the opinion that 2 or more of the
applicants are equally deserving of the grant
of the greenhouse gas assessment permit—
the Minister may, by written notice given to each
of those applicants, invite them to give the
Minister—
(c) details (the work/expenditure details) of
their proposals for additional work and
expenditure in relation to the block or blocks
concerned; and
(d) any other information that is relevant in
determining which of the applicants is most
deserving of the grant of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit.
(4) A notice under subsection (3) must specify—
(a) the kinds of work/expenditure details that the
Minister considers to be relevant in
determining which of the applicants is most
deserving of the grant of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit; and
(b) the kinds of other information that the
Minister considers to be relevant in
determining which of the applicants is most
deserving of the grant of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit; and
(c) the period within which the
work/expenditure details and the other
information must be given to the Minister.
(5) If an applicant gives work/expenditure details or
other information to the Minister, and those
details are or that information is—
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(a) of a kind specified in the notice; and
(b) given within the period specified in the
notice—
the Minister must have regard to the details or
information in determining which of the
applicants is most deserving of the grant of the
greenhouse gas assessment permit.
Note
See also section 305, which deals with the effect of the
withdrawal or lapse of an application.
303 Grant of work-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 299; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 463 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
(c) if the offer document specified the form and
amount of a security to be lodged by the
applicant—the applicant has lodged the
security within the period applicable under
section 465—
the Minister must grant the applicant a greenhouse
gas assessment permit over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 463 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 463(4).
2 If the applicant has not lodged the security within the
period applicable under section 465, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 465.
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304 Withdrawal of application
(1) This section applies if the Minister publishes a
notice under section 298(1) inviting applications
for the grant of a greenhouse gas assessment
permit.
(2) If a person has made an application, the person
may, by written notice given to the Minister,
withdraw the application at any time before a
greenhouse gas assessment permit is granted as a
result of the application.
(3) If 2 or more persons have made a joint
application, all of those persons may, by written
notice given to the Minister, withdraw the
application at any time before a greenhouse gas
assessment permit is granted as a result of the
application.
(4) If—
(a) a joint application was made under
section 297 for the grant of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit; and
(b) all of the joint applicants, by written notice
given to the Minister, tell the Minister that
one or more, but not all, of them, as specified
in the notice, withdraw from the
application—
then—
(c) the application continues in force as if it had
been made by the remaining applicant or
applicants; and
(d) if the Minister had given the joint applicants
an offer document in relation to the
application—the Minister is taken not to
have given the offer document to the joint
applicants.
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305 Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application
(1) This section applies if—
(a) 2 or more applications have been made under
section 297 for the grant of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit over the same block or
blocks; and
(b) one or more, but not all, of the applications
are withdrawn or have lapsed.
(2) A withdrawn or lapsed application is taken not to
have been made.
(3) If the Minister gave an offer document in relation
to a withdrawn or lapsed application, the Minister
is taken not to have given an offer document in
relation to the withdrawn or lapsed application.
(4) If the applicant, or one of the applicants, whose
application had been withdrawn had requested the
Minister under section 463 to grant a greenhouse
gas assessment permit to the applicant concerned,
the request is taken not to have been made.
(5) If—
(a) the offer document in relation to a withdrawn
application specified the form and amount of
a security to be lodged by the applicant; and
(b) the applicant had lodged the security—
the security is discharged.
(6) If the following conditions are satisfied in relation
to a remaining applicant—
(a) the Minister had refused to grant a
greenhouse gas assessment permit to the
remaining applicant;
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(b) the Minister did not exclude the remaining
applicant from the ranking under
section 302(2)—
the refusal is taken not to have occurred.
Division 3—Obtaining a cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit
306 Application for cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit
(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette—
(a) invite applications by way of cash bidding
for the grant of a greenhouse gas assessment
permit over the block or blocks specified in
the notice; and
(b) specify a period within which applications
may be made.
(2) If the Minister has published a notice under
section 297(1) inviting applications for the grant
of a greenhouse gas assessment permit over a
block, the block must not be specified in a notice
under subsection (1) of this section at any time
during the period specified in the section 297(1)
notice.
Note
Section 297(1) deals with work-bid greenhouse gas
assessment permits.
(3) A notice under subsection (1) must—
(a) contain a summary of the conditions to
which the permit will be subject; and
(b) specify the matters that the Minister will take
into account in deciding whether to reject an
application.
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(4) If a notice under subsection (1) specifies more
than one block, those blocks must be constituted
by graticular sections that—
(a) constitute a single area; and
(b) are such that each graticular section in that
area has a side in common with at least one
other graticular section in that area.
(5) If a notice under subsection (1) specifies more
than one block, an application under this section
must be for a greenhouse gas assessment permit
over all of the specified blocks.
(6) An application under this section must—
(a) be accompanied by details of—
(i) the technical qualifications of the
applicant and of the applicant's
employees; and
(ii) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
(iii) the financial resources available to the
applicant; and
(b) specify the amount that the applicant would
be prepared to pay for the grant of the
permit.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
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307 Retention lessee or production licensee to be notified
of proposal to advertise blocks
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister proposes to publish a notice
under section 306(1) specifying a block that
is the subject of a petroleum retention lease
or petroleum production licence; and
(b) at the time of the proposal, the lessee or
licensee is entitled to make an application for
the grant of a greenhouse gas holding lease
or a greenhouse gas injection licence over
the block.
(2) The Minister must, at least 60 days before the
proposed publication of the section 306(1) notice,
notify the lessee or licensee of the proposed
publication.
(3) If, during the period—
(a) beginning when the lessee or licensee is
given the notification under subsection (2);
and
(b) ending at the end of the day of proposed
publication of the section 306(1) notice—
the lessee or licensee makes such an application,
the Minister must not publish the section 306(1)
notice until—
(c) the application lapses; or
(d) the lessee withdraws the application; or
(e) the Minister refuses to grant the greenhouse
gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection
licence.
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308 Grant of cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit—only one application
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister publishes a notice under
section 306(1) inviting applications for the
grant of a greenhouse gas assessment permit
over a block or blocks; and
(b) at the end of the period specified in the
notice, only one application has been made
under section 306 in relation to the block or
blocks.
(2) The Minister may—
(a) give the applicant a written notice (called an
offer document) telling the applicant that the
Minister is prepared to grant the applicant a
greenhouse gas assessment permit over that
block or those blocks; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
reject the application.
Notes
1 Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 461 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 461(3).
309 Grant of cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit—2 or more applications
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister publishes a notice under
section 306(1) inviting applications for the
grant of a greenhouse gas assessment permit
over a block or blocks; and
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(b) at the end of the period specified in the
notice, 2 or more applications have been
made under section 306 in relation to the
block or blocks.
(2) The Minister may reject any or all of the
applications.
(3) If the Minister does not reject all of the
applications, the table has effect—
Unrejected applications
Item If...
the Minister may give a
written notice (called an
offer document) to...
1 only one application remains
unrejected
the applicant.
2 (a) 2 or more applications remain
unrejected; and
(b) the amounts specified in the
applications under section
306(6)(b) are equal
one of those applicants.
3 (a) 2 or more applications remain
unrejected; and
(b) the amounts specified in the
applications under section
306(6)(b) are not equal; and
(c) the amount specified in one of the
applications is higher than the
amount or amounts specified in
the remaining application or
applications
whichever of those
applicants specified the
highest amount.
4 (a) 3 or more applications remain
unrejected; and
(b) 2 or more of the amounts
specified in the applications
under section 306(6)(b) are—
(i) equal; and
(ii) higher than the amount or
amounts specified in the
remaining application or
applications
one of the applicants who
specified the equal
highest amount.
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(4) An offer document given to an applicant must tell
the applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant
the applicant a greenhouse gas assessment permit
over the block or blocks.
Notes
1 Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If an applicant breaches a requirement under
section 461 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 461(3).
(5) If—
(a) an applicant is given an offer document
under this section; and
(b) the application lapses as provided by
section 463, 464 or 465; and
(c) there are one or more remaining unrejected
applications—
subsections (3) and (4) of this section apply in
relation to the remaining unrejected applications.
(6) If the Minister does not give an offer document to
an applicant, the Minister must, by written notice
given to the applicant, inform the applicant that
the application was unsuccessful.
310 Grant of cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit
(1) If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 308 or 309; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 463 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
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(c) the applicant has paid the specified amount
within the period applicable under
section 464; and
(d) if the offer document specified the form and
amount of a security to be lodged by the
applicant—the applicant has lodged the
security within the period applicable under
section 465—
the Minister must grant the applicant a greenhouse
gas assessment permit over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 463 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 463(4).
2 If the applicant has not paid the specified amount
within the period applicable under section 464, the
application lapses at the end of that period—see
section 464.
3 If the applicant has not lodged the security within the
period applicable under section 465, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 465.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the specified
amount is the amount specified in the offer
document as the amount that the applicant must
pay for the grant of the greenhouse gas assessment
permit.
Division 4—Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permits
311 Application for renewal of greenhouse gas
assessment permit
(1) The registered holder of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit may apply to the Minister for
the renewal by the Minister of the permit.
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(2) A greenhouse gas assessment permit cannot be
renewed more than once.
(3) An application to renew a greenhouse gas
assessment permit must be made—
(a) not more than 12 months before the expiry
date of the permit; and
(b) at least 180 days before the expiry date of the
permit.
(4) Despite subsection (3), the Minister may accept an
application to renew a greenhouse gas assessment
permit if the application is made—
(a) later than 180 days before the expiry date of
the permit; and
(b) before the expiry date of the permit.
(5) An application to renew a greenhouse gas
assessment permit must be accompanied by
details of—
(a) the permittee's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the permit area;
and
(b) such other information (if any) as is specified
in the regulations.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(6) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permittee
makes an application to renew the permit;
and
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(b) the permit would, apart from this subsection,
expire—
(i) before the Minister grants, or refuses to
grant, the renewal of the permit; or
(ii) before the application lapses as
provided by section 463—
the permit continues in force—
(c) until the Minister grants, or refuses to grant,
the renewal of the permit; or
(d) until the application so lapses—
whichever happens first.
(7) Subsection (6) has effect subject to this Chapter
but despite section 294.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 294.
312 Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit—
offer document
(1) This section applies if an application to renew a
greenhouse gas assessment permit has been made
under section 311.
(2) The Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to renew
the permit if—
(a) each of the following has been complied
with—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas assessment permit is, or has from
time to time been, subject;
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1;
(iii) the provisions of the regulations; and
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(b) during the period when the permit was in
force, at least one notice was given under
section 486 about a part of a geological
formation wholly situated in the permit area.
Note
Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
(3) The Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to renew
the permit if—
(a) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas assessment permit is, or has from
time to time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(b) in a case where—
(i) the permit is a work-bid greenhouse gas
assessment permit; and
(ii) the permit is subject to one or more
conditions of the kind mentioned in
section 289; and
(iii) one or more of those conditions have
not been complied with—
the Minister is satisfied that the
noncompliance is attributable to unavoidable
delays caused by the unavailability of
essential services or essential equipment, or
both; and
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(c) the Minister is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the renewal of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit.
Note
Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
(4) The Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to renew
the permit if—
(a) each of the following has been complied
with—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas assessment permit is, or has from
time to time been, subject;
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1;
(iii) the provisions of the regulations; and
(b) during the period when the greenhouse gas
assessment permit was in force, no notice
under section 486 was given about a part of a
geological formation wholly situated in the
permit area; and
(c) the Minister is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the renewal of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit.
Note
Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
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(5) For the purposes of this section, if—
(a) the greenhouse gas assessment permit is
subject to a condition requiring the permittee
to carry out work in, or in relation to, the
permit area during a particular period; and
(b) the application for renewal of the permit was
made during that period—
then, in determining whether the condition has
been complied with, assume that the period had
ended immediately before the application for
renewal was made.
313 Refusal to renew greenhouse gas assessment permit
(1) This section applies if an application to renew a
greenhouse gas assessment permit has been made
under section 311.
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to renew the permit if—
(a) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas assessment permit is, or has from
time to time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(b) in a case where—
(i) the permit is a work-bid greenhouse gas
assessment permit; and
(ii) the permit is subject to one or more
conditions of the kind mentioned in
section 289; and
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(iii) one or more of those conditions have
not been complied with—
the Minister is not satisfied that the
noncompliance is attributable to unavoidable
delays caused by the unavailability of
essential services or essential equipment or
both; and
(c) the Minister is not satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the renewal of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 466.
(3) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to renew the permit if—
(a) each of the following has been complied
with—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas assessment permit is, or has from
time to time been, subject;
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1;
(iii) the provisions of the regulations; and
(b) during the period when the permit was in
force, no notice was given under section 486
about a part of a geological formation wholly
situated in the permit area; and
(c) the Minister is not satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the renewal of the greenhouse gas
assessment permit.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 466.
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(4) For the purposes of this section, if—
(a) the greenhouse gas assessment permit is
subject to a condition requiring the permittee
to carry out work in, or in relation to, the
permit area during a particular period; and
(b) the application for renewal of the permit was
made during that period—
then, in determining whether the condition has
been complied with, assume that the period had
ended immediately before the application for
renewal was made.
314 Renewal of greenhouse gas assessment permit
The Minister must renew a greenhouse gas
assessment permit to which an application for
renewal under section 311 relates if—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 312; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 463 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
(c) if the offer document specified the form and
amount of a security to be lodged by the
applicant—the applicant has lodged the
security within the period applicable under
section 465.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 463 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 463(4).
2 If the applicant has not lodged the security within the
period applicable under section 465, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 465.
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Division 5—Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage
formation
315 Application for declaration of identified greenhouse
gas storage formation
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease, greenhouse
gas injection licence, petroleum retention
lease or petroleum production licence is in
force; and
(b) the permittee, lessee or licensee has
reasonable grounds to believe that—
(i) a part of a geological formation is an
eligible greenhouse gas storage
formation; and
(ii) that part is wholly situated in the permit
area, lease area or licence area.
(2) The permittee, lessee or licensee may apply to the
Minister for the declaration of the part referred to
in subsection (1)(b) as an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation.
(3) An application under this section must set out—
(a) the applicant's reasons for believing that the
part referred to in subsection (1)(b) is an
eligible greenhouse gas storage formation;
and
(b) assuming that the part referred to in
subsection (1)(b) is an eligible greenhouse
gas storage formation—
(i) the fundamental suitability
determinants of the eligible greenhouse
gas storage formation; and
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(ii) an estimate of the spatial extent of the
eligible greenhouse gas storage
formation; and
(c) such other information (if any) as is specified
in the regulations.
(4) An estimate of spatial extent must comply with
such requirements as are specified in the
regulations.
316 Request for further information or further analysis
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to an
applicant under section 315, require the
applicant—
(a) to give the Minister, within the period
specified in the notice, further information in
connection with the application; or
(b) to—
(i) carry out such further analysis of
relevant information as is specified in
the notice; and
(ii) give the Minister, within the period
specified in the notice, a written report
of the results of that analysis.
(2) If the applicant breaches a requirement under
subsection (1), the Minister may, by written notice
given to the applicant—
(a) refuse to consider the application; or
(b) refuse to take any action, or any further
action, in relation to the application.
317 Variation of applications under section 315
(1) At any time before the Minister makes a decision
on an application under section 315, the applicant
may, by written notice given to the Minister,
vary—
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(a) any or all of the fundamental suitability
determinants specified in the application; or
(b) the spatial extent estimated in the
application.
(2) A variation of an application must be made in the
approved manner.
(3) A variation of an application may be made—
(a) on the applicant's own initiative; or
(b) at the request of the Minister.
(4) If an application under this section is varied, a
reference in this Act to the application is a
reference to the application as varied.
318 Declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage
formation
(1) If—
(a) an application is made under section 315 in
relation to a part of a geological formation;
and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that, using the
fundamental suitability determinants set out
in the application—
(i) that part is an eligible greenhouse gas
storage formation; and
(ii) the estimate of the spatial extent set out
in the application is a reasonable
estimate of the spatial extent of the
eligible greenhouse gas storage
formation—
the Minister must, by writing—
(c) declare that part to be an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation for the
purposes of this Act; and
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(d) declare that, for the purposes of this Act, the
spatial extent of the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation is the spatial extent
estimated in the application; and
(e) declare that the fundamental suitability
determinants specified in the application are
the fundamental suitability determinants of
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation for the purposes of this Act.
(2) A declaration under subsection (1)(d) must set out
the estimate of the spatial extent specified in the
application.
(3) A declaration under subsection (1)(e) must set out
the fundamental suitability determinants specified
in the application.
(4) A copy of a declaration under subsection (1) must
be published in the Government Gazette.
(5) If—
(a) an application is made under section 315 in
relation to a part of a geological formation;
and
(b) the Minister is not required by subsection (1)
to make declarations under that subsection in
relation to that part—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to declare that part to be an
identified greenhouse gas storage formation.
319 Variation of declaration of identified greenhouse gas
storage formation
(1) This section applies if a declaration is in force
under section 318 in relation to a part of a
geological formation.
(2) The Minister may, by writing, vary the
declaration.
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(3) A variation of the declaration may be made—
(a) if the part is wholly situated in—
(i) the permit area of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit; or
(ii) the lease area of a greenhouse gas
holding lease; or
(iii) the licence area of a greenhouse gas
injection licence; or
(iv) the licence area of a petroleum
production licence; or
(v) the lease area of a petroleum retention
lease—
on the application of the registered holder of
the permit, lease or licence; or
(b) on the Minister's own initiative.
(4) An application for a variation of the declaration
must—
(a) set out the proposed variation; and
(b) specify the reasons for the proposed
variation.
(5) In deciding whether to vary the declaration, the
Minister must have regard to—
(a) any new information; and
(b) any new analysis; and
(c) any relevant scientific or technological
developments; and
(d) such other matters (if any) as the Minister
considers relevant.
s. 319
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(6) Before varying a declaration under subsection (2)
on the Minister's own initiative, the Minister must
consult—
(a) if the part is wholly situated in the permit
area of a greenhouse gas assessment
permit—the permittee; or
(b) if the part is wholly situated in the lease area
of a greenhouse gas holding lease—the
lessee; or
(c) if the part is wholly situated in the licence
area of a greenhouse gas injection licence—
the licensee; or
(d) if the part is wholly situated in the licence
area of a petroleum production licence—the
licensee; or
(e) if the part is wholly situated in the lease area
of a petroleum retention lease—the lessee.
(7) A copy of a variation under subsection (2) must be
published in the Government Gazette.
(8) If a declaration in force under section 318 is
varied, a reference in this Act to the declaration is
a reference to the declaration as varied.
320 Revocation of declaration of identified greenhouse
gas storage formation
(1) This section applies if a declaration is in force
under section 318 in relation to a part of a
geological formation.
(2) The Minister may revoke the declaration if the
Minister is satisfied that, using any set of
fundamental suitability determinants, the part is
not an eligible greenhouse gas storage formation.
(3) A copy of a revocation under subsection (2) must
be published in the Government Gazette.
s. 320
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(4) Before revoking a declaration under subsection
(2), the Minister must consult—
(a) if the part is wholly situated in the permit
area of a greenhouse gas assessment
permit—the permittee; or
(b) if the part is wholly situated in the lease area
of a greenhouse gas holding lease—the
lessee; or
(c) if the part is wholly situated in the licence
area of a greenhouse gas injection licence—
the licensee; or
(d) if the part is wholly situated in the licence
area of a petroleum production licence—the
licensee; or
(e) if the part is wholly situated in the lease area
of a petroleum retention lease—the lessee.
(5) If the Minister proposes to revoke a declaration
under subsection (2), the Minister must consider
whether the Minister should instead vary the
declaration under section 319.
321 Register of Identified Greenhouse Gas Storage
Formations
(1) The Minister is to maintain a register, to be known
as the Register of Identified Greenhouse Gas
Storage Formations, in which the Minister
includes particulars of—
(a) declarations made under section 318; and
(b) variations of such declarations; and
(c) revocations of such declarations.
(2) The Register may be maintained by electronic
means.
(3) The Register is to be made available for
inspection on the Internet.
s. 321
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Division 6—Directions
322 Minister may give directions to greenhouse gas
assessment permittees
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to a
greenhouse gas assessment permittee, give the
permittee a direction for the purpose of—
(a) eliminating; or
(b) mitigating; or
(c) managing—
the risk that operations carried on under the permit
could have a significant adverse impact on
petroleum exploration operations, or petroleum
recovery operations, that are being, or could be,
carried on under—
(d) an existing petroleum exploration permit; or
(e) an existing petroleum retention lease; or
(f) an existing petroleum production licence; or
(g) a future petroleum exploration permit; or
(h) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(i) a future petroleum production licence.
(2) A direction under this section has effect, and must
be complied with, despite—
(a) any previous direction under this section;
and
(b) anything in the regulations or the applied
provisions.
(3) A direction under this section may make provision
in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or
incorporating (with or without modification) a
code of practice or standard contained in an
instrument—
s. 322
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(a) as in force or existing at the time when the
direction takes effect; or
(b) as in force or existing from time to time—
so long as the code of practice or standard is
relevant to that matter.
(4) To avoid doubt, subsection (3) applies to an
instrument, whether issued or made in Australia or
outside Australia.
(5) A direction under this section may prohibit the
doing of an act or thing—
(a) unconditionally; or
(b) subject to conditions, including conditions
requiring the consent or approval of a person
specified in the direction.
323 Compliance with directions
A person who is given a direction under
section 322 must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
__________________
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PART 3.3—GREENHOUSE GAS HOLDING LEASES
Division 1—General provisions
324 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Chapter.
(2) This Part provides for the grant of greenhouse gas
holding leases over blocks in the offshore area.
(3) A greenhouse gas holding lease authorises the
lessee to explore in the lease area for potential
greenhouse gas storage formations and potential
greenhouse gas injection sites.
(4) A greenhouse gas holding lease may be granted
to—
(a) the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(b) the holder of a greenhouse gas injection
licence, where no greenhouse gas injection
or permanent storage operations have been
carried on under the licence; or
(c) an unsuccessful applicant for a greenhouse
gas injection licence; or
(d) the holder of a petroleum retention lease.
(5) The main criteria for granting a greenhouse gas
holding lease are—
(a) an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation is wholly situated in the lease area;
and
(b) the applicant is not currently in a position to
inject and permanently store a greenhouse
gas substance, but is likely to be in such a
position within 15 years.
s. 324
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(6) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this
Chapter.
325 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas holding lease
(1) A greenhouse gas holding lease authorises the
lessee, in accordance with the conditions (if any)
to which the lease is subject—
(a) to explore in the lease area for a potential
greenhouse gas storage formation; and
(b) to explore in the lease area for a potential
greenhouse gas injection site; and
(c) to inject, on an appraisal basis, a greenhouse
gas substance into a part of a geological
formation, so long as the relevant well is
situated in the lease area; and
(d) to store, on an appraisal basis, a greenhouse
gas substance in a part of a geological
formation, so long as the injection of the
stored greenhouse gas substance takes place
at a well situated in the lease area; and
(e) to inject, on an appraisal basis—
(i) air; or
(ii) petroleum; or
(iii) water—
into a part of a geological formation for
purposes in connection with the exploration
authorised by paragraph (a) or (b), so long as
the relevant well is situated in the lease area;
and
(f) to store, on an appraisal basis—
(i) air; or
(ii) petroleum; or
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(iii) water—
in a part of a geological formation for
purposes in connection with the exploration
authorised by paragraph (a) or (b), so long as
the injection of the stored air, petroleum or
water takes place at a well situated in the
lease area; and
(g) with the written consent of the Minister, to
recover petroleum in the lease area for the
sole purpose of appraising a discovery of
petroleum that was made as an incidental
consequence of—
(i) the exploration authorised by
paragraph (a) or (b); or
(ii) the injection authorised by
paragraph (c) or (e); and
(h) to carry on such operations, and execute such
works, in the lease area as are necessary for
those purposes.
(2) The rights conferred on the lessee by subsection
(1) are subject to this Act and the regulations.
(3) If petroleum is recovered by the lessee in the lease
area as authorised by subsection (1)(g), the
petroleum does not become the property of the
lessee.
(4) A greenhouse gas holding lease does not authorise
the lessee to make a well outside the lease area.
326 Conditions of greenhouse gas holding leases
(1) The Minister may grant a greenhouse gas holding
lease subject to whatever conditions the Minister
thinks appropriate.
(2) The conditions determined by the Minister (if any)
must be specified in the lease.
(3) This section applies subject to section 497.
s. 326
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327 Standard conditions of greenhouse gas holding
leases
(1) A greenhouse gas holding lease is subject to the
conditions that—
(a) the lessee will not carry on key greenhouse
gas operations under the lease unless—
(i) the Minister has approved the
operations under section 329; and
(ii) the lessee complies with the conditions
(if any) to which the approval is
subject; and
(b) if the lessee is given a notice under
section 489, the lessee will comply with the
notice.
(2) Despite section 326(2), the conditions mentioned
in this section do not need to be specified in the
lease.
328 Conditions on greenhouse gas holding lease
Without limiting section 326(1), any or all of the
following conditions may be specified in a
greenhouse gas holding lease—
(a) conditions requiring the lessee to carry out
work in, or in relation to, the lease area;
(b) conditions about the amounts that the lessee
must spend in carrying out such work;
(c) conditions requiring the lessee to comply
with directions that—
(i) relate to the matters covered by
paragraphs (a) and (b); and
(ii) are given in accordance with the lease.
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329 Approval by Minister of key greenhouse gas
operations
(1) A greenhouse gas holding lessee may apply to the
Minister for approval to carry on one or more key
greenhouse gas operations under the lease.
(2) If an application for approval is made under
subsection (1), the Minister may—
(a) give the approval, with or without conditions
to which the approval is subject; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to give the approval.
(3) In deciding whether to give the approval, the
Minister must comply with sections 330 and 331.
(4) For the purposes of this section, a suspension of
rights under section 262 must be disregarded.
(5) To avoid doubt, section 325 does not imply that a
greenhouse gas holding lessee who applies for
approval under subsection (1) of this section is
entitled to be given the approval.
330 Minister must have regard to certain matters
(1) The Minister must have regard to the impact (if
any) that any of the key greenhouse gas operations
to which an application under section 329 relates
could have on petroleum exploration operations,
or petroleum recovery operations, that are being,
or could be, carried on under—
(a) an existing petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) an existing petroleum retention lease; or
(c) an existing petroleum production licence; or
(d) a future petroleum exploration permit; or
(e) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(f) a future petroleum production licence.
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(2) If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key greenhouse gas
operations to which an application under
section 329 relates will have a significant adverse
impact on petroleum exploration operations, or
petroleum recovery operations, that are being, or
could be, carried on under—
(a) an existing petroleum exploration permit
held by a person other than the applicant; or
(b) an existing petroleum retention lease held by
a person other than the applicant; or
(c) an existing petroleum production licence
held by a person other than the applicant—
the Minister must have regard to—
(d) whether the registered holder of the
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease or petroleum production
licence, as the case may be, has agreed, in
writing, to the applicant carrying on the key
greenhouse gas operations in respect of
which the Minister is so satisfied; and
(e) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(3) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key
greenhouse gas operations to which an
application under section 329 relates will
have a significant adverse impact on
petroleum exploration operations, or
petroleum recovery operations, that could be
carried on under—
(i) a future petroleum exploration permit
over a block or blocks; or
(ii) a future petroleum retention lease over
a block or blocks; or
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(iii) a future petroleum production licence
over a block or blocks; and
(b) a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease or petroleum production
licence is in force over the block or any of
the blocks; and
(c) the petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease or petroleum production
licence is held by a person other than the
applicant—
the Minister must have regard to—
(d) whether the registered holder of the
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum
retention lease or petroleum production
licence covered by paragraph (b) has agreed,
in writing, to the applicant carrying on the
key greenhouse gas operations in respect of
which the Minister is so satisfied; and
(e) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(4) If any of the key greenhouse gas operations to
which an application under section 329 relates
is—
(a) an operation to inject, on an appraisal basis,
a substance into a part of a geological
formation; or
(b) an operation to store, on an appraisal basis, a
substance in a part of a geological
formation—
the Minister must have regard to the composition
of the substance.
(5) The Minister must have regard to the public
interest.
s. 330
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(6) Subsections (1), (2), (3) and (4) do not limit
subsection (5).
(7) This section does not limit the matters to which
the Minister may have regard to in deciding
whether to give an approval under section 329.
331 Circumstances in which the approval must not be
given
(1) If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key greenhouse gas
operations to which an application under
section 329 relates will have a significant adverse
impact on petroleum exploration operations, or
petroleum recovery operations, that are being, or
could be, carried on under—
(a) an existing pre-commencement petroleum
title held by a person other than the
applicant; or
(b) an existing post-commencement petroleum
production licence held by a person other
than the applicant—
the Minister must not give the approval unless the
registered holder of the pre-commencement
petroleum title, or the post-commencement
petroleum production licence, as the case may be,
has agreed, in writing, to the applicant carrying on
the key greenhouse gas operations in respect of
which the Minister is so satisfied.
(2) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the key
greenhouse gas operations to which an
application under section 329 relates will
have a significant adverse impact on
petroleum exploration operations, or
petroleum recovery operations, that could be
s. 331
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carried on under a future pre-commencement
petroleum title over a block or blocks; and
(b) the existing pre-commencement petroleum
title in force over the block or any of the
blocks is held by a person other than the
applicant—
the Minister must not give the approval under
section 329 unless the registered holder of the
existing pre-commencement petroleum title has
agreed, in writing, to the applicant carrying on the
key greenhouse gas operations in respect of which
the Minister is so satisfied.
332 Duration of greenhouse gas holding lease
(1) A greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a
special greenhouse gas holding lease) remains in
force for the period of 5 years beginning on—
(a) the day on which the lease is granted; or
(b) if a later day is specified in the lease as the
day on which the lease is to come into
force—that later day.
(2) A special greenhouse gas holding lease remains in
force indefinitely.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) have effect subject to this
Chapter.
Notes
1 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of a
greenhouse gas holding lease if the lessee applies for a special
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection
licence, see section 333.
2 For a special rule about the cancellation of a special
greenhouse gas holding lease, see section 368.
3 For a special rule about the cancellation of a greenhouse gas
holding lease granted to the holder of a petroleum retention
lease, see section 369.
s. 332
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4 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of a
greenhouse gas holding lease pending a decision on a renewal
application, see section 362(6).
5 For a special rule about the extension of the duration of a
greenhouse gas holding lease once a decision has been made
refusing to renew the lease, see section 364(4) and (5).
6 For special rules about the extension of the duration of a
greenhouse gas holding lease following a suspension or
exemption decision, see sections 469 and 471.
7 For a special rule about when a greenhouse gas holding lease
ceases to be in force following the grant of a greenhouse gas
injection licence, see section 389.
8 For the surrender of a greenhouse gas holding lease, see
Part 3.10.
9 For the cancellation of a greenhouse gas holding lease, see
Part 3.11.
333 Extension of greenhouse gas holding lease if lessee
applies for a special greenhouse gas holding lease or
greenhouse gas injection licence
(1) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a
special greenhouse gas holding lease) is in
force over a block or blocks; and
(b) before the time when the lease would, apart
from this subsection, expire, the lessee
applies to the Minister for the grant of a
special greenhouse gas holding lease or
greenhouse gas injection licence over the
block or one or more of the blocks—
the table has effect—
s. 333
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Extension of lease
Item In this case...
the lease continues in force
over the block or blocks
covered by the application
until...
1 the Minister gives the lessee an
offer document relating to a
special greenhouse gas holding
lease or greenhouse gas injection
licence over the block or one or
more of the blocks
the special greenhouse gas
holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence is
granted, the lessee
withdraws the application or
the application lapses.
2 the application is for a special
greenhouse gas holding lease and
the Minister refuses to grant the
lease to the lessee
notice of the refusal is given
to the lessee.
3 the application is for a
greenhouse gas injection licence
and the Minister refuses to grant
the licence to the lessee on a
ground covered by section 383(1)
(c), (d), (e), (f) or (g)
the end of the period of
90 days after the day on
which the notice of the
refusal was given to the
lessee.
4 the application is for a
greenhouse gas injection licence
and the Minister refuses to grant
the licence to the lessee on a
ground not mentioned in item 3
notice of refusal is given to
the lessee.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter
but despite section 332.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 332.
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Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas holding lease
Subdivision 1—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease
by the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit
334 Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the
holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit is in
force; and
(b) one or more identified greenhouse gas
storage formations are wholly situated in the
permit area.
(2) If a single identified greenhouse gas storage
formation extends to—
(a) only one block in the permit area; or
(b) 2 or more blocks in the permit area—
the permittee may, within the application period,
apply to the Minister for the grant of a greenhouse
gas holding lease over the block or blocks to
which the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation extends.
(3) If—
(a) 2 or more identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together,
extend to only one block in the permit area;
and
(b) a vertical line would not pass through a point
in each of those identified greenhouse gas
storage formations—
the permittee may, within the application period,
apply to the Minister for the grant of a greenhouse
gas holding lease over the block to which the
s. 334
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identified greenhouse gas storage formations,
when considered together, extend.
(4) If—
(a) 2 or more identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together,
extend to—
(i) only one block in the permit area; or
(ii) 2 or more blocks in the permit area; and
(b) a vertical line would pass through a point in
each of those identified greenhouse gas
storage formations—
the permittee may, within the application period,
apply to the Minister for the grant of a greenhouse
gas holding lease over the block or blocks to
which the identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together, extend.
(5) If—
(a) 2 or more identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together,
extend to 2 or more blocks in the permit
area; and
(b) a vertical line would not pass through a point
in each of those identified greenhouse gas
storage formations; and
(c) for each identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, at least one of the blocks to which
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation extends immediately adjoins a
block to which the other, or another, of those
identified greenhouse gas storage formations
extends—
the permittee may, within the application period,
apply to the Minister for the grant of a greenhouse
gas holding lease over the blocks to which the
s. 334
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identified greenhouse gas storage formations,
when considered together, extend.
(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), a block
immediately adjoins another block if the graticular
section that constitutes or includes that block and
the graticular section that constitutes or includes
that other block—
(a) have a side in common; or
(b) are joined together at one point only.
(7) In this section, application period has the meaning
given by section 335(2).
335 Applications under section 334
(1) An application under section 334 must be
accompanied by—
(a) details of the applicant's proposals for work
and expenditure in relation to—
(i) if there is a single identified greenhouse
gas storage formation—the block or
blocks, as the case may be, to which the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation extends; or
(ii) if there are 2 or more identified
greenhouse gas storage formations—
the block or blocks, as the case may be,
to which the identified greenhouse gas
storage formations, when considered
together, extend; and
(b) such other information (if any) as is specified
in the regulations.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
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3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(2) The application period for an application under
section 334 is—
(a) the period of 12 months after—
(i) if there is a single identified greenhouse
gas storage formation—the day on
which the declaration of the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation was
made by the Minister; or
(ii) if there are 2 or more identified
greenhouse gas storage formations—
the earliest day on which a declaration
of any of the identified greenhouse gas
storage formations was made by the
Minister; or
(b) such longer period, not more than 180 days
after that day, as the Minister allows.
(3) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (2)(b) only on written application made
by the permittee within the period of 12 months
mentioned in subsection (2)(a).
336 Variation of applications under section 334
(1) At any time before an offer document, or notice of
refusal, relating to an application under
section 334 is given to the applicant, the applicant
may, by written notice given to the Minister, vary
the application.
(2) A variation of an application must be made in the
approved manner.
(3) A variation of an application may be made—
(a) on the applicant's own initiative; or
(b) at the request of the Minister.
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(4) A variation of an application may set out any
additional matters that the applicant wishes to be
considered.
(5) If the application under section 334 is varied, a
reference in this Act to the application is a
reference to the application as varied.
337 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer
document
(1) If—
(a) an application for a greenhouse gas holding
lease has been made under section 334(2);
and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that the applicant is
not, at the time of the application, in a
position to—
(i) inject a greenhouse gas substance into
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation concerned; and
(ii) permanently store the greenhouse gas
substance in the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation concerned—
but is likely to be in such a position within
15 years—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant a greenhouse gas holding lease over the
block or blocks specified in the application.
Notes
1 Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
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2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 461 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 461(3).
(2) If—
(a) an application for a greenhouse gas holding
lease has been made under section 334(3),
(4) or (5); and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that the applicant is
not, at the time of the application, in a
position to—
(i) inject a greenhouse gas substance into
at least one of the identified greenhouse
gas storage formations concerned; and
(ii) permanently store the greenhouse gas
substance in at least one of the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formations concerned—
but is likely to be in such a position within
15 years—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant a greenhouse gas holding lease over the
block or blocks specified in the application.
Notes
1 Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 461 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 461(3).
s. 337
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338 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease
(1) This section applies if an application for a
greenhouse gas holding lease has been made
under section 334.
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant a greenhouse gas
holding lease to the applicant if the Minister is not
satisfied as to—
(a) in the case of an application made under
section 334(2)—a matter referred to in
section 337(1)(b); or
(b) in the case of an application made under
section 334(3), (4) or (5)—a matter referred
to in section 337(2)(b).
339 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 337; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 463 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
(c) if the offer document specified the form and
amount of a security to be lodged by the
applicant—the applicant has lodged the
security within the period applicable under
section 465—
the Minister must grant the applicant a greenhouse
gas holding lease over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 463 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 463(4).
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2 If the applicant has not lodged the security within the
period applicable under section 465, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 465.
340 Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in
force when greenhouse gas holding lease comes into
force
When a greenhouse gas holding lease under
section 339 comes into force in relation to one or
more blocks, a greenhouse gas assessment permit
ceases to be in force to the extent to which it
relates to those blocks.
341 Greenhouse gas assessment permit transferred—
transferee to be treated as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a greenhouse
gas assessment permit is registered under
section 572—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 334 for the grant of a greenhouse gas
holding lease over a block or blocks in
relation to which the greenhouse gas
assessment permit is in force; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 337 or 338 in relation
to the application.
(2) After the transfer, sections 334 to 339 and Part 3.8
have effect in relation to the application as if any
reference in those sections and that Part to the
applicant were a reference to the transferee.
s. 340
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Subdivision 2—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease
by the holder of a greenhouse gas injection licence
342 Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the
holder of a greenhouse gas injection licence
(1) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas injection licence is in force
over a block or blocks; and
(b) one or more identified greenhouse gas
storage formations are wholly situated in the
licence area—
the licensee may, within the application period,
apply to the Minister for the grant of a greenhouse
gas holding lease over the block or blocks.
Note
For application period, see subsection (3).
(2) An application under this section must be
accompanied by details of—
(a) the applicant's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the block or blocks
specified in the application; and
(b) such other information (if any) as is specified
in the regulations.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(3) The application period for an application under
this section by a licensee is the period of 5 years
that began on the day on which the licence was
granted.
s. 342
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343 Variation of applications under section 342
(1) At any time before an offer document, or a notice
of refusal, relating to an application under
section 342 is given to the applicant, the applicant
may, by written notice given to the Minister, vary
the application.
(2) A variation of an application must be made in the
approved manner.
(3) A variation of an application may be made—
(a) on the applicant's own initiative; or
(b) at the request of the Minister.
(4) A variation of an application may set out any
additional matters that the applicant wishes to be
considered.
(5) If an application under section 342 is varied, a
reference in this Act to the application is a
reference to the application as varied.
344 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer
document
If—
(a) an application for a greenhouse gas holding
lease has been made under section 342; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that the applicant is
not, at the time of the application, in a
position to—
(i) inject a greenhouse gas substance into
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, or at least one of the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, concerned; and
(ii) store the greenhouse gas substance in
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, or at least one of the
s. 343
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identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, concerned—
but is likely to be in such a position within
15 years—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant a greenhouse gas holding lease over the
block or blocks specified in the application.
Notes
1 Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 461 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 461(3).
345 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas holding lease
If—
(a) an application for a greenhouse gas holding
lease has been made under section 342; and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied as to the matter
referred to in section 344(b) in relation to the
block or blocks specified in the
application—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant a greenhouse gas
holding lease to the applicant.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 466.
s. 345
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346 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 344; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 463 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
(c) if the offer document specified the form and
amount of a security to be lodged by the
applicant—the applicant has lodged the
security within the period applicable under
section 465—
the Minister must grant the applicant a greenhouse
gas holding lease over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 463 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 463(4).
2 If the applicant has not lodged the security within the
period applicable under section 465, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 465.
347 Greenhouse gas injection licence ceases to be in
force when greenhouse gas holding lease comes into
force
When a greenhouse gas holding lease under
section 346 comes into force in relation to one or
more blocks, a greenhouse gas injection licence
ceases to be in force to the extent to which it
relates to those blocks.
s. 346
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348 Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—
transferee to be treated as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a greenhouse
gas injection licence is registered under
section 572—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 342 for the grant of a greenhouse gas
holding lease over the block or blocks in
relation to which the greenhouse gas
injection licence is in force; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 344 or 345 in relation
to the application.
(2) After the transfer, sections 342 to 346 and Part 3.8
have effect in relation to the application as if any
reference in those sections and that Part to the
applicant were a reference to the transferee.
Subdivision 3—Application for special greenhouse gas
holding lease by an unsuccessful applicant for a greenhouse
gas injection licence
349 Application for special greenhouse gas holding lease
by an unsuccessful applicant for a greenhouse gas
injection licence
(1) If—
(a) either of the following is in force—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit;
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease (other
than a special greenhouse gas holding
lease); and
(b) one or more identified greenhouse gas
storage formations are wholly situated in the
permit area or lease area; and
s. 348
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(c) the permittee or lessee makes an application
under section 379 for the grant of a
greenhouse gas injection licence over the
block or blocks in which the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation or
formations are wholly situated; and
(d) if the applicant holds a greenhouse gas
assessment permit—the Minister refuses to
grant the greenhouse gas injection licence on
a ground covered by section 382(1)(c), (d),
(e), (f) or (g); and
(e) if the applicant holds a greenhouse gas
holding lease—the Minister refuses to grant
the greenhouse gas injection licence on a
ground covered by section 383(1)(c), (d), (e),
(f) or (g)—
the permittee or lessee may, within the application
period, apply to the Minister for the grant of a
special greenhouse gas holding lease over the
block or blocks covered by the unsuccessful
application for the greenhouse gas injection
licence.
Note
For application period, see subsection (3).
(2) An application under this section must be
accompanied by such information (if any) as is
specified in the regulations.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
s. 349
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(3) The application period for an application under
this section by a permittee or lessee is the period
of 90 days that began on the day on which the
permittee or lessee was notified of the refusal to
grant the greenhouse gas injection licence.
350 Variation of applications under section 349
(1) At any time before an offer document relating to
an application under section 349 is given to the
applicant, the applicant may, by written notice
given to the Minister, vary the application.
(2) A variation of an application must be made in the
approved manner.
(3) A variation of an application may be made—
(a) on the applicant's own initiative; or
(b) at the request of the Minister.
(4) A variation of an application may set out any
additional matters that the applicant wishes to be
considered.
(5) If an application under section 349 is varied, a
reference in this Act to the application is a
reference to the application as varied.
351 Grant of special greenhouse gas holding lease—offer
document
(1) This section applies if an application for a special
greenhouse gas holding lease has been made
under section 349.
(2) The Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant a special greenhouse gas holding lease
over the block or blocks covered by the
application.
s. 350
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Notes
1 Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 461 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 461(3).
352 Grant of special greenhouse gas holding lease
(1) If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 351; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 463 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
(c) if the offer document specified the form and
amount of a security to be lodged by the
applicant—the applicant has lodged the
security within the period applicable under
section 465—
the Minister must grant the applicant a greenhouse
gas holding lease over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 463 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 463(4).
2 If the applicant has not lodged the security within the
period applicable under section 465, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 465.
(2) A greenhouse gas holding lease granted under
subsection (1) is to be known as a special
greenhouse gas holding lease.
s. 352
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353 Greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in
force when special greenhouse gas holding lease
comes into force
When a special greenhouse gas holding lease
under section 352 comes into force in relation to
one or more blocks, a greenhouse gas assessment
permit ceases to be in force to the extent to which
it relates to those blocks.
354 Ordinary greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be
in force when special greenhouse gas holding lease
comes into force
When a special greenhouse gas holding lease
under section 352 comes into force in relation to
one or more blocks, a greenhouse gas holding
lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding
lease) ceases to be in force to the extent to which
it relates to those blocks.
355 Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—
transferee to be treated as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a greenhouse
gas assessment permit is registered under
section 572—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 349 for the grant of a special
greenhouse gas holding lease over a block or
blocks in relation to which the greenhouse
gas assessment permit is in force; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 351 in relation to the
application.
(2) After the transfer, sections 351 and 352 and
Part 3.8 have effect in relation to the application
as if any reference in those sections and that Part
to the applicant were a reference to the transferee.
s. 353
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356 Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee
to be treated as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a greenhouse
gas holding lease is registered under
section 572—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 349 for the grant of a special
greenhouse gas holding lease over a block or
blocks in relation to which the
first-mentioned greenhouse gas holding lease
is in force; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 351 in relation to the
application.
(2) After the transfer, sections 351 and 352 and
Part 3.8 have effect in relation to the application
as if any reference in those sections and that Part
to the applicant were a reference to the transferee.
Subdivision 4—Application for greenhouse gas holding lease
by the holder of a petroleum retention lease
357 Application for greenhouse gas holding lease by the
holder of a petroleum retention lease
(1) If—
(a) a petroleum retention lease is in force over a
block or blocks; and
(b) one or more identified greenhouse gas
storage formations are wholly situated in the
lease area—
the lessee may apply to the Minister for the grant
of a greenhouse gas holding lease over the block
or blocks.
s. 356
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(2) An application under this section must be
accompanied by such information (if any) as is
specified in the regulations.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
358 Variation of applications under section 357
(1) At any time before an offer document relating to
an application under section 357 is given to the
applicant, the applicant may, by written notice
given to the Minister, vary the application.
(2) A variation of an application must be made in the
approved manner.
(3) A variation of an application may be made—
(a) on the applicant's own initiative; or
(b) at the request of the Minister.
(4) A variation of an application may set out any
additional matters that the applicant wishes to be
considered.
(5) If an application under section 357 is varied, a
reference in this Act to the application is a
reference to the application as varied.
359 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer
document
(1) This section applies if an application for a
greenhouse gas holding lease has been made
under section 357.
(2) The Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
s. 358
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applicant a greenhouse gas holding lease over the
block or blocks covered by the application.
Notes
1 Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
2 If the applicant breaches a requirement under
section 461 to provide further information, the Minister
may refuse to give the applicant an offer document—
see section 461(3).
360 Grant of greenhouse gas holding lease
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 359; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 463 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
(c) if the offer document specified the form and
amount of a security to be lodged by the
applicant—the applicant has lodged the
security within the period applicable under
section 465—
the Minister must grant the applicant a greenhouse
gas holding lease over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 463 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 463(4).
2 If the applicant has not lodged the security within the
period applicable under section 465, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 465.
s. 360
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361 Retention lease transfer—transferee to be treated as
applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a petroleum
retention lease is registered under section 514—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 357 for the grant of a greenhouse gas
holding lease over a block or blocks in
relation to which the petroleum retention
lease is in force; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 359 in relation to the
application.
(2) After the transfer, sections 359 and 360 and
Part 3.8 have effect in relation to the application
as if any reference in those sections and that Part
to the applicant were a reference to the transferee.
Division 3—Renewal of greenhouse gas holding leases
362 Application for renewal of greenhouse gas holding
lease
(1) The registered holder of a greenhouse gas holding
lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding
lease) may apply to the Minister for the renewal
by the Minister of the lease.
(2) A greenhouse gas holding lease cannot be
renewed more than once.
(3) An application to renew a greenhouse gas holding
lease must be made—
(a) not more than 12 months before the expiry
date of the lease; and
(b) at least 180 days before the expiry date of the
lease.
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(4) Despite subsection (3), the Minister may accept an
application to renew a greenhouse gas holding
lease if the application is made—
(a) later than 180 days before the expiry date of
the lease; and
(b) before the expiry date of the lease.
(5) An application to renew a greenhouse gas holding
lease must be accompanied by details of—
(a) the lessee's proposals for work and
expenditure in relation to the lease area; and
(b) such other information (if any) as is specified
in the regulations.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(6) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas holding lessee makes an
application to renew the lease; and
(b) the lease would, apart from this subsection,
expire—
(i) before the Minister grants, or refuses to
grant, the renewal of the lease; or
(ii) before the application lapses as
provided by section 463—
the lease continues in force until—
(c) the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the
renewal of the lease; or
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(d) the application lapses—
whichever happens first.
(7) Subsection (6) has effect subject to this Chapter
but despite section 332.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 332.
363 Renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease—offer
document
(1) This section applies if an application to renew a
greenhouse gas holding lease has been made
under section 362.
(2) The Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to renew
the lease if—
(a) each of the following has been complied
with—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas holding lease is, or has from time to
time been, subject;
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1;
(iii) the regulations; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that the applicant is
not, at the time of the application, in a
position to—
(i) inject a greenhouse gas substance into
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, or at least one of the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, concerned; and
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(ii) permanently store the greenhouse gas
substance in the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation, or at least one of
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, concerned—
but is likely to be in such a position within
10 years.
Note
Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
(3) The Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to renew
the lease if—
(a) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas holding lease is, or has from time to
time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the renewal of the greenhouse gas holding
lease; and
(c) the Minister is satisfied that the applicant is
not, at the time of the application, in a
position to—
(i) inject a greenhouse gas substance into
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, or at least one of the
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identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, concerned; and
(ii) permanently store the greenhouse gas
substance in the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation, or at least one of
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, concerned—
but is likely to be in such a position within
10 years.
Note
Section 462 sets out additional requirements for offer
documents (for example, a requirement that an offer
document must contain a summary of conditions).
364 Refusal to renew greenhouse gas holding lease
(1) This section applies if an application to renew a
greenhouse gas holding lease has been made
under section 362.
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to renew the lease if—
(a) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the greenhouse
gas holding lease is, or has from time to
time been, subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
(b) the Minister is not satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the granting of
the renewal of the greenhouse gas holding
lease.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 466.
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(3) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to renew the lease if the Minister
is satisfied that the applicant is, at the time of the
application, in a position to—
(a) inject a greenhouse gas substance into the
identified greenhouse gas storage formation,
or at least one of the identified greenhouse
gas storage formations, concerned; and
(b) permanently store the greenhouse gas
substance in the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation, or at least one of the
identified greenhouse gas storage formations,
concerned.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 466.
(4) If—
(a) the Minister makes a decision under
subsection (3) refusing to renew the lease;
and
(b) a notice of refusal is given to the applicant;
and
(c) within 12 months after the notice was given,
the lessee applies for a greenhouse gas
injection licence over one or more of the
blocks comprised in the lease; and
(d) the lease would, apart from this subsection,
expire—
(i) before the Minister grants, or refuses to
grant, the greenhouse gas injection
licence; or
(ii) before the application lapses—
the lease continues in force until—
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(e) the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the
greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(f) the application lapses—
whichever happens first.
(5) If—
(a) the Minister makes a decision under
subsection (3) refusing to renew the lease;
and
(b) a notice of refusal is given to the applicant;
and
(c) subsection (4) does not apply; and
(d) the lease would, apart from this subsection,
expire within 12 months after the notice was
given—
the lease continues in force until the end of the
12-month period beginning on the day on which
the notice was given.
(6) Subsections (4) and (5) have effect subject to this
Chapter but despite section 332.
Note
See the notes at the end of section 332.
365 Renewal of greenhouse gas holding lease
The Minister must renew a greenhouse gas
holding lease if—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 363; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 463 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
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(c) if the offer document specified the form and
amount of a security to be lodged by the
applicant—the applicant has lodged the
security within the period applicable under
section 465.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 463 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 463(4).
2 If the applicant has not lodged the security within the
period applicable under section 465, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 465.
Division 4—Directions
366 Minister may give directions to greenhouse gas
holding lessees
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to a
greenhouse gas holding lessee, give the lessee a
direction for the purpose of—
(a) eliminating; or
(b) mitigating; or
(c) managing—
the risk that operations carried on under the lease
could have a significant adverse impact on
petroleum exploration operations, or petroleum
recovery operations, that are being, or could be,
carried on under—
(d) an existing petroleum exploration permit; or
(e) an existing petroleum retention lease; or
(f) an existing petroleum production licence; or
(g) a future petroleum exploration permit; or
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(h) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(i) a future petroleum production licence.
(2) A direction under this section has effect, and must
be complied with, despite—
(a) any previous direction under this section;
and
(b) anything in the regulations or the applied
provisions.
(3) A direction under this section may make provision
in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or
incorporating (with or without modification) a
code of practice or standard contained in an
instrument—
(a) as in force or existing at the time when the
direction takes effect; or
(b) as in force or existing from time to time—
so long as the code of practice or standard is
relevant to that matter.
(4) To avoid doubt, subsection (3) applies to an
instrument, whether issued or made in Australia or
outside Australia.
(5) A direction under this section may prohibit the
doing of an act or thing—
(a) unconditionally; or
(b) subject to conditions, including conditions
requiring the consent or approval of a person
specified in the direction.
367 Compliance with directions
A person who is given a direction under
section 366 must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
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Division 5—Special greenhouse gas holding lessee may be
requested to apply for a greenhouse gas injection licence
368 Minister may request special greenhouse gas
holding lessee to apply for a greenhouse gas
injection licence
(1) If—
(a) a special greenhouse gas holding lease is in
force; and
(b) one or more identified greenhouse gas
storage formations are wholly situated in the
lease area; and
(c) the Minister is satisfied that, if the lessee
were to apply under section 379 for the grant
of a greenhouse gas injection licence over
the block or blocks in which the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation or
formations are wholly situated, the Minister
would not refuse to grant the greenhouse gas
injection licence on a ground covered by
section 383(1)(c), (d), (e), (f) or (g)—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
lessee—
(d) request the lessee to notify the Minister,
within 180 days after the day on which the
notice is given to the lessee, of the lessee's
intention to apply for the greenhouse gas
injection licence; and
(e) request the lessee to apply for the greenhouse
gas injection licence within 2 years after the
day on which the notice is given to the
lessee.
(2) If the lessee does not comply with a request under
subsection (1), the Minister may cancel the lease.
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Division 6—Cancellation of certain greenhouse gas holding
leases granted to the holders of petroleum retention leases
369 Cancellation of certain greenhouse gas holding
leases granted to the holders of petroleum retention
leases
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a greenhouse gas holding lease is tied to a
petroleum retention lease; and
(b) the petroleum retention lease is cancelled,
surrendered or wholly revoked.
(2) The Minister must cancel the greenhouse gas
holding lease.
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PART 3.4—GREENHOUSE GAS INJECTION LICENCES
Division 1—General provisions
370 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) It is an offence to—
(a) inject a substance into the seabed or subsoil
of the offshore area; or
(b) store (whether on a permanent basis or
otherwise) a substance in the seabed or
subsoil of the offshore area—
except—
(c) under a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(d) as otherwise authorised or required by or
under this Act or any other law of the
Commonwealth; or
(e) if the injection or storage operations are
specified in the regulations.
(3) This Part provides for the grant of greenhouse gas
injection licences over blocks in the offshore area.
(4) A greenhouse gas injection licence authorises the
licensee to carry out operations for the injection
and permanent storage of greenhouse gas
substances in the licence area, so long as the
greenhouse gas substance is injected into, or
permanently stored in, an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation.
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(5) There are 2 ways in which a greenhouse gas
injection licence can be granted—
(a) grant of a greenhouse gas injection licence as
a result of an application made by a
greenhouse gas assessment permittee or
greenhouse gas holding lessee;
(b) grant of a greenhouse gas injection licence as
a result of an application made by a
petroleum production licensee.
(6) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
371 Prohibition of unauthorised injection and storage of
substances in offshore area
A person must not intentionally carry on
operations—
(a) to inject a substance into the seabed or
subsoil of the offshore area; or
(b) to store (whether on a permanent basis or
otherwise) a substance in the seabed or
subsoil of the offshore area—
unless the operations are authorised by a
greenhouse gas injection licence or are otherwise
authorised or required by or under this Act, a law
of the State or the regulations.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.
372 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas injection licence
(1) A greenhouse gas injection licence authorises the
licensee, in accordance with the conditions
(if any) to which the licence is subject—
(a) to inject a greenhouse gas substance into an
identified greenhouse gas storage formation
that is wholly situated in the licence area, so
long as the relevant well is situated in the
licence area; and
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(b) to permanently store a greenhouse gas
substance in an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation that is wholly situated in
the licence area, so long as the injection of
the stored greenhouse gas substance takes
place at a well situated in the licence area;
and
(c) to explore in the licence area for a potential
greenhouse gas storage formation; and
(d) to explore in the licence area for a potential
greenhouse gas injection site; and
(e) to inject, on an appraisal basis, a greenhouse
gas substance into a part of a geological
formation, so long as the relevant well is
situated in the licence area; and
(f) to store, on an appraisal basis, a greenhouse
gas substance in a part of a geological
formation, so long as the injection of the
stored greenhouse gas substance takes place
at a well situated in the licence area; and
(g) to inject, on an appraisal basis—
(i) air; or
(ii) petroleum; or
(iii) water—
into a part of a geological formation for
purposes in connection with the exploration
authorised by paragraph (c) or (d), so long as
the relevant well is situated in the licence
area; and
(h) to store, on an appraisal basis—
(i) air; or
(ii) petroleum; or
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(iii) water—
in a part of a geological formation for
purposes in connection with the exploration
authorised by paragraph (c) or (d), so long as
the injection of the stored air, petroleum or
water takes place at a well situated in the
licence area; and
(i) with the written consent of the Minister, to
recover petroleum in the licence area for the
sole purpose of appraising a discovery of
petroleum that was made as an incidental
consequence of—
(i) the injection authorised by
paragraph (a), (e) or (g); or
(ii) the exploration authorised by
paragraph (c) or (d); and
(j) to carry on such operations, and execute such
works, in the licence area as are necessary
for those purposes.
(2) The rights conferred on the licensee by subsection
(1) are subject to this Act and the regulations.
(3) If petroleum is recovered by the licensee in the
licence area as authorised by subsection (1)(i), the
petroleum does not become the property of the
licensee.
(4) A greenhouse gas injection licence does not
authorise the licensee to make a well outside the
licence area.
373 Conditions of greenhouse gas injection licences
(1) The Minister may grant a greenhouse gas injection
licence subject to whatever conditions the
Minister thinks appropriate.
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(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
licence.
(3) This section applies subject to section 497.
374 Injection and storage of greenhouse gas substance
(1) A greenhouse gas injection licence is subject to
the condition that the licensee will not—
(a) inject a greenhouse gas substance into an
identified greenhouse gas storage formation
that is wholly situated in the licence area; or
(b) permanently store a greenhouse gas
substance in an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation that is wholly situated in
the licence area—
unless—
(c) the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation is specified in the licence; and
(d) the greenhouse gas substance is of a kind
that is specified in the licence; and
(e) the greenhouse gas substance complies with
such requirements (if any) as are specified in
the licence; and
(f) the origin or origins of the greenhouse gas
substance are as specified in the licence; and
(g) the greenhouse gas substance is injected at a
potential greenhouse gas injection site or
sites specified in the licence; and
(h) the greenhouse gas substance is injected
during a period specified in the licence; and
(i) the sum of—
(i) the total amount of greenhouse gas
substance that has already been injected
into the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation; and
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(ii) the total amount of greenhouse gas
substance that is proposed to be
injected into the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation—
does not exceed the amount specified in the
licence; and
(j) the rate, or range of rates, of injection of the
greenhouse gas substance is as specified in
the licence; and
(k) in a case where the fundamental suitability
determinants of the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation include particular
engineering enhancements—those
engineering enhancements have been made.
(2) The matters specified in the licence as mentioned
in subsection (1)(d) to (k) must not be inconsistent
with the fundamental suitability determinants of
the identified greenhouse gas storage formation
concerned.
(3) To avoid doubt, 2 or more identified greenhouse
gas storage formations may be specified in a
greenhouse gas injection licence as mentioned in
subsection (1)(c).
(4) If 2 or more identified greenhouse gas storage
formations are specified in a greenhouse gas
injection licence, different matters may be
specified in the licence as mentioned in
subsection (1)(d) to (j) for different identified
greenhouse gas storage formations.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (1)(f), disregard
any incidental greenhouse gas-related substances
in determining the origin of a greenhouse gas
substance.
(6) If a greenhouse gas injection licence is granted
under section 397 to the registered holder of a
petroleum production licence, the origin or origins
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specified under subsection (1)(f) of this section
must be situated in the licence area of the
petroleum production licence.
(7) If a greenhouse gas injection licence is tied to a
petroleum production licence, the origin or origins
specified under subsection (1)(f) of this section
must be situated in the licence area of the
petroleum production licence.
(8) The condition mentioned in subsection (1) must
be specified in the licence.
(9) Subsection (1) does not limit sections 373 or 376.
375 Other standard conditions of greenhouse gas
injection licences
(1) A greenhouse gas injection licence is subject to
the condition that, if the licensee is given a notice
under section 489, the licensee will comply with
the notice.
(2) A greenhouse gas injection licence is subject to
the condition that, if—
(a) regulations are made for the purposes of
subsection (3); and
(b) those regulations impose requirements on the
licensee—
the licensee will comply with those requirements.
(3) The regulations may establish a regime for third
party access to services provided by means of the
use of—
(a) identified greenhouse gas storage
formations; or
(b) wells, equipment or structures for use in
injecting greenhouse gas substances into
identified greenhouse gas storage
formations; or
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(c) equipment or structures for use in the
processing, compressing or storing of
greenhouse gas substances prior to the
injection of the substances into identified
greenhouse gas storage formations.
(4) Despite section 373(2), the conditions in this
section do not need to be specified in the licence.
(5) Subsections (1) and (2) do not limit sections
373(1) or 376(1).
376 Imposition of additional conditions
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of a greenhouse gas injection
licence, vary the licence by imposing one or more
conditions to which the licence is subject.
(2) A variation of a greenhouse gas injection licence
under subsection (1) takes effect on the day on
which notice of the variation is given to the
licensee.
(3) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas injection licence is subject
to a condition; and
(b) the condition was imposed under
subsection (1)—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, vary or revoke the condition.
(4) A variation of a greenhouse gas injection licence
under subsection (3) takes effect on the day on
which notice of the variation is given to the
licensee.
(5) Subsection (4) does not limit section 468.
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377 Duration of greenhouse gas injection licence
(1) A greenhouse gas injection licence remains in
force indefinitely.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Notes
1 For a special rule about when a greenhouse gas
injection licence ceases to be in force following the
grant of a greenhouse gas holding lease, see
section 347.
2 For the termination of a greenhouse gas injection
licence if there have been no injection operations for
5 years, see section 378.
3 For the surrender of a greenhouse gas injection licence,
see Part 3.10.
4 For the cancellation of a greenhouse gas injection
licence, see Part 3.11.
378 Termination of greenhouse gas injection licence if
no injection operations for 5 years
(1) This section applies to a greenhouse gas injection
licence if—
(a) both—
(i) a single identified greenhouse gas
storage formation is specified in the
licence; and
(ii) no operations to inject a greenhouse gas
substance into the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation have been carried
on under the licence at any time during
a continuous period of at least 5 years;
or
(b) both—
(i) 2 or more identified greenhouse gas
storage formations are specified in the
licence; and
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(ii) no operations to inject a greenhouse gas
substance into any of those identified
greenhouse gas storage formations have
been carried on under the licence at any
time during a continuous period of at
least 5 years.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, tell the licensee that the Minister
proposes to terminate the licence after the end of
30 days after the notice is given.
(3) At any time after the end of 30 days after the
notice is given to the licensee, the Minister may,
by written notice given to the licensee, terminate
the licence.
Note
For remedial directions following termination, see
section 643.
(4) In working out, for the purposes of this section,
the period in which no operations to inject a
greenhouse gas substance into an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation were carried on
under a greenhouse gas injection licence—
(a) any period in which no such operations were
carried on because of circumstances beyond
the licensee's control; and
(b) any period in which no such operations were
carried on because of a suspension under
section 410—
must be disregarded.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (4)(a), the failure
to obtain a greenhouse gas substance for injection
into an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation is not a circumstance beyond the
licensee's control.
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(6) The Minister may give a copy of a notice under
subsection (2) to such other persons (if any) as the
Minister thinks fit.
(7) A notice under subsection (2) must—
(a) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal to terminate the licence; and
(b) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(8) In deciding whether to terminate the licence, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas injection licence
Subdivision 1—Application for greenhouse gas injection
licence by the holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit
or greenhouse gas holding lease
379 Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by
greenhouse gas assessment permittee or greenhouse
gas holding lessee
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit or
greenhouse gas holding lease is in force; and
(b) one or more identified greenhouse gas
storage formations are wholly situated in the
permit area or lease area.
(2) If a single identified greenhouse gas storage
formation extends to—
(a) only one block in the permit area or lease
area; or
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(b) 2 or more blocks in the permit area or lease
area—
the permittee or lessee may apply to the Minister
for the grant of a greenhouse gas injection licence
over the block or blocks to which the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation extends.
(3) If—
(a) 2 or more identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together,
extend to only one block in the permit area
or lease area; and
(b) a vertical line would not pass through a point
in each of those identified greenhouse gas
storage formations—
the permittee or lessee may apply to the Minister
for the grant of a greenhouse gas injection licence
over the block to which the identified greenhouse
gas storage formations extend.
(4) If—
(a) 2 or more identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together,
extend to—
(i) only one block in the permit area or
lease area; or
(ii) 2 or more blocks in the permit area or
lease area; and
(b) a vertical line would pass through a point in
each of those identified greenhouse gas
storage formations—
the permittee or lessee may apply to the Minister
for the grant of a greenhouse gas injection licence
over the block or blocks to which the identified
greenhouse gas storage formations, when
considered together, extend.
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(5) If—
(a) 2 or more identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together,
extend to 2 or more blocks in the permit area
or lease area; and
(b) a vertical line would not pass through a point
in each of those identified greenhouse gas
storage formations; and
(c) for each identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, at least one of the blocks to which
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation extends immediately adjoins a
block to which the other, or another, of those
identified greenhouse gas storage formations
extends—
the permittee or lessee may apply to the Minister
for the grant of a greenhouse gas injection licence
over the blocks to which the identified greenhouse
gas storage formations, when considered together,
extend.
(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), a block
immediately adjoins another block if the graticular
section that constitutes or includes that block and
the graticular section that constitutes or includes
that other block—
(a) have a side in common; or
(b) are joined together at one point only.
(7) If a greenhouse gas holding lease was granted
under section 360 (or was granted by way of
renewal of such a lease), the lessee is not entitled
to make an application under this section unless—
(a) the greenhouse gas holding lease is tied to a
petroleum production licence; and
(b) the lessee is the registered holder of the
petroleum production licence.
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380 Applications under section 379
(1) An application under section 379 must set out, for
each identified greenhouse gas storage formation,
each of the matters which the applicant seeks to
have specified in the licence as mentioned in
section 374(1)(d) to (k).
(2) The matters set out in the application in
accordance with subsection (1) must not be
inconsistent with the fundamental suitability
determinants of the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation concerned.
(3) An application under this section must be
accompanied by—
(a) a draft site plan for the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation or draft site plans for
each of the identified greenhouse gas storage
formations; and
(b) details of the applicant's proposals for work
and expenditure in relation to—
(i) if there is a single identified greenhouse
gas storage formation—the block or
blocks, as the case may be, to which the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation extends; or
(ii) if there are 2 or more identified
greenhouse gas storage formations—
the block or blocks, as the case may be,
to which the identified greenhouse gas
storage formations, when considered
together, extend; and
(c) details of—
(i) the technical qualifications of the
applicant and of the applicant's
employees; and
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(ii) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
(iii) the financial resources available to the
applicant; and
(d) such other information (if any) as is specified
in the regulations.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
381 Variation of applications under section 379
(1) At any time before an offer document, or a notice
of refusal, relating to an application under
section 379 is given to the applicant, the applicant
may, by written notice given to the Minister, vary
the application.
(2) A variation of an application must be made in the
approved manner.
(3) A variation of an application may be made—
(a) on the applicant's own initiative; or
(b) at the request of the Minister.
(4) A variation of an application may set out any
additional matters that the applicant wishes to be
considered.
(5) If an application under section 379 is varied, a
reference in this Act to the application is a
reference to the application as varied.
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382 Offer document for application by permittee
(1) If—
(a) an application for the grant of a greenhouse
gas injection licence has been made under
section 379 by a greenhouse gas assessment
permittee; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that, if the
greenhouse gas injection licence were
granted to the applicant, the applicant will,
within 5 years after the grant, commence
operations to—
(i) inject a greenhouse gas substance into
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, or at least one of the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, concerned; and
(ii) permanently store the greenhouse gas
substance in the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation, or at least one of
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, concerned; and
(c) if the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under the greenhouse gas
injection licence will have a significant
adverse impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that are being, or could be,
carried on under—
(i) an existing post-commencement
petroleum exploration permit; or
(ii) an existing post-commencement
petroleum retention lease (other than a
petroleum retention lease granted under
section 139); or
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(iii) a future post-commencement petroleum
production licence over the block or
any of the blocks to which an existing
post-commencement petroleum
exploration permit, or an existing
post-commencement petroleum
retention lease (other than a petroleum
retention lease granted under
section 139), relates—
the Minister is satisfied that the grant of the
greenhouse gas injection licence is in the
public interest; and
(d) if the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under the greenhouse gas
injection licence will have a significant
adverse impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that are being, or could be,
carried on under—
(i) an existing pre-commencement
petroleum title held by a person other
than the applicant; or
(ii) an existing petroleum production
licence held by a person other than the
applicant—
the Minister is satisfied that—
(iii) the registered holder of the
pre-commencement petroleum title or
the petroleum production licence, as the
case may be, has agreed, in writing, to
the grant of the greenhouse gas
injection licence; and
(iv) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 4.6 applies—the
dealing has been approved under
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section 528 or is reasonably likely to be
approved under that section; and
(v) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 5.6 would apply
if the greenhouse gas injection licence
were to come into existence—it is
reasonably likely that the dealing
would, after the greenhouse gas
injection licence comes into existence,
be approved under section 585; and
(e) if—
(i) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the
operations that could be carried on
under the greenhouse gas injection
licence will have a significant adverse
impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that could be carried on
under a future pre-commencement
petroleum title over a block or blocks;
and
(ii) the existing pre-commencement
petroleum title in force over the block
or any of the blocks is held by a person
other than the applicant—
the Minister is satisfied that—
(iii) the registered holder of the existing
pre-commencement petroleum title has
agreed, in writing, to the grant of the
greenhouse gas injection licence; and
(iv) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 4.6 applies—the
dealing has been approved under
section 528 or is reasonably likely to be
approved under that section; and
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(v) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 4.6 would apply
if the future pre-commencement
petroleum title were to come into
existence—it is reasonably likely that
the dealing would, after the future
pre-commencement petroleum title
comes into existence, be approved
under section 528; and
(vi) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 5.6 would apply
if the greenhouse gas injection licence
were to come into existence—it is
reasonably likely that the dealing
would, after the greenhouse gas
injection licence comes into existence,
be approved under section 585; and
(f) if—
(i) the Minister is satisfied that the area
comprised in the block, or any one or
more of the blocks, specified in the
application contains petroleum; and
(ii) the block or blocks as to which the
Minister is so satisfied are within the
licence area of a petroleum production
licence, the permit area of a
pre-commencement petroleum
exploration permit or the lease area of a
pre-commencement petroleum retention
lease; and
(iii) the recovery of the petroleum passes
the commercial viability test set out in
section 385—
the Minister is satisfied that there is no
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under the greenhouse gas
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injection licence will have a significant
adverse impact on operations to recover the
petroleum; and
(g) the Minister is satisfied that—
(i) the technical qualifications of the
applicant and of the applicant's
employees; and
(ii) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
(iii) the financial resources available to the
applicant—
are adequate; and
(h) the Minister is satisfied that the draft site
plan that accompanied the application
satisfies the criteria specified in the
regulations—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant a greenhouse gas injection licence over
the block or blocks specified in the application, on
the basis that the matters to be specified in the
greenhouse gas injection licence as mentioned in
section 374(1)(d) to (k) will be in accordance with
the application.
(2) This section has effect subject to section 388.
383 Offer document for application by lessee
(1) If—
(a) an application for the grant of a greenhouse
gas injection licence has been made under
section 379 by a greenhouse gas holding
lessee; and
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(b) the Minister is satisfied that, if the
greenhouse gas injection licence were
granted to the applicant, the applicant will,
within 5 years after the grant, commence
operations to—
(i) inject a greenhouse gas substance into
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, or at least one of the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, concerned; and
(ii) permanently store the greenhouse gas
substance in the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation, or at least one of
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, concerned; and
(c) if the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under the greenhouse gas
injection licence will have a significant
adverse impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that are being, or could be,
carried on under—
(i) an existing post-commencement
petroleum exploration permit; or
(ii) an existing post-commencement
petroleum retention lease (other than a
petroleum retention lease granted under
section 139); or
(iii) a future post-commencement petroleum
production licence over the block or
any of the blocks to which an existing
post-commencement petroleum
exploration permit, or an existing
post-commencement petroleum
retention lease (other than a petroleum
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retention lease granted under
section 139), relates—
the Minister is satisfied that the grant of the
greenhouse gas injection licence is in the
public interest; and
(d) if the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under the greenhouse gas
injection licence will have a significant
adverse impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that are being, or could be,
carried on under—
(i) an existing pre-commencement
petroleum title held by a person other
than the applicant; or
(ii) an existing petroleum production
licence held by a person other than the
applicant—
the Minister is satisfied that—
(iii) the registered holder of the
pre-commencement petroleum title or
the petroleum production licence, as the
case may be, has agreed, in writing, to
the grant of the greenhouse gas
injection licence; and
(iv) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 4.6 applies—the
dealing has been approved under
section 528 or is reasonably likely to be
approved under that section; and
(v) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 5.6 would apply
if the greenhouse gas injection licence
were to come into existence—it is
reasonably likely that the dealing
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would, after the greenhouse gas
injection licence comes into existence,
be approved under section 585; and
(e) if—
(i) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the
operations that could be carried on
under the greenhouse gas injection
licence will have a significant adverse
impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that could be carried on
under a future pre-commencement
petroleum title over a block or blocks;
and
(ii) the existing pre-commencement
petroleum title in force over the block
or any of the blocks is held by a person
other than the applicant—
the Minister is satisfied that—
(iii) the registered holder of the existing
pre-commencement petroleum title has
agreed, in writing, to the grant of the
greenhouse gas injection licence; and
(iv) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 4.6 applies—the
dealing has been approved under
section 528 or is reasonably likely to be
approved under that section; and
(v) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 4.6 would apply
if the future pre-commencement
petroleum title were to come into
existence—it is reasonably likely that
the dealing would, after the future
pre-commencement petroleum title
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comes into existence, be approved
under section 528; and
(vi) to the extent to which the agreement is
a dealing to which Part 5.6 would apply
if the greenhouse gas injection licence
were to come into existence—it is
reasonably likely that the dealing
would, after the greenhouse gas
injection licence comes into existence,
be approved under section 585; and
(f) if—
(i) the Minister is satisfied that the area
comprised in the block, or any one or
more of the blocks, specified in the
application contains petroleum; and
(ii) the block or blocks as to which the
Minister is so satisfied are within the
licence area of a petroleum production
licence, the permit area of a
pre-commencement petroleum
exploration permit or the lease area of a
pre-commencement petroleum retention
lease; and
(iii) the recovery of the petroleum passes
the commercial viability test set out in
section 385—
the Minister is satisfied that there is no
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under the greenhouse gas
injection licence will have a significant
adverse impact on operations to recover the
petroleum; and
(g) the Minister is satisfied that—
(i) the technical qualifications of the
applicant and of the applicant's
employees; and
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(ii) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
(iii) the financial resources available to the
applicant—
are adequate; and
(h) the Minister is satisfied that the draft site
plan that accompanied the application
satisfies the criteria specified in the
regulations—
the Minister must give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant a greenhouse gas injection licence over
the block or blocks specified in the application, on
the basis that the matters to be specified in the
greenhouse gas injection licence as mentioned in
section 374(1)(d) to (k) will be in accordance with
the application.
(2) This section has effect subject to section 388.
384 Public interest in grant of greenhouse gas injection
licence
(1) For the purposes of sections 382(1)(c) and
383(1)(c), in considering whether the grant of the
greenhouse gas injection licence is in the public
interest, the Minister must have regard to—
(a) whether the registered holder of the existing
post-commencement petroleum exploration
permit or existing post-commencement
petroleum retention lease, as the case may
be, has agreed, in writing, to the grant of the
greenhouse gas injection licence; and
(b) if so—the terms of that agreement.
(2) Subsection (1) does not limit the matters to which
the Minister may have regard.
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385 Commercial viability test
For the purposes of sections 382(1)(f)(iii) and
383(1)(f)(iii), the recovery of petroleum passes
the commercial viability test if, and only if, the
Minister is satisfied that—
(a) the recovery is commercially viable; or
(b) the recovery is not commercially viable, but
is likely to become commercially viable
within 15 years.
386 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas injection licence
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application for a greenhouse gas injection
licence has been made under section 379;
and
(b) the Minister is not required by section 382
or 383 to give the applicant an offer
document.
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant the applicant a
greenhouse gas injection licence.
(3) This section has effect subject to section 388.
387 Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 382 or 383; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 463 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
(c) if the offer document specified the form and
amount of a security to be lodged by the
applicant—the applicant has lodged the
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security within the period applicable under
section 465—
the Minister must grant the applicant a greenhouse
gas injection licence over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 463 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 463(4).
2 If the applicant has not lodged the security within the
period applicable under section 465, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 465.
388 Deferral of decision to grant greenhouse gas
injection licence—pending application for
post-commencement petroleum exploration permit
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application for the grant of a greenhouse
gas injection licence has been made under
section 379; and
(b) when the application for the greenhouse gas
injection licence was made, an application
for a post-commencement petroleum
exploration permit was being considered by
the Minister; and
(c) the Minister considers that it would be in the
public interest to defer taking any action
under section 382, 383 or 386 in relation to
the application for the grant of the
greenhouse gas injection licence until the
application for the post-commencement
petroleum exploration permit is finalised.
(2) The Minister must not take any action under
section 382, 383 or 386 in relation to the
application for the greenhouse gas injection
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licence until 24 hours after whichever of the
following events happens first—
(a) the Minister grants the post-commencement
petroleum exploration permit to the applicant
for the permit;
(b) the application for the post-commencement
petroleum exploration permit lapses;
(c) the Minister refuses to grant the
post-commencement petroleum exploration
permit to the applicant for the permit.
389 Greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse
gas holding lease ceases to be in force when
greenhouse gas injection licence comes into force
When a greenhouse gas injection licence under
section 387 comes into force in relation to one or
more blocks, a greenhouse gas assessment permit
or greenhouse gas holding lease ceases to be in
force to the extent to which it relates to those
blocks.
390 Greenhouse gas assessment permit transfer—
transferee to be treated as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a greenhouse
gas assessment permit is registered under
section 572—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 379 for the grant of a greenhouse gas
injection licence over a block or blocks in
relation to which the greenhouse gas
assessment permit is in force; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 382, 383 or 386 in
relation to the application.
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(2) After the transfer, sections 379 to 387 and Part 3.8
have effect in relation to the application as if any
reference in those sections and that Part to the
applicant were a reference to the transferee.
391 Greenhouse gas holding lease transfer—transferee
to be treated as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a greenhouse
gas holding lease is registered under
section 572—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 379 for the grant of a greenhouse gas
injection licence over a block or blocks in
relation to which the greenhouse gas holding
lease is in force; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 382, 383 or 386 in
relation to the application.
(2) After the transfer, sections 379 to 387 and Part 3.8
have effect in relation to the application as if any
reference in those sections and that Part to the
applicant were a reference to the transferee.
Subdivision 2—Application for greenhouse gas injection
licence by the holder of a petroleum production licence
392 Application for greenhouse gas injection licence by
the holder of a petroleum production licence
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a petroleum production licence is in force;
and
(b) one or more identified greenhouse gas
storage formations are wholly situated in the
licence area.
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(2) If—
(a) a single identified greenhouse gas storage
formation extends to—
(i) only one block in the licence area; or
(ii) 2 or more blocks in the licence area;
and
(b) none of the following is in force over the
block or blocks to which the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation extends—
(i) a greenhouse gas injection licence;
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease;
(iii) a greenhouse gas assessment permit—
the petroleum production licensee may apply to
the Minister for the grant of a greenhouse gas
injection licence over the block or blocks to which
the identified greenhouse gas storage formation
extends.
(3) If—
(a) 2 or more identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together,
extend to only one block in the licence area;
and
(b) a vertical line would not pass through a point
in each of those identified greenhouse gas
storage formations; and
(c) none of the following is in force over the
block to which the identified greenhouse gas
storage formations, when considered
together, extend—
(i) a greenhouse gas injection licence;
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease;
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(iii) a greenhouse gas assessment permit—
the petroleum production licensee may apply
to the Minister for the grant of a greenhouse
gas injection licence over the block to which
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together,
extend.
(4) If—
(a) 2 or more identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together,
extend to—
(i) only one block in the licence area; or
(ii) 2 or more blocks in the licence area;
and
(b) a vertical line would pass through a point in
each of those identified greenhouse gas
storage formations; and
(c) none of the following is in force over the
block or blocks to which the identified
greenhouse gas storage formations, when
considered together, extend—
(i) a greenhouse gas injection licence;
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease;
(iii) a greenhouse gas assessment permit—
the petroleum production licensee may apply to
the Minister for the grant of a greenhouse gas
injection licence over the block or blocks to which
the identified greenhouse gas storage formations,
when considered together, extend.
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(5) If—
(a) 2 or more identified greenhouse gas storage
formations, when considered together,
extend to 2 or more blocks in the licence
area; and
(b) a vertical line would not pass through a point
in each of those identified greenhouse gas
storage formations; and
(c) for each identified greenhouse gas storage
formation, at least one of the blocks to which
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation extends immediately adjoins a
block to which the other, or another, of those
identified greenhouse gas storage formations
extends; and
(d) none of the following is in force over the
blocks to which the identified greenhouse
gas storage formations, when considered
together, extend—
(i) a greenhouse gas injection licence;
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease;
(iii) a greenhouse gas assessment permit—
the petroleum production licensee may apply to
the Minister for the grant of a greenhouse gas
injection licence over the blocks to which the
identified greenhouse gas storage formations,
when considered together, extend.
(6) For the purposes of subsection (5), a block
immediately adjoins another block if the graticular
section that constitutes or includes that block and
the graticular section that constitutes or includes
that other block—
(a) have a side in common; or
(b) are joined together at one point only.
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393 Applications under section 392
(1) An application under section 392 must set out, for
each identified greenhouse gas storage formation,
each of the matters which the applicant seeks to
have specified in the licence as mentioned in
section 374(1)(d) to (k).
(2) The matters set out in the application in
accordance with subsection (1) must not be
inconsistent with the fundamental suitability
determinants of the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation concerned.
(3) An application under this section must be
accompanied by—
(a) a draft site plan for the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation or draft site plans for
each of the identified greenhouse gas storage
formations; and
(b) details of the applicant's proposals for work
and expenditure in relation to—
(i) if there is a single identified greenhouse
gas storage formation—the block or
blocks, as the case may be, to which the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation extends; or
(ii) if there are 2 or more identified
greenhouse gas storage formations—
the block or blocks, as the case may be,
to which the identified greenhouse gas
storage formations, when considered
together, extend; and
(c) details of—
(i) the technical qualifications of the
applicant and of the applicant's
employees; and
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(ii) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
(iii) the financial resources available to the
applicant; and
(d) such other information (if any) as is specified
in the regulations.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
394 Variation of applications under section 392
(1) At any time before an offer document, or a notice
of refusal, relating to an application under
section 392 is given to the applicant, the applicant
may, by written notice given to the Minister, vary
the application.
(2) A variation of an application must be made in the
approved manner.
(3) A variation of an application may be made—
(a) on the applicant's own initiative; or
(b) at the request of the Minister.
(4) A variation of an application may set out any
additional matters that the applicant wishes to be
considered.
(5) If an application under section 392 is varied, a
reference in this Act to the application is a
reference to the application as varied.
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395 Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence—offer
document
If—
(a) an application for a greenhouse gas injection
licence has been made under section 392 by
the registered holder of a petroleum
production licence; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that, if the
greenhouse gas injection licence were
granted to the applicant, the applicant will,
within 5 years after the grant, commence
operations to—
(i) inject a greenhouse gas substance into
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation or formations concerned; and
(ii) permanently store the greenhouse gas
substance in the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation or formations
concerned; and
(c) either—
(i) the Minister is satisfied that all of the
greenhouse gas substance injected into
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation or formations concerned will
be obtained as a by-product of
petroleum recovery operations carried
on under the petroleum production
licence; or
(ii) the Minister is satisfied that some or all
of the greenhouse gas substance
injected into the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation or formations
concerned will be obtained as a
by-product of petroleum recovery
operations carried on under any
petroleum production licence, and that
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the grant of the greenhouse gas
injection licence is in the public
interest; and
(d) if the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under the greenhouse gas
injection licence will have a significant
adverse impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that are being, or could be,
carried on under—
(i) an existing post-commencement
petroleum exploration permit; or
(ii) an existing post-commencement
petroleum retention lease (other than a
petroleum retention lease granted under
section 139); or
(iii) a future post-commencement petroleum
production licence over the block or
any of the blocks to which an existing
post-commencement petroleum
exploration permit, or an existing
post-commencement petroleum
retention lease (other than a petroleum
retention lease granted under
section 139), relates—
the Minister is satisfied that—
(iv) the grant of the greenhouse gas
injection licence is in the public
interest; or
(v) the registered holder of the petroleum
exploration permit or petroleum
retention lease, as the case may be, has
agreed, in writing, to the grant of the
greenhouse gas injection licence to the
applicant; and
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(e) if the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under the greenhouse gas
injection licence will have a significant
adverse impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that are being, or could be,
carried on under an existing
pre-commencement petroleum title—the
Minister is satisfied that the registered holder
of the pre-commencement petroleum title has
agreed, in writing, to the grant of the
greenhouse gas injection licence to the
applicant; and
(f) if—
(i) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the
operations that could be carried on
under the greenhouse gas injection
licence will have a significant adverse
impact on petroleum exploration
operations, or petroleum recovery
operations, that could be carried on
under a future pre-commencement
petroleum title over a block or blocks;
and
(ii) a petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease or petroleum
production licence is in force over the
block or any of the blocks—
the Minister is satisfied that the registered
holder of the petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease or petroleum
production licence covered by
subparagraph (ii) has agreed, in writing, to
the grant of the greenhouse gas injection
licence; and
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(g) if the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
could be carried on under the greenhouse gas
injection licence will have a significant
adverse impact on—
(i) petroleum explorations operations; or
(ii) petroleum recovery operations—
that are being, or could be, carried on under
an existing petroleum production licence
held by a person other than the applicant—
the Minister is satisfied that the registered
holder of the petroleum production licence
has agreed, in writing, to the grant of the
greenhouse gas injection licence to the
applicant; and
(h) the Minister is satisfied that—
(i) the technical qualifications of the
applicant and of the applicant's
employees; and
(ii) the technical advice available to the
applicant; and
(iii) the financial resources available to the
applicant—
are adequate; and
(i) the Minister is satisfied that the draft site
plan that accompanied the application
satisfies the criteria specified in the
regulations—
the Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called an offer document) telling the
applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant the
applicant a greenhouse gas injection licence over
the block or blocks specified in the application, on
the basis that the matters to be specified in the
greenhouse gas injection licence as mentioned in
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section 374(1)(d) to (k) will be in accordance with
the application.
396 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas injection licence
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application for a greenhouse gas injection
licence has been made under section 392;
and
(b) the Minister refuses to give the applicant an
offer document.
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, refuse to grant the applicant a
greenhouse gas injection licence.
397 Grant of greenhouse gas injection licence
If—
(a) an applicant has been given an offer
document under section 395; and
(b) the applicant has made a request under
section 463 in relation to the offer document
within the period applicable under that
section; and
(c) if the offer document specified the form and
amount of a security to be lodged by the
applicant—the applicant has lodged the
security within the period applicable under
section 465—
the Minister must grant the applicant a greenhouse
gas injection licence over the block or blocks
specified in the offer document.
Notes
1 If the applicant does not make a request under
section 463 within the period applicable under that
section, the application lapses at the end of that
period—see section 463(4).
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2 If the applicant has not lodged the security within the
period applicable under section 465, the application
lapses at the end of that period—see section 465.
398 Petroleum production licence transferred—
transferee to be treated as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a petroleum
production licence is registered under
section 514—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 392 for the grant of a greenhouse gas
injection licence over a block or blocks in
relation to which the petroleum production
licence is in force; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 395 or 396 in relation
to the application.
(2) After the transfer, sections 392 to 397 and Part 3.8
have effect in relation to the application as if any
reference in those sections and that Part to the
applicant were a reference to the transferee.
Division 3—Variations
399 Variation of matters specified in greenhouse gas
injection licence—general
(1) A greenhouse gas injection licensee may apply to
the Minister for the variation by the Minister of a
matter specified in the licence as mentioned in any
of section 374(1)(c) to (k).
Notes
1 Consultation procedures apply—see section 466.
2 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
3 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
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4 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(2) An application under subsection (1) must—
(a) set out the proposed variation; and
(b) specify the reasons for the proposed
variation.
(3) If an application is made under subsection (1), the
Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee—
(a) vary the matter in accordance with the
application; or
(b) refuse to vary the matter in accordance with
the application.
(4) If a matter specified in the licence as mentioned in
any of section 374(1)(c) to (k) is varied under this
section, the varied matter must not be inconsistent
with the fundamental suitability determinants of
the identified greenhouse gas storage formation
concerned.
(5) A variation of a matter under this section takes
effect on the day on which notice of the variation
is published in the Government Gazette.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
variation, see section 754.
400 Variation of matters specified in greenhouse gas
injection licence—declaration of identified
greenhouse gas storage formation varied
(1) This section applies in relation to a greenhouse
gas injection licence if—
(a) a declaration is in force under section 318 in
relation to an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation that is wholly situated in
the licence area; and
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(b) the declaration is varied under section 319;
and
(c) apart from this section, a matter specified in
the declaration would be inconsistent with a
matter specified in the licence as mentioned
in any of section 374(1)(c) to (k).
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
licensee, vary the matter specified in the licence as
mentioned in any of section 374(1)(c) to (k) for
the purposes of removing that inconsistency.
(3) A variation of a matter under this section takes
effect on the day on which notice of the variation
is published in the Government Gazette.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
variation, see section 754.
Division 4—Directions
401 Minister may give greenhouse gas injection licensee
directions to protect geological formations
containing petroleum pools etc.
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to a
greenhouse gas injection licensee, give the
licensee a direction for the purpose of—
(a) eliminating; or
(b) mitigating; or
(c) managing—
the risk that operations carried out under the
licence could—
(d) have a significant adverse impact on a
geological formation, or a part of a
geological formation, that contains, or is
likely to contain, a petroleum pool; or
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(e) otherwise compromise the exploitation of
any petroleum that occurs as a natural
resource.
(2) A direction under this section may require the
licensee to do something—
(a) in the licence area; or
(b) in the offshore area but outside the licence
area.
(3) A direction under this section has effect, and must
be complied with, despite—
(a) any previous direction under this section;
and
(b) anything in the regulations or the applied
provisions.
(4) A direction under this section prevails over—
(a) anything in an approved site plan for an
identified greenhouse gas storage formation
specified in the licence; or
(b) anything specified in the licence as
mentioned in any of section 374(1)(c)
to (k)—
to the extent of any inconsistency.
(5) A direction under this section may make provision
in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or
incorporating (with or without modification) a
code of practice or standard contained in an
instrument—
(a) as in force or existing at the time when the
direction takes effect; or
(b) as in force or existing from time to time—
so long as the code of practice or standard is
relevant to that matter.
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(6) To avoid doubt, subsection (5) applies to an
instrument, whether issued or made in Australia or
outside Australia.
(7) A direction under this section may prohibit the
doing of an act or thing—
(a) unconditionally; or
(b) subject to conditions, including conditions
requiring the consent or approval of a person
specified in the direction.
402 Variation of matters inconsistent with direction to
protect geological formations
(1) If—
(a) a direction under section 401 is in force in
relation to a greenhouse gas injection
licence; and
(b) apart from section 401(4), the direction
would be inconsistent with a matter specified
in the licence as mentioned in any of
section 374(1)(c) to (k)—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, vary the matter for the purposes of
removing that inconsistency.
(2) A variation of a matter under subsection (1) takes
effect on the day on which notice of the variation
is published in the Government Gazette.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
variation, see section 754.
(3) The regulations may provide that, if—
(a) a direction under this section is in force in
relation to a greenhouse gas injection
licence; and
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(b) apart from section 401(4), the direction
would be inconsistent with anything in an
approved site plan for an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation specified
in the licence—
then—
(c) the licensee must, within the period
ascertained in accordance with the
regulations—
(i) prepare a draft variation of the
approved site plan for the purposes of
removing that inconsistency; and
(ii) give the draft variation to the Minister;
and
(d) the Minister must, by written notice given to
the licensee—
(i) approve the variation; or
(ii) refuse to approve the variation; and
(e) if the Minister approves the variation—the
approved site plan is varied accordingly.
(4) If an approved site plan is varied, a reference in
this Act to the approved site plan is a reference to
the approved site plan as varied.
403 Consultation—directions to do something outside
the licence area
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister proposes to give a direction
under section 401 to a greenhouse gas
injection licensee; and
(b) the direction requires the licensee to do
something in an area (the action area) in the
offshore area but outside the licence area;
and
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(c) the action area is, to any extent, the subject
of—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(iv) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(v) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(vi) a petroleum retention lease; or
(vii) a petroleum production licence; or
(viii) a petroleum special prospecting
authority; and
(d) the licensee mentioned in paragraph (a) is
not the registered holder of the permit, lease,
licence or authority mentioned in
paragraph (c); and
(e) the registered holder of the permit, lease,
licence or authority mentioned in
paragraph (c) has not given written consent
to the giving of the direction.
(2) Before giving the direction, the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the permit, lease, licence or
authority mentioned in subsection (1)(c),
give at least 30 days notice of the Minister's
intention to give the direction; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the direction that is
proposed to be given; and
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(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(4) In deciding whether to give the direction, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
(5) However, if the Minister is satisfied that the
direction is required to deal with an emergency—
(a) subsections (2), (3) and (4) do not apply to
the direction; and
(b) as soon as practicable after the direction is
given, the Minister must give a copy of the
direction to the registered holder of the
permit, lease, licence or authority mentioned
in subsection (1)(c).
404 Compliance with directions
A person who is given a direction under
section 401 must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
Division 5—Dealing with serious situations
405 Serious situation
(1) For the purposes of this Act, a serious situation
exists in relation to an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation specified in a greenhouse gas
injection licence if—
(a) a greenhouse gas substance injected into the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation—
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(i) has leaked; or
(ii) is leaking—
from the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation; or
(b) there is a significant risk that a greenhouse
gas substance injected into the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation will leak
from the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation; or
(c) a greenhouse gas substance—
(i) has leaked; or
(ii) is leaking—
in the course of being injected into the
identified greenhouse gas storage formation;
or
(d) there is a significant risk that a greenhouse
gas substance will leak in the course of being
injected into the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation; or
(e) a greenhouse gas substance injected into the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation—
(i) has behaved; or
(ii) is behaving—
otherwise than as predicted in Part A of the
approved site plan for the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation; or
(f) there is a significant risk that a greenhouse
gas substance injected into the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation will
behave otherwise than as predicted in Part A
of the approved site plan for the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation; or
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(g) either—
(i) the injection of a greenhouse gas
substance into the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation; or
(ii) the storage of a greenhouse gas
substance in the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation—
has had, or is having, a significant adverse
impact on the geotechnical integrity of the
whole or a part of a geological formation or
geological structure; or
(h) there is a significant risk that—
(i) the injection of a greenhouse gas
substance into the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation; or
(ii) the storage of a greenhouse gas
substance in an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation—
will have a significant adverse impact on the
geotechnical integrity of the whole or a part
of a geological formation or geological
structure; or
(i) the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation is not suitable (with or without
engineering enhancements) for the
permanent storage of the relevant amount of
the relevant greenhouse gas substance
injected at the relevant point or points over
the relevant period.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(i)—
(a) the relevant amount is the total amount of
greenhouse gas substance authorised to be
injected into the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation under the licence; and
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(b) the relevant greenhouse gas substance is the
kind of greenhouse gas substance that is
authorised to be injected into the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation under the
licence; and
(c) the relevant point or points is the potential
greenhouse gas injection site or sites at
which the greenhouse gas substance is
authorised to be injected into the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation under the
licence; and
(d) the relevant period is the period during
which the greenhouse gas substance is
authorised to be injected into the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation under the
licence.
Note
See section 374(1).
406 Powers of Minister to deal with serious situations
(1) If the Minister is satisfied that a serious situation
exists in relation to an identified greenhouse gas
storage formation specified in a greenhouse gas
injection licence, the Minister may, by written
notice given to the licensee, direct the licensee—
(a) to take all reasonable steps to ensure that
operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance into the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation are carried on in a
manner specified in the direction; or
(b) to take all reasonable steps to ensure that
operations for the storage of a greenhouse
gas substance in the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation are carried on in a
manner specified in the direction; or
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(c) to cease or suspend the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance at a site or sites
specified in the direction; or
(d) to inject a greenhouse gas substance into the
identified greenhouse gas storage formation
at a site or sites specified in the direction; or
(e) to cease or suspend operations for the
injection of a greenhouse gas substance into
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation; or
(f) to undertake such activities as are specified
in the direction for the purpose of—
(i) eliminating; or
(ii) mitigating; or
(iii) managing; or
(iv) remediating—
the serious situation; or
(g) to take such action as is specified in the
direction; or
(h) not to take such action as is specified in the
direction.
(2) A direction under this section may require the
licensee to do something—
(a) in the licence area; or
(b) in the offshore area but outside the licence
area.
(3) Subsection (1)(a) to (f) does not limit
subsection (1)(g).
(4) Subsection (1)(a) to (f) does not limit
subsection (1)(h).
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(5) A direction under this section has effect, and must
be complied with, despite—
(a) any previous direction under this section;
and
(b) anything in the regulations or the applied
provisions.
(6) A direction under this section prevails over—
(a) anything in an approved site plan for the
identified greenhouse gas storage formation;
or
(b) anything specified in the licence as
mentioned in any of section 374(1)(c)
to (k)—
to the extent of any inconsistency.
(7) A direction under this section may make provision
in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or
incorporating (with or without modification) a
code of practice or standard contained in an
instrument—
(a) as in force or existing at the time when the
direction takes effect; or
(b) as in force or existing from time to time—
so long as the code of practice or standard is
relevant to that matter.
(8) To avoid doubt, subsection (7) applies to an
instrument, whether issued or made in Australia or
outside Australia.
(9) A direction under this section may prohibit the
doing of an act or thing—
(a) unconditionally; or
(b) subject to conditions, including conditions
requiring the consent or approval of a person
specified in the direction.
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407 Variation of matters inconsistent with direction to
deal with serious situation
(1) If—
(a) a direction under section 406 is in force in
relation to a greenhouse gas injection
licence; and
(b) apart from section 406(6), the direction
would be inconsistent with a matter specified
in the licence as mentioned in any of section
374(1)(c) to (k)—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, vary the matter for the purposes of
removing that inconsistency.
(2) A variation of a matter under subsection (1) takes
effect on the day on which notice of the variation
is published in the Government Gazette.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
variation, see section 754.
(3) The regulations may provide that, if—
(a) a direction under this section is in force in
relation to a greenhouse gas injection
licence; and
(b) apart from section 406(6), the direction
would be inconsistent with anything in an
approved site plan for the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation—
then—
(c) the licensee must, within the period
ascertained in accordance with the
regulations—
(i) prepare a draft variation of the
approved site plan for the purposes of
removing that inconsistency; and
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(ii) give the draft variation to the Minister;
and
(d) the Minister must, by written notice given to
the licensee—
(i) approve the variation; or
(ii) refuse to approve the variation; and
(e) if the Minister approves the variation—the
approved site plan is varied accordingly.
(4) If an approved site plan is varied, a reference in
this Act to the approved site plan is a reference to
the approved site plan as varied.
408 Consultation—directions to do something outside
the licence area
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister proposes to give a direction
under section 406 to a greenhouse gas
injection licensee; and
(b) the direction requires the licensee to do
something in an area (the action area) in the
offshore area but outside the licence area;
and
(c) the action area is, to any extent, the subject
of—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(iv) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(v) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(vi) a petroleum retention lease; or
(vii) a petroleum production licence; or
s. 408
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(viii) a petroleum special prospecting
authority; and
(d) the licensee mentioned in paragraph (a) is
not the registered holder of the permit, lease,
licence or authority mentioned in
paragraph (c); and
(e) the registered holder of the permit, lease,
licence or authority mentioned in
paragraph (c) has not given written consent
to the giving of the direction.
(2) Before giving the direction, the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the permit, lease, licence or
authority mentioned in subsection (1)(c),
give at least 30 days notice of the Minister's
intention to give the direction; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the direction that is
proposed to be given; and
(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(4) In deciding whether to give the direction, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
(5) However, if the Minister is satisfied that the
direction is required to deal with an emergency—
(a) subsections (2), (3) and (4) do not apply to
the direction; and
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(b) as soon as practicable after the direction is
given, the Minister must give a copy of the
direction to the registered holder of the
permit, lease, licence or authority mentioned
in subsection (1)(c).
409 Compliance with directions
A person who is given a direction under
section 406 must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
Division 6—Protection of petroleum discovered in the title
area of a pre-commencement petroleum title
410 Powers of Minister to protect petroleum discovered
in the title area of a pre-commencement petroleum
title
(1) If—
(a) the licence area of a greenhouse gas injection
licence overlaps, in whole or in part—
(i) the permit area of a pre-commencement
petroleum exploration permit held by a
person other than the registered holder
of the greenhouse gas injection licence;
or
(ii) the lease area of a pre-commencement
petroleum retention lease held by a
person other than the registered holder
of the greenhouse gas injection licence;
or
(iii) the licence area of a
pre-commencement petroleum
production licence held by a person
other than the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas injection licence; and
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(b) petroleum is discovered in the area of
overlap; and
(c) the Minister is satisfied that—
(i) the recovery of the petroleum is
commercially viable; or
(ii) the recovery of the petroleum is not
commercially viable, but is likely to
become commercially viable at some
time in the future; and
(d) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
are being, or could be, carried on under the
greenhouse gas injection licence will have a
significant adverse impact on—
(i) operations to recover the petroleum; or
(ii) the commercial viability of the
recovery of the petroleum; and
(e) the registered holder of the petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention lease
or petroleum production licence, as the case
may be, has not agreed, in writing, to the
registered holder of the greenhouse gas
injection licence carrying on those
operations; and
(f) the Minister is satisfied that it is practicable
to eliminate the risk that any of the
operations that are being, or could be, carried
on under the greenhouse gas injection
licence will have a significant adverse
impact on—
(i) operations to recover the petroleum; or
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(ii) the commercial viability of the
recovery of the petroleum—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
registered holder of the greenhouse gas injection
licence—
(g) give the registered holder of the greenhouse
gas injection licence a direction for the
purpose of eliminating the risk that
operations that are being, or could be, carried
on under the greenhouse gas injection
licence could have a significant adverse
impact on—
(i) operations to recover the petroleum; or
(ii) the commercial viability of the
recovery of the petroleum; or
(h) suspend, either—
(i) for a specified period; or
(ii) indefinitely—
any or all of the rights conferred by the
greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(i) cancel the greenhouse gas injection licence.
(2) A direction under subsection (1)(g) may require
the licensee to do something—
(a) in the licence area; or
(b) in the offshore area but outside the licence
area.
(3) If—
(a) the licence area of a greenhouse gas injection
licence overlaps, in whole or in part—
(i) the permit area of a pre-commencement
petroleum exploration permit held by a
person other than the registered holder
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of the greenhouse gas injection licence;
or
(ii) the lease area of a pre-commencement
petroleum retention lease held by a
person other than the registered holder
of the greenhouse gas injection licence;
or
(iii) the licence area of a
pre-commencement petroleum
production licence held by a person
other than the registered holder of the
greenhouse gas injection licence; and
(b) petroleum is discovered in the area of
overlap; and
(c) the Minister is satisfied that—
(i) the recovery of the petroleum is
commercially viable; or
(ii) the recovery of the petroleum is not
commercially viable, but is likely to
become commercially viable at some
time in the future; and
(d) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that any of the operations that
are being, or could be, carried on under the
greenhouse gas injection licence will have a
significant adverse impact on—
(i) operations to recover the petroleum; or
(ii) the commercial viability of the
recovery of the petroleum; and
(e) the registered holder of the petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention lease
or petroleum production licence, as the case
may be, has not agreed, in writing, to the
registered holder of the greenhouse gas
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injection licence carrying on those
operations; and
(f) the Minister is satisfied that it is not
practicable to eliminate the risk that any of
the operations that are being, or could be,
carried on under the greenhouse gas injection
licence will have a significant adverse
impact on—
(i) operations to recover the petroleum; or
(ii) the commercial viability of the
recovery of the petroleum—
the Minister must, by written notice given to the
registered holder of the greenhouse gas injection
licence—
(g) give the registered holder of the greenhouse
gas injection licence a direction for the
purpose of mitigating, managing or
remediating the risk that operations that are
being, or could be, carried on under the
greenhouse gas injection licence could have
a significant adverse impact on—
(i) operations to recover the petroleum; or
(ii) the commercial viability of the
recovery of the petroleum; or
(h) suspend, either—
(i) for a specified period; or
(ii) indefinitely—
any or all of the rights conferred by the
greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(i) cancel the greenhouse gas injection licence.
s. 410
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(4) A direction under subsection (3)(g) may require
the licensee to take action—
(a) in the licence area; or
(b) in the offshore area but outside the licence
area.
(5) A direction under this section has effect, and must
be complied with, despite—
(a) any previous direction under this section;
and
(b) anything in the regulations or the applied
provisions.
(6) A direction under this section prevails over—
(a) anything in an approved site plan for an
identified greenhouse gas storage formation
specified in the greenhouse gas injection
licence; or
(b) anything specified in the greenhouse gas
injection licence as mentioned in any of
section 374(1)(c) to (k)—
to the extent of any inconsistency.
(7) A direction under this section may make provision
in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or
incorporating (with or without modification) a
code of practice or standard contained in an
instrument—
(a) as in force or existing at the time when the
direction takes effect; or
(b) as in force or existing from time to time—
so long as the code of practice or standard is
relevant to that matter.
(8) To avoid doubt, subsection (7) applies to an
instrument, whether issued or made in Australia or
outside Australia.
s. 410
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(9) A direction under this section may prohibit the
doing of an act or thing—
(a) unconditionally; or
(b) subject to conditions, including conditions
requiring the consent or approval of a person
specified in the direction.
411 Variation of matters inconsistent with direction to
protect petroleum discovered in the title area of a
pre-commencement petroleum title
(1) If—
(a) a direction under section 410 is in force in
relation to a greenhouse gas injection
licence; and
(b) apart from section 410(6), the direction
would be inconsistent with a matter specified
in the licence as mentioned in any of
section 374(1)(c) to (k)—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, vary the matter for the purposes of
removing that inconsistency.
(2) A variation of a matter under subsection (1) takes
effect on the day on which notice of the variation
is published in the Government Gazette.
Note
For publication in the Government Gazette of notice of the
variation, see section 754.
(3) The regulations may provide that, if—
(a) a direction under section 410 is in force in
relation to a greenhouse gas injection
licence; and
(b) apart from section 410(6), the direction
would be inconsistent with anything in an
approved site plan for an identified
s. 411
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greenhouse gas storage formation specified
in the licence—
then—
(c) the licensee must, within the period
ascertained in accordance with the
regulations—
(i) prepare a draft variation of the
approved site plan for the purposes of
removing that inconsistency; and
(ii) give the draft variation to the Minister;
and
(d) the Minister must, by written notice given to
the licensee—
(i) approve the variation; or
(ii) refuse to approve the variation; and
(e) if the Minister approves the variation—the
approved site plan is varied accordingly.
(4) If an approved site plan is varied, a reference in
this Act to the approved site plan is a reference to
the approved site plan as varied.
412 Consultation—directions to do something outside
the licence area
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister proposes to give a direction
under section 410 to a greenhouse gas
injection licensee; and
(b) the direction requires the licensee to do
something in an area (the action area) in the
offshore area but outside the licence area;
and
s. 412
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(c) the action area is, to any extent, the subject
of—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(iv) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(v) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(vi) a petroleum retention lease; or
(vii) a petroleum production licence; or
(viii) a petroleum special prospecting
authority; and
(d) the licensee mentioned in paragraph (a) is
not the registered holder of the permit, lease,
licence or authority mentioned in
paragraph (c); and
(e) the registered holder of the permit, lease,
licence or authority mentioned in
paragraph (c) has not given written consent
to the giving of the direction.
(2) Before giving the direction, the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the permit, lease, licence or
authority mentioned in subsection (1)(c),
give at least 30 days notice of the Minister's
intention to give the direction; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
s. 412
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(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the direction that is
proposed to be given; and
(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(4) In deciding whether to give the direction, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
(5) However, if the Minister is satisfied that the
direction is required to deal with an emergency—
(a) subsections (2), (3) and (4) do not apply to
the direction; and
(b) as soon as practicable after the direction is
given, the Minister must give a copy of the
direction to the registered holder of the
permit, lease, licence or authority mentioned
in subsection (1)(c).
413 Compliance with directions
A person who is given a direction under
section 410 must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
Division 7—Site closing certificates
414 Application for site closing certificate
(1) A greenhouse gas injection licensee may apply to
the Minister for a site closing certificate in
relation to a particular identified greenhouse gas
storage formation specified in the licence.
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Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
3 Section 461 enables the Minister to require the
applicant to give further information.
(2) An application under this section must be
accompanied by—
(a) a written report that sets out—
(i) the applicant's modelling of the
behaviour of the greenhouse gas
substance injected into the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation; and
(ii) information relevant to that modelling;
and
(iii) the applicant's analysis of that
information; and
(b) a written report that sets out the applicant's
assessment of—
(i) the behaviour of the greenhouse gas
substance injected into the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation; and
(ii) the expected migration pathway or
pathways of that greenhouse gas
substance; and
(iii) the short-term consequences of the
migration of that greenhouse gas
substance; and
(iv) the long-term consequences of the
migration of that greenhouse gas
substance; and
s. 414
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(c) the applicant's suggestions for the approach
to be taken by the Commonwealth, after the
issue of the certificate, to the monitoring of
the behaviour of a greenhouse gas substance
stored in the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation; and
(d) such other information (if any) as is specified
in the regulations.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if there have not
been any operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance into the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation.
415 Mandatory application—cessation of injection
operations
(1) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas injection licence is in force;
and
(b) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance into the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation concerned have
ceased—
the licensee must, within the application period,
make an application under section 414(1) for a
site closing certificate in relation to the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2) The application period for an application referred
to in subsection (1) is—
(a) the period of 30 days after the day on which
the cessation referred to in subsection (1)(b)
occurred; or
(b) such longer period, not more than 90 days
after that day, as the Minister allows.
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(3) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (2)(b) only on written application made
by the licensee within the period of 30 days
mentioned in subsection (2)(a).
416 Mandatory application—grounds for cancellation of
licence
(1) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas injection licence is in force;
and
(b) under Division 1 of Part 3.11, there is a
ground for cancelling the licence—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
licensee, direct the licensee—
(c) to make an application under section 414(1)
for a site closing certificate in relation to
each identified greenhouse gas storage
formation specified in the licence; and
(d) to do so within the period specified in the
notice.
(2) A period specified under subsection (1)(d) must
not be shorter than 30 days.
417 Compliance with direction to apply for site closing
certificate
A person who is given a direction under
section 416(1) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
s. 416
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418 Mandatory application—greenhouse gas injection
licence tied to a petroleum retention lease or
petroleum production licence
(1) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas injection licence is in force;
and
(b) the greenhouse gas injection licence is tied to
a petroleum retention lease or petroleum
production licence; and
(c) the petroleum retention lease or petroleum
production licence ceases to be in force as a
result of being surrendered, cancelled,
terminated or wholly revoked—
the licensee of the greenhouse gas injection
licence must, within the application period, make
an application under section 414(1) for a site
closing certificate in relation to the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation, or each of the
identified greenhouse gas storage formations,
specified in the greenhouse gas injection licence.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2) The application period for an application referred
to in subsection (1) is—
(a) the period of 30 days after the day on which
the cessation referred to in subsection (1)(c)
occurred; or
(b) such longer period, not more than 90 days
after that day, as the Minister allows.
(3) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (2)(b) only on written application made
by the licensee within the period of 30 days
mentioned in subsection (2)(a).
s. 418
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419 Variation of applications for site closing certificate
(1) This section applies if an application for a site
closing certificate has been made under
section 414, 415, 416 or 418.
(2) At any time before a decision on the application is
made by the Minister, the applicant may, by
written notice given to the Minister, vary the
application.
(3) A variation of an application must be made in the
approved manner.
(4) A variation of an application may be made—
(a) on the applicant's own initiative; or
(b) at the request of the Minister.
(5) A variation of an application may set out any
additional matters that the applicant wishes to be
considered.
(6) If an application under this section is varied, a
reference in this Act to the application is a
reference to the application as varied.
420 Issue of site closing certificate—pre-certificate
notice
(1) If—
(a) an application for a site closing certificate
has been made under section 414, 415, 416
or 418; and
(b) either—
(i) the Minister is satisfied that operations
for the injection of a greenhouse gas
substance into the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation concerned have
ceased; or
s. 419
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(ii) the Minister is satisfied that there have
not been any operations for the
injection of a greenhouse gas substance
into the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation concerned—
the Minister may give the applicant a written
notice (called a pre-certificate notice) telling
the applicant that the Minister is prepared to
issue to the applicant a site closing certificate
in relation to the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation.
Note
See also section 426.
(2) If an application for a site closing certificate has
been made under section 414, 415, 416 or 418, the
Minister must make a decision on the application
within 5 years after the application was made.
421 Matters to which the Minister must have regard—
pre-certificate notice
(1) If the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that a greenhouse gas substance
injected into the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation will have a significant adverse impact
on—
(a) navigation; or
(b) fishing; or
(c) any activities being lawfully carried on, or
that could be lawfully carried on, by way of
the construction or operation of a pipeline; or
(d) the enjoyment of native title rights (within
the meaning of the Native Title Act 1993 of
the Commonwealth)—
then, in deciding whether to give the applicant a
pre-certificate notice, the Minister must have
regard to that significant risk.
s. 421
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(2) Subsection (1) does not limit the matters to which
the Minister may have regard.
422 Circumstances in which a pre-certificate notice may
be refused
(1) The Minister may refuse to give the applicant a
pre-certificate notice in relation to the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation if—
(a) the Minister is not satisfied that the
greenhouse gas substance injected into the
identified greenhouse gas storage formation
is behaving as predicted in Part A of the
approved site plan for the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation; or
(b) the Minister is satisfied that there is a
significant risk that a greenhouse gas
substance injected into the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation will have a
significant adverse impact on—
(i) the conservation or exploitation of
natural resources (whether in the
offshore area or elsewhere); or
(ii) the geotechnical integrity of the whole
or a part of a geological formation or
geological structure; or
(iii) the environment; or
(iv) human health or safety.
(2) Subsection (1) does not limit the matters to which
the Minister may have regard in deciding whether
to refuse to give the applicant a pre-certificate
notice.
s. 422
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423 Circumstances in which a pre-certificate notice must
not be given
(1) The Minister must not give the applicant a
pre-certificate notice in relation to the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation unless the
Minister is satisfied that—
(a) either—
(i) the relevant statutory requirements have
been complied with; or
(ii) any of the relevant statutory
requirements have not been complied
with, but there are sufficient grounds to
warrant the issue of the site closing
certificate; or
(b) if any conditions are specified in the
regulations—those conditions have been
satisfied.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), each of the
following is a relevant statutory requirement—
(a) the conditions to which the greenhouse gas
injection licence is, or has from time to time
been, subject;
(b) the provisions of this Chapter, Chapter 5,
Chapter 6 and Part 8.1;
(c) the provisions of the regulations.
424 Acknowledgement of receipt of application for site
closing certificate
(1) This section applies if an application has been
made under section 414, 415, 416 or 418 for a site
closing certificate.
(2) The Minister must give the applicant notice of
receipt of the application.
s. 423
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425 Refusal to give pre-certificate notice
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application has been made under
section 414, 415, 416 or 418 for a site
closing certificate; and
(b) the Minister refuses to give a pre-certificate
notice to the applicant.
(2) The Minister must give written notice of the
refusal to the applicant.
426 Pre-certificate notice—security etc.
(1) A pre-certificate notice that relates to an
application for a site closing certificate must—
(a) specify a program of operations proposed to
be carried out by the Commonwealth for the
purposes of monitoring the behaviour of a
greenhouse gas substance stored in the
identified greenhouse gas storage formation
concerned; and
(b) set out an estimate of the total costs and
expenses of carrying out the program; and
(c) specify the form and amount of a security to
be lodged by the applicant in respect of the
compliance, by the holder for the time being
of the site closing certificate, with the
holder's obligations under section 433 in
relation to the costs and expenses of carrying
out the program; and
(d) contain a statement to the effect that the
application will lapse if the applicant does
not lodge the security with the Minister
within the period applicable under
subsection (3).
(2) The amount of the security must equal the
estimate referred to in subsection (1)(b).
s. 425
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(3) The period for lodging the security is—
(a) 60 days after the pre-certificate notice was
given to the applicant; or
(b) such longer period, not more than 180 days
after the pre-certificate notice was given to
the applicant, as the Minister allows.
(4) If the applicant does not lodge the security with
the Minister within the period applicable under
subsection (3), the application lapses at the end of
that period.
(5) The regulations may provide that an estimate
referred to in subsection (1)(b) is to be made on
the basis of—
(a) an assumption that costs and expenses will
increase at an annual rate specified in the
regulations; and
(b) such other assumptions (if any) as are
specified in the regulations.
(6) Subsection (1) does not apply if the Minister is
satisfied that there have not been any operations
for the injection of a greenhouse gas substance
into the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation concerned.
427 Issue of site closing certificate
If—
(a) an applicant has been given a pre-certificate
notice under section 420(1); and
(b) if section 426(1) applies—the applicant has
lodged the specified security within the
period applicable under section 426(3)—
the Minister must issue to the applicant a site
closing certificate in relation to the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation specified in the
pre-certificate notice.
s. 427
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Note
If the applicant does not lodge the security with the Minister
within the period applicable under section 426(3), the
application lapses at the end of that period—see
section 426(4).
428 Greenhouse gas injection licence transferred—
transferee to be treated as applicant
(1) This section applies if a transfer of a greenhouse
gas injection licence is registered under
section 572—
(a) after an application has been made under
section 414, 415, 416 or 418 for a site
closing certificate in relation to an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation specified
in the greenhouse gas injection licence; and
(b) before any action has been taken by the
Minister under section 420 or 425 in relation
to the application.
(2) After the transfer, sections 414 to 427 and Part 3.8
have effect in relation to the application as if any
reference in those sections and that Part to the
applicant were a reference to the transferee.
429 Duration of site closing certificate
(1) A site closing certificate remains in force
indefinitely.
(2) Subsection (1) has effect subject to this Chapter.
430 Transfer of site closing certificate
If—
(a) a site closing certificate is held by the
registered holder of a greenhouse gas
injection licence; and
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(b) a transfer of the licence is registered under
section 572—
the site closing certificate is, by force of this
section, transferred to the transferee of the licence.
431 Transfer of securities
If—
(a) a security is in force in relation to a site
closing certificate; and
(b) the site closing certificate is transferred—
then—
(c) the interest of the transferor in the security is,
by force of this section, transferred to the
transferee; and
(d) a document setting out or relating to the
security has effect, after the transfer, as if a
reference in the document to the transferor
were a reference to the transferee.
432 Discharge of securities
The regulations may make provision in relation to
the discharge, in whole or in part, by the Minister
of securities in force in relation to site closing
certificates.
433 Recovery of the State's costs and expenses
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a site closing certificate is in force in relation
to an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation; and
(b) the State incurs reasonable costs or expenses
in carrying out the program specified in the
pre-certificate notice for the site closing
certificate.
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(2) The costs or expenses—
(a) are a debt due to the State by the holder of
the certificate; and
(b) are recoverable in a court of competent
jurisdiction.
(3) The total of the costs and expenses recoverable
under subsection (2) must not exceed the estimate
set out in the pre-certificate notice.
__________________
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PART 3.5—GREENHOUSE GAS SEARCH AUTHORITIES
Division 1—General provisions
434 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) This Part provides for the grant of greenhouse gas
search authorities over blocks in the offshore area.
(3) A greenhouse gas search authority may be granted
over a block so long as none of the following is in
force over the block—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit;
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease;
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence;
(d) a petroleum exploration permit;
(e) a petroleum retention lease;
(f) a petroleum production licence.
(4) A greenhouse gas search authority authorises the
holder to carry on the following operations in the
authority area—
(a) operations relating to the exploration for
potential greenhouse gas storage formations;
(b) operations relating to the exploration for
potential greenhouse gas injection sites.
(5) A greenhouse gas search authority does not
authorise the holder to make a well.
(6) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
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435 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas search
authority
(1) A greenhouse gas search authority authorises the
registered holder, in accordance with the
conditions (if any) to which the authority is
subject, to carry on, in the authority area, the
operations relating to—
(a) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
storage formations; and
(b) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
injection sites—
that are specified in the authority.
(2) A greenhouse gas search authority does not
authorise the registered holder to make a well.
(3) The rights conferred on the registered holder by
subsection (1) are subject to this Act and the
regulations.
436 Conditions of greenhouse gas search authorities
(1) The Minister may grant a greenhouse gas search
authority subject to whatever conditions the
Minister thinks appropriate.
Note
See also section 620, which deals with insurance.
(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
greenhouse gas search authority.
437 Duration of greenhouse gas search authority
(1) A greenhouse gas search authority comes into
force on the day specified in the authority as the
day on which the authority is to come into force.
(2) A greenhouse gas search authority remains in
force for the period specified in the authority.
(3) The period specified under subsection (2) must
not be longer than 180 days.
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(4) Subsection (2) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Notes
1 For the surrender of a greenhouse gas search authority,
see Part 3.10.
2 For the cancellation of a greenhouse gas search
authority, see Part 3.11.
438 Greenhouse gas search authority cannot be
transferred
A greenhouse gas search authority cannot be
transferred.
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas search authority
439 Application for greenhouse gas search authority
(1) A person may apply to the Minister for the grant
of a greenhouse gas search authority over a block
or blocks, so long as none of the following is in
force over that block or any of those blocks—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit;
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease;
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence;
(d) a petroleum exploration permit;
(e) a petroleum retention lease;
(f) a petroleum production licence.
(2) An application under this section must specify—
(a) the operations relating to—
(i) the exploration for potential greenhouse
gas storage formations; and
(ii) the exploration for potential greenhouse
gas injection sites—
that the applicant proposes to carry on; and
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(b) the block or blocks within which the
applicant proposes to carry on those
operations.
Notes
1 Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about
application procedures.
2 Section 459 requires the application to be accompanied
by an application fee.
440 Grant or refusal of greenhouse gas search authority
If an application for a greenhouse gas search
authority has been made under section 439, the
Minister may—
(a) grant the applicant a greenhouse gas search
authority; or
(b) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to grant a greenhouse gas search
authority to the applicant.
441 Holders to be informed of the grant of another
greenhouse gas search authority
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a person (the first person) is the registered
holder of a greenhouse gas search authority
over a block; and
(b) another greenhouse gas search authority is
granted to another person (the second
person) over the block.
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
first person, inform the first person of—
(a) the operations authorised by the greenhouse
gas search authority granted to the second
person; and
(b) the conditions of the greenhouse gas search
authority granted to the second person.
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(3) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
second person, inform the second person of—
(a) the operations authorised by the greenhouse
gas search authority granted to the first
person; and
(b) the conditions of the greenhouse gas search
authority granted to the first person.
442 Holders to be informed of the grant of a petroleum
special prospecting authority
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a person (the first person) is the registered
holder of a greenhouse gas search authority
over a block; and
(b) a petroleum special prospecting authority is
granted to another person (the second
person) over the block.
(2) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
first person, inform the first person of—
(a) the operations authorised by the petroleum
special prospecting authority granted to the
second person; and
(b) the conditions of the petroleum special
prospecting authority granted to the second
person.
(3) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
second person, inform the second person of—
(a) the operations authorised by the greenhouse
gas search authority granted to the first
person; and
(b) the conditions of the greenhouse gas search
authority granted to the first person.
__________________
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PART 3.6—GREENHOUSE GAS SPECIAL AUTHORITIES
Division 1—General provisions
443 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) This Part provides for the grant of greenhouse gas
special authorities over blocks in the offshore
area.
(3) A greenhouse gas special authority authorises the
holder to carry on certain operations in the
authority area (but not to make a well).
(4) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
444 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas special
authority
(1) A greenhouse gas special authority authorises the
registered holder, in accordance with the
conditions (if any) to which the authority is
subject, to carry on, in the authority area, the
operations specified in the authority.
(2) A greenhouse gas special authority does not
authorise the registered holder to make a well.
(3) The rights conferred on the registered holder by
subsection (1) are subject to this Act and the
regulations.
445 Conditions of greenhouse gas special authorities
(1) The Minister may grant a greenhouse gas special
authority subject to whatever conditions the
Minister thinks appropriate.
Note
See also section 620, which deals with insurance.
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(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
greenhouse gas special authority.
446 Duration of greenhouse gas special authority
(1) A greenhouse gas special authority comes into
force on the day specified in the authority as the
day on which the authority is to come into force.
(2) A greenhouse gas special authority remains in
force for the period specified in the authority, but
may be extended by the Minister for a further
specified period.
(3) Subsection (2) has effect subject to this Chapter.
Note
1 For the surrender of a greenhouse gas special authority,
see Part 3.10.
2 For the revocation of a greenhouse gas special
authority, see section 453.
Division 2—Obtaining a greenhouse gas special authority
447 Application for greenhouse gas special authority
(1) The table has effect—
Application for greenhouse gas special authority
Item Column 1
This person...
Column 2
may apply to...
Column 3
for the grant of a
greenhouse gas special
authority to enable the
person to...
1 the registered holder
of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit,
greenhouse gas
holding lease or
greenhouse gas
injection licence
relating to a
particular offshore
area
the Minister carry on, in an area
that is—
(a) part of that offshore
area but outside the
permit area, lease
area or licence
area; or
s. 446
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Application for greenhouse gas special authority
Item Column 1
This person...
Column 2
may apply to...
Column 3
for the grant of a
greenhouse gas special
authority to enable the
person to...
(b) part of an adjoining
offshore area—
any or all of the
following—
(c) operations relating
to the exploration
for potential
greenhouse gas
storage formations;
(d) operations relating
to the exploration
for potential
greenhouse gas
injection sites;
(e) operations relating
to the injection of a
greenhouse gas
substance into a
part of a geological
formation;
(f) operations relating
to the storage of a
greenhouse gas
substance in a part
of a geological
formation;
(g) operations to carry
out baseline
investigations
relating to the
storage of a
greenhouse gas
substance in a part
of a geological
formation;
s. 447
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Application for greenhouse gas special authority
Item Column 1
This person...
Column 2
may apply to...
Column 3
for the grant of a
greenhouse gas special
authority to enable the
person to...
(h) operations relating
to the monitoring
of the behaviour of
a greenhouse gas
substance stored in
a part of a
geological
formation.
2 the registered holder
of a greenhouse gas
search authority
relating to a
particular offshore
area
the Minister carry on either or both
of the following—
(a) operations relating
to the exploration
for potential
greenhouse gas
storage formations;
(b) operations relating
to the exploration
for potential
greenhouse gas
injection sites—
in an area that is—
(c) part of that offshore
area but outside the
authority area of
the greenhouse gas
search authority; or
(d) part of an adjoining
offshore area.
(2) An application under this section must specify—
(a) the operations that the applicant proposes to
carry on; and
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(b) the area in which the applicant proposes to
carry on those operations.
Note
Part 3.8 contains additional provisions about application
procedures.
448 Grant or refusal of greenhouse gas special authority
If—
(a) an application for a greenhouse gas special
authority has been made under section 447;
and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that it is necessary or
desirable to grant the greenhouse gas special
authority for—
(i) the more effective exercise of the
applicant's rights; or
(ii) the proper performance of the
applicant's duties—
in the applicant's capacity as the registered
holder of—
(iii) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(iv) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(v) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(vi) a greenhouse gas search authority—
the Minister may—
(c) grant the applicant a greenhouse gas special
authority; or
(d) by written notice given to the applicant,
refuse to grant a greenhouse gas special
authority to the applicant.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 449.
s. 448
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449 Consultation—grant of greenhouse gas special
authority
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application for a greenhouse gas special
authority has been made under section 447 in
relation to an area (the application area);
and
(b) the application area is, to any extent, the
subject of—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(iv) a greenhouse gas search authority; and
(c) the applicant is not the registered holder of
the permit, lease, licence or authority
mentioned in paragraph (b); and
(d) the registered holder of the permit, lease,
licence or authority mentioned in
paragraph (b) has not given written consent
to the grant of the greenhouse gas special
authority.
(2) Before granting the greenhouse gas special
authority, the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the permit, lease, licence or
authority mentioned in subsection (1)(b),
give at least 30 days notice of the Minister's
intention to grant the greenhouse gas special
authority; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
s. 449
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(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the greenhouse gas special
authority that is proposed to be granted; and
(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(4) In deciding—
(a) whether to grant the greenhouse gas special
authority; and
(b) the conditions (if any) to which the
greenhouse gas special authority should be
subject—
the Minister must take into account any
submissions made in accordance with the notice.
Division 3—Variation of greenhouse gas special authorities
450 Variation of greenhouse gas special authority
The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of a greenhouse gas special
authority, vary the greenhouse gas special
authority.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 451.
451 Consultation—variation of greenhouse gas special
authority
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister proposes to vary a greenhouse
gas special authority; and
s. 450
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(b) the authority area is, to any extent, the
subject of—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(iv) a greenhouse gas search authority; and
(c) the applicant is not the registered holder of
the permit, lease, licence or authority
mentioned in paragraph (b); and
(d) the registered holder of the permit, lease,
licence or authority mentioned in
paragraph (b) has not given written consent
to the variation of the greenhouse gas special
authority.
(2) Before varying the greenhouse gas special
authority, the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the permit, lease, licence or
authority mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) give
at least 30 days notice of the Minister's
intention to vary the greenhouse gas special
authority; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to—
(i) the registered holder of the greenhouse
gas special authority; and
(ii) such other persons (if any) as the
Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the variation that is
proposed to be made; and
s. 451
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(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(4) In deciding whether to vary the greenhouse gas
special authority, the Minister must take into
account any submissions made in accordance with
the notice.
Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of greenhouse
gas special authorities
452 Reporting obligations of holders of greenhouse gas
special authorities
If—
(a) at any time during a particular month, a
greenhouse gas special authority is in force
in relation to an area that consists of, or
includes, a block that is the subject of—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; and
(b) the registered holder of the greenhouse gas
special authority is not the registered holder
of the permit, lease or licence—
the registered holder of the greenhouse gas special
authority must, within 30 days after the end of that
month, give the registered holder of the permit,
lease or licence—
(c) a written report about the operations carried
on in that block during that month; and
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(d) a written summary of the facts ascertained
from those operations.
Penalty: 20 penalty units.
Division 5—Revocation of greenhouse gas special authorities
453 Revocation of greenhouse gas special authority
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of a greenhouse gas special
authority, revoke the greenhouse gas special
authority.
(2) If—
(a) the Minister revokes a greenhouse gas
special authority; and
(b) the greenhouse gas special authority
authorised operations in—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit
area; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease area; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence
area—
the Minister must give written notice of the
revocation to the permittee, lessee or
licensee.
__________________
s. 453
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PART 3.7—GREENHOUSE GAS RESEARCH CONSENTS
454 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) This Part provides for the grant of greenhouse gas
research consents.
(3) A greenhouse gas research consent authorises the
holder to carry on the following operations in the
course of a scientific investigation—
(a) operations relating to the exploration for
potential greenhouse gas storage formations;
(b) operations relating to the exploration for
potential greenhouse gas injection sites.
(4) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
455 Rights conferred by greenhouse gas research
consent
(1) A greenhouse gas research consent authorises the
holder, in accordance with the conditions (if any)
to which the consent is subject, to carry on, in the
offshore area specified in the consent, the
operations relating to—
(a) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
storage formations; and
(b) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
injection sites—
that are specified in the consent in the course of
the scientific investigation specified in the
consent.
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(2) The rights conferred on the holder by
subsection (1) are subject to section 496.
Note
Section 496 deals with interference with other rights.
456 Conditions of greenhouse gas research consents
(1) The Minister may grant a greenhouse gas research
consent subject to whatever conditions the
Minister thinks appropriate.
(2) The conditions (if any) must be specified in the
consent.
457 Grant of greenhouse gas research consent
(1) The Minister may grant a written greenhouse gas
research consent authorising a person to carry on,
in the offshore area, the following operations in
the course of a scientific investigation—
(a) operations relating to the exploration for
potential greenhouse gas storage formations;
(b) operations relating to the exploration for
potential greenhouse gas injection sites.
(2) The person is the holder of the consent.
__________________
s. 456
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PART 3.8—STANDARD PROCEDURES
458 Application to be made in an approved manner
(1) This section applies to an application for—
(a) the grant or renewal of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit; or
(b) the grant or renewal of a greenhouse gas
holding lease; or
(c) the grant or variation of a greenhouse gas
injection licence; or
(d) the grant of a greenhouse gas search
authority; or
(e) the grant of a greenhouse gas special
authority; or
(f) a site closing certificate.
(2) The application must be made in an approved
manner.
459 Application fee
(1) This section applies to an application for—
(a) the grant or renewal of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit; or
(b) the grant or renewal of a greenhouse gas
holding lease; or
(c) the grant or variation of a greenhouse gas
injection licence; or
(d) the grant of a greenhouse gas search
authority; or
(e) a site closing certificate.
(2) The application must be accompanied by the fee
(if any) prescribed by the regulations.
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(3) Different fees may be prescribed for different
applications.
(4) To avoid doubt, a fee is in addition to—
(a) the amount that a person specifies in an
application as the amount that the person is
prepared to pay for a cash-bid greenhouse
gas assessment permit; and
(b) the amount specified in an offer document as
the amount that a person must pay for a
cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit.
460 Application may set out additional matters
(1) This section applies to the following—
(a) an application for the grant of a greenhouse
gas assessment permit (otherwise than by
way of renewal);
(b) an application for the grant of a greenhouse
gas holding lease (otherwise than by way of
renewal);
(c) an application for the grant or variation of a
greenhouse gas injection licence;
(d) an application for the grant of a greenhouse
gas special authority;
(e) an application for a site closing certificate.
(2) The application may set out any additional matters
that the applicant wishes to be considered.
461 Minister may require further information
(1) This section applies to an application for—
(a) the grant or renewal of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit; or
(b) the grant or renewal of a greenhouse gas
holding lease; or
s. 460
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(c) the grant or variation of a greenhouse gas
injection licence; or
(d) a site closing certificate.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant, require the applicant to give the
Minister further information in connection with
the application.
(3) If the applicant breaches the requirement, the
Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant—
(a) refuse to consider the application; or
(b) refuse to take any action, or any further
action, in relation to the application.
(4) Subsection (3) has effect despite any provision of
this Act that requires the Minister to—
(a) consider the application; or
(b) take any particular action in relation to the
application.
(5) A reference in this section to taking action in
relation to the application includes a reference to
giving an offer document in relation to the
application.
462 Offer documents
(1) This section applies to an offer document that
relates to an application for—
(a) the grant or renewal of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit; or
(b) the grant or renewal of a greenhouse gas
holding lease; or
(c) the grant of a greenhouse gas injection
licence.
s. 462
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(2) The offer document must contain—
(a) a summary of the conditions to which the
permit, lease or licence will be subject; and
(b) a statement to the effect that the application
will lapse if the applicant does not make a
request under section 463.
(3) If the offer document relates to an application for
the grant of a cash-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit, the offer document must—
(a) specify the amount that the applicant must
pay for the permit; and
(b) contain a statement to the effect that the
application will lapse if the applicant does
not pay the amount to the Commonwealth
within the period allowed for making a
request under section 463.
(4) The offer document may—
(a) specify the form and amount of a security to
be lodged by the applicant in respect of
compliance with the applicable statutory
obligations by the registered holder for the
time being of the permit, lease or licence;
and
(b) contain a statement to the effect that the
application will lapse if the applicant does
not lodge the security with the Minister
within the period allowed for making a
request under section 463.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), the applicable
statutory obligations are as follows—
(a) the obligation of the registered holder to
comply with a condition to which the permit,
lease or licence is subject;
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(b) the obligation of the registered holder to
comply with a direction given to the
registered holder by the Minister under this
Chapter, Chapter 6 or Part 8.1;
(c) the obligation of the registered holder to
comply with the provisions of—
(i) this Chapter; or
(ii) Chapter 5; or
(iii) Chapter 6; or
(iv) Part 8.1; or
(v) the regulations.
463 Acceptance of offer—request by applicant
(1) The table has effect—
Acceptance of offer by applicant
Item Column 1
If an offer
document relates
to an application
for the grant of...
Column 2
the applicant may,
within...
Column 3
by written notice
given to the
Minister, request the
Minister to grant the
applicant...
1 a work-bid
greenhouse gas
assessment
permit
whichever of the
following periods is
applicable—
(a) 30 days after the
offer document
was given to the
applicant;
(b) such longer period,
not more than
60 days after the
offer document
was given to the
applicant, as the
Minister allows;
the permit.
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Acceptance of offer by applicant
Item Column 1
If an offer
document relates
to an application
for the grant of...
Column 2
the applicant may,
within...
Column 3
by written notice
given to the
Minister, request the
Minister to grant the
applicant...
2 a cash-bid
greenhouse gas
assessment
permit
30 days after the offer
document was given
to the applicant;
the permit.
3 the renewal of a
greenhouse gas
assessment
permit
30 days after the offer
document was given
to the applicant;
the renewal of the
permit.
4 a greenhouse gas
holding lease
whichever of the
following periods is
applicable—
(a) 30 days after the
offer document
was given to the
applicant;
(b) such longer period,
not more than
60 days after the
offer document
was given to the
applicant, as the
Minister allows;
the lease.
5 the renewal of a
greenhouse gas
holding lease
30 days after the offer
document was given
to the applicant;
the renewal of the
lease.
6 a greenhouse gas
injection licence
whichever of the
following periods is
applicable—
(a) 90 days after the
offer document
was given to the
applicant;
the licence.
s. 463
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Acceptance of offer by applicant
Item Column 1
If an offer
document relates
to an application
for the grant of...
Column 2
the applicant may,
within...
Column 3
by written notice
given to the
Minister, request the
Minister to grant the
applicant...
(b) such longer period,
not more than
180 days after the
offer document
was given to the
applicant, as the
Minister allows;
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
paragraph (b) of column 2 of item 1 or 4 of the
table only on written application made by the
applicant within the period of 30 days mentioned
in paragraph (a) of that column.
(3) The Minister may allow a longer period under
paragraph (b) of column 2 of item 6 of the table
only on written application made by the applicant
within the period of 90 days mentioned in
paragraph (a) of that column.
(4) If an applicant does not make a request under an
item of the table within the period applicable
under column 2 of the table, the application lapses
at the end of that period.
464 Acceptance of offer—payment
If—
(a) an offer document specifies an amount that
the applicant must pay to the Commonwealth
for the grant of a cash-bid greenhouse gas
assessment permit; and
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(b) the applicant has not paid that amount within
the period applicable under column 2 of the
table in section 463(1)—
the application lapses at the end of that period.
465 Acceptance of offer—lodgment of security
If—
(a) an offer document specifies the form and
amount of a security that the applicant must
lodge with the Minister; and
(b) the applicant has not lodged that security
within the period applicable under
section 463—
the application lapses at the end of that period.
466 Consultation—adverse decisions
(1) This section applies to a decision set out in the
table, and the affected person in relation to that
decision is set out in the table—
Decisions and affected persons
Item Column 1
Provision under
which decision is
made
Column 2
Decision of the Minister
Column 3
Affected person
1 section 313 refusal to renew a
greenhouse gas
assessment permit
the permittee.
2 section 345 refusal to grant a
greenhouse gas holding
lease to a greenhouse gas
injection licensee
the licensee.
3 section 364 refusal to renew a
greenhouse gas holding
lease
the lessee.
4 section 399 refusal to vary a
greenhouse gas injection
licence
the licensee.
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(2) Before making the decision, the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the affected
person, give at least 30 days notice of the
Minister's intention to make the decision;
and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the decision that is
proposed to be made; and
(b) set out the reasons for the proposal; and
(c) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
(d) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(4) In deciding whether to make the decision, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
467 Minister may require information about
negotiations for a designated agreement
(1) This section applies to the following
applications—
(a) an application under section 287(1) for
approval to carry on one or more key
greenhouse gas operations under a
greenhouse gas assessment permit;
(b) an application under section 329(1) for
approval to carry on one or more key
greenhouse gas operations under a
greenhouse gas holding lease;
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(c) an application under section 379 for the grant
of a greenhouse gas injection licence;
(d) an application under section 392 for the grant
of a greenhouse gas injection licence—
where either or both of the following are relevant
to the Minister's decision on the application—
(e) the existence or non-existence of a
designated agreement;
(f) the terms of a designated agreement.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant, require the applicant to give to the
Minister, within the period specified in the notice,
a written report about negotiations, or attempts at
negotiations, relating to—
(a) the entering into of the designated
agreement; and
(b) the terms of the designated agreement.
(3) If the applicant breaches the requirement, the
Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant—
(a) refuse to consider the application; or
(b) refuse to take any action, or any further
action, in relation to the application.
(4) Subsection (3) has effect despite any provision of
this Act that requires the Minister to—
(a) consider the application; or
(b) take any particular action in relation to the
application.
__________________
s. 467
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PART 3.9—VARIATION, SUSPENSION AND EXEMPTION
Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions
relating to greenhouse gas assessment permits, greenhouse
gas holding leases and greenhouse gas injection licences
468 Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of
titles
(1) This section applies if an event specified in the
table happens, or a circumstance specified in the
table exists—
When the conditions of a title may be the subject of a variation, suspension
or exemption
Item Title Event or circumstance
1 a greenhouse gas
assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding
lease or greenhouse gas
injection licence
the permittee, lessee or licensee applies
in writing to the Minister for—
(a) a variation or suspension of any of
the conditions to which the permit,
lease or licence is subject; or
(b) exemption from compliance with
any of the conditions to which the
permit, lease or licence is subject.
2 a greenhouse gas
assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding
lease or greenhouse gas
injection licence
the Minister gives a direction or
consent to the permittee, lessee or
licensee under—
(a) this Chapter; or
(b) Chapter 6; or
(c) Part 8.1; or
(d) the regulations.
3 greenhouse gas
injection licence
the licence is partly surrendered.
4 a greenhouse gas
assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding
lease or greenhouse gas
injection licence
the permittee, lessee or licensee
consents to the making of a
determination under section 498.
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When the conditions of a title may be the subject of a variation, suspension
or exemption
Item Title Event or circumstance
5 a greenhouse gas
assessment permit
the permit is taken to continue in force
until the Minister grants, or refuses to
grant, the renewal of the permit (see
section 311(6)).
6 a greenhouse gas
holding lease
the lease is taken to continue in force
until the Minister grants, or refuses to
grant, the renewal of the lease (see
section 362(6)).
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
permittee, lessee or licensee—
(a) vary; or
(b) suspend; or
(c) exempt the permittee, lessee or licensee from
compliance with—
any of the conditions to which the permit, lease, or
licence is subject, on such conditions (if any) as
are specified in the notice.
(3) Subsection (2) does not authorise the giving of a
notice to the extent that it would affect the term of
a greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse
gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection
licence.
Note
See also section 469 (extension of term).
(4) A variation of a greenhouse gas injection licence
under this section takes effect on the day on which
notice of the variation is published in the
Government Gazette.
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(5) A variation of a greenhouse gas assessment permit
or greenhouse gas holding lease under this section
takes effect on the day on which notice of the
variation is given to the permittee or lessee.
469 Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment
permit or greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension
or exemption
(1) This section applies if, under section 468, the
Minister—
(a) suspends any of the conditions to which a
greenhouse gas assessment permit or
greenhouse gas holding lease is subject; or
(b) exempts a greenhouse gas assessment
permittee or greenhouse gas holding lessee
from compliance with any of the conditions
to which the permit or lease is subject.
(2) Despite section 468(3), if the Minister considers
that the circumstances make it reasonable to do so,
the Minister may extend the term of the permit or
lease by a period not more than the period of the
suspension or exemption.
(3) The extension may be—
(a) in the notice of suspension or exemption; or
(b) by a later written notice given to the
permittee or lessee.
470 Suspension of rights—greenhouse gas assessment
permit or greenhouse gas holding lease
(1) If the Minister is satisfied that it is necessary to do
so in the public interest, the Minister must, by
written notice given to a greenhouse gas
assessment permittee or greenhouse gas holding
lessee, suspend, either—
(a) for a specified period; or
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(b) indefinitely—
any or all of the rights conferred by the permit or
lease.
(2) If any rights are suspended under subsection (1),
any conditions that must be complied with in the
exercise of those rights are also suspended.
(3) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
permittee or lessee, terminate a suspension of
rights under subsection (1).
471 Extension of term of greenhouse gas assessment
permit or greenhouse gas holding lease—suspension
of rights
(1) This section applies if rights conferred by a
greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse
gas holding lease are suspended under
section 470.
(2) The Minister may extend the term of the permit or
lease by a period not more than the period of the
suspension.
(3) The extension may be—
(a) in the notice of suspension; or
(b) by a later written notice given to the
permittee or lessee.
Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions
relating to greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse
gas special authorities
472 Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of
greenhouse gas search authorities and greenhouse
gas special authorities
(1) This section applies if an event specified in the
table happens, or a circumstance specified in the
table exists—
s. 471
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When the conditions of a title may be the subject of a variation, suspension
or exemption
Item Title Event or circumstance
1 a greenhouse
gas special
authority
a greenhouse gas special authority is in force
over the whole or a part of a block that is the
subject of a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas
injection licence.
2 a greenhouse
gas special
authority
the Minister varies a greenhouse gas special
authority over a block that is the subject of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse
gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection
licence.
3 a greenhouse
gas search
authority or
greenhouse gas
special
authority
the registered holder of the authority applies in
writing to the Minister for—
(a) a variation or suspension of any of the
conditions to which the authority is subject;
or
(b) exemption from compliance with any of the
conditions to which the authority is subject.
4 a greenhouse
gas search
authority or
greenhouse gas
special
authority
the Minister gives a direction or consent to the
registered holder of the authority under—
(a) this Chapter; or
(b) Chapter 6; or
(c) Part 8.1; or
(d) the regulations.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of the authority—
(a) vary; or
(b) suspend; or
(c) exempt the registered holder from
compliance with—
any of the conditions to which the authority is
subject, on such conditions (if any) as are
specified in the notice.
__________________
s. 472
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PART 3.10—SURRENDER OF TITLES
Division 1—Surrender of greenhouse gas assessment
permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas
injection licences
473 Application for consent to surrender title
(1) The table has effect—
Surrender
Item
The registered holder
of...
may apply to the Minister for
consent to surrender...
1 a greenhouse gas
assessment permit
the permit.
2 a greenhouse gas
holding lease
the lease.
3 a greenhouse gas
injection licence
the licence as to some or all of the
blocks in relation to which the
licence is in force.
(2) An application under subsection (1) must be in
writing.
474 Consent to surrender title
(1) This section applies if an application is made
under section 473 for a consent.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant—
(a) give consent; or
(b) refuse to consent.
(3) The Minister may consent to the surrender sought
by the application only if—
(a) the registered holder of the permit, lease or
licence has paid all fees and amounts payable
by the holder under this Act or has made
arrangements that are satisfactory to the
s. 473
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Minister for the payment of those fees and
amounts; and
(b) the registered holder of the permit, lease or
licence has complied with the conditions to
which the permit, lease or licence is subject
and with the provisions of—
(i) this Chapter; and
(ii) Chapter 5; and
(iii) Chapter 6; and
(iv) Part 8.1; and
(v) the regulations; and
(c) the registered holder of the permit, lease or
licence has—
(i) to the satisfaction of the Minister,
removed or caused to be removed from
the surrender area (defined by
section 477) all property brought into
the surrender area by any person
engaged or concerned in the operations
authorised by the permit, lease or
licence; or
(ii) made arrangements that are satisfactory
to the Minister in relation to that
property; and
(d) the registered holder of the permit, lease or
licence has, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, plugged or closed off all wells
made in the surrender area by any person
engaged or concerned in the operations
authorised by the permit, lease or licence;
and
s. 474
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(e) the registered holder of the permit, lease or
licence has provided, to the satisfaction of
the Minister, for the conservation and
protection of the natural resources in the
surrender area; and
(f) the registered holder of the permit, lease or
licence has, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, made good any damage to the
seabed or subsoil in the surrender area
caused by any person engaged or concerned
in the operations authorised by the permit,
lease or licence; and
(g) in the case of an application for consent to
surrender a greenhouse gas injection licence
as to all of the blocks in relation to which the
licence is in force—a site closing certificate
is in force in relation to each identified
greenhouse gas storage formation specified
in the licence; and
(h) in the case of an application for consent to
surrender a greenhouse gas injection licence
as to some of the blocks in relation to which
the licence is in force—a site closing
certificate is in force in relation to each
identified greenhouse gas storage formation
that—
(i) is specified in the licence; and
(ii) extends to those blocks.
(4) If—
(a) the registered holder has complied with the
requirements mentioned in subsection (3)(a)
to (f); and
(b) in the case of an application for consent to
surrender a greenhouse gas injection licence
as to all of the blocks in relation to which the
licence is in force—the requirement
s. 474
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mentioned in subsection (3)(g) has been met;
and
(c) in the case of an application for consent to
surrender a greenhouse gas injection licence
as to some of the blocks in relation to which
the licence is in force—the requirement
mentioned in subsection (3)(h) has been
met—
the Minister must not unreasonably refuse consent
to the surrender.
(5) Subsection (3)(e) has effect subject to—
(a) this Chapter; and
(b) Chapter 6; and
(c) the regulations.
(6) In attaining a state of satisfaction for the purposes
of subsection (3)(d), the Minister must have
regard to the principle that plugging or closing off
wells should be carried out in a way that
minimises damage to the petroleum-bearing
qualities of geological formations.
475 Sufficient grounds for surrender of title
Despite section 474(3), if—
(a) any of—
(i) the conditions to which the permit,
lease or licence is subject; or
(ii) the provisions of this Chapter,
Chapter 5, Chapter 6 and Part 8.1; or
(iii) the provisions of the regulations—
have not been complied with; and
s. 475
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(b) the Minister is satisfied that there are
sufficient grounds to warrant the giving of
consent to the surrender sought by the
application—
the Minister may give consent under
section 474(2) to the surrender sought by the
application.
476 Work-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit—
compliance with work condition
For the purposes of section 474, if—
(a) the application for consent relates to a
work-bid greenhouse gas assessment permit;
and
(b) a condition of the permit requires the
registered holder to carry out specified work
during a period specified in the permit; and
(c) the application is made during such a
period—
the registered holder of the permit is taken not to
have complied with the condition unless the
holder has completed the work specified for the
period mentioned in paragraph (c).
477 Surrender area
For the purposes of section 474, the surrender
area for a surrender of a title referred to in
column 2 for an item of the table is the area
referred to in column 3 for that item of the table—
Surrender area
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item
In the case of a
surrender of... the surrender area is...
1 a greenhouse gas
assessment permit
the permit area.
s. 476
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Surrender area
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item
In the case of a
surrender of... the surrender area is...
2 a greenhouse gas
holding lease
the lease area.
3 a greenhouse gas
injection licence
the area constituted by the blocks
as to which the licence is
proposed to be surrendered.
478 Surrender of title
(1) This section applies if the Minister consents under
section 474 to—
(a) the surrender of a greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
(b) the surrender of a greenhouse gas holding
lease; or
(c) the surrender, in whole or in part, of a
greenhouse gas injection licence.
(2) The registered holder of the permit, lease or
licence may, by written notice given to the
Minister, surrender—
(a) in the case of a permit or lease—the permit
or lease; or
(b) in the case of a licence—the whole or the
part, as the case may be, of the licence.
(3) The surrender takes effect on the day on which
notice of the surrender is published in the
Government Gazette.
s. 478
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Division 2—Surrender of greenhouse gas search authorities
and greenhouse gas special authorities
479 Surrender of greenhouse gas search authority
The registered holder of a greenhouse gas search
authority may, by written notice given to the
Minister, surrender the greenhouse gas search
authority.
480 Surrender of greenhouse gas special authority
The registered holder of a greenhouse gas special
authority may, by written notice given to the
Minister, surrender the greenhouse gas special
authority.
__________________
s. 479
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PART 3.11—CANCELLATION OF TITLES
Division 1—Cancellation of greenhouse gas assessment
permits, greenhouse gas holding leases and greenhouse gas
injection licences
481 Grounds for cancellation of title
For the purposes of this Division, each of the
following is a ground for cancelling a greenhouse
gas assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding
lease or greenhouse gas injection licence—
(a) the registered holder has not complied with a
condition to which the permit, lease or
licence is subject;
(b) the registered holder has not complied with a
direction given to the holder by the Minister
under this Chapter, Chapter 6 or Part 8.1;
(c) the registered holder has not complied with a
provision of—
(i) this Chapter; or
(ii) Chapter 5; or
(iii) Chapter 6; or
(iv) Part 8.1; or
(v) the regulations;
(d) the registered holder has not paid an amount
payable by the holder under this Act within
the period of 90 days after the day on which
the amount became payable;
(e) in the case of a greenhouse gas injection
licence—
(i) if a single identified greenhouse gas
storage formation is wholly situated in
the licence area—the declaration under
s. 481
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section 318 that relates to the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation is
revoked under section 320; or
(ii) if 2 or more identified greenhouse gas
storage formations are wholly situated
in the licence area—each of the
declarations under section 318 that
relate to those identified greenhouse
gas storage formations is revoked under
section 320;
(f) in the case of a greenhouse gas holding
lease—
(i) if a single identified greenhouse gas
storage formation is wholly situated in
the lease area—the declaration under
section 318 that relates to the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation is
revoked under section 320; or
(ii) if 2 or more identified greenhouse gas
storage formations are wholly situated
in the lease area—each of the
declarations under section 318 that
relate to those identified greenhouse
gas storage formations is revoked under
section 320.
482 Cancellation of title
(1) The table has effect—
Cancellation
Item
If there is a ground for
cancelling...
the Minister may, by written notice
given to the registered holder,...
1 a greenhouse gas
assessment permit
cancel the permit.
2 a greenhouse gas holding
lease
cancel the lease.
s. 482
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Cancellation
Item
If there is a ground for
cancelling...
the Minister may, by written notice
given to the registered holder,...
3 a greenhouse gas injection
licence
cancel the licence.
Note
Consultation procedures apply—see section 483.
(2) In exercising a power conferred by subsection (1),
the Minister must take into account any action
taken by the registered holder—
(a) to remove the ground of cancellation; or
(b) to prevent the recurrence of similar grounds.
(3) A cancellation takes effect on the day on which
notice of the cancellation is published in the
Government Gazette.
483 Consultation
(1) Before making a decision under section 482(1),
the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder, give at least 30 days notice of the
Minister's intention to make the decision;
and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(2) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the decision that is
proposed to be made; and
(b) set out the reasons for the proposal; and
(c) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to the Minister about the
proposal; and
s. 483
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(d) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(3) In deciding whether to make the decision, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
484 Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions
(1) If—
(a) the registered holder of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding
lease or greenhouse gas injection licence has
not complied with a provision of—
(i) this Chapter; or
(ii) Chapter 5; or
(iii) Chapter 6; or
(iv) Part 8.1; or
(v) the regulations; and
(b) the holder has been convicted of an offence
relating to that noncompliance—
the Minister may exercise a power of cancellation
under section 482(1) on the ground of that
noncompliance, even though the holder has been
convicted of that offence.
(2) If—
(a) a person who was the registered holder of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence has not complied with a
provision of—
(i) this Chapter; or
(ii) Chapter 5; or
(iii) Chapter 6; or
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(iv) Part 8.1; or
(v) the regulations; and
(b) the Minister has exercised a power of
cancellation under section 482(1) on the
ground of that noncompliance—
the person may be convicted of an offence relating
to the noncompliance, even though the Minister
has exercised that power of cancellation.
(3) If—
(a) the registered holder of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding
lease or greenhouse gas injection licence has
not paid an amount payable by the holder
under this Act within the period of 90 days
after the day on which the amount became
payable; and
(b) either—
(i) judgment for the amount has been
obtained; or
(ii) the amount, or any part of the amount,
has been paid or recovered—
the Minister may exercise a power of cancellation
under section 482(1) on the ground of that
nonpayment, even though—
(c) judgment for the amount has been obtained;
or
(d) the amount, or a part of the amount, has been
paid or recovered.
(4) If—
(a) a person who was the registered holder of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence has not paid an amount
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payable by the person under this Act within
the period of 90 days after the day on which
the amount became payable; and
(b) the Minister has exercised a power of
cancellation under section 482(1) on the
ground of that nonpayment—
the person continues to be liable to pay—
(c) that amount; and
(d) any prescribed late payment penalty relating
to that amount—
even though the Minister has exercised that power
of cancellation.
Division 2—Cancellation of greenhouse gas search
authorities
485 Cancellation of greenhouse gas search authority
The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of a greenhouse gas search
authority, cancel the greenhouse gas search
authority if the holder has breached a condition of
the greenhouse gas search authority.
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PART 3.12—OTHER PROVISIONS
486 Notification of eligible greenhouse gas storage
formation
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a part of a geological formation is wholly
situated in the permit area of a greenhouse
gas assessment permit, and the permittee has
reasonable grounds to suspect that that part
could be an eligible greenhouse gas storage
formation; or
(b) a part of a geological formation is wholly
situated in the lease area of a greenhouse gas
holding lease, and the lessee has reasonable
grounds to suspect that that part could be an
eligible greenhouse gas storage formation; or
(c) a part of a geological formation is wholly
situated in the licence area of a greenhouse
gas injection licence, and the licensee has
reasonable grounds to suspect that that part
could be an eligible greenhouse gas storage
formation.
(2) The permittee, lessee or licensee must, by written
notice, inform the Minister about the matter as
soon as practicable, and in any event within
30 days, after the day on which the permittee,
lessee or licensee, as the case may be, forms the
relevant suspicion.
(3) A notice under subsection (2) is not required to set
out the fundamental suitability determinants of
that part.
(4) Subsection (3) has effect subject to subsections (5)
and (6).
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(5) A notice under subsection (2) must be
accompanied by a written statement that the
permittee, lessee or licensee has reasonable
grounds to suspect that the part is suitable for the
permanent storage of a specified amount of a
specified greenhouse gas substance.
(6) If the permittee, lessee or licensee has reasonable
grounds to suspect that the part could be an
eligible greenhouse gas storage formation because
of section 23(1)(b), a notice under subsection (2)
must be accompanied by a written statement
describing the engineering enhancements referred
to in that section.
(7) Subsections (2), (5) and (6) do not apply to a
permittee, lessee or licensee in relation to a part of
a geological formation if a former holder of the
permit, lease or licence, as the case may be,
previously complied with that subsection in
relation to the part.
(8) A person who is subject to a requirement under
subsection (2), (5) or (6) must comply with that
requirement.
Penalty: 20 penalty units.
487 Notification of discovery of petroleum in greenhouse
gas assessment permit area etc.
(1) This section applies if petroleum is discovered
in—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit area; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease area; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence area.
(2) The permittee, lessee or licensee must
immediately inform the Minister of the discovery.
Penalty: 20 penalty units.
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(3) The permittee, lessee or licensee must, within
3 days after the date of the discovery, give the
Minister a written notice setting out—
(a) details of the discovery; and
(b) such other information (if any) about the
discovery as is specified in the regulations.
Penalty: 20 penalty units.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply if the
petroleum is discovered by a petroleum
exploration permittee, petroleum retention lessee
or petroleum production licensee.
488 Disposing of waste or other matter
(1) A person who adds waste or other matter to a
greenhouse gas substance with the intention of
disposing of the waste or other matter and the
resulting mixture is injected into the seabed or
subsoil of the offshore area is guilty of an offence
and liable to a term of imprisonment not
exceeding 5 years.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if—
(a) the waste or other matter resulted from
petroleum recovery operations carried on
under a petroleum production licence; and
(b) the injection takes place at a well situated in
the licence area of the petroleum production
licence; and
(c) the injection is carried out—
(i) with the written consent of the Minister
or the Designated Authority; and
(ii) in accordance with the conditions
(if any) specified in that consent.
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(3) The Minister may—
(a) refuse to give a consent under
subsection (2)(c); or
(b) make a consent under subsection (2)(c)
subject to such conditions as are specified in
the consent.
489 Additional securities etc.
(1) If—
(a) one or more securities are in force in relation
to—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; and
(b) the Minister is satisfied that the total amount
of the securities is insufficient—
the Minister may give the permittee, lessee or
licensee a written notice—
(c) requiring the permittee, lessee or licensee to
lodge with the Minister, within 60 days after
the giving of the notice, an additional
security in respect of compliance with the
applicable statutory obligations by the
registered holder for the time being of the
permit, lease or licence; and
(d) specifying the form and amount of the
additional security.
(2) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse
gas injection licence is in force; and
(b) no security is in force in relation to the
permit, lease or licence; and
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(c) the Minister is satisfied that it would be
appropriate to require the lodgment of a
security in respect of compliance with the
applicable statutory obligations by the
registered holder for the time being of the
permit, lease or licence—
the Minister may give the permittee, lessee or
licensee a written notice—
(d) requiring the permittee, lessee or licensee to
lodge with the Minister, within 60 days after
the giving of the notice, a security in respect
of compliance, by the registered holder for
the time being of the permit, lease or licence,
with the applicable statutory obligations; and
(e) specifying the form and amount of the
security.
(3) For the purposes of this section, the applicable
statutory obligations are as follows—
(a) the obligation of the registered holder to
comply with a condition to which the permit,
lease or licence is subject;
(b) the obligation of the registered holder to
comply with a direction given to the
registered holder by the Minister under this
Chapter, Chapter 6 or Part 8.1;
(c) the obligation of the registered holder to
comply with the provisions of—
(i) this Chapter; or
(ii) Chapter 5; or
(iii) Chapter 6; or
(iv) Part 8.1; or
(v) the regulations.
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490 Transfer of securities
If—
(a) a security is in force in relation to—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; and
(b) a transfer of the permit, lease or licence is
registered under section 572—
then—
(c) the interest of the transferor in the security is,
by force of this section, transferred to the
transferee; and
(d) a document setting out or relating to the
security has effect, after the transfer, as if a
reference in the document to the transferor
were a reference to the transferee.
491 Discharge of securities
The regulations may make provision in relation to
the discharge, in whole or in part, by the Minister
of securities in force in relation to—
(a) greenhouse gas assessment permits; or
(b) greenhouse gas holding leases; or
(c) greenhouse gas injection licences.
492 Approved site plans
(1) The regulations may provide that a greenhouse
gas injection licensee must not carry on any
operations in relation to an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation specified in the licence
unless an approved site plan is in force in relation
to the formation.
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(2) The regulations may provide that, if an approved
site plan is in force in relation to an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation specified in a
greenhouse gas injection licence, the licensee
must comply with the approved site plan.
(3) The regulations may make provision for the
Minister to approve draft site plans.
(4) The regulations may provide that, if the Minister
approves a draft site plan, the approved site
plan—
(a) comes into force at the time of the approval;
and
(b) remains in force—
(i) if, under the regulations, the Minister
withdraws approval of the approved
site plan—until the withdrawal; or
(ii) otherwise—indefinitely.
(5) The regulations may make provision for the
Minister to withdraw approval of approved site
plans.
493 Variation of approved site plans
(1) The regulations may make provision for and in
relation to the variation of approved site plans.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of
subsection (1) may—
(a) require the registered holder of a greenhouse
gas injection licence to prepare a draft
variation of an approved site plan—
(i) periodically; or
(ii) in such circumstances as are specified
in the regulations; or
(iii) when required to do so by the Minister;
and
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(b) require the registered holder of a greenhouse
gas injection licence to give the draft
variation to the Minister; and
(c) make provision for the Minister to approve
the variation; and
(d) provide that, if the Minister approves the
variation, the approved site plan is varied
accordingly.
(3) If an approved site plan is varied, a reference in
this Act to the approved site plan is a reference to
the approved site plan as varied.
494 Co-existence of greenhouse gas titles and petroleum
titles
(1) This Act does not prevent—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(d) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(e) a greenhouse gas special authority—
from being in force over the whole or a part of an
area in respect of which any of the following is in
force—
(f) a petroleum exploration permit;
(g) a petroleum retention lease;
(h) a petroleum production licence;
(i) a petroleum special prospecting authority;
(j) a petroleum access authority.
(2) This Act does not prevent—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
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(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) a petroleum special prospecting authority; or
(e) a petroleum access authority—
from being in force over the whole or a part of an
area in respect of which any of the following is in
force—
(f) a greenhouse gas assessment permit;
(g) a greenhouse gas holding lease;
(h) a greenhouse gas injection licence;
(i) a greenhouse gas search authority;
(j) a greenhouse gas special authority.
495 Reservation of blocks
(1) If the following conditions are satisfied in relation
to a particular block—
(a) there is no greenhouse gas assessment
permit, greenhouse gas holding lease or
greenhouse gas injection licence over the
block;
(b) there is no place in the block that is an
infrastructure licence area;
(c) there is no pipeline over or in the block;
(d) there are no pending applications for the
grant of a greenhouse gas assessment permit
or greenhouse gas injection licence over the
block;
(e) there are no pending applications for the
grant of an infrastructure licence relating to a
place in the block;
(f) there are no pending applications for the
grant of a pipeline licence relating to a
pipeline, or proposed pipeline, over or in the
block—
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the Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, declare that—
(g) the block is not to be the subject of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease, greenhouse
gas injection licence, greenhouse gas search
authority or greenhouse gas special
authority; and
(h) an infrastructure licence is not to be granted
in relation to a place within the block; and
(i) a pipeline licence is not to be granted in
relation to a pipeline over or in the block.
(2) If a declaration under subsection (1) is in force in
relation to a block—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease, greenhouse
gas injection licence, greenhouse gas search
authority or greenhouse gas special authority
must not be granted over that block; and
(b) an infrastructure licence must not be granted
in relation to a place within that block; and
(c) a pipeline licence must not be granted in
relation to a pipeline over or in that block.
(3) Subsection (2) has effect despite any other
provision of this Act.
496 Interference with other rights
(1) This section applies to the following—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit;
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease;
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence;
(d) a greenhouse gas search authority;
s. 496
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(e) a greenhouse gas special authority;
(f) a greenhouse gas research consent.
(2) A person (the first person) carrying on activities
in the offshore area under the permit, lease,
licence, authority or consent must carry on those
activities in a manner that does not interfere
with—
(a) navigation; or
(b) fishing; or
(c) the conservation of the resources of the sea
and seabed; or
(d) any activities of another person being
lawfully carried on by way of—
(i) exploration for, recovery of or
conveyance of a mineral (other than
petroleum); or
(ii) construction or operation of a pipeline;
or
(e) the enjoyment of native title rights and
interests (within the meaning of the Native
Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth)—
to a greater extent than is necessary for the
reasonable exercise of the rights and performance
of the duties of the first person.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
497 No conditions about payment of money
There must not be included in—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence—
a condition requiring the payment of money to the
Minister or the Commonwealth.
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498 Certain portions of blocks to be blocks
(1) This section applies if the area in relation to which
a title is in force includes one or more portions of
a section 37 block.
Note
This would be the case if the boundaries of a title area do
not conform to the graticular system established by this Act.
(2) For the purposes of this Act—
(a) the area of that portion or those portions
constitutes a block (a type A block); and
(b) the area of the remaining portion or portions
of the section 37 block (but not including
any part of that area in relation to which
another title is in force) constitutes a block
(a type B block).
(3) If a title ceases to be in force in relation to a type
A block (the first type A block), the Minister may,
by written instrument, if the Minister considers it
desirable to do so, determine that the first type A
block be amalgamated with—
(a) another type A block or blocks, so long as
the following conditions are satisfied in
relation to the other type A block or
blocks—
(i) the other type A block or blocks form
part of the graticular section of which
the first type A block forms part;
(ii) a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or
greenhouse gas injection licence is in
force in relation to the other type A
block or blocks; or
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(b) both—
(i) another type A block or blocks covered
by paragraph (a); and
(ii) a type B block that forms part of the
graticular section of which the first type
A block forms part.
(4) If a determination is made under subsection (3),
then, for the purposes of this Act—
(a) the blocks the subject of the determination
cease to constitute blocks; and
(b) the areas of those blocks together constitute a
block; and
(c) the block constituted as a result of the
determination is, subject to this Act, for the
remainder of the term of the permit, lease or
licence concerned, a block in relation to
which the permit, lease or licence is in force.
(5) The Minister must not make a determination
under subsection (3) except with the consent of
the permittee, lessee or licensee concerned.
(6) In this section—
section 37 block means a block constituted as
provided by section 37;
title means—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(d) a prescribed instrument.
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499 Changes to the boundary of the offshore area
(1) If—
(a) a State title has been granted on the basis that
an area (the first area) is within the offshore
area; and
(b) as a result of a change to the boundary of the
offshore area, the first area—
(i) ceases to be within the offshore area;
and
(ii) falls within the Commonwealth defined
offshore area;
this Act applies in relation to the State title as
if the first area were still within the offshore
area.
(2) Subsection (1) continues to apply to the first area
only while the State title remains in force.
(3) This section applies to a change to the boundary
of the coastal waters of the State, whether
occurring before, at or after the commencement of
this section.
(4) In this section—
State title means—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence.
500 Minister may monitor the behaviour of a
greenhouse gas substance stored in a part of a
geological formation
(1) The Minister may carry out in the offshore area
operations for the purposes of monitoring the
behaviour of a greenhouse gas substance stored in
a part of a geological formation.
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(2) Subsection (1) does not limit the executive power
of the Minister.
501 Monitoring information may be made publicly
available
(1) This section applies to information that—
(a) is held by the State; and
(b) relates to the monitoring of the behaviour of
a greenhouse gas substance stored in a part
of a geological formation, where the part is
wholly or partly situated in one or more
offshore areas.
(2) The regulations may authorise the Minister to
make the information publicly available.
__________________
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CHAPTER 4—REGISTRATION OF TRANSFERS
OF, AND DEALINGS IN, PETROLEUM TITLES
PART 4.1—INTRODUCTION
502 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Chapter.
(2) The Minister must keep a Register of petroleum
titles and petroleum special prospecting
authorities.
(3) A transfer of a petroleum title must be approved
by the Minister, and an instrument of transfer
must be registered under this Part.
(4) A dealing in a petroleum title must be approved
by the Minister, and the approval must be entered
in the Register.
(5) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this
Chapter.
503 Definitions
In this Chapter—
Register means a Register kept under section 505;
title means—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence; or
(f) a petroleum access authority.
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504 Dealing—series of debentures
For the purposes of this Chapter, if a dealing
forms a part of the issue of a series of debentures,
all of the dealings constituting the issue of that
series of debentures are taken to be one dealing.
__________________
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PART 4.2—REGISTER OF TITLES AND PETROLEUM
SPECIAL PROSPECTING AUTHORITIES
505 Register to be kept
The Minister must keep a Register of—
(a) titles; and
(b) petroleum special prospecting authorities—
relating to the offshore area.
506 Entries in Register—general
(1) The Minister must enter in the Register a
memorial for each title and petroleum special
prospecting authority.
(2) A memorial with the content referred to in
column 2 for an item in the table must comply
with requirements for that item set out in
column 3 of the table—
Content of memorial
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item In the case of... the memorial must...
1 a title or petroleum special
prospecting authority
specify the name of the holder
of the title or petroleum special
prospecting authority.
2 a petroleum exploration
permit, petroleum
retention lease, petroleum
production licence,
petroleum special
prospecting authority or
petroleum access authority
set out an accurate description
(including, where convenient, a
map) of the permit area, lease
area, licence area or authority
area.
3 an infrastructure licence set out details of the licence
area.
4 a pipeline licence set out an accurate description
of the route of the pipeline.
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Content of memorial
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item In the case of... the memorial must...
5 a title or petroleum special
prospecting authority
specify the term of the title or
petroleum special prospecting
authority.
6 a title or petroleum special
prospecting authority
set out such other matters and
things as are required by this
Act to be entered in the
Register.
7 a title or petroleum special
prospecting authority
set out such further matters
relating to the registered holder,
or to the conditions of the title
or petroleum special
prospecting authority, as the
Minister thinks proper and
expedient in the public interest.
(3) The Minister must enter in the Register a
memorial of—
(a) a notice or instrument—
(i) varying; or
(ii) cancelling (to any extent); or
(iii) surrendering (to any extent); or
(iv) otherwise affecting—
a title or petroleum special prospecting
authority; or
(b) a notice under section 184; or
(c) a notice or instrument varying or revoking a
notice or instrument referred to in
paragraph (a) or (b).
Notes
1 Paragraph (a)(iv) would cover, for example, a notice
terminating a petroleum production licence,
infrastructure licence or pipeline licence, or a notice
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revoking a petroleum retention lease or petroleum
access authority.
2 Section 184 deals with unit development.
(4) It is a sufficient compliance with the requirements
of subsection (1), (2) or (3) if the Minister enters a
copy of the title, petroleum special prospecting
authority, notice or instrument in the Register.
(5) The Minister must endorse on—
(a) the memorial; or
(b) the copy of the title, petroleum special
prospecting authority, notice or instrument—
a memorandum of the date on which the memorial
or copy was entered in the Register.
507 Entry in Register—cessation, revocation or expiry
of title
If an event specified in the table happens, the
Minister must enter in the Register a memorial of
the fact.
Cessation of title etc.
Item Event
1 A petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease
ceases to be in force over a block in relation to which a
petroleum production licence is granted.
2 A petroleum exploration permit ceases to be in force over a
block in relation to which a petroleum retention lease is granted.
3 A petroleum exploration permit is wholly or partly revoked.
4 A petroleum retention lease is wholly or partly revoked
otherwise than under section 147.
5 A petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease,
petroleum production licence, petroleum special prospecting
authority or petroleum access authority expires.
__________________
s. 507
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PART 4.3—TRANSFER OF TITLES
508 Approval and registration of transfers
A transfer of a title is of no force until—
(a) it has been approved by the Minister; and
(b) an instrument of transfer is registered as
provided by this Part.
509 Application for approval of transfer
(1) One of the parties to a proposed transfer of a title
may apply to the Minister for approval of the
transfer.
(2) The application must be in writing.
510 Documents to accompany application
An application for approval of a transfer must be
accompanied by—
(a) an instrument of transfer in the prescribed
form executed by—
(i) the registered holder or, if there are 2 or
more registered holders, by each
registered holder; and
(ii) the transferee or, if there are 2 or more
transferees, by each transferee; and
(b) if the transferee, or one or more of the
transferees, is not a registered holder or are
not registered holders of the title—a
document setting out—
(i) the technical qualifications of that
transferee or those transferees; and
(ii) details of the technical advice that is or
will be available to that transferee or
those transferees; and
s. 508
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(iii) details of the financial resources that
are or will be available to that
transferee or those transferees; and
(c) 2 copies of each of the following—
(i) the application;
(ii) the instrument referred to in
paragraph (a);
(iii) if applicable, the document referred to
in paragraph (b).
511 Time limit for application
(1) An application for approval of a transfer must be
made within—
(a) 90 days after the day on which the party who
last executed the instrument of transfer so
executed the instrument of transfer; or
(b) such longer period as the Minister allows.
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(b) only if there are sufficient
grounds to warrant allowing the longer period.
512 Date of application to be entered in Register
If an application is made for approval of a
transfer, the Minister—
(a) must enter a memorandum in the Register of
the date on which the application was
lodged; and
(b) may make such other notation in the Register
as the Minister considers appropriate.
513 Approval of transfer
(1) This section applies if an application is made for
approval of a transfer.
s. 511
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(2) The Minister must—
(a) approve the transfer; or
(b) refuse to approve the transfer.
(3) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, notify the applicant of the Minister's
decision.
(4) If the Minister refuses to approve the transfer, the
Minister must make a notation of the refusal in the
Register.
514 Registration of transfer
(1) This section applies if the Minister approves the
transfer of a title.
(2) The Minister must immediately endorse on—
(a) the instrument of transfer; and
(b) the copy of the instrument of transfer—
a memorandum of approval.
(3) On payment of the fee determined under
section 557, the Minister must enter in the
Register a memorandum of—
(a) the transfer; and
(b) the name of the transferee or of each
transferee.
(4) On the entry in the Register of the
memorandum—
(a) the transfer is taken to be registered; and
(b) the transferee becomes the registered holder,
or the transferees become the registered
holders, of the title.
s. 514
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(5) If the transfer is registered—
(a) the copy of the instrument of transfer
endorsed with the memorandum of approval
must be—
(i) retained by the Minister; and
(ii) made available for inspection in
accordance with this Chapter; and
(b) the instrument of transfer endorsed with the
memorandum of approval must be returned
to the person who applied for approval of the
transfer.
515 Instrument of transfer does not create an interest in
the title
The mere execution of an instrument of transfer of
a title creates no interest in the title.
516 Limit on effect of approval of transfers
The approval of a transfer of a title does not give
to the transfer any force, effect or validity that the
transfer would not have had if this Chapter had
not been enacted.
__________________
s. 515
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PART 4.4—DEVOLUTION OF TITLE
517 Application to have name entered on the Register as
the holder of a title
(1) If the rights of the registered holder of a particular
title have devolved on a person by operation of
law, the person may apply to the Minister to have
the person's name entered in the Register as the
holder of the title.
(2) The application must be in writing.
518 Entry of name in the Register
(1) This section applies if an application is made
under section 517 in relation to a title.
(2) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that the rights of the
holder have devolved on the applicant by
operation of law; and
(b) the applicant has paid the prescribed fee—
the Minister must enter the name of the applicant
in the Register as the holder of the title.
(3) On that entry being made, the applicant becomes
the registered holder of the title.
__________________
s. 517
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PART 4.5—CHANGE IN NAME OF COMPANY
519 Application to have new name entered on the
Register
(1) If—
(a) a company is the registered holder of a
particular title; and
(b) the company has changed its name—
the company may apply to the Minister to have its
new name substituted for its previous name in the
Register in relation to that title.
(2) The application must be in writing.
520 Alteration in the Register
(1) This section applies if a company applies under
section 519 to have its new name substituted for
its previous name in the Register in relation to a
particular title.
(2) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that the company has
changed its name; and
(b) the company has paid the prescribed fee—
the Minister must make the necessary alterations
in the Register.
__________________
s. 519
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PART 4.6—DEALINGS RELATING TO EXISTING TITLES
521 Dealings to which this Part applies
This Part applies to a dealing (other than a transfer
of a title) that would have one or more of the
effects set out in the table—
Effects of dealings
Item Effect
1 The creation or assignment of an interest in an existing title.
2 The creation or assignment of a right (conditional or otherwise) to
the assignment of an interest in an existing title.
3 The determination of the manner in which persons may—
(a) exercise the rights conferred by an existing title; or
(b) comply with the obligations imposed by an existing title; or
(c) comply with the conditions of an existing title—
(including the exercise of those rights, or the compliance with
those obligations or conditions, under cooperative arrangements
to recover petroleum).
4 The creation or assignment of an interest in relation to an existing
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or
petroleum production licence, where the interest is known as—
(a) an overriding royalty interest; or
(b) a production payment; or
(c) a net profits interest; or
(d) a carried interest.
5 The creation or assignment of an interest that is similar to an
interest covered by item 4, where the interest relates to—
(a) petroleum produced from operations authorised by an existing
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or
petroleum production licence; or
(b) revenue derived as a result of the carrying out of operations
authorised by an existing petroleum exploration permit,
petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence.
s. 521
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Effects of dealings
Item Effect
6 The creation or assignment of an option (conditional or
otherwise) to enter into a dealing, where the dealing would have
one or more of the effects referred to in items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
7 The creation or assignment of a right (conditional or otherwise) to
enter into a dealing, where the dealing would have one or more of
the effects referred to in items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
8 The alteration or termination of a dealing, where the dealing
would have one or more of the effects referred to in items 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6 and 7.
522 Approval and registration of dealings
A dealing is of no force, in so far as the dealing
would have an effect of a kind referred to in the
table in section 521 in relation to a particular title,
until—
(a) the Minister has approved the dealing, in so
far as it relates to that title; and
(b) the Minister has made an entry in the
Register in relation to the dealing under
section 529.
523 Application for approval of dealing
(1) An application for approval of a dealing must be
made in accordance with subsection (2) or (3).
(2) If a dealing relates to only one title, a party to the
dealing may apply to the Minister for approval of
the dealing in so far as it relates to that title.
(3) If a dealing relates to 2 or more titles, a party to
the dealing may make a separate application to the
Minister for approval of the dealing in so far as it
relates to each title.
(4) An application must be in writing.
s. 522
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524 Documents to accompany application
(1) An application for approval of a dealing must be
accompanied by—
(a) the instrument evidencing the dealing; or
(b) if that instrument has already been lodged
with the Minister for the purposes of another
application—a copy of that instrument.
(2) An application for approval of a dealing may be
accompanied by an instrument setting out such
details (if any) as are prescribed for the purposes
of an application for approval of a dealing of that
kind.
(3) An instrument under subsection (2) is called a
supplementary instrument.
(4) An application for approval of a dealing must be
accompanied by—
(a) 2 copies of the application;
(b) 2 copies, or 2 additional copies, of the
instrument referred to in subsection (1);
(c) 2 copies of any supplementary instrument.
525 Charge over assets of a body corporate—copies of
documents
If—
(a) a dealing (including a dealing referred to in
section 504) creates a charge over some or
all of the assets of a body corporate; and
(b) a person applies for approval of the dealing;
and
(c) the application is accompanied by 3 copies
of each document required to be lodged with
the Australian Securities and Investments
Commission under section 263 of the
s. 524
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Corporations Act in relation to the creation
of the charge—
the person is taken to have complied with—
(d) section 524(1); and
(e) section 524(4) in so far as that section
requires 2 copies, or 2 additional copies, of
the instrument referred to in section 524(1)
to accompany the application.
526 Timing of application
(1) An application for approval of a dealing must be
made within—
(a) 90 days after the day on which the party who
last executed the instrument evidencing the
dealing so executed the instrument; or
(b) such longer period as the Minister allows.
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(b) only if there are sufficient
grounds to warrant allowing the longer period.
(3) This section has effect subject to section 538.
Note
Section 538 is about approval of a dealing that was entered
into before the title came into existence.
527 Application date to be entered in Register
If an application is made for approval of a dealing,
the Minister—
(a) must enter a memorandum in the Register of
the date on which the application was
lodged; and
(b) may make such other notation in the Register
as the Minister considers appropriate.
s. 526
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528 Approval of dealing
(1) This section applies if an application is made for
approval of a dealing in so far as it relates to a
particular title.
(2) The Minister must—
(a) approve the dealing; or
(b) refuse to approve the dealing—
in so far as it relates to that title.
Note
Section 538 limits the power conferred on the Minister by
this section. Section 538 is about approval of a dealing that
was entered into before the title came into existence.
(3) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, notify the applicant of the Minister's
decision.
(4) If the Minister refuses to approve the dealing in so
far as it relates to that title, the Minister must
make a notation of the refusal in the Register.
529 Entry of dealing in Register
(1) This section applies if the Minister approves a
dealing in so far as it relates to a particular title.
(2) The Minister must immediately endorse a
memorandum of approval—
(a) on the original instrument evidencing the
dealing and on the copy of that instrument;
or
(b) if the original instrument was not lodged
with the application for approval—on both
of the copies of that instrument.
(3) On payment of the fee determined under
section 558, the Minister must make an entry of
the approval of the dealing in the Register on—
s. 528
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(a) the memorial relating to that title; or
(b) the copy of that title.
530 Retention, inspection and return of instruments
(1) This section applies if the Minister makes an entry
of the approval of a dealing in the Register.
(2) If the application for approval of the dealing was
accompanied by a supplementary instrument—
(a) a copy of the supplementary instrument,
endorsed with a copy of the memorandum of
approval, must be—
(i) retained by the Minister; and
(ii) made available for inspection in
accordance with this Chapter; and
(b) the supplementary instrument must be
returned to the person who applied for
approval; and
(c) a copy of the instrument evidencing the
dealing must not be made available for
inspection in accordance with this Chapter;
and
(d) the original instrument evidencing the
dealing, or a copy of the original instrument,
as the case requires, endorsed with a
memorandum of approval, must be returned
to the person who applied for approval.
Note
For inspection, see section 550.
(3) If the application for approval of the dealing was
not accompanied by a supplementary
instrument—
(a) one copy of the instrument evidencing the
dealing, endorsed with a memorandum of
approval, must be—
s. 530
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(i) retained by the Minister; and
(ii) made available for inspection in
accordance with this Chapter; and
(b) the original instrument evidencing the
dealing, or a copy of the original instrument,
as the case requires, endorsed with a
memorandum of approval, must be returned
to the person who applied for approval.
Note
For inspection, see section 550.
(4) In this section—
supplementary instrument has the meaning given
by section 524(3) or 534(3).
531 Strict compliance with application provisions not
required
The approval of a dealing, or the making of an
entry in the Register in relation to a dealing, is not
made ineffective because of any failure to comply,
in relation to the application for approval of the
dealing, with the requirements of this Part.
532 Limit on effect of approval of dealing
The approval of a dealing does not give to the
dealing any force, effect or validity that the
dealing would not have had if this Chapter had not
been enacted.
__________________
s. 531
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PART 4.7—DEALINGS IN FUTURE INTERESTS
533 Provisional application for approval of dealing
(1) This section applies if—
(a) 2 or more persons enter into a dealing
relating to a title that may come into
existence in the future; and
(b) that dealing would, if the title came into
existence, become a dealing to which
Part 4.6 applies.
(2) If the dealing relates to only one title that may
come into existence in the future, a party to the
dealing may make a provisional application to the
Minister for approval of the dealing.
(3) If the dealing relates to 2 or more titles that may
come into existence in the future, a party to the
dealing may make a separate provisional
application to the Minister for approval of the
dealing in relation to each title that may come into
existence in the future.
(4) A provisional application must be in writing.
534 Documents to accompany provisional application
(1) A provisional application for approval of a dealing
must be accompanied by—
(a) the instrument evidencing the dealing; or
(b) if that instrument has already been lodged
with the Minister for the purposes of another
provisional application—a copy of that
instrument.
(2) A provisional application for approval of a dealing
may be accompanied by an instrument setting out
such details (if any) as are prescribed for the
purposes of a provisional application for approval
of a dealing of that kind.
s. 533
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(3) An instrument under subsection (2) is called a
supplementary instrument.
(4) A provisional application for approval of a dealing
must be accompanied by—
(a) 2 copies of the provisional application; and
(b) 2 copies, or 2 additional copies, of the
instrument referred to in subsection (1); and
(c) 2 copies of any supplementary instrument.
535 Charge over assets of a body corporate—copies of
documents
If—
(a) a dealing (including a dealing referred to in
section 504) creates a charge over some or
all of the assets of a body corporate; and
(b) a person makes a provisional application for
approval of the dealing; and
(c) the provisional application is accompanied
by 3 copies of each document required to be
lodged with the Australian Securities and
Investments Commission under section 263
of the Corporations Act in relation to the
creation of the charge—
the person is taken to have complied with—
(d) section 534(1); and
(e) section 534(4) in so far as that subsection
requires 2 copies, or 2 additional copies, of
the instrument referred to in section 534(1)
to accompany the provisional application.
536 Timing of provisional application
A provisional application referred to in column 2
for an item in the table must be made within the
period beginning on the day referred to for that
item in column 3 in the table and ending on the
s. 535
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day referred to for that item in column 4 in the
table—
Period for making a provisional application
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Item In this case...
the period begins
on... and ends on...
1 a provisional
application for approval
of a dealing relating to
any of the following
titles that may come
into existence in the
future—
(a) a petroleum
exploration permit;
(b) a petroleum
retention lease;
(c) a petroleum
production licence;
(d) an infrastructure
licence;
(e) a pipeline licence
the day on which
an offer
document that
relates to the
application for
the title is given
to the applicant
for the title
the day on
which the title
comes into
existence.
2 a provisional
application for approval
of a dealing relating to
a petroleum access
authority that may
come into existence in
the future
the day on which
the application
for the grant of
the petroleum
access authority
is made
the day on
which the
petroleum
access
authority
comes into
existence.
537 Provisional application to be treated as an
application under section 523 when title comes into
existence
If—
(a) a provisional application is made for
approval of a dealing; and
s. 537
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(b) the title to which the dealing relates comes
into existence; and
(c) on that title coming into existence, the
dealing becomes a dealing to which Part 4.6
applies—
the provisional application is to be treated as if it
were an application made under section 523 on
the day on which that title came into existence.
538 Limit on approval of dealing
(1) If—
(a) Part 4.6 applies to a dealing relating to a
title; and
(b) immediately before the title came into
existence, the dealing was a dealing referred
to in section 533(1)—
the Minister may approve the dealing under
section 528 only if—
(c) a provisional application for approval of the
dealing was made under section 533; or
(d) an application for approval of the dealing
was made under section 523 within—
(i) 90 days after the day on which the title
came into existence; or
(ii) such longer period as the Minister
allows.
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(d)(ii) only if there are sufficient
grounds to warrant allowing the longer period.
__________________
s. 538
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PART 4.8—CORRECTION AND RECTIFICATION OF
REGISTER
539 Corrections of clerical errors or obvious defects
The Minister may alter the Register for the
purposes of correcting a clerical error or an
obvious defect in the Register.
540 General power of correction of Register
(1) The Minister may make such entries in the
Register as the Minister considers appropriate for
the purposes of ensuring that the Register
accurately records the interests and rights existing
in relation to a title.
(2) The Minister may exercise the power conferred by
subsection (1)—
(a) on written application being made to the
Minister by a person; or
(b) on the Minister's own initiative.
(3) Before the Minister makes an entry in the Register
under subsection (1), the Minister must cause to
be published in the Government Gazette a
notice—
(a) setting out the terms of the entry that the
Minister proposes to make in the Register;
and
(b) inviting interested persons to give the
Minister written submissions about the
making of the entry; and
(c) specifying a time limit for the making of
those submissions.
(4) The time limit must not be shorter than 45 days
after the publication of the notice.
s. 539
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(5) In deciding whether to make the entry in the
Register, the Minister must take into account any
submissions made in accordance with the notice.
(6) If the Minister makes an entry in the Register
under subsection (1), the Minister must cause to
be published in the Government Gazette a notice
setting out the terms of the entry.
541 Rectification of Register
(1) If a person is aggrieved by any of the following—
(a) the omission of an entry from a Register;
(b) an entry made in a Register without
sufficient cause;
(c) an entry wrongly existing in a Register;
(d) an error or defect in an entry in a Register—
the person may apply to the Supreme Court for the
rectification of the Register.
(2) If an application is made under subsection (1) to
the Supreme Court for the rectification of a
Register, the court may make such order as it
thinks fit directing the rectification of the
Register.
(3) In proceedings under this section, the Supreme
Court may decide any question that it is necessary
or expedient to decide in connection with the
rectification of the Register.
(4) Notice of an application under this section must
be given to the Minister, who—
(a) may appear and be heard; and
(b) must appear if so directed by the Supreme
Court.
(5) A copy of an order made by the Supreme Court
may be given to the Minister.
s. 541
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(6) The Minister must, on receipt of the order, rectify
the Register accordingly.
__________________
s. 541
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PART 4.9—INFORMATION-GATHERING POWERS
542 Minister may obtain information from applicants
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application for approval of the transfer of
a title is made under section 509; or
(b) an application is made under section 517
or 519 in relation to a title; or
(c) an application for approval of a dealing is
made under section 523; or
(d) a provisional application for approval of a
dealing is made under section 533; or
(e) an application is made under section 540 in
relation to a title.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant, require the applicant to give the
Minister, within the period and in the manner
specified in the notice, such information about the
matter to which the application relates as the
Minister considers necessary or advisable.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2) must not
be shorter than 14 days after the notice is given.
(4) A person who is given a notice under subsection
(2) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(5) A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under subsection (2), give information
that the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
s. 542
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(6) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the
effect of the following provisions—
(a) subsection (4);
(b) subsection (5).
543 Minister may obtain information from a party to an
approved dealing
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a person is a party to a dealing relating to a
title; and
(b) the dealing has been approved under
section 528.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
person, require the person to give to the Minister,
within the period and in the manner specified in
the notice, such information about alterations in
the interests or rights existing in relation to the
title as the Minister considers necessary or
advisable.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2) must not
be shorter than 14 days after the notice is given.
(4) A person who is given a notice under subsection
(2) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(5) A person commits must not, in purported
compliance with a notice under subsection (2),
give information that the person knows is false or
misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(6) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the
effect of the following provisions—
(a) subsection (4);
(b) subsection (5).
s. 543
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544 Production and inspection of documents
(1) This section applies if the Minister has reason to
believe that a document—
(a) is in the possession or under the control of a
person; and
(b) relates to—
(i) a transfer or dealing for which approval
is sought under this Chapter; or
(ii) an application under section 517, 519
or 540.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
person, require the person—
(a) to produce the document to the Minister,
within the period and in the manner specified
in the notice; or
(b) to make the document available for
inspection by or on behalf of the Minister.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2) must not
be shorter than 14 days after the notice is given.
(4) A person who is given a notice under
subsection (2) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(5) A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under subsection (2)—
(a) produce a document; or
(b) make a document available for inspection—
that the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
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(6) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the
effect of the following provisions—
(a) subsection (4);
(b) subsection (5).
545 Minister may retain documents
(1) The Minister may take possession of a document
produced under section 544, and retain it for as
long as is necessary.
(2) The person otherwise entitled to possession of the
document is entitled to be supplied, as soon as
practicable, with a copy certified by the Minister
to be a true copy.
(3) The certified copy must be received in all courts
and tribunals as evidence as if it were the original.
(4) Until a certified copy is supplied, the Minister
must provide the person otherwise entitled to
possession of the document, or a person
authorised by that person, reasonable access to the
document for the purposes of inspecting and
making copies of, or taking extracts from, the
document.
__________________
s. 545
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PART 4.10—OTHER PROVISIONS
546 Minister not concerned with the effect of instrument
lodged under this Chapter
The Minister is not concerned with the effect in
law of an instrument lodged under this Chapter.
547 True consideration to be shown
(1) A person to whom this section applies must not
give the Minister a specified instrument that
contains a statement that the person knows is false
or misleading in a material particular in relation
to—
(a) the consideration for the transfer or dealing;
or
(b) any other fact or circumstance affecting the
amount of a fee determined under
section 557 or 558 in relation to the transfer
or dealing.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2) This section applies to a person who is a party
to—
(a) a transfer of a title; or
(b) a dealing to which Part 4.6 applies; or
(c) a dealing referred to in section 533(1).
(3) In this section—
specified instrument means an instrument of
transfer, an instrument evidencing the
dealing or a supplementary instrument;
supplementary instrument has the meaning given
by section 524(3) or 534(3).
s. 546
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548 Making a false entry in a Register
A person must not knowingly—
(a) make a false entry in the Register; or
(b) cause a false entry to be made in the
Register; or
(c) concur in the making of a false entry in the
Register.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
549 Falsified documents
A person must not produce or tender in evidence a
document that falsely purports to be—
(a) a copy of or extract from an entry in the
Register; or
(b) a copy of or extract from an instrument given
to the Minister under this Chapter.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
550 Inspection of Register and instruments
(1) The Minister must ensure that the Register is open
for inspection, at all convenient times, by any
person on payment of the prescribed fee.
(2) The Minister must ensure that all instruments, or
copies of instruments, subject to inspection under
this Chapter are open for inspection, at all
convenient times, by any person on payment of
the prescribed fee.
551 Evidence of matters entered in the Register
(1) The Register is to be received in all courts and
proceedings as prima facie evidence of all matters
required or authorised by this Chapter to be
entered in the Register.
s. 548
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(2) The Minister may, on payment of a fee calculated
under the regulations, supply—
(a) a copy of or extract from the Register; or
(b) a copy of or extract from any instrument
lodged with the Minister under this
Chapter—
certified by the Minister to be a true copy or true
extract, as the case may be.
(3) The certified copy or extract is admissible in
evidence in all courts and proceedings without
further proof or production of the original.
552 Evidentiary certificate
(1) The Minister may, on payment of the prescribed
fee, issue a written certificate—
(a) stating that an entry, matter or thing required
or permitted by or under this Chapter to be
made or done—
(i) has been made or done; or
(ii) has not been made or done; or
(b) stating that an entry, matter or thing required
by or under this Chapter not to be made or
done—
(i) has not been made or done; or
(ii) has been made or done.
(2) The certificate is to be received in all courts and
proceedings as prima facie evidence of the
statements in the certificate.
(3) Any evidence given in support, or in rebuttal, of a
matter stated in a certificate issued under
subsection (1) must be considered on its merits,
and the credibility and probative value of such
evidence must be neither increased nor diminished
s. 552
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by reason of this section or sections 551, 553
or 554.
553 Criminal proceedings—copy of certificate to be
given to defendant 14 days before certificate
admitted in evidence
A certificate must not be admitted in evidence
under section 552(2) in proceedings for an offence
unless—
(a) the person charged with the offence; or
(b) a barrister or solicitor who has appeared for
the person in those proceedings—
has, at least 14 days before the certificate is
sought to be so admitted, been given a copy of the
certificate together with notice of the intention to
produce the certificate as evidence in the
proceedings.
554 Person signing the certificate may be called to give
evidence
(1) If, under section 552(2), a certificate is admitted
in evidence in proceedings for an offence, the
person charged with the offence may require the
person who signed the certificate to be—
(a) called as a witness for the prosecution; and
(b) cross-examined as if the person who signed
the certificate had given evidence of the
matters stated in the certificate.
(2) However, subsection (1) does not entitle the
person charged to require the person who signed
the certificate to be called as a witness for the
prosecution unless—
(a) the prosecutor has been given at least 4 days
notice of the person's intention to require the
person who signed the certificate to be so
called; or
s. 553
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(b) the court, by order, allows the person
charged to require the person who signed the
certificate to be so called.
555 Assessment of fee
(1) The Minister may determine the amount of a fee
payable under sections 557 and 558 in relation to
an entry in the Register.
(2) If—
(a) the Minister has determined the amount of a
fee payable in relation to a transfer or
dealing; and
(b) a person is convicted of an offence against
section 547 in relation to giving the Minister
an instrument that contains a statement
about—
(i) the consideration for the transfer or
dealing; or
(ii) any other fact or circumstance affecting
the amount of the fee payable in
relation to the transfer or dealing—
the Minister may make a fresh determination
of the amount of the fee payable in relation
to the transfer or dealing.
Note
Section 547 is about giving an instrument that contains a
false or misleading statement.
556 Appeal against assessment of fee
(1) A person dissatisfied with a determination of the
Minister under section 555(1) or (2) may appeal
against the determination to the Supreme Court.
(2) The Supreme Court hearing the appeal may
affirm, set aside or modify the determination of
the Minister.
s. 555
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(3) Notice of an appeal under this section is to be
given to the Minister, who—
(a) may appear and be heard; and
(b) must appear if so directed by the Court.
557 Fees for entries in the Register of memoranda of
transfers of title
(1) A fee is payable to the Minister in respect of an
entry in the Register of a memorandum of the
transfer of a title under section 514.
(2) The amount of the fee that is payable must be
worked out using the table—
Amount of fee
Item In this case... the amount of the fee is...
1 (a) an entry is made in the
Register of a memorandum
of the transfer of a title; and
(b) none of items 2, 3 and 4
apply
the amount calculated at the
rate of 1.5% of whichever is
the greater of the following—
(a) the value of the
consideration for the
transfer;
(b) the value of the title
transferred.
2 (a) an entry is made in the
Register of a memorandum
of the transfer of a title; and
(b) assuming that item 1 had
applied, the amount worked
out under that item would
have been less than the
amount prescribed by the
regulations
the amount prescribed by the
regulations.
s. 557
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Amount of fee
Item In this case... the amount of the fee is...
3 (a) an entry is made in the
Register of a memorandum
of the transfer of a title; and
(b) assuming that item 1 had
applied, the amount of the fee
would have been more than
the amount prescribed by the
regulations; and
(c) the transfer was executed for
the purpose of giving effect
to a dealing; and
(d) a fee was imposed by
section 558 on the entry in
the Register of an approval of
the dealing; and
(e) the fee mentioned in
paragraph (d) has been paid;
and
(f) the transfer was agreed to
under the dealing
the amount prescribed by the
regulations.
4 (a) an entry is made in the
Register of a memorandum
of the transfer of a title; and
(b) assuming that item 1 had
applied, the amount of the fee
would have been more than
the amount prescribed by the
regulations; and
(c) the parties to the transfer
satisfy the Minister that—
(i) the parties are related
bodies corporate within
the meaning of the
Corporations Act; and
the amount prescribed by the
regulations.
s. 557
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Amount of fee
Item In this case... the amount of the fee is...
(ii) the transfer was
executed solely for the
purpose of a
reorganisation of the
corporations concerned
or any of them or solely
for the purpose of
securing the better
administration of the
corporations concerned
or any of them; and
(iii) the transfer was not
executed substantially
for the purpose of
avoiding or reducing the
fees that would, apart
from this item, be
payable under this
section on the entry in
the Register of a
memorandum of the
transfer
(3) To avoid doubt, different amounts may be
prescribed for different items of the table.
558 Fees for approval of dealings relating to petroleum
titles
(1) A fee is payable to the Minister in respect of an
entry in the Register of an approval of a dealing
under section 529.
s. 558
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(2) The amount of the fee that is payable must be
worked out using the table—
Amount of fee
Item In this case... the amount of the fee is...
1 (a) a dealing relates to only one
title; and
(b) an entry is made in the
Register of the approval of
the dealing in so far as it
relates to that title; and
(c) none of items 2, 5 and 6
apply
1.5% of the value of the
consideration for the dealing.
2 (a) a dealing relates to only one
title; and
(b) an entry is made in the
Register of the approval of
the dealing in so far as it
relates to that title; and
(c) the entry of the approval
relates to an interest in a
petroleum production licence,
infrastructure licence or
pipeline licence; and
(d) the value of the interest is
greater than the value of the
consideration for the dealing;
and
(e) the dealing has an effect of
the kind referred to in item 1,
2, 4 or 5 of the table in
section 521; and
(f) the Minister is satisfied that
the dealing was not made
under another dealing that
relates to that title, where a
fee has been paid under this
section in relation to an entry
of the approval of the other
dealing
1.5% of the value of the
interest.
s. 558
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Amount of fee
Item In this case... the amount of the fee is...
3 (a) a dealing relates to 2 or more
titles; and
(b) an entry is made in the
Register of the approval of
the dealing in so far as it
relates to any one of those
titles; and
(c) none of items 4, 5 and 6
apply
1.5% of the amount worked
out by dividing the value of
the consideration for the
dealing by the number of titles
in relation to which the
dealing is approved by the
Minister.
4 (a) a dealing relates to 2 or more
titles; and
(b) an entry is made in the
Register of the approval of
the dealing in so far as it
relates to any one of those
titles; and
(c) the entry of the approval
relates to an interest in a
petroleum production licence,
infrastructure licence or
pipeline licence; and
(d) the value of the interest is
greater than the amount
worked out by dividing the
value of the consideration for
the dealing by the number of
titles in relation to which the
dealing is approved by the
Minister; and
(e) the dealing has an effect of
the kind referred to in item 1,
2, 4 or 5 of the table in
section 521; and
1.5% of the value of the
interest.
s. 558
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Amount of fee
Item In this case... the amount of the fee is...
(f) the Minister is satisfied that
the dealing was not made
under another dealing that
relates to any of those titles,
where a fee has been paid
under this section in relation
to an entry of the approval of
the other dealing
5 (a) a dealing relates to one or
more titles; and
(b) an entry is made in the
Register of the approval of
the dealing in so far as it
relates to any one of those
titles; and
(c) either—
(i) apart from this item, the
amount of the fee
imposed by this section
on the entry would have
been less than the
amount prescribed by
the regulations; or
(ii) Part 4.6 applies to the
dealing only because the
dealing creates, varies or
terminates a charge over
some or all of the assets
of a body corporate
the amount prescribed by the
regulations.
6 (a) a dealing relates to one or
more titles; and
(b) an entry is made in the
Register of the approval of
the dealing in so far as it
relates to any one of those
titles; and
the amount prescribed by the
regulations.
s. 558
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Amount of fee
Item In this case... the amount of the fee is...
(c) apart from this item, the
amount of the fee imposed by
this section on the entry
would have been more than
the amount prescribed by the
regulations; and
(d) the parties to the dealing
satisfy the Minister that—
(i) the parties are related
bodies corporate within
the meaning of the
Corporations Act; and
(ii) the dealing was entered
into solely for the
purpose of a
reorganisation of the
corporations concerned
or any of them or solely
for the purpose of
securing the better
administration of the
corporations concerned
or any of them; and
(iii) the dealing was not
entered into
substantially for the
purpose of avoiding or
reducing the fees that
would, apart from this
item, be payable under
this section on the entry
of approval of the
dealing
(3) To avoid doubt, different amounts may be
prescribed for different items of the table.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (2), deduct from
the value of the consideration for a dealing the
value, as determined by the Minister, of any
s. 558
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exploration works that were, as at the date of the
instrument evidencing the dealing—
(a) to be carried out under the dealing; and
(b) required or permitted to be carried out by or
under the relevant title.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (2), deduct from
the value of the interest in a petroleum production
licence the value, as determined by the Minister,
of any exploration works that were, as at the date
of the instrument evidencing the dealing—
(a) to be carried out under the dealing; and
(b) permitted to be carried out by or under the
licence.
559 Exemption from duty
Duty under the Duties Act 2000 is not
chargeable—
(a) on a title; or
(b) on a transfer of a title; or
(c) on any other instrument in so far as it relates
to a legal or equitable interest in or affecting
a title.
__________________
s. 559
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CHAPTER 5—REGISTRATION OF TRANSFERS
OF, AND DEALINGS IN, GREENHOUSE GAS
TITLES
PART 5.1—INTRODUCTION
560 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Chapter.
(2) The Minister must keep a Register of greenhouse
gas titles and greenhouse gas search authorities.
(3) A transfer of a greenhouse gas title must be
approved by the Minister, and an instrument of
transfer must be registered under this Part.
(4) A dealing in a greenhouse gas title must be
approved by the Minister, and the approval must
be entered in the Register.
(5) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
561 Definitions
In this Chapter—
Register means the Register kept under
section 563;
title means—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(d) a greenhouse gas special authority.
s. 560
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562 Dealing—series of debentures
For the purposes of this Chapter, if a dealing
forms a part of the issue of a series of debentures,
all of the dealings constituting the issue of that
series of debentures are taken to be one dealing.
__________________
s. 562
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PART 5.2—REGISTER OF TITLES AND GREENHOUSE GAS
SEARCH AUTHORITIES
563 Register to be kept
The Minister must keep a Register of—
(a) titles; and
(b) greenhouse gas search authorities.
564 Entries in Register—general
(1) The Minister must enter in the Register a
memorial for each title and greenhouse gas search
authority.
(2) A memorial with the content referred to in
column 2 for an item of the table must comply
with requirements for that item set out in
column 3 of the table—
Content of memorial
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item In the case of... the memorial must...
1 a title or greenhouse gas
search authority
specify the name of the holder of
the title.
2 a greenhouse gas
assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding
lease, greenhouse gas
injection licence,
greenhouse gas search
authority or greenhouse
gas special authority
set out an accurate description
(including, where convenient, a
map) of the permit area, lease
area, licence area or authority
area.
3 a title or greenhouse gas
search authority
specify the term of the title or
greenhouse gas search authority.
4 a title or greenhouse gas
search authority
set out such other matters and
things as are required by this Act
to be entered in the Register.
s. 563
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Content of memorial
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item In the case of... the memorial must...
5 a title or greenhouse gas
search authority
set out such further matters
relating to the registered holder,
or to the conditions of the title or
greenhouse gas search authority,
as the Minister thinks proper and
expedient in the public interest.
(3) The Minister must enter in the Register a
memorial of—
(a) a notice or instrument—
(i) varying; or
(ii) cancelling; or
(iii) surrendering (to any extent); or
(iv) otherwise affecting—
a title or greenhouse gas search authority; or
(b) a notice or instrument varying or revoking a
notice or instrument referred to in
paragraph (a).
Note
Subparagraph (a)(iv) would cover, for example, a notice
revoking a greenhouse gas special authority.
(4) It is a sufficient compliance with the requirements
of subsection (1), (2) or (3) if the Minister enters a
copy of the title, greenhouse gas search authority,
notice or instrument in the Register.
s. 564
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(5) The Minister must endorse on—
(a) the memorial; or
(b) the copy of the title, greenhouse gas search
authority, notice or instrument—
a memorandum of the date on which the memorial
or copy was entered in the Register.
565 Entry in Register—cessation or expiry of title
If an event specified in the table happens, the
Minister must enter in the Register a memorial of
the fact.
Cessation of title etc.
Item Event
1 A greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas holding
lease ceases to be in force over a block in relation to which a
greenhouse gas injection licence is granted.
2 A greenhouse gas assessment permit ceases to be in force over a
block in relation to which a greenhouse gas holding lease (other
than a special greenhouse gas holding lease) is granted.
3 A greenhouse gas assessment permit or a greenhouse gas holding
lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding lease) ceases to
be in force over a block in relation to which a special greenhouse
gas holding lease is granted.
4 A greenhouse gas injection licence ceases to be in force over a
block in relation to which a greenhouse gas holding lease is
granted.
5 A greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding
lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding lease),
greenhouse gas search authority or greenhouse gas special
authority expires.
__________________
s. 565
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PART 5.3—TRANSFER OF TITLES
566 Approval and registration of transfers
A transfer of a title is of no force until—
(a) it has been approved by the Minister; and
(b) an instrument of transfer is registered as
provided by this Part.
567 Application for approval of transfer
(1) One of the parties to a proposed transfer of a title
may apply to the Minister for approval of the
transfer.
(2) The application must be in writing.
568 Documents to accompany application
An application for approval of a transfer must be
accompanied by—
(a) an instrument of transfer in the prescribed
form executed by—
(i) the registered holder or, if there are 2 or
more registered holders, by each
registered holder; and
(ii) the transferee or, if there are 2 or more
transferees, by each transferee; and
(b) if the transferee, or one or more of the
transferees, is not a registered holder or are
not registered holders of the title—a
document setting out—
(i) the technical qualifications of that
transferee or those transferees; and
(ii) details of the technical advice that is or
will be available to that transferee or
those transferees; and
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(iii) details of the financial resources that
are or will be available to that
transferee or those transferees; and
(c) a copy of each of the following—
(i) the application;
(ii) the instrument referred to in
paragraph (a);
(iii) the document referred to in
paragraph (b).
569 Time limit for application
(1) An application for approval of a transfer must be
made within—
(a) 90 days after the day on which the party who
last executed the instrument of transfer so
executed the instrument of transfer; or
(b) such longer period as the Minister allows.
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(b) only if there are sufficient
grounds to warrant allowing the longer period.
570 Date of application to be entered in Register
If an application is made for approval of a
transfer, the Minister—
(a) must enter a memorandum in the Register of
the date on which the application was
lodged; and
(b) may make such other notation in the Register
as the Minister considers appropriate.
571 Approval of transfer
(1) This section applies if an application is made for
approval of a transfer.
s. 569
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(2) The Minister must—
(a) approve the transfer; or
(b) refuse to approve the transfer.
(3) If—
(a) the application is for approval of a transfer of
a greenhouse gas holding lease or a
greenhouse gas injection licence; and
(b) the greenhouse gas holding lease or the
greenhouse gas injection licence is tied to a
petroleum retention lease—
the Minister must not approve the transfer of the
greenhouse gas holding lease or the greenhouse
gas injection licence unless—
(c) a transfer of the petroleum retention lease
has been approved by the Minister under
section 513; and
(d) the transfer of the petroleum retention lease
is registered under section 514; and
(e) both—
(i) the instrument of transfer of the
petroleum retention lease; and
(ii) the instrument of transfer of the
greenhouse gas holding lease or
greenhouse gas injection licence—
were executed at or about the same time; and
(f) the transferee or transferees of the petroleum
retention lease are the same as the transferee
or transferees of the greenhouse gas holding
lease or greenhouse gas injection licence.
s. 571
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(4) If—
(a) the application is for approval of a transfer of
a greenhouse gas holding lease or a
greenhouse gas injection licence; and
(b) the greenhouse gas holding lease or the
greenhouse gas injection licence is tied to a
petroleum production licence—
the Minister must not approve the transfer of the
greenhouse gas holding lease or the greenhouse
gas injection licence unless—
(c) a transfer of the petroleum production
licence has been approved by the Minister
under section 513; and
(d) the transfer of the petroleum production
licence is registered under section 514; and
(e) both—
(i) the instrument of transfer of the
petroleum production licence; and
(ii) the instrument of transfer of the
greenhouse gas holding lease or
greenhouse gas injection licence—
were executed at or about the same time; and
(f) the transferee or transferees of the petroleum
production licence are the same as the
transferee or transferees of the greenhouse
gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection
licence.
(5) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, notify the applicant of the Minister's
decision.
(6) If the Minister refuses to approve the transfer, the
Minister must make a notation of the refusal in the
Register.
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572 Registration of transfer
(1) This section applies if the Minister approves the
transfer of a title.
(2) The Minister must immediately endorse on—
(a) the instrument of transfer; and
(b) the copy of the instrument of transfer—
a memorandum of approval.
(3) On payment of the prescribed fee by the
transferee, the Minister must enter in the Register
a memorandum of—
(a) the transfer; and
(b) the name of the transferee or of each
transferee.
(4) On the entry in the Register of the
memorandum—
(a) the transfer is taken to be registered; and
(b) the transferee becomes the registered holder,
or the transferees become the registered
holders, of the title.
(5) If the transfer is registered—
(a) the copy of the instrument of transfer
endorsed with the memorandum of approval
must be—
(i) retained by the Minister; and
(ii) made available for inspection in
accordance with this Chapter; and
(b) the instrument of transfer endorsed with the
memorandum of approval must be returned
to the person who applied for approval of the
transfer.
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573 Instrument of transfer does not create an interest in
the title
The mere execution of an instrument of transfer of
a title creates no interest in the title.
574 Limit on effect of approval of transfers
The approval of a transfer of a title does not give
to the transfer any force, effect or validity that the
transfer would not have had if this Chapter had
not been enacted.
__________________
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PART 5.4—DEVOLUTION OF TITLE
575 Application to have name entered on the Register as
the holder of a title
(1) If the rights of the registered holder of a particular
title have devolved on a person by operation of
law, the person may apply to the Minister to have
the person's name entered in the Register as the
holder of the title.
(2) The application must be in writing.
576 Entry of name in the Register
(1) This section applies if an application is made
under section 575 in relation to a title.
(2) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that the rights of the
holder have devolved on the applicant by
operation of law; and
(b) the applicant has paid the prescribed fee—
the Minister must enter the name of the applicant
in the Register as the holder of the title.
(3) On that entry being made, the applicant becomes
the registered holder of the title.
__________________
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PART 5.5—CHANGE IN NAME OF COMPANY
577 Application to have new name entered on the
Register
(1) If—
(a) a company is the registered holder of a
particular title; and
(b) the company has changed its name—
the company may apply to the Minister to have its
new name substituted for its previous name in the
Register in relation to that title.
(2) The application must be in writing.
578 Alteration in the Register
(1) This section applies if a company applies under
section 577 to have its new name substituted for
its previous name in the Register in relation to a
particular title.
(2) If—
(a) the Minister is satisfied that the company has
changed its name; and
(b) the company has paid the prescribed fee—
the Minister must make the necessary alterations
in the Register.
__________________
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PART 5.6—DEALINGS RELATING TO EXISTING TITLES
579 Dealings to which this Part applies
This Part applies to a dealing (other than a transfer
of a title) that would have one or more of the
effects set out in the table—
Effects of dealings
Item Effect
1 The creation or assignment of an interest in an existing title.
2 The creation or assignment of a right (conditional or otherwise) to
the assignment of an interest in an existing title.
3 The determination of the manner in which persons may—
(a) exercise the rights conferred by an existing title; or
(b) comply with the obligations imposed by an existing title; or
(c) comply with the conditions of an existing title—
(including the exercise of those rights, or the compliance with
those obligations or conditions, under cooperative arrangements to
inject or store greenhouse gas substances).
4 The creation or assignment of an interest in relation to an existing
greenhouse gas assessment permit, existing greenhouse gas
holding lease or existing greenhouse gas injection licence, where
the interest relates to—
(a) a greenhouse gas substance injected or stored under the permit,
lease or licence; or
(b) revenue derived as a result of the carrying out of operations
authorised by the permit, lease or licence; or
(c) profits derived as a result of the carrying out of operations
authorised by the permit, lease or licence; or
(d) a matter specified in the regulations.
5 The creation or assignment of an option (conditional or otherwise)
to enter into a dealing, where the dealing would have one or more
of the effects referred to in items 1, 2, 3 and 4.
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Effects of dealings
Item Effect
6 The creation or assignment of a right (conditional or otherwise) to
enter into a dealing, where the dealing would have one or more of
the effects referred to in items 1, 2, 3 and 4.
7 The alteration or termination of a dealing, where the dealing
would have one or more of the effects referred to in items 1, 2, 3,
4, 5 and 6.
580 Approval and registration of dealings
A dealing is of no force, in so far as the dealing
would have an effect of a kind referred to in the
table in section 579 in relation to a particular title,
until—
(a) the Minister has approved the dealing, in so
far as it relates to that title; and
(b) the Minister has made an entry in the
Register in relation to the dealing under
section 586.
581 Application for approval of dealing
(1) An application for approval of a dealing must be
made in accordance with subsection (2) or (3).
(2) If a dealing relates to only one title, a party to the
dealing may apply to the Minister for approval of
the dealing in so far as it relates to that title.
(3) If a dealing relates to 2 or more titles, a party to
the dealing may make a separate application to the
Minister for approval of the dealing in so far as it
relates to each title.
(4) An application must be in writing.
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582 Documents to accompany application
(1) An application for approval of a dealing must be
accompanied by—
(a) the instrument evidencing the dealing; or
(b) if that instrument has already been lodged
with the Minister for the purposes of another
application—a copy of that instrument.
(2) An application for approval of a dealing may be
accompanied by an instrument setting out such
details (if any) as are prescribed for the purposes
of an application for approval of a dealing of that
kind.
(3) An instrument under subsection (2) is called a
supplementary instrument.
(4) An application for approval of a dealing must be
accompanied by—
(a) a copy of the application; and
(b) a copy, or an additional copy, of the
instrument referred to in subsection (1); and
(c) a copy of any supplementary instrument.
(5) If—
(a) a dealing (including a dealing referred to in
section 562) creates a charge over some or
all of the assets of a body corporate; and
(b) a person applies for approval of the dealing;
and
(c) the application is accompanied by 2 copies
of each document required to be lodged with
the Australian Securities and Investments
Commission under section 263 of the
Corporations Act in relation to the creation
of the charge—
the person is taken to have complied with—
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(d) subsection (1); and
(e) subsection (4) in so far as that section
requires a copy, or an additional copy, of the
instrument referred to in subsection (1) to
accompany the application.
583 Timing of application
(1) An application for approval of a dealing must be
made within—
(a) 90 days after the day on which the party who
last executed the instrument evidencing the
dealing so executed the instrument; or
(b) such longer period as the Minister allows.
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(b) only if there are sufficient
grounds to warrant allowing the longer period.
(3) This section has effect subject to section 595.
Note
Section 595 is about approval of a dealing that was entered
into before the title came into existence.
584 Application date to be entered in Register
If an application is made for approval of a dealing,
the Minister—
(a) must enter a memorandum in the Register of
the date on which the application was
lodged; and
(b) may make such other notation in the Register
as the Minister considers appropriate.
585 Approval of dealing
(1) This section applies if an application is made for
approval of a dealing in so far as it relates to a
particular title.
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(2) The Minister must—
(a) approve the dealing; or
(b) refuse to approve the dealing—
in so far as it relates to that title.
Note
Section 595 limits the power conferred on the Minister by
this section. Section 595 is about approval of a dealing that
was entered into before the title came into existence.
(3) The Minister must, by written notice given to the
applicant, notify the applicant of the Minister's
decision.
(4) If the Minister refuses to approve the dealing in so
far as it relates to that title, the Minister must
make a notation of the refusal in the Register.
586 Entry of dealing in Register
(1) This section applies if the Minister approves a
dealing in so far as it relates to a particular title.
(2) The Minister must immediately endorse a
memorandum of approval—
(a) on the original instrument evidencing the
dealing and on the copy of that instrument;
or
(b) if the original instrument was not lodged
with the application for approval—on both
of the copies of that instrument.
(3) On payment of the prescribed fee, the Minister
must make an entry of the approval of the dealing
in the Register on—
(a) the memorial relating to that title; or
(b) the copy of that title.
s. 586
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587 Retention, inspection and return of instruments
(1) This section applies if the Minister makes an entry
of the approval of a dealing in the Register.
(2) If the application for approval of the dealing was
accompanied by a supplementary instrument—
(a) a copy of the supplementary instrument,
endorsed with a copy of the memorandum of
approval, must be—
(i) retained by the Minister; and
(ii) made available for inspection in
accordance with this Chapter; and
(b) the supplementary instrument must be
returned to the person who applied for
approval; and
(c) a copy of the instrument evidencing the
dealing must not be made available for
inspection in accordance with this Chapter;
and
(d) the original instrument evidencing the
dealing, or a copy of the original instrument,
as the case requires, endorsed with a
memorandum of approval, must be returned
to the person who applied for approval.
Note
For inspection, see section 607.
(3) If the application for approval of the dealing was
not accompanied by a supplementary
instrument—
(a) one copy of the instrument evidencing the
dealing, endorsed with a memorandum of
approval, must be—
(i) retained by the Minister; and
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(ii) made available for inspection in
accordance with this Chapter; and
(b) the original instrument evidencing the
dealing, or a copy of the original instrument,
as the case requires, endorsed with a
memorandum of approval, must be returned
to the person who applied for approval.
Note
For inspection, see section 607.
(4) In this section—
supplementary instrument has the meaning given
by section 582(3) or 591(3).
588 Strict compliance with application provisions not
required
The approval of a dealing, or the making of an
entry in the Register in relation to a dealing, is not
made ineffective because of any failure to comply,
in relation to the application for approval of the
dealing, with the requirements of this Part.
589 Limit on effect of approval of dealing
The approval of a dealing does not give to the
dealing any force, effect or validity that the
dealing would not have had if this Chapter had not
been enacted.
__________________
s. 588
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PART 5.7—DEALINGS IN FUTURE INTERESTS
590 Provisional application for approval of dealing
(1) This section applies if—
(a) 2 or more persons enter into a dealing
relating to a title that may come into
existence in the future; and
(b) that dealing would, if the title came into
existence, become a dealing to which
Part 5.6 applies.
(2) If the dealing relates to only one title that may
come into existence in the future, a party to the
dealing may make a provisional application to the
Minister for approval of the dealing.
(3) If the dealing relates to 2 or more titles that may
come into existence in the future, a party to the
dealing may make a separate provisional
application to the Minister for approval of the
dealing in relation to each title that may come into
existence in the future.
(4) A provisional application must be in writing.
591 Documents to accompany provisional application
(1) A provisional application for approval of a dealing
must be accompanied by—
(a) the instrument evidencing the dealing; or
(b) if that instrument has already been lodged
with the Minister for the purposes of another
provisional application—a copy of that
instrument.
(2) A provisional application for approval of a dealing
may be accompanied by an instrument setting out
such details (if any) as are prescribed for the
purposes of a provisional application for approval
of a dealing of that kind.
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(3) An instrument under subsection (2) is called a
supplementary instrument.
(4) A provisional application for approval of a dealing
must be accompanied by—
(a) a copy of the provisional application; and
(b) a copy, or an additional copy, of the
instrument referred to in subsection (1); and
(c) a copy of any supplementary instrument.
592 Charge over assets of a body corporate—copies of
documents
If—
(a) a dealing (including a dealing referred to in
section 562) creates a charge over some or
all of the assets of a body corporate; and
(b) a person makes a provisional application for
approval of the dealing; and
(c) the provisional application is accompanied
by 2 copies of each document required to be
lodged with the Australian Securities and
Investments Commission under section 263
of the Corporations Act in relation to the
creation of the charge—
the person is taken to have complied with—
(d) section 591(1); and
(e) section 591(4) in so far as that subsection
requires a copy, or an additional copy, of the
instrument referred to in section 591(1) to
accompany the provisional application.
593 Timing of provisional application
A provisional application referred to in column 2
for an item in the table must be made within the
period beginning on the day referred to for that
item in column 3 in the table and ending on the
s. 592
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day referred to for that item in column 4 in the
table—
Period for making a provisional application
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Item In this case...
the period begins
on... and ends on...
1 a provisional
application for
approval of a dealing
relating to any of the
following titles that
may come into
existence in the
future—
(a) a greenhouse gas
assessment permit;
(b) a greenhouse gas
holding lease;
(c) a greenhouse gas
injection licence
the day on which
an offer
document that
relates to the
application for
the title is given
to the applicant
for the title
the day on
which the title
comes into
existence.
2 a provisional
application for
approval of a dealing
relating to a
greenhouse gas special
authority that may
come into existence in
the future
the day on which
the application
for the grant of
the greenhouse
gas special
authority is made
the day on
which the
greenhouse gas
special
authority
comes into
existence.
594 Provisional application to be treated as an
application under section 581 when title comes into
existence
If—
(a) a provisional application is made for
approval of a dealing; and
(b) the title to which the dealing relates comes
into existence; and
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(c) on that title coming into existence, the
dealing becomes a dealing to which Part 5.6
applies—
the provisional application is to be treated as if it
were an application made under section 581 on
the day on which that title came into existence.
595 Limit on approval of dealing
(1) If—
(a) Part 5.6 applies to a dealing relating to a
title; and
(b) immediately before the title came into
existence, the dealing was a dealing referred
to in section 590(1)—
the Minister may approve the dealing under
section 585 only if—
(c) a provisional application for approval of the
dealing was made under section 590; or
(d) an application for approval of the dealing
was made under section 581 within—
(i) 90 days after the day on which the title
came into existence; or
(ii) such longer period as the Minister
allows.
(2) The Minister may allow a longer period under
subsection (1)(d)(ii) only if there are sufficient
grounds to warrant allowing the longer period.
__________________
s. 595
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PART 5.8—CORRECTION AND RECTIFICATION OF
REGISTER
596 Corrections of clerical errors or obvious defects
The Minister may alter the Register for the
purposes of correcting a clerical error or an
obvious defect in the Register.
597 General power of correction of Register
(1) The Minister may make such entries in the
Register as the Minister considers appropriate for
the purposes of ensuring that the Register
accurately records the interests and rights existing
in relation to a title.
(2) The Minister may exercise the power conferred by
subsection (1)—
(a) on written application being made to the
Minister by a person; or
(b) on the Minister's own initiative.
(3) Before the Minister makes an entry in the Register
under subsection (1), the Minister must cause to
be published in the Government Gazette a
notice—
(a) setting out the terms of the entry that the
Minister proposes to make in the Register;
and
(b) inviting interested persons to give the
Minister written submissions about the
making of the entry; and
(c) specifying a time limit for the making of
those submissions.
(4) The time limit must not be shorter than 45 days
after the publication of the notice.
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(5) In deciding whether to make the entry in the
Register, the Minister must take into account any
submissions made in accordance with the notice.
(6) If the Minister makes an entry in the Register
under subsection (1), the Minister must cause to
be published in the Government Gazette a notice
setting out the terms of the entry.
598 Rectification of Register
(1) If a person is aggrieved by any of the following—
(a) the omission of an entry from the Register;
(b) an entry made in the Register without
sufficient cause;
(c) an entry wrongly existing in the Register;
(d) an error or defect in an entry in the
Register—
the person may apply to the Supreme Court for the
rectification of the Register.
(2) If an application is made under subsection (1) to
the Supreme Court for the rectification of the
Register, the Supreme Court may make such order
as it thinks fit directing the rectification of the
Register.
(3) In proceedings under this section, the Supreme
Court may decide any question that it is necessary
or expedient to decide in connection with the
rectification of the Register.
(4) Notice of an application under this section must
be given to the Minister, who—
(a) may appear and be heard; and
(b) must appear if so directed by the Supreme
Court.
(5) A copy of an order made by the Supreme Court
may be given to the Minister.
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(6) The Minister must, on receipt of the order, rectify
the Register accordingly.
__________________
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PART 5.9—INFORMATION-GATHERING POWERS
599 Minister may obtain information from applicants
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an application for approval of the transfer of
a title is made under section 567; or
(b) an application is made under section 575
or 577 in relation to a title; or
(c) an application for approval of a dealing is
made under section 581; or
(d) a provisional application for approval of a
dealing is made under section 590; or
(e) an application is made under section 597 in
relation to a title.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
applicant, require the applicant to give the
Minister, within the period and in the manner
specified in the notice, such information about the
matter to which the application relates as the
Minister considers necessary or advisable.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2) must not
be shorter than 14 days after the notice is given.
(4) A person who is given a notice under subsection
(2) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(5) A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under subsection (2), give information
that the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
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(6) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the
effect of the following provisions—
(a) subsection (4);
(b) subsection (5).
600 Minister may obtain information from a party to an
approved dealing
(1) This section applies if—
(a) a person is a party to a dealing relating to a
title; and
(b) the dealing has been approved under
section 585.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
person, require the person to give to the Minister,
within the period and in the manner specified in
the notice, such information about alterations in
the interests or rights existing in relation to the
title as the Minister considers necessary or
advisable.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2) must not
be shorter than 14 days after the notice is given.
(4) A person who is given a notice under subsection
(2) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(5) A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under subsection (2), give information
that the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(6) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the
effect of the following provisions—
(a) subsection (4);
(b) subsection (5).
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601 Production and inspection of documents
(1) This section applies if the Minister has reason to
believe that a document—
(a) is in the possession or under the control of a
person; and
(b) relates to—
(i) a transfer or dealing for which approval
is sought under this Chapter; or
(ii) an application under section 575, 577
or 578.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
person, require the person—
(a) to produce the document to the Minister,
within the period and in the manner specified
in the notice; or
(b) to make the document available for
inspection by or on behalf of the Minister.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2) must not
be shorter than 14 days after the notice is given.
(4) A person who has been given a notice under
subsection (2) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(5) A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under subsection (2)—
(a) produce a document; or
(b) make a document available for inspection—
that the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
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(6) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the
effect of the following provisions—
(a) subsection (4);
(b) subsection (5).
602 Minister may retain documents
(1) The Minister may take possession of a document
produced under section 601, and retain it for as
long as is necessary.
(2) The person otherwise entitled to possession of the
document is entitled to be supplied, as soon as
practicable, with a copy certified by the Minister
to be a true copy.
(3) The certified copy must be received in all courts
and tribunals as evidence as if it were the original.
(4) Until a certified copy is supplied, the Minister
must provide the person otherwise entitled to
possession of the document, or a person
authorised by that person, reasonable access to the
document for the purposes of inspecting and
making copies of, or taking extracts from, the
document.
__________________
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PART 5.10—OTHER PROVISIONS
603 Minister not concerned with the effect of instrument
lodged under this Chapter
The Minister is not concerned with the effect in
law of an instrument lodged under this Chapter.
604 True consideration to be shown
(1) A person to whom this section applies must not
give the Minister a specified instrument that
contains a statement that the person knows is false
or misleading in a material particular in relation
to—
(a) the consideration for a transfer or dealing; or
(b) any other fact or circumstance affecting the
amount of the fee payable in relation to a
transfer or dealing.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2) This section applies to a person who is a party
to—
(a) a transfer of a title; or
(b) a dealing to which Part 5.6 applies; or
(c) a dealing referred to in section 590(1).
(3) In this section—
specified instrument means an instrument of
transfer, an instrument evidencing a dealing
to which Part 5.6 applies or a supplementary
instrument;
supplementary instrument has the meaning given
by section 582(3) or 591(3).
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605 Making a false entry in the Register
A person must not knowingly—
(a) make a false entry in the Register; or
(b) cause a false entry to be made in the
Register; or
(c) concur in the making of a false entry in the
Register.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
606 Falsified documents
A person must not produce or tender in evidence a
document that falsely purports to be—
(a) a copy of or extract from an entry in the
Register; or
(b) a copy of or extract from an instrument given
to the Minister under this Chapter.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
607 Inspection of Register and instruments
(1) The Minister must ensure that the Register is open
for inspection, at all convenient times, by any
person on payment of the prescribed fee.
(2) The Minister must ensure that all instruments, or
copies of instruments, subject to inspection under
this Chapter are open for inspection, at all
convenient times, by any person on payment of
the prescribed fee.
608 Evidence of matters entered in the Register
(1) The Register is to be received in all courts and
proceedings as prima facie evidence of all matters
required or authorised by this Chapter to be
entered in the Register.
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(2) The Minister may, on payment of the prescribed
fee, supply—
(a) a copy of or extract from the Register; or
(b) a copy of or extract from any instrument
lodged with the Minister under this
Chapter—
certified by the Minister to be a true copy or true
extract, as the case may be.
(3) The certified copy or extract is admissible in
evidence in all courts and proceedings without
further proof or production of the original.
609 Evidentiary certificate
(1) The Minister may, on payment of the prescribed
fee, issue a written certificate—
(a) stating that an entry, matter or thing required
or permitted by or under this Chapter to be
made or done—
(i) has been made or done; or
(ii) has not been made or done; or
(b) stating that an entry, matter or thing required
by or under this Chapter not to be made or
done—
(i) has not been made or done; or
(ii) has been made or done.
(2) The certificate is to be received in all courts and
proceedings as prima facie evidence of the
statements in the certificate.
(3) Any evidence given in support, or in rebuttal, of a
matter stated in a certificate issued under
subsection (1) must be considered on its merits,
and the credibility and probative value of such
evidence must be neither increased nor diminished
s. 609
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by reason of this section or sections 608, 610
or 611.
610 Criminal proceedings—copy of certificate to be
given to defendant 14 days before certificate
admitted in evidence
A certificate must not be admitted in evidence
under section 609(2) in proceedings for an offence
unless—
(a) the person charged with the offence; or
(b) a barrister or solicitor who has appeared for
the person in those proceedings—
has, at least 14 days before the certificate is
sought to be so admitted, been given a copy of the
certificate together with notice of the intention to
produce the certificate as evidence in the
proceedings.
611 Person signing the certificate may be called to give
evidence
(1) If, under section 609(2), a certificate is admitted
in evidence in proceedings for an offence, the
person charged with the offence may require the
person who signed the certificate to be—
(a) called as a witness for the prosecution; and
(b) cross-examined as if the person who signed
the certificate had given evidence of the
matters stated in the certificate.
(2) However, subsection (1) does not entitle the
person charged to require the person who signed
the certificate to be called as a witness for the
prosecution unless—
(a) the prosecutor has been given at least 4 days
notice of the person's intention to require the
person who signed the certificate to be so
called; or
s. 610
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(b) the court, by order, allows the person
charged to require the person who signed the
certificate to be so called.
612 Assessment of fee
(1) The Minister may determine the amount of the fee
payable in relation to an entry in the Register.
(2) If—
(a) the Minister has determined the amount of a
fee payable in relation to a transfer or
dealing; and
(b) a person is convicted of an offence against
section 604 in relation to giving the Minister
an instrument that contains a statement
about—
(i) the consideration for the transfer or
dealing; or
(ii) any other fact or circumstance affecting
the amount of the fee payable in
relation to the transfer or dealing—
the Minister may make a fresh determination
of the amount of the fee payable in relation
to the transfer or dealing.
Note
Section 604 is about giving an instrument that contains a
false or misleading statement.
613 Appeal against assessment of fee
(1) A person dissatisfied with a determination of the
Minister under section 612(1) or (2) may appeal
against the determination to the Supreme Court.
(2) The Supreme Court hearing the appeal may
affirm, set aside or modify the determination of
the Minister.
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(3) Notice of an appeal under this section is to be
given to the Minister, who—
(a) may appear and be heard; and
(b) must appear if so directed by the Court.
__________________
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CHAPTER 6—ADMINISTRATION
PART 6.1—OPERATIONS
614 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) This Part imposes requirements that must be
complied with by titleholders in relation to the
following—
(a) the commencement of works or operations;
(b) work practices;
(c) insurance;
(d) the maintenance and removal of property.
(3) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
615 Commencement of works or operations
(1) This section applies to—
(a) a special petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) an infrastructure licence; or
(d) a pipeline licence—
if the permit, lease or licence is granted subject to
a condition that works or operations specified in
the permit, lease or licence are to be carried out.
(2) The registered holder of the permit, lease or
licence must begin to carry out those works or
operations within—
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(a) 180 days after the day on which the permit,
lease or licence comes into force; or
(b) such longer period as the Minister allows.
616 Work practices
(1) The table has effect—
Work practices
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item This person... must...
1 the registered
holder of a
petroleum
exploration
permit, petroleum
retention lease or
petroleum
production
licence
(a) carry out all petroleum exploration
operations in the permit area, lease
area or licence area in a proper and
workmanlike manner and in
accordance with good oilfield
practice;
(b) carry out all petroleum recovery
operations in the permit area, lease
area or licence area in a proper and
workmanlike manner and in
accordance with good oilfield
practice;
(c) control the flow, and prevent the
waste or escape, in the permit area,
lease area or licence area, of
petroleum or water;
(d) prevent the escape, in the permit
area, lease area or licence area, of
any mixture of water or drilling fluid
with petroleum or any other matter;
(e) prevent damage to
petroleum-bearing strata in an area
(whether in the offshore area or not)
in relation to which the permit, lease
or licence is not in force;
(f) keep separate each petroleum pool
discovered in the permit area, lease
area or licence area;
s. 616
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Work practices
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item This person... must...
(g) keep separate such of the sources of
water (if any) discovered in the
permit area, lease area or licence
area as the Minister, by written
notice given to the registered holder,
directs;
(h) prevent water or any other matter
entering any petroleum pool through
wells in the permit area, lease area or
licence area except when required
by, and in accordance with, good
oilfield practice.
2 the registered
holder of an
infrastructure
licence
(a) carry out operations authorised by
the licence in a safe manner and in
accordance with good oilfield
practice and good processing and
transport practice; and
(b) control the flow, and prevent the
waste or escape, from an
infrastructure facility constructed
under the licence, of water,
petroleum or any product derived by
processing petroleum.
3 the registered
holder of a
pipeline licence
(a) operate the pipeline in a proper and
workmanlike manner; and
(b) prevent the waste or escape of
petroleum or water from the pipeline
or from any secondary line, pumping
station, tank station, valve station or
water line.
4 the registered
holder of a
petroleum special
prospecting
authority or
petroleum access
authority
carry out all petroleum exploration
operations in the authority area in a
proper and workmanlike manner and in
accordance with good oilfield practice.
s. 616
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(2) Paragraphs (c) to (h) of item 1, and paragraph (b)
of item 2, of the table in subsection (1) have effect
subject to any authorisation given, or requirement
made, by or under—
(a) this Act; or
(b) the regulations; or
(c) a direction under this Act.
(3) Paragraphs (b) to (h) of item 1 of the table in
subsection (1) do not limit paragraph (a) of that
item.
(4) Paragraph (b) of item 2 of the table in
subsection (1) does not limit paragraph (a) of that
item.
(5) Paragraph (b) of item 3 of the table in
subsection (1) does not limit paragraph (a) of that
item.
(6) A person referred to in column 2 in an item of the
table in subsection (1) must comply with a
requirement in that item set out in column 3 of
that table that applies to that person.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(7) In—
(a) a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (6) in relation to the
noncompliance of a paragraph of an item of
the table in subsection (1); or
(b) an action arising out of the noncompliance of
a paragraph of an item of the table in
subsection (1)—
it is a defence if the defendant took all reasonable
steps to comply with that paragraph.
s. 616
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(8) This section has effect subject to—
(a) any other provision of this Act; and
(b) the regulations; and
(c) a direction under section 623; and
(d) any other law.
617 Work practices
(1) The table has effect—
Work practices
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item This person... must...
1 the registered holder
of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit,
greenhouse gas
holding lease,
greenhouse gas
injection licence or
petroleum
production licence
(a) carry out all—
(i) operations relating to
the exploration for
potential greenhouse
gas storage
formations; or
(ii) operations relating to
the exploration for
potential greenhouse
gas injection sites—
in the permit area, lease area
or licence area in a proper
and workmanlike manner;
(b) carry out all—
(i) operations relating to
the injection of a
greenhouse gas
substance into a part
of a geological
formation; or
s. 617
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Work practices
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item This person... must...
(ii) operations relating to
the storage of a
greenhouse gas
substance in a part of
a geological
formation—
in the permit area, lease area
or licence area in a proper
and workmanlike manner.
2 the registered holder
of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit,
greenhouse gas
holding lease,
greenhouse gas
injection licence or
petroleum
production licence
(a) control the flow, and prevent
the escape, in the permit
area, lease area or licence
area, of greenhouse gas
substances;
(b) control the flow, and prevent
the waste or escape, in the
permit area, lease area or
licence area, of petroleum or
water;
(c) prevent the escape, in the
permit area, lease area or
licence area, of any mixture
of water or drilling fluid
with petroleum or any other
matter;
(d) prevent damage to
petroleum-bearing strata,
and potential greenhouse gas
storage formations, in an
area (whether in the offshore
area or not) in relation to
which the permit, lease or
licence is not in force; and
(e) keep separate each
petroleum pool discovered
in the permit area, lease area
or licence area; and
s. 617
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Work practices
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item This person... must...
(f) keep separate such of the
sources of water (if any)
discovered in the permit
area, lease area or licence
area as the Minister, by
written notice given to the
registered holder, directs;
(g) prevent water, a greenhouse
gas substance or any other
matter entering any
petroleum pool through
wells in the permit area,
lease area or licence area
except when required by,
and in accordance with,
good oilfield practice.
3 the registered holder
of a greenhouse gas
special authority
carry out all—
(a) operations relating to the
exploration for potential
greenhouse gas storage
formations; or
(b) operations relating to the
exploration for potential
greenhouse gas injection
sites; or
(c) operations relating to the
injection of a greenhouse
gas substance into a
potential greenhouse gas
storage formation; or
(d) operations relating to the
storage of a greenhouse gas
substance in a potential
greenhouse gas storage
formation; or
s. 617
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Work practices
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3
Item This person... must...
(e) operations to carry out
baseline investigations
relating to the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance in
a potential greenhouse gas
storage formation; or
(f) operations relating to the
monitoring of the behaviour
of a greenhouse gas
substance stored in a
potential greenhouse gas
storage formation—
in the authority area in a proper
and workmanlike manner.
4 the registered holder
of a greenhouse gas
search authority
carry out all—
(a) operations relating to the
exploration for potential
greenhouse gas storage
formations; or
(b) operations relating to the
exploration for potential
greenhouse gas injection
sites—
in the authority area in a proper
and workmanlike manner.
5 the holder of a
greenhouse gas
research consent
carry out all—
(a) operations relating to the
exploration for potential
greenhouse gas storage
formations; or
(b) operations relating to the
exploration for potential
greenhouse gas injection
sites—
authorised by the consent in a
proper and workmanlike
manner.
s. 617
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(2) Paragraphs (a) to (g) of item 2 of the table in
subsection (1) have effect subject to any
authorisation given, or requirement made, by or
under—
(a) this Act; or
(b) the regulations; or
(c) a direction under this Act.
(3) Paragraph (b) of item 1 of the table in
subsection (1) does not limit paragraph (a) of that
item.
(4) Paragraphs (a) to (g) of item 2 of the table in
subsection (1) do not limit paragraph (a) of item 1
of the table.
(5) A person referred to in column 2 in an item of the
table in subsection (1) must comply with a
requirement in that item set out in column 3 of
that table that applies to that person.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(6) In—
(a) a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (5) in relation to the
noncompliance of a paragraph of an item of
the table in subsection (1); or
(b) an action arising out of a breach of the
noncompliance of an item of the table in
subsection (1)—
it is a defence if the defendant took all reasonable
steps to comply with that paragraph.
(7) This section has effect subject to—
(a) any other provision of this Act; and
(b) the regulations; and
s. 617
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(c) a direction under section 629; and
(d) any other law.
618 Insurance—petroleum permits, leases and licences
(1) The registered holder of—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence—
must maintain, as directed by the Minister from
time to time, insurance against—
(f) expenses; or
(g) liabilities; or
(h) specified things—
arising in connection with, or as a result of—
(i) the carrying out of work under the permit,
lease or licence; or
(j) the doing of any other thing under the
permit, lease or licence—
including insurance against expenses of
complying with directions relating to the clean-up
or other remediation of the effects of the escape of
petroleum.
(2) A direction under this section must be in writing.
619 Insurance—petroleum authorities
(1) The conditions of a petroleum special prospecting
authority or a petroleum access authority may
include a condition that the registered holder
maintain, as directed by the Minister from time to
time, insurance against—
s. 618
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(a) expenses; or
(b) liabilities; or
(c) specified things—
arising in connection with, or as a result of—
(d) the carrying out of work under the authority;
or
(e) the doing of any other thing under the
authority—
including insurance against expenses of
complying with directions relating to the clean-up
or other remediation of the effects of the escape of
petroleum.
(2) A direction under this section must be in writing.
620 Insurance—greenhouse gas titles
(1) The conditions of—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(d) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(e) a greenhouse gas special authority—
may include a condition that the registered holder
maintain, as directed by the Minister from time to
time, insurance against—
(f) expenses; or
(g) liabilities; or
(h) specified things—
arising in connection with, or as a result of—
(i) the carrying out of work under the permit,
lease, licence or authority; or
s. 620
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(j) the doing of any other thing under the
permit, lease, licence or authority—
including insurance against expenses of
complying with directions relating to the clean-up
or other remediation of the effects of the escape of
a greenhouse gas substance.
(2) A direction under this section must be in writing.
621 Maintenance and removal of property etc. by
titleholder
(1) For the purposes of this section, the table has
effect—
Titleholder and title area
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Item In the case of... the titleholder is...
and the title area
is...
1 a petroleum
exploration
permit
the permittee the permit area.
2 a petroleum
retention lease
the lessee the lease area.
3 a petroleum
production
licence
the licensee the licence area.
4 an
infrastructure
licence
the licensee the licence area.
5 a pipeline
licence
the licensee the part of the
offshore area in
which the pipeline
is constructed.
6 a petroleum
special
prospecting
authority
the registered
holder of the
authority
the authority area.
7 a petroleum
access
authority
the registered
holder of the
authority
the authority area.
s. 621
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Titleholder and title area
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4
Item In the case of... the titleholder is...
and the title area
is...
8 a greenhouse
gas assessment
permit
the permittee the permit area.
9 a greenhouse
gas holding
lease
the lessee the lease area.
10 a greenhouse
gas injection
licence
the licensee the licence area.
11 a greenhouse
gas search
authority
the registered
holder of the
authority
the authority area.
12 a greenhouse
gas special
authority
the registered
holder of the
authority
the authority area.
(2) A titleholder referred to in column 3 in an item of
the table in subsection (1) must maintain in good
condition and repair all structures that are, and all
equipment and other property that is—
(a) in the title area set out in that item in
column 4 of that table and that applies to that
titleholder; and
(b) used in connection with the operations
authorised by the permit, lease, licence or
authority set out in that item in column 2 of
that table and that is held by that titleholder.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(3) A titleholder referred to in column 3 in an item of
the table in subsection (1) must remove from the
title area set out in column 4 of that table and that
applies to that titleholder all structures that are,
and all equipment and other property that is,
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neither used nor to be used in connection with the
operations—
(a) in which the titleholder is or will be engaged;
and
(b) that are authorised by the permit, lease,
licence or authority set out in that item in
column 2 of that table and that is held by that
titleholder.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply in relation to
any structure, equipment or other property that
was not brought into the title area by or with the
authority of the titleholder.
(5) This section has effect subject to—
(a) any other provision of this Act; and
(b) the regulations; and
(c) a direction under section 623 or 629; and
(d) any other law.
__________________
s. 621
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PART 6.2—DIRECTIONS RELATING TO PETROLEUM
Division 1—Simplified outline
622 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) The Minister may give a direction to a petroleum
titleholder. A direction may extend to other
persons.
(3) If there is noncompliance with a direction given
by the Minister under Chapter 2, this Chapter or
the regulations, the Minister may do anything
required by the direction to be done, and the
Minister's costs may be recovered from the person
to whom the direction was given.
(4) In a prosecution for an offence relating to the
noncompliance with a direction given by the
Minister under Chapter 2, this Chapter or the
regulations, it is a defence if the person took all
reasonable steps to comply with the direction.
(5) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
Division 2—General power to give directions
623 General power to give directions
(1) In this section—
title means—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
s. 622
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(e) a pipeline licence; or
(f) a petroleum special prospecting
authority; or
(g) a petroleum access authority.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of a title, give the registered
holder a direction as to any matter in relation to
which regulations may be made.
Notes
1 Section 794 is the main provision setting out matters in
relation to which regulations may be made.
2 For enforcement, see section 625.
(3) A direction given under this section to a registered
holder applies to the registered holder and may
also be expressed to apply to—
(a) a specified class of persons, so long as the
class consists of, or is included in, either or
both of the following classes—
(i) employees or agents of, or persons
acting on behalf of, the registered
holder;
(ii) persons performing work or services,
whether directly or indirectly, for the
registered holder; or
(b) any person (other than the registered holder
or a person to whom the direction applies in
accordance with paragraph (a)) who is—
(i) in the offshore area for any reason
touching, concerning, arising out of, or
connected with, exploring the seabed or
subsoil of the offshore area for
petroleum or exploiting the petroleum
that occurs as a natural resource of that
seabed or subsoil; or
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(ii) in, on, above, below or in the vicinity
of a vessel, aircraft, structure or
installation, or equipment or other
property, that is in the offshore area for
a reason of that kind.
(4) If a direction so expressed is given, the direction
is taken to apply to each person included in the
specified class mentioned in subsection (3)(a) or
to each person who is in the offshore area as
mentioned in subsection (3)(b), as the case may
be.
Note
For notification requirements, see section 624.
(5) A direction under this section has effect, and must
be complied with, despite—
(a) any previous direction under this section;
and
(b) anything in the regulations.
(6) A direction under this section may make provision
in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or
incorporating (with or without modification) a
code of practice or standard contained in an
instrument—
(a) as in force or existing at the time when the
direction takes effect; or
(b) as in force or existing from time to time—
so long as the code of practice or standard is
relevant to that matter.
(7) To avoid doubt, subsection (6) applies to an
instrument, whether issued or made in Australia or
outside Australia.
s. 623
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(8) A direction under this section may prohibit the
doing of an act or thing—
(a) unconditionally; or
(b) subject to conditions, including conditions
requiring the consent or approval of a person
specified in the direction.
624 Notification of a direction that has an extended
application
(1) If a direction under section 623 applies to—
(a) a registered holder; and
(b) a person referred to in section 623(3)(a)—
the registered holder must cause a copy of the
notice by which the direction was given to be—
(c) given to that other person; or
(d) displayed at a prominent position at a place
in the offshore area frequented by that other
person.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2) If a direction under section 623 applies to—
(a) a registered holder; and
(b) a person referred to in section 623(3)(b)—
the registered holder must cause a copy of the
notice by which the direction was given to be
displayed at a prominent position at a place in the
offshore area.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(3) If a direction under section 623 applies to—
(a) a registered holder; and
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(b) a person referred to in section 623(3)(b)—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder, require the registered holder to
cause to be displayed—
(c) at such places in the offshore area; and
(d) in such manner—
as are specified in the notice, copies of the notice
by which the direction was given.
(4) A registered holder who is given a notice under
subsection (3) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
625 Compliance with direction
(1) A person who is given a direction under
section 623 must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2) If—
(a) a direction under section 623 applies to—
(i) a registered holder; and
(ii) another person; and
(b) the other person is prosecuted for an offence
against subsection (1) in relation to the
noncompliance with the direction; and
(c) the other person adduces evidence that the
other person did not know, and could not
reasonably be expected to have known, of
the existence of the direction—
the other person is not to be convicted of the
offence unless the prosecution proves that the
other person knew, or could reasonably be
expected to have known, of the existence of the
direction.
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Division 3—Minister may take action if there is
noncompliance with a direction
626 Minister may take action if there is noncompliance
with a direction
(1) If—
(a) a person is subject to a direction given by the
Minister under—
(i) Chapter 2; or
(ii) this Chapter; or
(iii) Part 7.1; or
(iv) the regulations; and
(b) the person fails to comply with the
direction—
the Minister may do any or all of the things
required by the direction to be done.
(2) Costs or expenses incurred by the Minister under
subsection (1) in relation to a direction are—
(a) a debt due to the State by the person subject
to the direction; and
(b) recoverable in a court of competent
jurisdiction.
(3) If—
(a) a direction under section 623 applies to—
(i) a registered holder; and
(ii) another person; and
(b) an action under subsection (2) relating to the
direction is brought against the other person;
and
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(c) the other person adduces evidence that the
other person did not know, and could not
reasonably be expected to have known, of
the existence of the direction—
the other person is not liable under subsection (2)
unless the plaintiff proves that the other person
knew, or could reasonably be expected to have
known, of the existence of the direction.
(4) In an action under subsection (2), it is a defence if
the defendant took all reasonable steps to comply
with the direction.
Division 4—Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply
with a direction
627 Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a
direction
In a prosecution for an offence in relation to
noncompliance with a direction given by the
Minister under—
(a) Chapter 2; or
(b) this Chapter; or
(c) Part 7.1; or
(d) the regulations—
it is a defence if the defendant took all reasonable
steps to comply with the direction.
__________________
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PART 6.3—DIRECTIONS RELATING TO GREENHOUSE
GAS
Division 1—Simplified outline
628 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) The Minister may give a direction to a greenhouse
gas titleholder. A direction may extend to other
persons.
(3) If there is noncompliance with a direction given
by the Minister under Chapter 3, this Chapter or
the regulations, the Minister may do anything
required by the direction to be done, and the
Minister's costs may be recovered from the person
to whom the direction was given.
(4) In a prosecution for an offence relating to a
noncompliance with a direction given by the
Minister under Chapter 3, this Chapter or the
regulations, it is a defence if the defendant took all
reasonable steps to comply with the direction.
(5) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
Division 2—General power to give directions
629 General power to give directions
(1) In this section—
greenhouse gas matter means—
(a) exploring for a potential greenhouse
gas storage formation; or
(b) exploring for a potential greenhouse
gas injection site; or
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(c) the injection of a greenhouse gas
substance into the seabed or subsoil of
the offshore area; or
(d) the storage of a greenhouse gas
substance in the seabed or subsoil of
the offshore area;
title means—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(d) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(e) a greenhouse gas special authority.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of a title, give the registered
holder a direction as to any matter in relation to
which regulations may be made.
Notes
1 Section 794 is the main provision setting out matters in
relation to which regulations may be made.
2 For enforcement, see section 631.
(3) A direction given under this section to a registered
holder applies to the registered holder and may
also be expressed to apply to—
(a) a specified class of persons, so long as the
class consists of, or is included in, either or
both of the following classes—
(i) employees or agents of, or persons
acting on behalf of, the registered
holder;
(ii) persons performing work or services,
whether directly or indirectly, for the
registered holder; or
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(b) any person (other than the registered holder
or a person to whom the direction applies in
accordance with paragraph (a)) who is—
(i) in the offshore area for any reason
touching, concerning, arising out of, or
connected with, a greenhouse gas
matter; or
(ii) in, on, above, below or in the vicinity
of a vessel, aircraft, structure or
installation, or equipment or other
property, that is in the offshore area for
a reason of that kind.
(4) If a direction so expressed is given, the direction
is taken to apply to each person included in the
specified class mentioned in subsection (3)(a) or
to each person who is in the offshore area as
mentioned in subsection (3)(b), as the case may
be.
Note
For notification requirements, see section 630.
(5) A direction under this section has effect, and must
be complied with, despite—
(a) any previous direction under this section;
and
(b) anything in the regulations.
(6) A direction under this section may make provision
in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or
incorporating (with or without modification) a
code of practice or standard contained in an
instrument—
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(a) as in force or existing at the time when the
direction takes effect; or
(b) as in force or existing from time to time—
so long as the code of practice or standard is
relevant to that matter.
(7) To avoid doubt, subsection (6) applies to an
instrument, whether issued or made in Australia or
outside Australia.
(8) A direction under this section may prohibit the
doing of an act or thing—
(a) unconditionally; or
(b) subject to conditions, including conditions
requiring the consent or approval of a person
specified in the direction.
630 Notification of a direction that has an extended
application
(1) If a direction under section 629 applies to—
(a) a registered holder; and
(b) a person referred to in section 629(3)(a)—
the registered holder must cause a copy of the
notice by which the direction was given to be—
(c) given to that other person; or
(d) displayed at a prominent position at a place
in the offshore area frequented by that other
person.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2) If a direction under section 629 applies to—
(a) a registered holder; and
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(b) a person referred to in section 629(3)(b)—
the registered holder must cause a copy of the
notice by which the direction was given to be
displayed at a prominent position at a place in the
offshore area.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(3) If a direction under section 629 applies to—
(a) a registered holder; and
(b) a person referred to in section 629(3)(b)—
the Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder, require the registered holder to
cause to be displayed—
(c) at such places in the offshore area; and
(d) in such manner—
as are specified in the notice, copies of the notice
by which the direction was given.
(4) A registered holder who is given a notice under
subsection (3) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
631 Compliance with directions
(1) A person who is given a direction under
section 629 must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2) If—
(a) a direction under section 629 applies to—
(i) a registered holder; and
(ii) another person; and
(b) the other person is prosecuted for an offence
against subsection (1) in relation to
noncompliance with the direction; and
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(c) the other person adduces evidence that the
other person did not know, and could not
reasonably be expected to have known, of
the existence of the direction—
the other person is not to be convicted of the
offence unless the prosecution proves that the
other person knew, or could reasonably be
expected to have known, of the existence of the
direction.
Division 3—Minister may take action if there is
noncompliance with a direction
632 Minister may take action if there is noncompliance
with a direction
(1) If—
(a) a person is subject to a direction given by the
Minister under—
(i) Chapter 3; or
(ii) this Chapter; or
(iii) Part 8.1; or
(iv) the regulations; and
(b) the person does not comply with the
direction—
the Minister may do any or all of the things
required by the direction to be done.
(2) Costs or expenses incurred by the Minister under
subsection (1) in relation to a direction are—
(a) a debt due to the State by the person subject
to the direction; and
(b) recoverable in a court of competent
jurisdiction.
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(3) If—
(a) a direction under section 629 applies to—
(i) a registered holder; and
(ii) another person; and
(b) an action under subsection (2) relating to the
direction is brought against the other person;
and
(c) the other person adduces evidence that the
other person did not know, and could not
reasonably be expected to have known, of
the existence of the direction—
the other person is not liable under subsection (2)
unless the plaintiff proves that the other person
knew, or could reasonably be expected to have
known, of the existence of the direction.
(4) In an action under subsection (2), it is a defence if
the defendant took all reasonable steps to comply
with the direction.
Division 4—Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply
with a direction
633 Defence of taking reasonable steps to comply with a
direction
In a prosecution for an offence in relation to
noncompliance with a direction given by the
Minister under—
(a) Chapter 3; or
(b) this Chapter; or
(c) Part 8.1; or
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(d) the regulations—
it is a defence if the defendant took all reasonable
steps to comply with the direction.
__________________
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PART 6.4—RESTORATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Division 1—Petroleum
634 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Division.
(2) The Minister may give remedial directions to
petroleum titleholders or former petroleum
titleholders about the following matters—
(a) the removal of property;
(b) the plugging or closing off of wells;
(c) the conservation and protection of natural
resources;
(d) the making good of damage to the seabed or
subsoil.
(3) If there is noncompliance with a remedial
direction, the Minister may do anything required
by the direction to be done.
(4) If property has not been removed in accordance
with a remedial direction, the Minister may direct
the owner to remove or dispose of the property.
(5) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this
Division.
635 Remedial directions to current holders of permits,
leases and licences
(1) This section applies to—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
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(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of the permit, lease or licence,
direct the holder to do any or all of the following
things on or before the applicable date—
(a) to—
(i) remove, or cause to be removed, from
the title area all property brought into
that area by any person engaged or
concerned in the operations authorised
by the permit, lease or licence; or
(ii) make arrangements that are satisfactory
to the Minister in relation to that
property—
(b) to plug or close off, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, all wells made in the title area by
any person engaged or concerned in those
operations;
(c) to provide, to the satisfaction of the Minister,
for the conservation and protection of the
natural resources in the title area;
(d) to make good, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, any damage to the seabed or
subsoil in the title area caused by any person
engaged or concerned in those operations.
Note
1 For applicable date and title area, see subsection (6).
2 For variation and revocation, see section 41A of the
Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984.
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(3) In attaining a state of satisfaction for the purposes
of subsection (2)(b), the Minister—
(a) in the case of a declared petroleum
exploration permit, declared petroleum
retention lease or declared petroleum
production licence—must have regard; or
(b) otherwise—may have regard—
to the principle that plugging or closing off wells
should be carried out in a way that restores or
maintains the suitability of a part of a geological
formation for the permanent storage of
greenhouse gas substances.
(4) Subsection (2)(c) has effect subject to—
(a) Chapter 2; and
(b) this Chapter; and
(c) the regulations.
(5) A person who is given a direction under
subsection (2) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(6) For the purposes of this section, the table has
effect—
Applicable date and title area
Item In the case of... the applicable date is...
and the title area
is...
1 a petroleum
exploration permit
the expiry date of the
permit
the permit area.
2 a petroleum
retention lease
the expiry date of the
lease
the lease area.
3 a fixed-term
petroleum
production licence
the expiry date of the
licence
the licence area.
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Applicable date and title area
Item In the case of... the applicable date is...
and the title area
is...
4 a petroleum
production licence
that is not a
fixed-term
petroleum
production licence
the first date on which
the licence can be
terminated under this
Act
the licence area.
5 an infrastructure
licence
the first date on which
the licence can be
terminated under this
Act
the licence area.
6 a pipeline licence the first date on which
the licence can be
terminated under this
Act
the part of the
offshore area in
which the pipeline
is constructed.
(7) A notice under subsection (2) need not identify
the applicable date as a particular calendar date.
636 Remedial directions to former holders of permits,
leases, licences and authorities etc.
(1) This section applies if an event specified in the
table has happened—
Scope
Item Title Event
1 Petroleum exploration
permit
(a) the permit has been wholly or
partly revoked;
(b) the permit has been wholly or
partly cancelled;
(c) the permit has expired.
2 Petroleum retention
lease
(a) the lease has been wholly or partly
revoked;
(b) the lease has been cancelled;
(c) the lease has expired.
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Scope
Item Title Event
3 Petroleum production
licence
(a) the licence has been wholly or
partly revoked;
(b) the licence has been wholly or
partly cancelled;
(c) the licence has been terminated;
(d) the licence has expired.
4 Infrastructure licence (a) the licence has been cancelled;
(b) the licence has been terminated.
5 Pipeline licence (a) the licence has been wholly or
partly cancelled;
(b) the licence has been wholly or
partly terminated.
6 Petroleum special
prospecting authority
(a) the authority has been surrendered;
(b) the authority has been cancelled;
(c) the authority has expired.
7 Petroleum access
authority
(a) the authority has been revoked;
(b) the authority has been surrendered;
(c) the authority has expired.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
person who was, or is, as the case may be, the
registered holder of the permit, lease, licence or
authority, direct the person to do any or all of the
following things within the period specified in the
notice—
(a) to—
(i) remove, or cause to be removed, from
the vacated area all property brought
into that area by any person engaged or
concerned in the operations authorised
by the permit, lease, licence or
authority; or
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(ii) make arrangements that are satisfactory
to the Minister in relation to that
property;
(b) to plug or close off, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, all wells made in the vacated area
by any person engaged or concerned in those
operations;
(c) to provide, to the satisfaction of the Minister,
for the conservation and protection of the
natural resources in the vacated area;
(d) to make good, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, any damage to the seabed or
subsoil in the vacated area caused by any
person engaged or concerned in those
operations.
(3) The period specified in the notice must be
reasonable.
(4) In attaining a state of satisfaction for the purposes
of paragraph (2)(b), the Minister—
(a) in the case of a declared petroleum
exploration permit, declared petroleum
retention lease or declared petroleum
production licence—must have regard; or
(b) otherwise—may have regard—
to the principle that plugging or closing off wells
should be carried out in a way that restores or
maintains the suitability of a part of a geological
formation for the permanent storage of
greenhouse gas substances.
(5) Subsection (2)(c) has effect subject to—
(a) Chapter 2; and
(b) this Chapter; and
(c) the regulations.
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(6) A person who is given a direction under
subsection (2) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
637 Minister may take action if a direction has not been
complied with
(1) This section applies if a direction is given under
section 636.
(2) If—
(a) a direction under section 636 has not been
complied with in relation to the vacated area;
or
(b) an arrangement under section 636 has not
been carried out in relation to the vacated
area—
the Minister may do any or all of the things
required by the direction or arrangement to be
done.
(3) If any property brought into the vacated area by
any person engaged or concerned in the operations
authorised by the permit, lease, licence or
authority has not been removed in accordance
with—
(a) a direction under section 636 in relation to
the vacated area; or
(b) an arrangement under section 636 in relation
to the vacated area—
the Minister may, by written notice published in
the Government Gazette, direct the owner or
owners of that property to—
(c) remove the property from the vacated area;
or
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(d) dispose of the property to the satisfaction of
the Minister—
within the period specified in the notice.
Note
For sanctions, see section 638.
(4) The period specified in the notice must be
reasonable.
(5) If a direction is given under subsection (3) in
relation to property, the Minister must give a copy
of the notice to each person whom the Minister
believes to be an owner of the property or of any
part of the property.
638 Removal, disposal or sale of property by Minister—
noncompliance with direction
(1) If a direction under section 637(3) in relation to
property has not been complied with, the Minister
may do any or all of the following things—
(a) remove, in such manner as the Minister
thinks fit, any or all of that property from the
vacated area concerned;
(b) dispose of, in such manner as the Minister
thinks fit, any or all of that property;
(c) if, under section 637(5), a person was given
a copy of the notice of the direction—sell, by
public auction or otherwise, as the Minister
thinks fit, any or all of that property that
belongs, or that the Minister believes to
belong, to that person.
(2) The Minister may deduct, from the proceeds of a
sale under subsection (1) of property that belongs
(or that the Minister believes to belong) to a
particular person, the whole or a part of—
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(a) any costs and expenses incurred by the
Minister under that subsection in relation to
that property; and
(b) any costs and expenses incurred by the
Minister in relation to the doing of any thing
required by a direction under section 636 to
be done by that person; and
(c) any fees or amounts payable by that person
under this Act, so long as the fee or amount
concerned is due and payable.
(3) The proceeds of a sale of property under
subsection (1), less any deductions under
subsection (2), are to be paid to the owner of the
property.
(4) If the Minister incurs any costs or expenses under
subsection (1) in relation to the removal, disposal
or sale of property, the costs or expenses—
(a) are a debt due by the owner of the property
to the State; and
(b) to the extent to which they are not recovered
under subsection (2)—are recoverable in a
court of competent jurisdiction.
(5) If the Minister incurs costs or expenses in relation
to the doing of anything required by a direction
under section 636 to be done by a person who is
or was the registered holder of a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention lease,
petroleum production licence, infrastructure
licence, pipeline licence, petroleum special
prospecting authority or petroleum access
authority, the costs or expenses—
(a) are a debt due by the person to the Minister;
and
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(b) to the extent to which they are not recovered
under subsection (2)—are recoverable in a
court of competent jurisdiction.
Division 2—Greenhouse gas
639 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Division.
(2) The Minister may give remedial directions to
greenhouse gas titleholders or former greenhouse
gas titleholders about the following matters—
(a) the removal of property;
(b) the plugging or closing off of wells;
(c) the conservation and protection of natural
resources;
(d) the making good of damage to the seabed or
subsoil.
(3) The Minister may give site closing directions to
greenhouse gas injection licensees.
(4) If there is noncompliance with a direction, the
Minister may do anything required by the
direction to be done.
(5) If property has not been removed in accordance
with a direction, the Minister may direct the
owner to remove or dispose of the property.
(6) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this
Division.
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640 Remedial directions to current holders of permits,
leases and licences
(1) This section applies to—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence, if no
operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance into an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation have been carried on
under the licence.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of the permit, lease or licence,
direct the holder to do any or all of the following
things on or before the applicable date—
(a) to—
(i) remove, or cause to be removed, from
the title area all property brought into
that area by any person engaged or
concerned in the operations authorised
by the permit, lease or licence; or
(ii) make arrangements that are satisfactory
to the Minister in relation to that
property—
(b) to plug or close off, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, all wells made in the title area by
any person engaged or concerned in those
operations;
(c) to provide, to the satisfaction of the Minister,
for the conservation and protection of the
natural resources in the title area;
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(d) to make good, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, any damage to the seabed or
subsoil in the title area caused by any person
engaged or concerned in those operations.
Notes
1 For applicable date and title area, see subsection (6).
2 For variation and revocation, see section 41A of the
Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984.
(3) Subsection (2)(c) has effect subject to—
(a) Chapter 3; and
(b) this Chapter; and
(c) the regulations.
(4) In attaining a state of satisfaction for the purposes
of subsection (2)(b), the Minister must have
regard to the principle that plugging or closing off
wells should be carried out in a way that
minimises damage to the petroleum-bearing
qualities of geological formations.
(5) A person who is given a direction under
subsection (2) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(6) For the purposes of this section, the table has
effect—
Applicable date and title area
Item In the case of... the applicable date is...
and the title
area is...
1 a greenhouse gas
assessment permit
the expiry date of the
permit
the permit
area.
2 a greenhouse gas
holding lease (other
than a special
greenhouse gas
holding lease)
the expiry date of the
lease
the lease area.
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Applicable date and title area
Item In the case of... the applicable date is...
and the title
area is...
3 a special greenhouse
gas holding lease
the date determined, in
writing, by the Minister
the lease area.
4 a greenhouse gas
injection licence
the first date on which the
licence can be terminated
under this Act
the licence
area.
(7) A notice under subsection (2) need not identify
the applicable date as a particular calendar date.
641 Site closing directions to current holders of
greenhouse gas injection licences
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation is specified in a greenhouse gas
injection licence; and
(b) operations for the injection of a greenhouse
gas substance into the identified greenhouse
gas storage formation have been carried on
under the licence; and
(c) the Minister is satisfied that operations for
the injection of a greenhouse gas substance
into the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation have ceased; and
(d) any of the following conditions is satisfied—
(i) an application has been made for a site
closing certificate in relation to the
identified greenhouse gas storage
formation;
(ii) the licensee has breached the
requirement imposed by section 415(1)
to make an application for a site closing
certificate in relation to the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation;
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(iii) the licensee has not complied with a
direction under section 416(1) to make
an application for a site closing
certificate in relation to the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
registered holder of the licence, direct the holder
to do any or all of the following things within the
period specified in the notice—
(a) to—
(i) remove, or cause to be removed, from
the licence area all property brought
into that area by any person engaged or
concerned in the operations authorised
by the licence; or
(ii) make arrangements that are satisfactory
to the Minister in relation to that
property;
(b) to plug or close off, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, all wells made in the licence area,
whether or not those wells were made by a
person engaged or concerned in those
operations;
(c) to provide, to the satisfaction of the Minister,
for the conservation and protection of the
natural resources in the licence area;
(d) to make good, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, any damage to the seabed or
subsoil in the licence area (whether or not
caused by any person engaged or concerned
in those operations);
(e) to carry out such operations as are specified
in the notice for the monitoring of the
behaviour of a greenhouse gas substance
stored in the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation concerned;
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(f) to undertake such activities as are specified
in the notice for the purpose of—
(i) eliminating; or
(ii) mitigating; or
(iii) managing; or
(iv) remediating—
the risk that a greenhouse gas substance
injected into the identified greenhouse gas
storage formation will have a significant
adverse impact on—
(v) navigation; or
(vi) fishing; or
(vii) any activities being lawfully carried on,
or that could be lawfully carried on, by
way of the construction or operation of
a pipeline; or
(viii) the enjoyment of native title rights
(within the meaning of the Native Title
Act 1993 of the Commonwealth); or
(ix) the conservation or exploitation of
natural resources (whether in the
offshore area or elsewhere); or
(x) the geotechnical integrity of the whole
or a part of a geological formation or
geological structure; or
(xi) the environment; or
(xii) human health or safety;
(g) to undertake such activities as are specified
in the notice for the purpose of—
(i) ensuring; or
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(ii) increasing the likelihood—
that a greenhouse gas substance injected into
the identified greenhouse gas storage
formation will behave as predicted in Part A
of the approved site plan for the identified
greenhouse gas storage formation.
Note
For variation and revocation, see section 41A of the
Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984.
(3) The period specified in the notice must be
reasonable.
(4) Subsection (2)(c) has effect subject to—
(a) Chapter 3; and
(b) this Chapter; and
(c) the regulations.
(5) Subsection (2)(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) do not limit
subsection (2)(f) or (g).
(6) In attaining a state of satisfaction for the purposes
of subsection (2)(b), the Minister must have
regard to the principle that plugging or closing off
wells should be carried out in a way that
minimises damage to the petroleum-bearing
qualities of geological formations.
(7) A subsection (2)(f) or (g) direction may require
the registered holder of the licence to do
something—
(a) in the licence area; or
(b) in the offshore area but outside the licence
area.
(8) A person who is given a direction under
subsection (2) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
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(9) To avoid doubt, the powers conferred on the
Minister by this section do not limit the powers
conferred on the Minister by any other provision
of this Act.
642 Consultation—directions to do something outside
the licence area
(1) This section applies if—
(a) the Minister proposes to give a direction
under section 641 to a greenhouse gas
injection licensee; and
(b) the direction requires the licensee to do
something in an area (the action area) in the
offshore area but outside the licence area;
and
(c) the action area is, to any extent, the subject
of—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(iv) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(v) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(vi) a petroleum retention lease; or
(vii) a petroleum production licence; or
(viii) a petroleum special prospecting
authority; and
(d) the licensee mentioned in paragraph (a) is
not the registered holder of the permit, lease,
licence or authority mentioned in
paragraph (c); and
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(e) the registered holder of the permit, lease,
licence or authority mentioned in
paragraph (c) has not given written consent
to the giving of the direction.
(2) Before giving the direction, the Minister must—
(a) by written notice given to the registered
holder of the permit, lease, licence or
authority mentioned in subsection (1)(c),
give at least 30 days notice of the Minister's
intention to give the direction; and
(b) give a copy of the notice to such other
persons (if any) as the Minister thinks fit.
(3) The notice must—
(a) set out details of the direction that is
proposed to be given; and
(b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy
of the notice, has been given to make a
written submission to Minister about the
proposal; and
(c) specify a time limit for making that
submission.
(4) In deciding whether to give the direction, the
Minister must take into account any submissions
made in accordance with the notice.
(5) However, if the Minister is satisfied that the
direction is required to deal with an emergency—
(a) subsections (2), (3) and (4) do not apply to
the direction; and
(b) as soon as practicable after the direction is
given, the Minister must give a copy of the
direction to the registered holder of the
permit, lease, licence or authority mentioned
in subsection (1)(c).
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643 Remedial directions to former holders of permits,
leases, licences and authorities etc.
(1) This section applies if an event specified in the
table has happened—
Scope
Item Title Event
1 Greenhouse gas
assessment permit
(a) the permit has been cancelled;
(b) the permit has expired.
2 Greenhouse gas
holding lease
(other than a
special greenhouse
gas holding lease)
(a) the lease has been cancelled;
(b) the lease has expired.
3 Special greenhouse
gas holding lease
the lease has been cancelled.
4 Greenhouse gas
injection licence
(a) the licence has been cancelled;
(b) the licence has been terminated.
5 Greenhouse gas
search authority
(a) the authority has been surrendered;
(b) the authority has been cancelled;
(c) the authority has expired.
6 Greenhouse gas
special authority
(a) the authority has been revoked;
(b) the authority has been surrendered;
(c) the authority has expired.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
person who was, or is, as the case may be, the
registered holder of the permit, lease, licence or
authority, direct the person to do any or all of the
following things within the period specified in the
notice—
(a) to—
(i) remove, or cause to be removed, from
the vacated area all property brought
into that area by any person engaged or
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concerned in the operations authorised
by the permit, lease, licence or
authority; or
(ii) make arrangements that are satisfactory
to the Minister in relation to that
property;
(b) to plug or close off, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, all wells made in the vacated area
by any person engaged or concerned in those
operations;
(c) to provide, to the satisfaction of the Minister,
for the conservation and protection of the
natural resources in the vacated area;
(d) to make good, to the satisfaction of the
Minister, any damage to the seabed or
subsoil in the vacated area caused by any
person engaged or concerned in those
operations.
(3) The period specified in the notice must be
reasonable.
(4) Subsection (2)(c) has effect subject to—
(a) Chapter 3; and
(b) this Chapter; and
(c) the regulations.
(5) In attaining a state of satisfaction for the purposes
of subsection (2)(b), the Minister must have
regard to the principle that plugging or closing off
wells should be carried out in a way that
minimises damage to the petroleum-bearing
qualities of geological formations.
(6) A person who is given a direction under
subsection (2) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
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644 Minister may take action if a direction has not been
complied with
(1) This section applies if a direction is given under
section 641 or 643.
(2) If—
(a) a direction under section 641 has not been
complied with; or
(b) an arrangement under section 641 has not
been carried out in relation to the licence
area; or
(c) a direction under section 643 has not been
complied with in relation to the vacated area;
or
(d) an arrangement under section 643 has not
been carried out in relation to the vacated
area—
the Minister may do any or all of the things
required by the direction or arrangement to be
done.
(3) If—
(a) a direction is given under section 641; and
(b) any property brought into the licence area by
any person engaged or concerned in the
operations authorised by the licence has not
been removed in accordance with—
(i) the direction; or
(ii) an arrangement under section 641 in
relation to the licence area—
the Minister may, by written notice published in
the Government Gazette, direct the owner or
owners of that property to—
(c) remove the property from the licence area; or
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(d) dispose of the property to the satisfaction of
the Minister—
within the period specified in the notice.
Note
For sanctions, see section 645.
(4) If—
(a) a direction is given under section 643; and
(b) any property brought into the vacated area by
any person engaged or concerned in the
operations authorised by the permit, lease,
licence or authority has not been removed in
accordance with—
(i) a direction under section 643 in relation
to the vacated area; or
(ii) an arrangement under section 643 in
relation to the vacated area—
the Minister may, by written notice published in
the Government Gazette, direct the owner or
owners of that property to—
(c) remove the property from the vacated area;
or
(d) dispose of the property to the satisfaction of
the Minister—
within the period specified in the notice.
Note
For sanctions, see section 645.
(5) The period specified in the notice must be
reasonable.
(6) If a direction is given under subsection (3) or (4)
in relation to property, the Minister must give a
copy of the notice to each person whom the
Minister believes to be an owner of the property
or of any part of the property.
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645 Removal, disposal or sale of property by Minister—
noncompliance with a direction
(1) If a direction under section 644(3) or (4) in
relation to property has not been complied with,
the Minister may do any or all of the following
things—
(a) in the case of a direction under section
644(3)—remove, in such manner as the
Minister thinks fit, any or all of that property
from the licence area concerned;
(b) in the case of a direction under section
644(4)—remove, in such manner as the
Minister thinks fit, any or all of that property
from the vacated area concerned;
(c) dispose of, in such manner as the Minister
thinks fit, any or all of that property;
(d) if, under section 644(6), a person was given
a copy of the notice of the direction—sell, by
public auction or otherwise, as the Minister
thinks fit, any or all of that property that
belongs, or that the Minister believes to
belong, to that person.
(2) The Minister may deduct, from the proceeds of a
sale under subsection (1) of property that belongs
(or that the Minister believes to belong) to a
particular person, the whole or a part of—
(a) any costs and expenses incurred by the
Minister under that subsection in relation to
that property; and
(b) any costs and expenses incurred by the
Minister in relation to the doing of any thing
required by a direction under section 641
or 643 to be done by that person; and
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(c) any fees or amounts payable by that person
under this Act, so long as the fee or amount
concerned is due and payable.
(3) The proceeds of a sale of property under
subsection (1), less any deductions under
subsection (2), are to be paid to the owner of the
property.
(4) If the Minister incurs any costs or expenses under
subsection (1) in relation to the removal, disposal
or sale of property, the costs or expenses—
(a) are a debt due by the owner of the property
to the State; and
(b) to the extent to which they are not recovered
under subsection (2)—are recoverable in a
court of competent jurisdiction.
(5) If the Minister incurs costs or expenses in relation
to the doing of anything required by a direction
under section 641 or 643 to be done by a person
who is or was the registered holder of a
greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse
gas holding lease, greenhouse gas injection
licence, greenhouse gas search authority or
greenhouse gas special authority, the costs or
expenses—
(a) are a debt due by the person to the State; and
(b) to the extent to which they are not recovered
under subsection (2)—are recoverable in a
court of competent jurisdiction.
__________________
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PART 6.5—OFFENCES AND ENFORCEMENT
Division 1—Petroleum
646 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Division.
(2) The Minister may appoint petroleum project
inspectors, and the petroleum project inspectors
may exercise powers of access, inspection and
entry for the purposes of this Act and the
regulations.
(3) A person must not interfere with offshore
petroleum installations or operations.
(4) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this
Division.
647 Appointment of petroleum project inspectors
The Minister may, by writing, appoint a person to
be a petroleum project inspector in relation to the
offshore area if the person is an officer, or
employee, of—
(a) the Commonwealth, the State, another State
or a Territory; or
(b) an authority of the Commonwealth, the
State, another State or a Territory.
648 Identity cards of petroleum project inspectors
(1) The Minister must issue an identity card to a
petroleum project inspector.
(2) An identity card issued under subsection (1) must
contain a recent photograph of the petroleum
project inspector.
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(3) A person who ceases to be a petroleum project
inspector must immediately return the identity
card to—
(a) the Minister; or
(b) if the Minister, by written notice given to the
person, specifies another person to whom the
card is to be returned—that other person.
Penalty: 5 penalty units.
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the identity card
was lost or destroyed.
(5) A petroleum project inspector must carry the
identity card at all times when exercising powers,
or performing functions, under this Act or the
regulations as a petroleum project inspector.
649 Monitoring powers of petroleum project inspectors
(1) For the purposes of this Act and the regulations, a
petroleum project inspector may, at all reasonable
times and on production of the petroleum project
inspector's identity card, exercise the powers
conferred by subsection (2).
(2) The powers a petroleum project inspector may
exercise under this section are as follows—
(a) to have access to any part of the offshore
area;
(b) to have access to any structure, vessel,
aircraft or building in the offshore area that
the petroleum project inspector has
reasonable grounds to believe has been, is
being or is to be used in connection with any
of the following operations in the offshore
area—
(i) petroleum exploration operations;
(ii) petroleum recovery operations;
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(iii) operations relating to the processing or
storage of petroleum;
(iv) operations relating to the preparation of
petroleum for transport;
(v) operations connected with the
construction or operation of a pipeline;
(c) to inspect and test any equipment that the
petroleum project inspector has reasonable
grounds to believe has been, is being or is to
be used in the offshore area in connection
with any of those operations;
(d) to enter any structure, vessel, aircraft,
building or place that is in—
(i) the offshore area; or
(ii) the State—
and in which the petroleum project inspector
has reasonable grounds to believe there are
any documents relating to any of those
operations, and to inspect, take extracts from
and make copies of any of those documents.
650 Entry into residential premises
(1) A petroleum project inspector may exercise
powers under section 649(2)(d) to enter residential
premises only—
(a) in accordance with a warrant issued under
section 653; or
(b) after obtaining the consent of the occupier of
the premises.
(2) If—
(a) a petroleum project inspector enters
residential premises in accordance with a
warrant issued under section 653; and
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(b) the occupier of the premises is present at the
premises—
the petroleum project inspector must make
available to the occupier a copy of the warrant or
a copy of the form of the warrant.
(3) Before obtaining the consent of a person as
mentioned in subsection (1)(b), a petroleum
project inspector must inform the person that the
person may refuse consent.
(4) A consent of a person is not effective for the
purposes of subsection (1) unless the consent is
voluntary.
651 Facilities and assistance to be provided by occupier
or person in charge
(1) A petroleum project inspector may direct, orally
or in writing, a person who is—
(a) the occupier or person in charge of any
building, structure or place referred to in
section 649(2); or
(b) the person in charge of any vessel, aircraft or
equipment referred to in that subsection—
to provide the inspector all reasonable facilities
and assistance to enable the inspector to
effectively exercise his or her powers under that
section.
(2) A person who is given a direction under
subsection (1) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
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652 Obstructing or hindering a petroleum project
inspector
(1) A person must not obstruct or hinder a petroleum
project inspector in the exercise of the petroleum
project inspector's powers under this Division.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a
reasonable excuse.
653 Warrants to enter residential premises
(1) A petroleum project inspector may apply to a
magistrate for a warrant authorising the petroleum
project inspector, with such assistance as the
petroleum project inspector thinks necessary, to
exercise the power referred to in section 649(2)(d)
in relation to particular residential premises.
(2) The application must be supported by an
information on oath or affirmation that sets out the
grounds on which the petroleum project inspector
is applying for the warrant.
(3) If the magistrate is satisfied that there are
reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant, the
Magistrate may issue the warrant authorising the
petroleum project inspector and any assistants the
inspector thinks necessary—
(a) to enter the residential premises or the part of
residential premises named or described in
the warrant; and
(b) exercise the power referred to in
section 649(2)(d) in those residential
premises or that part of the residential
premises.
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(4) In addition to any other requirement, a warrant
issued under this section must state—
(a) the name of the petroleum project inspector;
and
(b) whether the inspection may be carried out at
any time or only during specified hours of
the day; and
(c) the day on which the warrant ceases to have
effect; and
(d) any conditions to which the warrant is
subject; and
(e) the purposes for which the warrant is issued.
(5) The day specified under subsection (4)(c) is not to
be more than 7 days after the day on which the
warrant is issued.
(6) The purposes specified under subsection (4)(e)
must include the identification of the premises in
relation to which the warrant is issued.
(7) A search warrant must be issued in accordance
with the Magistrates' Court Act 1989 and must
be in a form set out in the regulations under that
Act.
(8) Subject to any provision to the contrary in this
Act, the rules to be observed with respect to
search warrants mentioned in the Magistrates'
Court Act 1989 extend and apply to warrants
under this section.
654 Interfering with offshore petroleum installations or
operations
(1) A person must not intentionally damage—
(a) any structure or vessel that is in the offshore
area and that is, or is to be, used in exploring
for, recovering, processing, storing,
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preparing for transport, or transporting,
petroleum; or
(b) any equipment on, or attached to, a structure
or vessel referred to in paragraph (a).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(2) A person must not intentionally interfere with—
(a) any structure or vessel that is in the offshore
area and that is, or is to be, used in exploring
for, recovering, processing, storing,
preparing for transport, or transporting,
petroleum; or
(b) any equipment on, or attached to, a structure
or vessel referred to in paragraph (a); or
(c) any operations or activities being carried out,
or any works being executed, on, by means
of, or in connection with, a structure or
vessel referred to in paragraph (a).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(3) In this section—
structure means any fixed, moveable or floating
structure or installation, and includes a
petroleum pipeline, petroleum pumping
station, petroleum tank station or petroleum
valve station.
Division 2—Greenhouse gas
655 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Division.
(2) The Minister may appoint greenhouse gas project
inspectors, and the greenhouse gas project
inspectors may exercise powers of access,
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inspection and entry for the purposes of this Act
and the regulations.
(3) A person must not interfere with greenhouse gas
installations or operations.
(4) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this
Division.
656 Appointment of greenhouse gas project inspectors
The Minister may, by writing, appoint a person to
be a greenhouse gas project inspector if—
(a) the person is an officer, or employee, of—
(i) the Commonwealth, the State, another
State or a Territory; or
(ii) an authority of the Commonwealth, the
State, another State or a Territory; or
(b) the person is not covered by paragraph (a),
but the Minister is satisfied that the person
has the knowledge, skills and experience to
be a greenhouse gas project inspector.
657 Identity cards of greenhouse gas project inspectors
(1) The Minister must issue an identity card to a
greenhouse gas project inspector.
(2) An identity card issued under subsection (1) must
contain a recent photograph of the greenhouse gas
project inspector.
(3) A person who ceases to be a greenhouse gas
project inspector must immediately return the
identity card to—
(a) the Minister; or
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(b) if the Minister, by written notice given to the
person, specifies another person to whom the
card is to be returned—that other person.
Penalty: 5 penalty units.
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the identity card
was lost or destroyed.
(5) A greenhouse gas project inspector must carry the
identity card at all times when exercising powers,
or performing functions, under this Act or the
regulations as a greenhouse gas project inspector.
658 Monitoring powers of greenhouse gas project
inspectors
(1) For the purposes of this Act and the regulations, a
greenhouse gas project inspector may, at all
reasonable times and on production of the
greenhouse gas project inspector's identity card,
exercise the powers conferred by subsection (2).
(2) The powers a greenhouse gas project inspector
may exercise under this section are as follows—
(a) to have access to any part of the offshore
area;
(b) to have access to any structure, vessel,
aircraft or building in the offshore area that
the greenhouse gas project inspector has
reasonable grounds to believe has been, is
being or is to be used in connection with any
of the following operations in the offshore
area—
(i) operations relating to exploration for a
potential greenhouse gas storage
formation or a potential greenhouse gas
injection site;
(ii) operations relating to the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance into the
seabed or subsoil;
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(iii) operations relating to the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance in the seabed
or subsoil;
(iv) operations relating to the processing,
compression or pre-injection storage of
a greenhouse gas substance;
(v) operations relating to the preparation of
a greenhouse gas substance for
transport;
(c) to inspect and test any equipment that the
greenhouse gas project inspector has
reasonable grounds to believe has been, is
being or is to be used in the offshore area in
connection with any of those operations;
(d) to enter any structure, vessel, aircraft,
building or place that is in—
(i) the offshore area; or
(ii) the State—
and in which the greenhouse gas project
inspector has reasonable grounds to believe
there are any documents relating to any of
those operations, and to inspect, take extracts
from and make copies of any of those
documents.
659 Entry into residential premises
(1) A greenhouse gas project inspector may exercise
powers under section 658(2)(d) to enter residential
premises only—
(a) in accordance with a warrant issued under
section 662; or
(b) after obtaining the consent of the occupier of
the premises.
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(2) If—
(a) a greenhouse gas project inspector enters
residential premises in accordance with a
warrant issued under section 662; and
(b) the occupier of the premises is present at the
premises—
the greenhouse gas project inspector must make
available to the occupier a copy of the warrant or
a copy of the form of the warrant.
(3) Before obtaining the consent of a person as
mentioned in subsection (1)(b), a greenhouse gas
project inspector must inform the person that the
person may refuse consent.
(4) A consent of a person is not effective for the
purposes of subsection (1) unless the consent is
voluntary.
660 Facilities and assistance to be provided by occupier
or person in charge
(1) A greenhouse gas project inspector may direct,
orally or in writing, a person who is—
(a) the occupier or person in charge of any
building, structure or place referred to in
section 658(2); or
(b) the person in charge of any vessel, aircraft or
equipment referred to in that subsection—
to provide the inspector all reasonable facilities
and assistance to enable the inspector to
effectively exercise his or her powers under that
section.
(2) A person who is given a direction under
subsection (1) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
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661 Obstructing or hindering a greenhouse gas project
inspector
(1) A person must not obstruct or hinder a greenhouse
gas project inspector in the exercise of the
greenhouse gas project inspector's powers under
this Division.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person has a
reasonable excuse.
662 Warrants to enter residential premises
(1) A greenhouse gas project inspector may apply to a
magistrate for a warrant authorising the
greenhouse gas project inspector, with such
assistance as the greenhouse gas project inspector
thinks necessary, to exercise the power referred to
in section 658(2)(d) in relation to particular
residential premises.
(2) The application must be supported by an
information on oath or affirmation that sets out the
grounds on which the greenhouse gas project
inspector is applying for the warrant.
(3) If the magistrate is satisfied that there are
reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant, the
magistrate may issue the warrant authorising the
greenhouse gas project inspector and any
assistants the inspector thinks necessary—
(a) to enter the residential premises or the part of
residential premises named or described in
the warrant; and
(b) exercise the power referred to in section
658(2)(d) in those residential premises or
that part of the residential premises.
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(4) In addition to any other requirement, a warrant
issued under this section must state—
(a) the name of the greenhouse gas project
inspector; and
(b) whether the inspection may be carried out at
any time or only during specified hours of
the day; and
(c) the day on which the warrant ceases to have
effect; and
(d) any conditions to which the warrant is
subject; and
(e) the purposes for which the warrant is issued.
(5) The day specified under subsection (4)(c) is not to
be more than 7 days after the day on which the
warrant is issued.
(6) The purposes specified under subsection (4)(e)
must include the identification of the premises in
relation to which the warrant is issued.
(7) A search warrant must be issued in accordance
with the Magistrates' Court Act 1989 and must
be in a form set out in the regulations under that
Act.
(8) Subject to any provision to the contrary in this
Act, the rules to be observed with respect to
search warrants mentioned in the Magistrates'
Court Act 1989 extend and apply to warrants
under this section.
663 Interfering with greenhouse gas installations or
operations
(1) A person must not intentionally damage—
(a) any structure or vessel that is in the offshore
area and that is, or is to be, used in used in
greenhouse gas operations in that area; or
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(b) any equipment on, or attached to, a structure
or vessel referred to in paragraph (a).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(2) A person must not intentionally interfere with—
(a) any structure or vessel that is in the offshore
area and that is, or is to be, used in
greenhouse gas operations in that area; or
(b) any equipment on, or attached to, a structure
or vessel referred to in paragraph (a); or
(c) any operations or activities being carried out,
or any works being executed, on, by means
of, or in connection with, a structure or
vessel referred to in paragraph (a).
Penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.
(3) In this section—
greenhouse gas operations means—
(a) operations relating to exploration for a
potential greenhouse gas formation or a
potential greenhouse gas injection site;
or
(b) operations relating to the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance into the
seabed or subsoil; or
(c) operations relating to the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance in the seabed
or subsoil; or
(d) operations relating to the processing,
compression or pre-injection storage of
a greenhouse gas substance; or
(e) operations relating to the preparation of
a greenhouse gas substance for
transport;
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structure means any fixed, moveable or floating
structure or installation, and includes a
greenhouse gas pipeline, greenhouse gas
pumping station, greenhouse gas tank station
or greenhouse gas valve station.
__________________
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PART 6.6—SAFETY ZONES AND THE AREA TO BE
AVOIDED
Division 1—Introduction
664 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) The Minister may prohibit certain vessels from
entering or being present in an area (called a
petroleum safety zone) surrounding a petroleum
well, a structure, or an item of equipment, in the
offshore area.
(3) The Minister may prohibit certain vessels from
entering or being present in an area (called a
greenhouse gas safety zone) surrounding a
greenhouse gas well, a structure, or an item of
equipment, in the offshore area.
(4) The area to be avoided is the area described in
Schedule 2, but does not include a safety zone or
the coastal waters of Victoria.
(5) A vessel must not enter or be present in the area to
be avoided unless authorised to do so under this
Part.
(6) An authorised person may exercise powers for the
purposes of the enforcement of this Part.
(7) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
665 Simplified map of the area to which Schedule 2
applies
This section sets out a simplified map illustrating
the area to which Schedule 2 applies.
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666 Definitions
In this Part—
area to be avoided means so much of the area to
which Schedule 2 applies as comprises
waters of the sea that—
(a) are not within the coastal waters of
Victoria or within any area on the
landward side of those coastal waters;
and
(b) are not within a safety zone;
authorised person has the meaning given by
section 667;
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exempt vessel, in relation to a safety zone, means
a vessel—
(a) in the case of a petroleum safety
zone—that is excluded from the
operation of section 668 in relation to
that safety zone because—
(i) the vessel is specified in the notice
establishing the safety zone; or
(ii) the vessel is included in a class of
vessels specified in the notice
establishing the safety zone; or
(b) in the case of a petroleum safety
zone—for which a written consent of
the Minister under section 668(1) is in
force in relation to the safety zone; or
(c) in the case of a greenhouse gas safety
zone—that is excluded from the
operation of section 670 in relation to
that safety zone because—
(i) the vessel is specified in the notice
establishing the safety zone; or
(ii) the vessel is included in a class of
vessels specified in the notice
establishing the safety zone; or
(d) in the case of a greenhouse gas safety
zone—for which a written consent of
the Minister under section 670(1) is in
force in relation to the safety zone;
foreign-flag vessel means a vessel that—
(a) under the law of a foreign country, is
entitled to fly the flag of that country;
and
(b) is flying that flag;
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government body means—
(a) the State, the Commonwealth, another
State or a Territory; or
(b) a body corporate established for a
public purpose by or under a law of the
State, the Commonwealth or of another
State or a Territory, other than—
(i) the Western Australian Coastal
Shipping Commission; or
(ii) the Transport Commission
established under the Transport
Act 1981 of Tasmania; or
(iii) a body corporate that is declared
by regulations made under the
Shipping Registration Act 1981 of
the Commonwealth not to be a
Government authority for the
purposes of that Act;
Government vessel means—
(a) a vessel that is beneficially owned by a
government body; or
(b) a vessel the whole possession and
control of which is for the time being
vested in a government body;
greenhouse gas safety zone means an area
specified in a notice under section 670;
greenhouse gas well means a hole in the seabed
or subsoil made by drilling, boring or any
other means in connection with—
(a) exploration for potential greenhouse
gas storage formations; or
(b) exploration for potential greenhouse
gas injection sites; or
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(c) the injection of a greenhouse gas
substance into an identified greenhouse
gas storage formation; or
(d) the injection, on an appraisal basis,
of—
(i) a greenhouse gas substance; or
(ii) air; or
(iii) petroleum; or
(iv) water—
into a part of a geological formation;
master, in relation to a vessel, means the person
having command or charge of the vessel;
owner, in relation to a vessel, means—
(a) if the vessel is being operated by a
person who—
(i) does not own the vessel; and
(ii) has the whole possession and
control of the vessel—
the person operating the vessel; or
(b) in any other case—the person who
owns the vessel;
petroleum safety zone means an area that is
specified in a notice under section 668(1);
petroleum well means a hole in the seabed or
subsoil made by drilling, boring or any other
means in connection with—
(a) exploration for petroleum; or
(b) petroleum recovery operations—
but does not include a seismic shot hole;
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prescribed safety zone means a safety zone that is
situated within any part of the area to which
Schedule 2 applies that comprises waters of
the sea that are within the offshore area or
within any area on the landward side of the
offshore area;
relevant vessel means—
(a) a vessel that satisfies the following
conditions—
(i) the vessel is registered under the
Shipping Registration Act 1981 of
the Commonwealth;
(ii) the gross tonnage of the vessel
specified in the certificate of
registration of the vessel exceeds
200;
(iii) the vessel is not a Government
vessel; or
(b) a vessel that satisfies the following
conditions—
(i) the vessel is not registered under
the Shipping Registration Act
1981 of the Commonwealth;
(ii) the vessel is permitted to be
registered under that Act;
(iii) the vessel is not a foreign-flag
vessel;
(iv) the tonnage length of the vessel
equals or exceeds 24 metres (for
this purpose, the tonnage length is
to be determined in the same
manner as it is determined for the
purposes of that Act);
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(v) the vessel is not a Government
vessel; or
(c) a vessel that satisfies the following
conditions—
(i) the vessel is not a vessel to which
paragraph (a) or (b) applies;
(ii) the vessel is in the offshore area
for the purpose of exploring the
seabed or subsoil of the offshore
area for petroleum or minerals or
for the purpose of exploiting the
petroleum or minerals which
occur as natural resources of that
seabed or subsoil;
(iii) the vessel is not a Government
vessel; or
(d) a vessel that satisfies the following
conditions—
(i) the vessel is not a vessel to which
paragraph (a) or (b) applies;
(ii) the vessel is in the offshore area
for the purpose of exploring the
seabed or subsoil of the offshore
area for a potential greenhouse gas
storage formation or a potential
greenhouse gas injection site;
(iii) the vessel is not a Government
vessel; or
(e) a vessel that satisfies the following
conditions—
(i) the vessel is not a vessel to which
paragraph (a) or (b) applies;
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(ii) the vessel is in the offshore area
for purposes relating to the
injection of a greenhouse gas
substance into, or the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance in, the
seabed or subsoil of the offshore
area;
(iii) the vessel is not a Government
vessel;
safety zone means—
(a) a greenhouse gas safety zone; or
(b) a petroleum safety zone;
terrorist activity includes an activity involving
extortion.
667 Authorised persons
(1) For the purposes of this Part, an authorised
person is—
(a) a member or special member of the
Australian Federal Police; or
(b) a member of the police force of the State or
another State or a Territory; or
(c) a member of the Australian Defence Force;
or
(d) a person who is an authorised person because
of a declaration under subsection (2).
(2) The Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, declare that a person, or a
person included in a specified class of persons, is
an authorised person for the purposes of this Part.
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Division 2—Petroleum safety zones
668 Petroleum safety zones
(1) For the purpose of protecting a petroleum well, a
structure, or any equipment, in the offshore area,
the Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, prohibit—
(a) all vessels; or
(b) all vessels other than specified vessels; or
(c) all vessels other than the vessels included in
specified classes of vessels—
from entering or being present in a specified area
(the petroleum safety zone) surrounding the
petroleum well, structure or equipment without
the written consent of the Minister.
(2) A petroleum safety zone specified in a notice
under subsection (1) may extend to a distance of
500 metres around the well, structure or
equipment specified in the notice, where that
distance is measured from each point of the outer
edge of the well, structure or equipment.
669 Offences in relation to entering or being present in
petroleum safety zones
(1) The owner or master—
(a) of a vessel that enters or is present in a
petroleum safety zone in contravention of a
notice under section 668(1) that prohibits
that vessel from entering or being present in
that zone; and
(b) who intended that the vessel enter or be
present in that zone—
is guilty of an offence and liable to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 15 years.
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(2) The owner or master of a vessel who is reckless as
to whether the vessel enters or is present in a
petroleum safety zone in contravention of a notice
under section 668(1) that prohibits that vessel
from entering or being present in that zone is
guilty of an offence and liable to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.
(3) The owner or master of a vessel who is negligent
as to whether the vessel enters or is present in a
petroleum safety zone in contravention of a notice
under section 668(1) that prohibits that vessel
from entering or being present in that zone is
guilty of an offence and liable to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 5 years.
Division 3—Greenhouse gas safety zones
670 Greenhouse gas safety zones
(1) For the purpose of protecting a greenhouse gas
well, a structure, or any equipment, in the offshore
area, the Minister may, by notice published in the
Government Gazette, prohibit—
(a) all vessels; or
(b) all vessels other than specified vessels; or
(c) all vessels other than the vessels included in
specified classes of vessels—
from entering or being present in a specified area
(the greenhouse gas safety zone) surrounding the
greenhouse gas well, structure or equipment
without the written consent of the Minister.
(2) A greenhouse gas safety zone specified in a notice
under subsection (1) may extend to a distance of
500 metres around the well, structure or
equipment specified in the notice, where that
distance is measured from each point of the outer
edge of the well, structure or equipment.
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671 Offences in relation to entering or being present in
greenhouse gas safety zones
(1) The owner or master—
(a) of a vessel that enters or is present in a
greenhouse gas safety zone in contravention
of a notice under section 670(1) that
prohibits that vessel from entering or being
present in that zone; and
(b) who intended that the vessel enter or be
present in that zone—
is guilty of an offence and liable to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 15 years.
(2) The owner or master of a vessel who is reckless as
to whether the vessel enters or is present in a
greenhouse gas safety zone in contravention of a
notice under section 670(1) that prohibits that
vessel from entering or being present in that zone
is guilty of an offence and liable to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.
(3) The owner or master of a vessel who is negligent
as to whether the vessel enters or is present in a
greenhouse gas safety zone in contravention of a
notice under section 670(1) that prohibits that
vessel from entering or being present in that zone
is guilty of an offence and liable to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 5 years.
Division 4—Unauthorised vessel not to enter area to be
avoided
672 Minister may authorise entry into area to be
avoided
(1) The owner of a vessel or a person on behalf of the
owner, may apply to the Minister for the grant of
an authorisation for the vessel to enter, and to be
present in, the area to be avoided.
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(2) An application under subsection (1) must—
(a) be in writing; and
(b) specify the name of, or describe, the vessel
in relation to which applicaton is being
made.
(3) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
owner, authorise the vessel mentioned in the
application to enter, and to be present in, the area
to be avoided.
(4) An authorisation under subsection (3) is subject to
such conditions as are specified in the notice of
authorisation.
(5) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
owner of the vessel, revoke the authorisation.
673 Unauthorised vessel not to enter area to be avoided
(1) The owner or master—
(a) of a vessel—
(i) that is not an exempt vessel in relation
to a prescribed safety zone; and
(ii) that enters or is present in the area to be
avoided otherwise than in accordance
with an authorisation in force in
relation to the vessel under
section 672(3); and
(b) who intended that the vessel enter or be
present in the area to be avoided otherwise
than in accordance with an authorisation in
force in relation to the vessel under
section 672(3)—
is guilty of an offence and liable to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 5 years.
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(2) The owner or master—
(a) of a vessel—
(i) that is not an exempt vessel in relation
to a prescribed safety zone; and
(ii) that enters or is present in the area to be
avoided otherwise than in accordance
with an authorisation in force in
relation to the vessel under
section 672(3); and
(b) who is reckless as to whether the vessel
enters or is present in the area to be avoided
otherwise than in accordance with an
authorisation in force in relation to the vessel
under section 672(3)—
is guilty of an offence and liable to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 4 years.
(3) The owner or master—
(a) of a vessel—
(i) that is not an exempt vessel in relation
to a prescribed safety zone; and
(ii) that enters or is present in the area to be
avoided otherwise than in accordance
with an authorisation in force in
relation to the vessel under
section 672(3); and
(b) who is negligent as to whether the vessel
enters or is present in the area to be avoided
otherwise than in accordance with an
authorisation in force in relation to the vessel
under section 672(3)—
is guilty of an offence and liable to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 3 years.
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(4) In a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1), (2) or (3), it is a defence if—
(a) an unforeseen emergency rendered it
necessary for the vessel to enter or be present
in the area in order to attempt to secure the
safety of—
(i) the vessel; or
(ii) another vessel; or
(iii) any well, pipeline, structure or
equipment; or
(iv) human life; or
(b) the vessel entered or was present in the area
in circumstances not under the control of the
person who was in charge of the navigational
watch of the vessel.
Division 5—Powers of authorised persons
674 Requirement to move vessel etc.
An authorised person may—
(a) require the master of a vessel to take the
vessel outside the area to be avoided if—
(i) the vessel is a relevant vessel, or the
authorised person has reasonable
grounds to believe that the vessel is a
relevant vessel; and
(ii) the vessel is in the area to be avoided
otherwise than in accordance with an
authorisation in force in relation to the
vessel under section 672(3); and
(iii) the vessel is not an exempt vessel in
relation to a prescribed safety zone;
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(b) require the master of a vessel to take the
vessel outside the safety zone if—
(i) the vessel is in a safety zone; and
(ii) the vessel is not an exempt vessel in
relation to the safety zone;
(c) require the master of a disabled vessel to
permit the vessel to be towed away from the
area to be avoided or the safety zone, as the
case requires, or to accept the giving of such
other assistance to the vessel as the
authorised person considers necessary if—
(i) the vessel is in the area to be avoided,
and either the vessel is a relevant vessel
or the authorised person has reasonable
grounds to believe that the vessel is a
relevant vessel; and
(ii) the vessel is in a safety zone; and
(iii) the vessel is a relevant vessel (or the
authorised person has reasonable
grounds to believe that the vessel is a
relevant vessel), and the authorised
person has reasonable grounds to
believe that the vessel is likely to cause
damage to any well, pipeline, structure
or equipment in the area to be avoided
or in a safety zone.
675 Noncompliance with requirement to move vessel etc.
A person who is subject to a requirement under
section 674 must comply with the requirement.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
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676 Hindering or obstructing an authorised person
A person must not hinder or obstruct an
authorised person who is acting under section 674.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
677 Other powers of authorised persons
(1) An authorised person may—
(a) board a vessel that the authorised person has
reasonable grounds to believe has been used,
is being used or is about to be used in
contravention of section 669, 671 or 673;
(b) if the authorised person has boarded a vessel
in the exercise of powers under
paragraph (a)—
(i) require any person on board the vessel
to answer questions relating to the
vessel or to the movements of the
vessel; or
(ii) require the master of the vessel to state
whether a consent under section 668(1)
or 670(1), or an authorisation under
section 672(3), is in force in relation to
the vessel and, if so, to produce the
consent or authorisation, as the case
may be; or
(iii) if the vessel is registered under the
Shipping Registration Act 1981 of the
Commonwealth—require the master of
the vessel to produce the certificate of
registration of the vessel; or
(iv) search the vessel for any documents
relating to the vessel or to the
movements of the vessel;
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(c) require the master of a vessel to permit the
authorised person to take measurements of
the vessel if—
(i) the vessel is in, or is near, the area to be
avoided; and
(ii) the authorised person has reasonable
grounds to believe that the vessel is a
vessel of the kind referred to in
paragraph (b) of the definition of
relevant vessel in section 666; and
(iii) no authorisation under section 672(3) is
in force in relation to the vessel; and
(iv) the vessel is not an exempt vessel in
relation to a prescribed safety zone;
(d) detain a vessel that the authorised person has
reasonable grounds to believe has been used
in contravention of section 669, 671 or 673.
(2) An authorised person may exercise powers under
subsection (1) in relation to a vessel only—
(a) in accordance with a warrant issued under
section 682; or
(b) after obtaining the consent of the master of
the vessel; or
(c) in circumstances of seriousness and urgency,
in accordance with section 683.
678 Noncompliance with other requirements in relation
to a vessel
A person who is subject to a requirement under
section 677(1)(b)(i), (ii) or (iii) or (c) must comply
with the requirement.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
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679 Boarding of vessel must be facilitated
A person must facilitate, by all reasonable means,
the boarding of a vessel by an authorised person
under section 677(1)(a).
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
680 Hindering or obstructing an authorised person
A person must not hinder or obstruct an
authorised person who is exercising a power under
section 677(1).
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
681 Giving false and misleading information
A person must not, in purported compliance with
a requirement of an authorised person under
section 677(1), give information to the authorised
person that the person knows is false or
misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
682 Warrants to exercise powers in relation to vessels
(1) An authorised person may apply to a magistrate
for the issue of a warrant authorising an
authorised person named in the warrant, with such
assistance as the authorised person thinks
necessary, to exercise any or all of the powers
referred to in section 677(1) in relation to a vessel
if the authorised person has reasonable grounds to
believe that the vessel has been used, is being
used or is about to be used in contravention of
section 669, 671 or 673.
(2) The application must be supported by an
information on oath or affirmation that sets out the
grounds on which the authorised person is
applying for the warrant.
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(3) If the magistrate is satisfied that there are
reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant, the
magistrate may issue the warrant authorising the
authorised person, and any assistants the
authorised person thinks necessary, to exercise
any or all of the powers referred to in section
677(1) in relation to the vessel.
(4) A magistrate may issue a warrant under this
section only if—
(a) the authorised person or some other person
has given to the Magistrate, either orally or
by affidavit, such further information (if any)
as the magistrate requires concerning the
grounds on which the issue of the warrant is
being sought; and
(b) the magistrate is satisfied that there are
reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant.
(5) In addition to any other requirement, a warrant
issued under this section must state—
(a) the name of the authorised person; and
(b) the day on which the warrant ceases to have
effect; and
(c) any conditions to which the warrant is
subject; and
(d) the purposes for which the warrant is issued;
and
(e) set out a description of the vessel in relation
to which the warrant is issued.
(6) The day specified under subsection (3)(b) must
not be later than 7 days after the day on which the
warrant is issued.
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(7) A search warrant must be issued in accordance
with the Magistrates' Court Act 1989 and must
be in a form set out in the regulations under that
Act.
(8) Subject to any provision to the contrary in this
Act, the rules to be observed with respect to
search warrants mentioned in the Magistrates'
Court Act 1989 extend and apply to warrants
under this section.
683 Exercise of powers in relation to vessels in serious
circumstances without a warrant
An authorised person may exercise, in relation to
a vessel, any or all of the powers referred to in
section 677(1) if—
(a) the authorised person has reasonable grounds
to believe that—
(i) the vessel has been used, is being used
or is about to be used in contravention
of section 669, 671 or 673; or
(ii) the exercise of those powers is
necessary to prevent damage being
caused to any well, pipeline, structure
or equipment in the area to be avoided
or in a safety zone; and
(b) the circumstances are of such a serious
nature as to require and justify the immediate
exercise of those powers without the
authority of a warrant issued under
section 682.
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PART 6.7—COLLECTION OF FEES AND ROYALTIES
Division 1—Fees for petroleum titles
684 Fees for certain exploration permits
(1) A petroleum exploration permittee who is the
registered holder of an applicable petroleum
exploration permit must pay to the Minister a fee
calculated in accordance with the regulations in
respect of each year of the term of the permit.
(2) The fee in respect of the first year of the term of
an applicable petroleum exploration permit is due
and payable on the day the term of the permit
begins (the first payment day).
(3) The fee in respect of a later year of the term of an
applicable petroleum exploration permit is due
and payable on the day falling on the anniversary
of the first payment day in the remaining years of
the term of the permit.
(4) In this section—
applicable petroleum exploration permit
means—
(a) a work-bid petroleum exploration
permit; or
(b) a special petroleum exploration permit.
685 Fees for petroleum retention leases
(1) A petroleum retention licensee must pay to the
Minister a fee calculated in accordance with the
regulations in respect of each year of the term of a
petroleum retention licence held by the licensee.
(2) The fee for the first year of the term of the
petroleum retention licence is due and payable at
the end of 30 days after the day on which the term
of the lease begins (the first payment day).
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(3) The fee for a later year of the term of the
petroleum retention licence is due and payable at
the end of 30 days after the anniversary of the day
on which the first year of the term of the lease
begins.
686 Fees for petroleum production licences
(1) A petroleum production licensee must pay to the
Minister a fee calculated in accordance with the
regulations in respect of each year of the term of a
petroleum production licence held by the licensee.
(2) The fee in respect of the first year of the term of a
petroleum production licence is due and payable
on the day the term of the licence begins (the first
payment day).
(3) The fee in respect of a later year of the term of a
petroleum production licence is due and payable
on the day falling on the anniversary of the first
payment day in the remaining years of the term of
the licence.
687 Fees for infrastructure leases
(1) An infrastructure licensee must pay to the
Minister a fee calculated in accordance with the
regulations in respect of each year of the term of
an infrastructure lease held by the licensee.
(2) The fee in respect of the first year of the term of
an infrastructure licence is due and payable on the
day the term of the licence begins (the first
payment day).
(3) The fee in respect of a later year of the term of an
infrastructure licence is due and payable on the
day falling on the anniversary of the first payment
day in the remaining years of the term of the
licence.
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688 Fees for pipeline licences
(1) A pipeline licensee must pay to the Minister a fee
calculated in accordance with the regulations in
respect of each year of the term of a pipeline
licence held by the licensee.
(2) The fee in respect of the first year of the term of a
pipeline licence is due and payable on the day the
term of the licence begins (the first payment day).
(3) The fee in respect of a later year of the term of a
pipeline licence is due and payable on the day
falling on the anniversary of the first payment day
in the remaining years of the term of the licence.
Division 2—Fees for greenhouse gas titles
689 Fees for greenhouse gas titles
(1) A registered holder of an applicable greenhouse
gas title must pay to the Minister a fee calculated
in accordance with the regulations in respect of
each year of the term of the applicable greenhouse
gas title held by the registered holder.
(2) The fee for the first year of the term of an
applicable greenhouse gas title is due and payable
at the end of 30 days after the day on which the
term of title begins (the first payment day).
(3) The fee for a later year of the term of the
applicable greenhouse gas title is due and payable
at the end of 30 days after the anniversary of the
day on which the first year of the term of the title
begins.
(4) In this section—
applicable greenhouse gas title means—
(a) a work-bid greenhouse gas assessment
permit; or
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(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence.
Division 3—Royalties for petroleum
690 Royalty for petroleum
(1) A petroleum exploration permittee must, subject
to this Division, pay to the Minister royalty at the
prescribed rate in respect of all petroleum
recovered by the permittee in the petroleum
exploration permit area.
(2) A petroleum retention lessee must, subject to this
Division, pay to the Minister royalty at the
prescribed rate in respect of all petroleum
recovered by the lessee in the petroleum retention
lease area.
(3) A petroleum production licensee must, subject to
this Division, pay to the Minister royalty at the
prescribed rate in respect of all petroleum
recovered by the licensee in the petroleum
production licence area.
(4) Subject to this Division, the prescribed rate in
respect of petroleum recovered under a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or
petroleum production licence is 10% of the value
at the wellhead of the petroleum.
691 Reduction of royalty for petroleum in certain cases
(1) This section applies if the Minister is satisfied that
the rate of recovery of petroleum from a well has
become so reduced that, having regard to the
applicable rate of royalty under section 690,
further recovery of petroleum from that well
would be uneconomic.
(2) The Minister may, by instrument, determine that
the royalty in respect of all or any of the
petroleum recovered from the well on or after a
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date specified in the determination will be at the
rate of royalty the Minister specifies in the
determination.
(3) A rate of royalty that the Minister specifies in a
determination under subsection (2) must be a rate
that is lower than the applicable rate of royalty
under section 690 in respect of all or any of the
petroleum recovered from the well.
(4) The prescribed rate in respect of petroleum to
which a determination under subsection (2) is
applicable is the rate specified in a determination.
692 Royalty for petroleum not payable in certain cases
(1) Royalty under this Act—
(a) is not payable in respect of petroleum that
the Minister is satisfied was unavoidably lost
before the quantity of that petroleum was
ascertained; or
(b) is not payable in respect of petroleum that is
used by a petroleum exploration permittee,
petroleum retention lessee or petroleum
production licensee, as approved by the
Minister, for the purposes of petroleum
exploration operations or operations for the
recovery of petroleum; or
(c) is not payable in respect of petroleum that,
with the approval of the Minister, is flared or
vented in connection with operations for the
recovery of petroleum.
(2) In addition, royalty under this Act is not payable
in respect of petroleum that—
(a) has been recovered by a petroleum
exploration permittee, petroleum retention
lessee or petroleum production licensee; and
(b) with the approval of the Minister, has been
returned to a natural reservoir.
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(3) However, subsection (2) does not affect the
liability of the petroleum exploration permittee,
petroleum retention lessee or petroleum
production licensee, or any other petroleum
exploration permittee, petroleum retention lessee
or petroleum production licensee, to pay royalty in
respect of petroleum that is recovered from (and
not returned to) the natural reservoir.
693 Payment of royalty for petroleum
(1) Royalty under this Act in respect of petroleum
recovered during a royalty period is due and
payable not later that the last day of the next
succeeding royalty period.
(2) In this section—
royalty period, in relation to a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention lease
or petroleum production licence, means—
(a) the period—
(i) commencing on the day the term
of the permit, lease or licence
begins (the term commencement
day); and
(ii) ending on the last day of the
month in which the term
commencement day falls; and
(b) every month after that month.
Division 4—Royalties for greenhouse gas injection and
storage
694 Liability for, and rate of, royalty for greenhouse gas
injection and storage
(1) The holder of a greenhouse gas injection licence
must pay to the Minister a royalty in respect of the
volume of a greenhouse gas substance injected
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into an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation situated in the licence area.
(2) Royalty is to be paid at the rate, and in accordance
with the conditions, specified in the greenhouse
gas injection licence under which the greenhouse
gas substance injection operation took place.
(3) The Minister in consultation with the Treasurer
may waive the requirement for the holder of a
greenhouse gas injection licence to pay a royalty
under this section.
(4) In this section, greenhouse gas substance
injection operation means to inject and
permanently store a greenhouse gas substance into
an identified greenhouse gas storage formation.
695 Minister may vary royalty for greenhouse gas
injection and storage
(1) On the application of the holder of a greenhouse
gas injection licence or a person who has applied
for a greenhouse gas injection licence, the
Minister may—
(a) vary the royalty rate specified (or to be
specified) in the licence; or
(b) provide that a different method of collecting
revenue on the volume of a greenhouse gas
substance injected into an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation under the
licence is to apply.
(2) The Minister must consult the Treasurer before
varying the licence, or proposed licence, under
subsection (1)(a) or (b).
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696 When royalty for greenhouse gas injection and
storage must be paid
(1) Any royalty required by this Division must be
paid in the manner specified in the greenhouse gas
injection licence and within the time specified in
the licence.
(2) If a greenhouse gas injection licence does not
specify when or how royalty is to be paid under
the licence, the holder of the licence must pay any
royalty required by this Division in the manner,
and within the time, specified by the regulations.
Division 5—Late payment and recovery of fees and royalties
697 Late payment penalty
(1) This section applies if a fee or royalty payable by
a person under Division 1, 2, 3 or 4 remains
unpaid after the time when it became due for
payment.
(2) The person is liable to pay a penalty accruing
from the time the fee became due for payment
until it is paid in full.
(3) The penalty is calculated at the rate of 0·333333%
per day on the amount of the fee remaining
unpaid.
(4) A penalty under this section is to be known as a
late payment penalty.
698 Recovery of fee or royalty debts
(1) For the purposes of this section, a fee or royalty
debt is—
(a) an amount of a fee or royalty under
Division 1, 2, 3 or 4 that is due and payable
by a person; or
(b) an amount of late payment penalty under
section 697.
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(2) A fee or royalty debt is a debt due to the State and
may be recovered by the Minister in a court of
competent jurisdiction.
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PART 6.8—OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
699 Occupational health and safety
Schedule 3 has effect.
700 Listed OHS laws
The following provisions are the listed OHS laws
for the purposes of this Act—
(a) section 654 or 663, to the extent to which
that section relates to—
(i) damage to, or interference with, a
facility; or
(ii) interference with any operations or
activities being carried out, or any
works being executed, on, by means of,
or in connection with, a facility—
where the damage or interference, as the case
may be, affects, or has the potential to affect,
the health or safety of members of the
workforce at the facility (within the meaning
of Schedule 3);
(b) Schedule 3;
(c) regulations made for the purposes of
Schedule 3;
(d) regulations made for the purposes of
section 701;
(e) any other regulations relating to occupational
health and safety matters that are prescribed
for the purposes of this paragraph.
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701 Regulations relating to occupational health and
safety
(1) The regulations may make provision in relation to
the occupational health and safety of persons at or
near a facility who are under the control of a
person who is carrying on an operation.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), regulations for
the purpose of that subsection may—
(a) require a person who is carrying on an
operation to establish and maintain a system
of management to secure the occupational
health and safety of persons referred to in
that subsection; and
(b) specify requirements with which the system
must comply.
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PART 6.9—NATIONAL OFFSHORE PETROLEUM SAFETY
AUTHORITY
Division 1—Introduction
702 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) The National Offshore Petroleum Safety
Authority has been continued in existence by the
Commonwealth Act.
(3) The Safety Authority has functions in relation to
the occupational health and safety of persons
engaged in—
(a) offshore petroleum operations; or
(b) offshore greenhouse gas storage operations.
(4) There is a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the
Safety Authority.
(5) The National Offshore Petroleum Safety
Authority Board has been continued in existence
by the Commonwealth Act.
(6) The main function of the Board is to give advice,
and make recommendations, to the CEO about the
operational policies and strategies to be followed
by the Safety Authority in the performance of its
functions.
(7) The CEO may appoint OHS inspectors under the
Commonwealth Act.
(8) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
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703 Definitions
In this Part—
Board means the National Offshore Petroleum
Safety Authority Board continued in
existence by section 653 under the
Commonwealth Act;
Board member means a member of the Board,
and includes the Chair of the Board;
CEO means the Chief Executive Officer of the
Safety Authority;
Commonwealth Minister means the Minister of
the Crown in right of the Commonwealth for
the time being administering the
Commonwealth Act;
facility has the same meaning as in Schedule 3;
interstate Minister means the Minister of the
Crown in right of a State (other than
Victoria) or of the Northern Territory who is
for the time being authorised under the law
of that State or Territory to perform the
functions of a Designated Authority under
the Commonwealth Act;
offshore greenhouse gas storage operations
means any operations (including diving
operations) that—
(a) relate to—
(i) the exploration for potential
greenhouse gas storage formations
or potential greenhouse gas
injection sites; or
(ii) the injection of a greenhouse gas
substance into the seabed or
subsoil; or
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(iii) the permanent storage of a
greenhouse gas substance in the
seabed or subsoil; or
(iv) the compression, processing,
offloading, piped conveyance or
pre-injection storage of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
(v) the monitoring of a greenhouse
gas substance stored in the seabed
or subsoil; and
(b) if the operations are diving
operations—take place in the offshore
area; and
(c) if the operations are not diving
operations—take place at a facility;
offshore petroleum operations means any
operations (including diving operations)
that—
(a) relate to—
(i) the exploration for petroleum; or
(ii) the recovery, processing, storage,
offloading or piped conveyance of
petroleum; and
(b) if the operations are diving
operations—take place in the offshore
area; and
(c) if the operations are not diving
operations—take place at a facility.
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Division 2—Functions and powers of the Safety Authority
704 Safety Authority's functions
The Safety Authority has the following
functions—
(a) the functions conferred on it by or under this
Act in relation to offshore petroleum
operations or offshore greenhouse gas
storage operations;
(b) to promote the occupational health and
safety of persons engaged in offshore
petroleum operations or offshore greenhouse
gas storage operations;
(c) to develop and implement effective
monitoring and enforcement strategies to
secure compliance by persons with their
occupational health and safety obligations
under this Act and the regulations;
(d) to—
(i) investigate accidents, occurrences and
circumstances that affect, or have the
potential to affect, the occupational
health and safety of persons engaged in
offshore petroleum operations or
offshore greenhouse gas storage
operations; and
(ii) to report, as appropriate, to the Minister
and the Commonwealth Minister on
those investigations;
(e) to advise persons, either on its own initiative
or on request, on occupational health and
safety matters relating to offshore petroleum
operations or offshore greenhouse gas
storage operations;
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(f) to make reports, including recommendations,
to—
(i) the Minister; and
(ii) the Commonwealth Minister—
on issues relating to the occupational health
and safety of persons engaged in offshore
petroleum operations or offshore greenhouse
gas storage operations;
(g) to cooperate with—
(i) the Minister and State agencies having
functions relating to offshore petroleum
operations or offshore greenhouse gas
storage operations; and
(ii) other Commonwealth agencies having
functions relating to offshore petroleum
operations or offshore greenhouse gas
storage operations.
705 Safety Authority's ordinary powers
(1) The Safety Authority has power to do all things
necessary or convenient to be done for or in
connection with the performance of its functions.
(2) The Safety Authority's powers include, but are not
limited to, the following powers—
(a) the power to acquire, hold and dispose of
real and personal property;
(b) the power to enter into contracts;
(c) the power to lease the whole or any part of
any land or building for the purposes of the
Safety Authority;
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(d) the power to occupy, use and control any
land or building owned or held under lease
by the Commonwealth and made available
for the purposes of the Safety Authority;
(e) the power to conduct research and
development projects and to cooperate with
others in such projects;
(f) the power to apply for and hold patents and
exploit patents;
(g) the power to do anything incidental to any of
its functions.
706 Judicial notice of seal
All courts, judges and persons acting judicially
must—
(a) take judicial notice of the imprint of the seal
of the Safety Authority appearing on a
document; and
(b) presume that the document was duly sealed.
707 Power to refer matters to NOGSAC
(1) The Safety Authority may refer a matter to the
NOGSAC body for advice.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the NOGSAC
body is—
(a) the body known as the National Oil and Gas
Safety Advisory Committee; or
(b) if that body is disbanded—any successor
body with similar membership and functions.
(3) A matter referred under subsection (1) must be of
a general nature and must not relate to a particular
case.
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Division 3—Safety Authority Board
708 Functions of the Board
(1) The Board has the following functions—
(a) to give advice, and make recommendations,
to the CEO about the operational policies
and strategies to be followed by the Safety
Authority in the performance of its
functions;
(b) to give advice, and make recommendations,
to—
(i) the Minister; and
(ii) the Commonwealth Minister; and
(iii) interstate Ministers; and
(iv) the body known as the Ministerial
Council on Mineral and Petroleum
Resources—
about either or both of the following—
(v) policy or strategic matters relating to
the occupational health and safety of
persons engaged in offshore petroleum
operations or offshore greenhouse
operations;
(vi) the performance by the Safety
Authority of its functions;
(c) any other functions specified in a written
notice given by the Commonwealth Minister
to the Chair of the Board.
(2) As soon as practicable after the Board gives
advice, or makes recommendations, under
subsection (1)(b) to—
(a) the Minister; or
(b) an interstate Minister; or
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(c) the body known as the Ministerial Council
on Mineral and Petroleum Resources—
the Board must give the Commonwealth Minister
a written copy of that advice or those
recommendations.
709 Powers of the Board
The Board has power to do all things necessary or
convenient to be done for or in connection with
the performance of its functions.
710 Validity of decisions
The performance of the functions, or the exercise
of the powers, of the Board is not affected only
because of there being a vacancy or vacancies in
the membership of the Board.
Division 4—Chief Executive Officer and staff of the Safety
Authority
711 CEO acts for Safety Authority
Anything done by the CEO in the name of the
Safety Authority or on the Safety Authority's
behalf is taken to have been done by the Safety
Authority.
712 Working with the Board
(1) The CEO must request the Board's advice on
strategic matters relating to the performance of the
Safety Authority's functions.
(2) The CEO must have regard to the advice given to
him or her by the Board (whether or not the
advice was given in response to a request).
(3) The CEO must—
(a) keep the Board informed of the Safety
Authority's operations; and
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(b) give the Board any reports, documents and
information in relation to those operations
that the Chair of the Board requires.
713 Delegation
(1) An officer or employee of this State, or of a public
authority of this State, may perform any function
and exercise any power delegated to him or her by
the CEO under the Commonwealth Act.
(2) In performing a function or exercising a power
under the delegation, the delegate must comply
with any directions of the CEO.
714 Secondments to the Safety Authority
An officer or employee of this State, or of a public
authority of this State, may assist the Safety
Authority in connection with the performance of
any of its functions or the exercise of any of its
powers under—
(a) this Act; or
(b) the Commonwealth Act; or
(c) an Act of another State or Territory that
substantially corresponds to this Act.
Division 5—Other Safety Authority provisions
715 Minister may require the Safety Authority to
prepare reports or give information
(1) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
Safety Authority, require the Safety Authority—
(a) to prepare a report about one or more
specified matters relating to the performance
of the Safety Authority's functions or the
exercise of the Safety Authority's powers;
and
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(b) give a copy of the report to—
(i) the Minister; and
(ii) each interstate Minister; and
(iii) the Commonwealth Minister—
within the period specified in the notice.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
Safety Authority, require the Safety Authority
to—
(a) prepare a document setting out specified
information relating to the performance of
the Safety Authority's functions or the
exercise of the Safety Authority's powers;
and
(b) give a copy of the report to—
(i) the Minister; and
(ii) each interstate Minister; and
(iii) the Commonwealth Minister—
within the period specified in the notice.
(3) The Safety Authority must comply with a
requirement under subsection (1) or (2).
716 Directions to the Safety Authority
(1) The Minister may request the Commonwealth
Minister to give a direction to the Safety
Authority that relates wholly or principally to the
Safety Authority's operations in the offshore area.
(2) The Commonwealth Minister must use his or her
best endeavours to make a decision on the request
within 30 days after receiving the request.
(3) If the Commonwealth Minister refuses the
request, the Commonwealth Minister must give
the Minister a written statement setting out the
reasons for the refusal.
s. 716
-- 776 of 1006 --
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717 Safety Authority must comply with directions
The Safety Authority must comply with any
direction given by the Commonwealth Minister
under section 716.
718 Liability for acts and omissions
(1) This section applies to the following persons—
(a) the Safety Authority;
(b) the CEO;
(c) an OHS inspector;
(d) a person acting under the direction or
authority of the Safety Authority or the CEO.
(2) A person to whom this section applies is not
personally liable for anything done or omitted to
be done in good faith—
(a) in the performance of a function under a
listed OHS law; or
(b) in the reasonable belief that the act or
omission was in the performance of a
function under a listed OHS law.
__________________
s. 717
-- 777 of 1006 --
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739
CHAPTER 7—INFORMATION RELATING TO
PETROLEUM
PART 7.1—DATA MANAGEMENT AND GATHERING OF
INFORMATION
Division 1—Introduction
719 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) The Minister may direct a petroleum titleholder to
keep records.
(3) The regulations may make provision for data
management.
(4) The Minister or a petroleum project inspector may
obtain information or documents.
(5) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
Division 2—Data management
720 Direction to keep records
(1) This section applies if a person is carrying on
operations in the offshore area under—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence; or
(f) a petroleum special prospecting authority; or
s. 719
-- 778 of 1006 --
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(g) a petroleum access authority; or
(h) a petroleum scientific investigation consent.
(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
person, direct the person to do any or all of the
following things—
(a) to keep such accounts, records and other
documents in connection with those
operations as are specified in the notice;
(b) to collect and retain such cores, cuttings and
samples in connection with those operations
as are specified in the notice;
(c) to give to—
(i) the Minister; or
(ii) a person specified in the notice—
in the manner specified in the notice, such
reports, returns, other documents, cores,
cuttings and samples in connection with
those operations as are specified in the
notice.
(3) A person who is given a direction under
subsection (2) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
721 Regulations about data management
(1) The regulations may make provision for and in
relation to—
(a) the keeping of accounts, records and other
documents in connection with operations in
the offshore area under—
(i) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(ii) a petroleum retention lease; or
(iii) a petroleum production licence; or
s. 721
-- 779 of 1006 --
Chapter 7—Information Relating to Petroleum
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(iv) an infrastructure licence; or
(v) a pipeline licence; or
(vi) a petroleum special prospecting
authority; or
(vii) a petroleum access authority; or
(viii) a petroleum scientific investigation
consent; and
(b) the collection and retention of cores, cuttings
and samples in connection with those
operations; and
(c) the giving to the Minister, or a specified
person, of reports, returns, other documents,
cores, cuttings and samples in connection
with those operations.
(2) In particular, the regulations may establish a
scheme that—
(a) applies in relation to operations in the
offshore area under—
(i) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(ii) a petroleum retention lease; or
(iii) a petroleum production licence; or
(iv) an infrastructure licence; or
(v) a pipeline licence; or
(vi) a petroleum special prospecting
authority; or
(vii) a petroleum access authority; or
(viii) a petroleum scientific investigation
consent—
held by a person (the holder); and
s. 721
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(b) requires the holder to prepare and submit a
plan (a data management plan) that deals
with any or all of the following—
(i) the keeping of accounts, records and
other documents in connection with
those operations;
(ii) the collection and retention of cores,
cuttings and samples in connection with
those operations;
(iii) the giving to the Minister, or to a
person specified in the data
management plan, of reports, returns,
other documents, cores, cuttings and
samples in connection with those
operations; and
(c) empowers the Minister to make decisions
about the approval of—
(i) a data management plan; and
(ii) variations of a data management plan;
and
(d) requires the holder to comply with an
approved data management plan submitted
by the holder.
(3) A scheme referred to in subsection (2) may
provide that the holder must not commence the
relevant operations unless—
(a) an approved data management plan is in
force; or
(b) the Minister gives consent to the
commencement of those operations.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not limit
subsection (1).
s. 721
-- 781 of 1006 --
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(5) A requirement under section 720 is in addition to
a requirement under regulations made for the
purposes of this section.
Division 3—Information-gathering powers
722 Minister or petroleum project inspector may obtain
information and documents
(1) This section applies to a person if—
(a) the Minister; or
(b) a petroleum project inspector in relation to
the offshore area—
believes on reasonable grounds that the person has
information or a document, or is capable of giving
evidence, that relates to any or all of the following
operations in the offshore area—
(c) petroleum exploration operations;
(d) petroleum recovery operations;
(e) operations relating to the processing or
storage of petroleum;
(f) operations relating to the preparation of
petroleum for transport;
(g) operations connected with the construction
or operation of a pipeline.
(2) The Minister or the petroleum project inspector
may, by written notice given to the person, require
the person—
(a) to give to the Minister or the petroleum
project inspector, within the period and in
the manner specified in the notice, any such
information; or
s. 722
-- 782 of 1006 --
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(b) to produce to the Minister or the petroleum
project inspector, within the period and in
the manner specified in the notice, any such
documents; or
(c) to make copies of any such documents and to
produce to the Minister or the petroleum
project inspector, within the period and in
the manner specified in the notice, those
copies; or
(d) if the person is an individual—to appear
before the Minister or the petroleum project
inspector at a time and place specified in the
notice to—
(i) give any such evidence, either orally or
in writing; and
(ii) produce any such documents; or
(e) if the person is a body corporate—to cause a
competent officer of the body to appear
before the Minister or the petroleum project
inspector at a time and place specified in the
notice to—
(i) give any such evidence, either orally or
in writing; and
(ii) produce any such documents.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2)(a), (b)
or (c) must not be shorter than 14 days after the
notice is given.
(4) A time specified under subsection (2)(d) or (e)
must not be earlier than 14 days after the notice is
given.
(5) A person who is given a notice under subsection
(2) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
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(6) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the
effect of the following provisions—
(a) subsection (5);
(b) section 728;
(c) section 729;
(d) section 730.
Notes
1 Section 728 is about giving false or misleading
information.
2 Section 729 is about producing false or misleading
documents.
3 Section 730 is about giving false or misleading
evidence.
723 Copying documents—reasonable compensation
A person is entitled to be paid reasonable
compensation for complying with a requirement
covered by section 722(2)(c).
724 Power to examine on oath or affirmation
The Minister or a petroleum project inspector
may—
(a) administer an oath or affirmation to a person
required to appear before the Minister or the
petroleum project inspector under
section 722; and
(b) examine that person on oath or affirmation.
725 Self-incrimination
(1) A person is not excused from giving information
or evidence or producing a document under
section 722 on the ground that the information or
evidence or the production of the document might
tend to incriminate the person or expose the
person to a penalty.
s. 723
-- 784 of 1006 --
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(2) However—
(a) the information or evidence given or the
document produced; or
(b) giving the information or evidence or
producing the document; or
(c) any information, document or thing obtained
as a direct or indirect consequence of giving
the information or evidence or producing the
document—
is not admissible in evidence against the person—
(d) in any civil proceedings; or
(e) in criminal proceedings other than
proceedings for an offence against section
722(5), 728, 729 or 730.
726 Copies of documents
The Minister or a petroleum project inspector may
inspect a document produced under this Division
and may make and retain copies of, or take and
retain extracts from, such a document.
727 Minister or petroleum project inspector may retain
documents
(1) The Minister or a petroleum project inspector may
take possession of a document produced under
this Division, and retain it for as long as is
reasonably necessary.
(2) The person otherwise entitled to possession of the
document is entitled to be supplied, as soon as
practicable, with a copy certified by the Minister
or a petroleum project inspector to be a true copy.
(3) The certified copy must be received in all courts
and tribunals as evidence as if it were the original.
s. 726
-- 785 of 1006 --
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(4) Until a certified copy is supplied, the Minister or a
petroleum project inspector must provide the
person otherwise entitled to possession of the
document, or a person authorised by that person,
reasonable access to the document for the
purposes of inspecting and making copies of, or
taking extracts from, the document.
728 False or misleading information
A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under section 722(2), give information
that the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
729 False or misleading documents
A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under section 722(2), give a document
that the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
730 False or misleading evidence
A person must not, in purported compliance with
section 722(2)(d)(i) or (e)(i), give evidence that
the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months.
__________________
s. 728
-- 786 of 1006 --
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No. 10 of 2010
748
PART 7.2—RELEASE OF REGULATORY INFORMATION
731 Notifiable events—Government Gazette notice
If an event specified in the table happens, the
Minister must cause notice of—
(a) the event; and
(b) such details of the event as the Minister
thinks fit—
to be published in the Government Gazette.
Notifiable events
Item Event
1 The grant (otherwise than by way of renewal) of a petroleum
exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or petroleum
production licence.
2 The renewal of a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease or petroleum production licence.
3 The grant of an infrastructure licence or pipeline licence.
4 The variation of a petroleum production licence, infrastructure
licence or pipeline licence.
5 The surrender or cancellation of a petroleum exploration permit or
petroleum production licence as to some or all of the blocks in the
permit area or licence area.
6 The surrender or cancellation of a petroleum retention lease.
7 The surrender or cancellation of an infrastructure licence.
8 The revocation of a petroleum exploration permit or petroleum
retention lease as to a block or blocks.
9 The making of an application for a pipeline licence.
10 The making of an application for a variation of a pipeline licence.
11 The surrender or cancellation of a pipeline licence as to the whole
or part of the pipeline.
12 The expiry of a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention
lease or fixed-term petroleum production licence.
s. 731
-- 787 of 1006 --
Chapter 7—Information Relating to Petroleum
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No. 10 of 2010
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Notifiable events
Item Event
13 The termination of a petroleum production licence, infrastructure
licence or pipeline licence.
__________________
s. 731
-- 788 of 1006 --
Chapter 7—Information Relating to Petroleum
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010
No. 10 of 2010
750
PART 7.3—RELEASE OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Division 1—Introduction
732 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) This Part deals with the confidentiality and release
of—
(a) information (documentary information)
contained in certain documents given to the
Minister; and
(b) petroleum mining samples given to the
Minister.
(3) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
733 Definitions
In this Part—
applicable document means—
(a) an application made to the Minister
under—
(i) this Act; or
(ii) the repealed Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982; or
(b) a document accompanying such an
application; or
(c) a report, return or other document that
relates to a block and that was given on
to the Minister under—
(i) this Act; or
(ii) regulations made for the purposes
of section 721 of this Act; or
s. 732
-- 789 of 1006 --
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(iii) the repealed Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
(iv) regulations made for the purposes
of section 122A of the repealed
Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982;
documentary information means information
contained in an applicable document;
petroleum mining sample means—
(a) a core or cutting from, or a sample of,
the seabed or subsoil; or
(b) a sample of petroleum recovered; or
(c) a sample of fluid recovered (other than
fluid petroleum)—
that has been given at any time, whether
before or after the commencement of this
Part, to the Minister, and includes a portion
of such a core, cutting or sample.
Division 2—Protection of confidentiality of information and
samples
Subdivision 1—Information and samples obtained by the
Minister
734 Protection of confidentiality of documentary
information obtained by the Minister
(1) This section restricts what the Minister may do
with documentary information.
(2) The Minister must not—
(a) make the information publicly known; or
(b) make the information available to a person
(other than another Victorian Minister, a
Minister of the Crown in right of another
s. 734
-- 790 of 1006 --
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State or of the Northern Territory, or the
Commonwealth)—
unless the Minister does so—
(c) in accordance with regulations made for the
purposes of this paragraph; or
(d) for the purposes of the administration of this
Act or the regulations.
735 Protection of confidentiality of petroleum mining
samples obtained by the Minister
(1) This section restricts what the Minister may do
with a petroleum mining sample.
(2) The Minister must not—
(a) make publicly known any details of the
sample; or
(b) permit a person (other than another Victorian
Minister, a Minister of the Crown in right of
another State or of the Northern Territory, or
the Commonwealth) to inspect the sample—
unless the Minister does so—
(c) in accordance with regulations made for the
purposes of this paragraph; or
(d) for the purposes of the administration of this
Act or the regulations.
736 Minister may make information or samples
available to other Ministers
The Minister may make documentary information
or a petroleum mining sample available to—
(a) another Victorian Minister; or
(b) a Minister of the Crown in right of another
State or of the Northern Territory; or
s. 735
-- 791 of 1006 --
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(c) a Minister of the Crown in right of the
Commonwealth.
Notes
1 For protection of the confidentiality of information
obtained by a Minister under this section, see
section 737.
2 For protection of the confidentiality of a sample
obtained by a Minister under this section, see
section 738.
Subdivision 2—Information and samples obtained by a
Victorian Minister
737 Protection of confidentiality of information obtained
by a Victorian Minister
(1) This section restricts what a Victorian Minister
may do with documentary information made
available to the Victorian Minister under
section 736.
(2) The Victorian Minister must not—
(a) make the information publicly known; or
(b) make the information available to a person
(other than another Victorian Minister, a
Minister of another State or of the Northern
Territory or a Minister of the
Commonwealth)—
unless the Victorian Minister does so—
(c) in accordance with regulations made for the
purposes of this paragraph; or
(d) for the purposes of the administration of this
Act or the regulations.
s. 737
-- 792 of 1006 --
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738 Protection of confidentiality of petroleum mining
samples obtained by a Victorian Minister
(1) This section restricts what a Victorian Minister
may do with a petroleum mining sample made
available to the Victorian Minister under
section 736.
(2) The Victorian Minister must not—
(a) make publicly known any details of the
sample; or
(b) permit a person (other than another Minister,
a Minister of another State or of the Northern
Territory or a Minister of the
Commonwealth) to inspect the sample—
unless the Victorian Minister does so—
(c) in accordance with regulations made for the
purposes of this paragraph; or
(d) for the purposes of the administration of this
Act or the regulations.
Subdivision 3—Miscellaneous
739 Fees
(1) This section applies to regulations made for the
purposes of any of the following—
(a) section 734(2)(c);
(b) section 735(2)(c);
(c) section 737(2)(c);
(d) section 738(2)(c).
(2) The regulations may make provision for fees
relating to—
(a) making information available to a person; or
(b) permitting a person to inspect a sample.
s. 738
-- 793 of 1006 --
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740 Review by Minister
(1) This section applies to regulations made for the
purposes of—
(a) section 734(2)(c); or
(b) section 735(2)(c).
(2) The regulations may make provision for the
Minister to—
(a) review a decision of the Minister under the
regulations; and
(b) make a decision—
(i) confirming the decision reviewed; or
(ii) revoking the decision reviewed and
substituting another decision for it.
741 Information Privacy Act 2000
This Part does not override any requirements of
the Information Privacy Act 2000. In particular,
this Part is not to be taken, for the purposes of that
Act, to require or authorise the disclosure of
personal information.
__________________
s. 740
-- 794 of 1006 --
Chapter 8—Information Relating to Greenhouse Gas
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010
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CHAPTER 8—INFORMATION RELATING TO
GREENHOUSE GAS
PART 8.1—DATA MANAGEMENT AND GATHERING OF
INFORMATION
Division 1—Introduction
742 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) The Minister may direct a greenhouse gas
titleholder to keep records.
(3) The regulations may make provision for data
management.
(4) The Minister or a greenhouse gas project inspector
may obtain information or documents.
(5) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
Division 2—Data management
743 Direction to keep records
(1) This section applies if a person is carrying on
operations in the offshore area under—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(d) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(e) a greenhouse gas special authority; or
(f) a greenhouse gas research consent.
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-- 795 of 1006 --
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(2) The Minister may, by written notice given to the
person, direct the person to do any or all of the
following things—
(a) to keep such accounts, records and other
documents in connection with those
operations as are specified in the notice;
(b) to collect and retain such cores, cuttings and
samples in connection with those operations
as are specified in the notice;
(c) to give to—
(i) the Minister; or
(ii) a person specified in the notice—
in the manner specified in the notice, such
reports, returns, other documents, cores,
cuttings and samples in connection with
those operations as are specified in the
notice.
(3) A person who is given a direction under
subsection (2) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
744 Regulations about data management
(1) The regulations may make provision for and in
relation to—
(a) the keeping of accounts, records and other
documents in connection with operations in
the offshore area under—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(iv) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
s. 744
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(v) a greenhouse gas special authority; or
(vi) a greenhouse gas research consent; and
(b) the collection and retention of cores, cuttings
and samples in connection with those
operations; and
(c) the giving to the Minister, or a specified
person, of reports, returns, other documents,
cores, cuttings and samples in connection
with those operations.
(2) In particular, the regulations may establish a
scheme that—
(a) applies in relation to operations in the
offshore area under—
(i) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(ii) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(iii) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
(iv) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(v) a greenhouse gas special authority; or
(vi) a greenhouse gas research consent—
held by a person (the holder); and
(b) requires the holder to prepare and submit a
plan (a data management plan) that deals
with any or all of the following—
(i) the keeping of accounts, records and
other documents in connection with
those operations;
(ii) the collection and retention of cores,
cuttings and samples in connection with
those operations;
s. 744
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(iii) the giving to the Minister, or to a
person specified in the data
management plan, of reports, returns,
other documents, cores, cuttings and
samples in connection with those
operations; and
(c) empowers the Minister to make decisions
about the approval of—
(i) a data management plan; and
(ii) variations of a data management plan;
and
(d) requires the holder to comply with an
approved data management plan submitted
by the holder.
(3) A scheme referred to in subsection (2) may
provide that the holder must not commence the
relevant operations unless—
(a) an approved data management plan is in
force; or
(b) the Minister gives consent to the
commencement of those operations.
(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not limit
subsection (1).
(5) A requirement under section 743 is in addition to
a requirement under regulations made for the
purposes of this section.
s. 744
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Division 3—Information-gathering powers
745 Minister or greenhouse gas project inspector may
obtain information and documents
(1) This section applies to a person if—
(a) the Minister; or
(b) a greenhouse gas project inspector—
believes on reasonable grounds that the person has
information or a document, or is capable of giving
evidence, that relates to any or all of the following
operations in the offshore area—
(c) operations relating to exploration for a
potential greenhouse gas storage formation
or a potential greenhouse gas injection site;
(d) operations relating to the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance into the seabed or
subsoil;
(e) operations relating to the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance in the seabed or
subsoil;
(f) operations relating to the processing,
compression or pre-injection storage of a
greenhouse gas substance;
(g) operations relating to the preparation of a
greenhouse gas substance for transport.
(2) The Minister or the greenhouse gas project
inspector may, by written notice given to the
person, require the person—
(a) to give to the Minister or the greenhouse gas
project inspector, within the period and in
the manner specified in the notice, any such
information; or
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(b) to produce to the Minister or the greenhouse
gas project inspector, within the period and
in the manner specified in the notice, any
such documents; or
(c) to make copies of any such documents and to
produce to the Minister or the greenhouse
gas project inspector, within the period and
in the manner specified in the notice, those
copies; or
(d) if the person is an individual—to appear
before the Minister or the greenhouse gas
project inspector at a time and place
specified in the notice to—
(i) give any such evidence, either orally or
in writing; and
(ii) produce any such documents; or
(e) if the person is a body corporate—to cause a
competent officer of the body to appear
before the Minister or the greenhouse gas
project inspector at a time and place
specified in the notice to—
(i) give any such evidence, either orally or
in writing; and
(ii) produce any such documents.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2)(a), (b)
or (c) must not be shorter than 14 days after the
notice is given.
(4) A time specified under subsection (2)(d) or (e)
must not be earlier than 14 days after the notice is
given.
(5) A person who is given a notice under subsection
(2) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
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(6) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the
effect of the following provisions—
(a) subsection (5);
(b) section 751;
(c) section 752;
(d) section 753.
Notes
1 Section 751 is about giving false or misleading
information.
2 Section 752 is about producing false or misleading
documents.
3 Section 753 is about giving false or misleading
evidence.
746 Copying documents—reasonable compensation
A person is entitled to be paid reasonable
compensation for complying with a requirement
covered by section 745(2)(c).
747 Power to examine on oath or affirmation
The Minister or a greenhouse gas project inspector
may—
(a) administer an oath or affirmation to a person
required to appear before the Minister or the
greenhouse gas project inspector under
section 745; and
(b) examine that person on oath or affirmation.
748 Self-incrimination
(1) A person is not excused from giving information
or evidence or producing a document under
section 745 on the ground that the information or
evidence or the production of the document might
tend to incriminate the person or expose the
person to a penalty.
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(2) However—
(a) the information or evidence given or the
document produced; or
(b) giving the information or evidence or
producing the document; or
(c) any information, document or thing obtained
as a direct or indirect consequence of giving
the information or evidence or producing the
document—
is not admissible in evidence against the person—
(d) in any civil proceedings; or
(e) in criminal proceedings other than
proceedings for an offence against
section 745(5), 751, 752 or 753.
749 Copies of documents
The Minister or a greenhouse gas project inspector
may inspect a document produced under this
Division and may make and retain copies of, or
take and retain extracts from, such a document.
750 Minister or greenhouse gas project inspector may
retain documents
(1) The Minister or a greenhouse gas project inspector
may take possession of a document produced
under this Division, and retain it for as long as is
reasonably necessary.
(2) The person otherwise entitled to possession of the
document is entitled to be supplied, as soon as
practicable, with a copy certified by the Minister
or a greenhouse gas project inspector to be a true
copy.
(3) The certified copy must be received in all courts
and tribunals as evidence as if it were the original.
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(4) Until a certified copy is supplied, the Minister or a
greenhouse gas project inspector must provide the
person otherwise entitled to possession of the
document, or a person authorised by that person,
reasonable access to the document for the
purposes of inspecting and making copies of, or
taking extracts from, the document.
751 False or misleading information
A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under section 745(2), give information
that the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
752 False or misleading documents
A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under section 745(2), produce a document
to the Minister or a greenhouse gas project
inspector that the person knows is false or
misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
753 False or misleading evidence
A person must not give evidence to another
person under section 745 that the person knows is
false or misleading in a material particular.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 12 months.
__________________
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PART 8.2—RELEASE OF REGULATORY INFORMATION
754 Notifiable events—Government Gazette notice
If an event specified in the table happens, the
Minister must cause notice of—
(a) the event; and
(b) such details of the event as the Minister
thinks fit—
to be published in the Government Gazette.
Notifiable events
Item Event
1 The grant (otherwise than by way of renewal) of a greenhouse gas
assessment permit.
2 The renewal of a greenhouse gas assessment permit.
3 The grant (otherwise than by way of renewal) of a greenhouse gas
holding lease.
4 The renewal of a greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a
special greenhouse gas holding lease).
5 The grant of a greenhouse gas injection licence.
6 The variation of a greenhouse gas injection licence.
7 The surrender of a greenhouse gas assessment permit or
greenhouse gas holding lease.
8 The surrender of a greenhouse gas injection licence as to some or
all of the blocks in the licence area.
9 The cancellation of a greenhouse gas assessment permit,
greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection licence.
10 The expiry of a greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse
gas holding lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding
lease).
11 The termination of a greenhouse gas injection licence.
12 The issue of a site closing certificate in relation to an identified
greenhouse gas storage formation.
__________________
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PART 8.3—RELEASE OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Division 1—Introduction
755 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) This Part deals with the confidentiality and release
of—
(a) information (documentary information)
contained in certain documents given to the
Minister; and
(b) petroleum mining samples given to the
Minister.
(3) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
756 Definitions
In this Part—
applicable document means—
(a) an application made to the Minister under
this Act; or
(b) a document accompanying such an
application; or
(c) a report, return or other document that relates
to a block and that was given to the Minister
under—
(i) this Act; or
(ii) regulations made for the purposes of
section 744 of this Act;
documentary information means information
contained in an applicable document;
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eligible sample means—
(a) a core or cutting from, or a sample of,
the seabed or subsoil; or
(b) a sample of petroleum recovered; or
(c) a sample of fluid recovered (other than
fluid petroleum)—
that has been given at any time to the
Minister, and includes a portion of such a
core, cutting or sample.
757 Documents and samples given to the Minister
(1) For the purposes of this Part, in determining
whether a document is an applicable document,
disregard an application made, or a document
given, to the Minister.
(2) For the purposes of this Part, in determining
whether a core, cutting or sample is an eligible
sample, disregard anything that was given to the
Minister.
Division 2—Protection of confidentiality of information and
samples
Subdivision 1—Information and samples obtained by the
Minister
758 Protection of confidentiality of documentary
information obtained by the Minister
(1) This section restricts what the Minister may do
with documentary information.
(2) The Minister must not—
(a) make the information publicly known; or
(b) make the information available to a person
(other than another Victorian Minister, a
Minister of the Crown in right of another
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State or of the Northern Territory, or the
Commonwealth)—
unless the Minister does so—
(c) in accordance with regulations made for the
purposes of this paragraph; or
(d) for the purposes of the administration of this
Act or the regulations.
759 Protection of confidentiality of eligible samples
obtained by the Minister
(1) This section restricts what the Minister may do
with an eligible sample.
(2) The Minister must not—
(a) make publicly known any details of the
sample; or
(b) permit a person (other than another Victorian
Minister, a Minister of the Crown in right of
another State or of the Northern Territory, or
the Commonwealth) to inspect the sample—
unless the Minister does so—
(c) in accordance with regulations made for the
purposes of this paragraph; or
(d) for the purposes of the administration of this
Act or the regulations.
760 Minister may make information or samples
available to another Minister, a Minister of a State,
the Northern Territory or the Commonwealth
The Minister may make documentary information
or an eligible sample available to—
(a) another Victorian Minister; or
(b) a Minister of the Crown in right of another
State or of the Northern Territory; or
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(c) a Minister of the Crown in right of the
Commonwealth.
Subdivision 2—Miscellaneous
761 Fees
(1) This section applies to regulations made for the
purposes of any of the following—
(a) section 758(2)(c);
(b) section 759(2)(c).
(2) The regulations may make provision for fees
relating to—
(a) making information available to a person; or
(b) permitting a person to inspect a sample.
762 Information Privacy Act
This Part does not override any requirements of
the Information Privacy Act 2000. In particular,
this Part is not to be taken, for the purposes of that
Act, to require or authorise the disclosure of
personal information.
__________________
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CHAPTER 9—MISCELLANEOUS
PART 9.1—RECONSIDERATION AND REVIEW OF
DECISIONS
763 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) Decisions of a delegate of the Minister may be
reviewed by VCAT following a process of
internal reconsideration by the Minister.
(3) In addition, certain decisions of the Minister
relating to the release of technical information
may be reviewed by VCAT.
(4) This section is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme of this Part.
764 Definitions
In this Part—
decision has the same meaning as in section 4 of
the Victorian Civil and Administrative
Tribunal Act 1998;
reviewable delegated decision means a decision
that—
(a) is made under this Act or the
regulations; and
(b) is a decision of a delegate of the
Minister; and
(c) is made in the performance of the
functions, or the exercise of the powers,
of the Minister, in relation to the
offshore area;
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reviewable Ministerial decision means—
(a) a decision of the Minister that—
(i) is made under this Act or the
regulations; and
(ii) is not a decision of a delegate of
the Minister; and
(iii) is made in the performance of the
functions, or the exercise of the
powers, of the Minister in relation
to an offshore area; or
(b) a decision of the Minister under—
(i) regulations made for the purposes
of section 734(2)(c) or 735(2)(c),
where the decision is of a kind
referred to in section 740(2)(b); or
(ii) regulations made for the purposes
of section 737(2)(c) or 738(2)(c);
or
(iii) regulations made for the purposes
of section 758(2)(c) or 759(2)(c);
or
(iv) section 765(1) or (4).
Notes
1 Paragraphs (b)(i) and (ii) relate to the release of
technical information.
2 Paragraph (b)(iv) relates to the reconsideration of
reviewable delegated decisions.
765 Reconsideration of reviewable delegated decision
(1) A person affected by a reviewable delegated
decision who is dissatisfied with the decision may,
by written notice given to the Minister, request the
Minister to reconsider the decision. The request
must be made within—
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(a) 30 days after the day on which the decision
first comes to the notice of the person; or
(b) such further period as the Minister (either
before or after the end of that period), by
written notice given to the person, allows.
(2) A request under subsection (1) must set out the
reasons for making the request.
(3) As soon as practicable after the Minister receives
the request, the Minister must, by written notice
given to the person who made the request,
acknowledge receipt of the request.
(4) The Minister must, within 45 days after receiving
the request, reconsider the reviewable delegated
decision, and may make a decision—
(a) in substitution for the reviewable delegated
decision, whether in the same terms as the
reviewable delegated decision or not; or
(b) revoking the reviewable delegated decision.
(5) If, as a result of a reconsideration under
subsection (4), the Minister makes a decision in
substitution for or revoking a reviewable
delegated decision, the Minister must, by written
notice given to the person who made the request
under subsection (1) for the reconsideration—
(a) inform the person of the result of the
reconsideration; and
(b) give reasons for the decision made as the
result of the reconsideration.
(6) If a person makes a reviewable delegated decision
and gives to a person affected by the decision
written notice of the decision, that notice must
include a statement to the effect that a person
affected by the decision—
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(a) may, if the person is dissatisfied with the
decision, seek a reconsideration of the
decision by the Minister in accordance with
this section; and
(b) may, subject to the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal Act 1998, if the
person is dissatisfied with a decision made
on that reconsideration, make application to
VCAT for review of that decision.
(7) A failure to comply with subsection (6) in relation
to a decision does not affect the validity of the
decision.
766 Review of reviewable Ministerial decision
(1) A person may apply to VCAT for a review of a
reviewable Ministerial decision.
(2) An application for a review must be made within
28 days after the later of—
(a) the day on which the decision is made;
(b) if, under the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal Act 1998, the
person requests a statement of reasons for the
decision, the day on which the statement of
reasons is given to that person or the person
is informed under section 46(5) of that Act
that a statement of reasons will not be given.
__________________
s. 766
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PART 9.2—EXPERT ADVISORY COMMITTEES
767 Establishment of expert advisory committees
The Minister may, by writing, establish
committees, to be known as expert advisory
committees.
Note
For variation and revocation, see section 41A of the
Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984.
768 Function of expert advisory committees
(1) An expert advisory committee has the function of
advising the Minister about matters referred to it
by the Minister.
(2) A matter referred under subsection (1) must be—
(a) whether there is a significant risk that a key
petroleum operation in an offshore area will
have a significant adverse impact on—
(i) operations for the injection of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
(ii) operations for the storage of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
(b) whether there is a significant risk that a key
greenhouse gas operation in an offshore area
will have a significant adverse impact on
petroleum exploration operations, or
petroleum recovery operations, that could be
carried on under—
(i) an existing petroleum exploration
permit; or
(ii) an existing petroleum retention lease;
or
(iii) an existing petroleum production
licence; or
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(iv) a future petroleum exploration permit;
or
(v) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(vi) a future petroleum production licence;
or
(c) whether there is a significant risk that any of
the operations that could be carried on under
a greenhouse gas injection licence will have
a significant adverse impact on operations
that are being, or could be, carried on
under—
(i) an existing petroleum exploration
permit; or
(ii) an existing petroleum retention lease;
or
(iii) an existing petroleum production
licence; or
(iv) a future petroleum exploration permit;
or
(v) a future petroleum retention lease; or
(vi) a future petroleum production licence;
or
(d) whether there is a significant risk that any of
the operations that are being, or could be,
carried on under a greenhouse gas injection
licence will have a significant adverse
impact on—
(i) operations to recover petroleum; or
(ii) the commercial viability of the
recovery of petroleum; or
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(e) whether a serious situation exists in relation
to an identified greenhouse gas storage
formation specified in a greenhouse gas
injection licence (see section 405); or
(f) a matter that relates to the exercise of any of
the following powers—
(i) the powers conferred by section 299;
(ii) the powers conferred by section 300;
(iii) the making of a declaration under
section 318;
(iv) the variation or revocation of a
declaration under section 318;
(v) the giving of a direction under
section 322;
(vi) the giving of a direction under
section 366;
(vii) the variation of a matter specified in a
greenhouse gas injection licence (see
section 399);
(viii) the giving of a direction under
section 401;
(ix) the giving of a direction under
section 406;
(x) the taking of action under section 410;
(xi) the issuing of a pre-certificate notice
(see section 420);
(xii) the giving of a direction under
section 641; or
(g) a matter relating to the exercise of a power
that—
(i) is conferred on the Minister by this Act
or the regulations; and
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(ii) is specified in regulations made for the
purposes of this subparagraph.
769 Appointment of expert advisory committee
members etc.
(1) Each expert advisory committee member is to be
appointed by the Minister by written instrument.
(2) An expert advisory committee member holds
office for the period specified in the instrument of
appointment. The period must not exceed 3 years.
(3) An expert advisory committee member holds
office on a part-time basis.
(4) The Minister may terminate the appointment of an
expert advisory committee member.
770 Procedures of expert advisory committees
The Minister may give an expert advisory
committee written directions about—
(a) the way in which the committee is to carry
out its function; and
(b) procedures to be followed in relation to
meetings.
771 Remuneration and allowances
(1) An expert advisory committee member is to be
paid the remuneration that is determined by the
Minister. If no determination of that remuneration
is in operation, the member is to be paid the
remuneration that is prescribed by the regulations.
(2) However, an expert advisory committee member
is not entitled to be paid remuneration if he or she
holds an office or appointment, or is otherwise
employed, on a full-time basis in the service or
employment of—
(a) the State or the Commonwealth; or
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(b) a corporation (a public statutory
corporation) that—
(i) is established for a public purpose by a
law of the State or the Commonwealth;
and
(ii) is not a tertiary education institution; or
(c) a company limited by guarantee, where the
interests and rights of the members in or in
relation to the company are beneficially
owned by the State or the Commonwealth; or
(d) a company in which all the stock or shares
are beneficially owned by the State or the
Commonwealth or by a public statutory
corporation.
(3) An expert advisory committee member is to be
paid the allowances that are prescribed by the
regulations.
772 Leave of absence
The Minister may grant leave of absence to an
expert advisory committee member on the terms
and conditions that the Minister determines.
773 Resignation
(1) An expert advisory committee member may
resign his or her appointment by giving the
Minister a written resignation.
(2) The resignation takes effect on the day it is
received by the Minister or, if a later day is
specified in the resignation, on that later day.
774 Disclosure of interests to the Minister
An expert advisory committee member must give
written notice to the Minister of all interests,
pecuniary or otherwise, that the member has or
acquires and that conflict or could conflict with
the proper performance of the member's functions.
s. 772
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775 Disclosure of interests to an expert advisory
committee
(1) A person who—
(a) is an expert advisory committee member;
and
(b) has an interest, pecuniary or otherwise, in a
matter being considered or about to be
considered by an expert advisory committee
of which the person is a member—
must disclose the nature of the interest to a
meeting of the committee.
(2) The disclosure must be made as soon as possible
after the relevant facts have come to the expert
advisory committee member's knowledge.
(3) The disclosure must be recorded in the minutes of
the meeting of the expert advisory committee.
(4) Unless the Minister otherwise determines, the
expert advisory committee member—
(a) must not be present during any deliberation
by the expert advisory committee on the
matter; and
(b) must not take part in any decision of the
expert advisory committee with respect to
the matter.
(5) The Minister may terminate the appointment of an
expert advisory committee member if the member
fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with
this section.
(6) Subsection (5) does not limit section 769(4).
s. 775
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776 Other terms and conditions
An expert advisory committee member holds
office on the terms and conditions (if any) in
relation to matters not covered by this Act that are
determined by the Minister.
777 Protection of information
(1) A person (the first person) who is or has been an
expert advisory committee member must not
disclose any information obtained in the course of
performing his or her duties or functions as an
expert advisory committee member if that
information could reasonably be expected to
prejudice substantially the commercial interests of
a person other than the person to whom the
information was disclosed.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 1 year.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if—
(a) the first person is performing duties or
functions as an expert advisory committee
member; or
(b) the first person is required by—
(i) this Act or any other law of Victoria; or
(ii) a prescribed law of another State or
Territory; or
(iii) a prescribed law of the
Commonwealth—
to disclose the information.
(3) A person (the first person) who is or has been an
expert advisory committee member must not use
any information obtained in the course of
performing his or her duties or functions as an
expert advisory committee member if that
information could reasonably be expected to
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prejudice substantially the commercial interests of
another person.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 1 year.
(4) Subsection (3) does not apply if—
(a) the first person is performing duties or
functions as an expert advisory committee
member; or
(b) the first person is required by—
(i) this Act or any other law of Victoria; or
(ii) a prescribed law of another State or
Territory; or
(iii) a prescribed law of the
Commonwealth—
to use the information.
__________________
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PART 9.3—INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE MAKING
OF DESIGNATED AGREEMENTS
Division 1—Information-gathering powers
778 Minister may obtain information and documents
(1) This section applies to the following
applications—
(a) an application under section 78(1) for
approval to carry on one or more key
petroleum operations under a declared
petroleum exploration permit;
(b) an application under section 122 for approval
to carry on one or more key petroleum
operations under a declared petroleum
retention lease;
(c) an application under section 156(1) for
approval to carry on one more key petroleum
operations under a declared petroleum
production licence;
(d) an application under section 291(1) for
approval to carry on one or more key
greenhouse gas operations under a
greenhouse gas assessment permit;
(e) an application under section 329(1) for
approval to carry on one or more key
greenhouse gas operations under a
greenhouse gas holding lease;
(f) an application under section 379 for the grant
of a greenhouse gas injection licence;
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(g) an application under section 392 for the grant
of a greenhouse gas injection licence—
where either or both of the following are relevant
to the Minister's decision on the application—
(h) the existence or non-existence of a
designated agreement;
(i) the terms of a designated agreement.
(2) If the Minister believes on reasonable grounds that
a person has information or a document that is
relevant to the Minister's decision on the
application, the Minister may, by written notice
given to the person, require the person—
(a) to give to the Minister, within the period and
in the manner specified in the notice, any
such information; or
(b) to produce to the Minister, within the period
and in the manner specified in the notice, any
such documents; or
(c) to make copies of any such documents and to
produce to the Minister, within the period
and in the manner specified in the notice,
those copies.
(3) A period specified under subsection (2)(a), (b)
or (c) must not be shorter than 14 days after the
notice is given.
(4) A person who is given a notice under
subsection (2) must comply with the notice.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(5) A notice under subsection (2) must set out the
effect of the following provisions—
(a) subsection (4);
(b) section 783;
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(c) section 784.
Notes
1 Section 783 is about giving false or misleading
information.
2 Section 784 is about producing false or misleading
documents.
779 Copying documents—reasonable compensation
A person is entitled to be paid reasonable
compensation for complying with a requirement
covered by section 778(2)(c).
780 Self-incrimination
(1) A person is not excused from giving information
or producing a document under section 778 on the
ground that the information or the production of
the document might tend to incriminate the person
or expose the person to a penalty.
(2) However—
(a) the information given or the document
produced; or
(b) giving the information or producing the
document; or
(c) any information, document or thing obtained
as a direct or indirect consequence of giving
the information or producing the
document—
is not admissible in evidence against the person—
(d) in any civil proceedings; or
(e) in criminal proceedings other than
proceedings for an offence against
section 778(4) or section 783 or 784.
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781 Copies of documents
The Minister may inspect a document produced
under this Division and may make and retain
copies of, or take and retain extracts from, such a
document.
782 Minister may retain documents
(1) The Minister may take possession of a document
produced under this Division, and retain it for as
long as is reasonably necessary.
(2) The person otherwise entitled to possession of the
document is entitled to be supplied, as soon as
practicable, with a copy certified by the Minister
to be a true copy.
(3) The certified copy must be received in all courts
and tribunals as evidence as if it were the original.
(4) Until a certified copy is supplied, the Minister
must provide the person otherwise entitled to
possession of the document, or a person
authorised by that person, reasonable access to the
document for the purposes of inspecting and
making copies of, or taking extracts from, the
document.
783 False or misleading information
A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under section 778(2), give information
that the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
784 False or misleading documents
A person must not, in purported compliance with
a notice under section 778(2), produce a document
that the person knows is false or misleading in a
material particular.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
s. 781
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Division 2—Protection of information etc.
785 Protection of information
(1) This section applies if—
(a) either—
(i) information was given by a person to
the Minister under section 778; or
(ii) a document containing information was
produced by a person to the Minister
under section 778; and
(b) the person claims that the information is
commercial-in-confidence information.
(2) The Minister, or a delegate of the Minister, must
not disclose the information to another person
except—
(a) for the purposes of this Act or the
regulations; or
(b) if the disclosure is to a member of an expert
advisory committee for a purpose relating to
the function of the committee; or
(c) the disclosure is required by—
(i) this Act or any other law of Victoria; or
(ii) a prescribed law of another State or
Territory; or
(iii) a prescribed law of the Commonwealth.
786 Disclosure of information to titleholder etc.
(1) This section applies if—
(a) either—
(i) information was given by a person to
the Minister under section 778; or
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(ii) a document containing information was
produced by a person to the Minister
under section 778; and
(b) the person has not claimed that the
information is commercial-in-confidence
information.
(2) The Minister may disclose the information to
another person for the purposes of—
(a) the consideration by the other person of
whether to enter into a designated
agreement; or
(b) the consideration by the other person of the
terms of the designated agreement.
__________________
s. 786
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PART 9.4—LIABILITY FOR ACTS AND OMISSIONS
787 Liability for acts and omissions
(1) This section applies to the following bodies and
persons—
(a) the Minister;
(b) the Safety Authority;
(c) the Chief Executive Officer of the Safety
Authority;
(d) a petroleum project inspector appointed
under section 647;
(e) a greenhouse gas project inspector appointed
under section 656;
(f) an OHS inspector;
(g) a person acting under the direction or
authority of the Minister;
(h) a person acting under the direction or
authority of the Safety Authority or the Chief
Executive Officer of the Safety Authority.
(2) This section does not apply to a person or body
merely because the person or body is acting in
accordance with a proposal or plan (however
described) that has been accepted, agreed or
otherwise approved by or on behalf of the
Minister or the Safety Authority.
(3) A body or person is not liable to an action, suit or
proceeding for, or in relation to, an act or matter
in good faith done or omitted to be done in the
exercise, or purported exercise, of any power or
authority conferred by—
(a) this Act; or
s. 787
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(b) the regulations; or
(c) a direction under this Act.
(4) This section has effect subject to sections 541
and 598.
Note
Sections 541 and 598 deal with rectification of Registers.
__________________
s. 787
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PART 9.5—SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS
788 Service of documents
(1) The table has effect—
Service of documents
Item
A document required or
permitted by this Act to
be given to... must be given...
1 a person other than—
(a) the Minister; or
(b) a corporation
(a) by delivering the document to that
person personally; or
(b) by prepaying and posting the
document as a letter addressed to
that person at the person's last
known place of residence or
business or, if that person is
carrying on business at 2 or more
places, at one of those places; or
(c) by leaving the document at the last
known place of residence of that
person with some person
apparently a resident of that place
and apparently at least 16 years of
age; or
(d) by leaving the document at the last
known place of business of that
person (or, if that person is
carrying on business at 2 or more
places, at one of those places) with
some person apparently in the
employment of that person and
apparently at least 16 years of age.
2 the Minister (a) by prepaying and posting the
document as a letter addressed to
the Minister at the Department; or
(b) by leaving it at an office occupied
by the Department with some
person apparently employed in
connection with the business of
the Department and apparently at
least 16 years of age.
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Service of documents
Item
A document required or
permitted by this Act to
be given to... must be given...
3 a corporation (a) by prepaying and posting the
document as a letter addressed to
the corporation at its last known
place of business or, if it is
carrying on business at 2 or more
places, at one of those places; or
(b) by leaving it at that place, or at
one of those places, with some
person apparently in the
employment of the corporation
and apparently at least 16 years of
age.
(2) If a document is given to a person by prepaying
and posting the document as a letter in accordance
with an item of the table, the document is taken to
have been given to the person at the time at which
the letter would have been delivered in the
ordinary course of post.
789 Service of documents on Minister
A document required or permitted by this Act to
be given to the Minister is taken to have been
given to the Minister if it is given to a delegate of
the Minister.
790 Service of documents on 2 or more registered
holders of a petroleum title
(1) This section applies if there are 2 or more
registered holders of a petroleum title.
(2) Those registered holders may, by joint written
notice given to the Minister, nominate one of them
as being the person to whom documents may be
given in any case where the documents—
(a) relate to the petroleum title; and
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(b) are required or permitted by this Act to be
given.
(3) The joint written notice must be executed in an
approved manner by or on behalf of each of the
registered holders.
(4) If—
(a) a document relating to a petroleum title is
required or permitted by this Act to be given
to the registered holder; and
(b) there are 2 or more registered holders of the
petroleum title; and
(c) a nomination of a person under
subsection (2) is in force in relation to the
petroleum title; and
(d) the document is given to the nominated
person—
the document is taken to have been given to each
of those registered holders.
(5) If—
(a) a person has been nominated under
subsection (2) in relation to a petroleum title;
and
(b) one of the registered holders of the
petroleum title, by written notice given to the
Minister, revokes the nomination—
the nomination ceases to be in force.
(6) If—
(a) a person has been nominated under
subsection (2) in relation to a petroleum title;
and
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(b) the nominated person ceases to be one of the
registered holders of the petroleum title—
the nomination ceases to be in force.
(7) In this section—
petroleum title means—
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) an infrastructure licence; or
(e) a pipeline licence; or
(f) a petroleum special prospecting
authority; or
(g) a petroleum access authority.
791 Service of documents on 2 or more registered
holders of a greenhouse gas title
(1) This section applies if there are 2 or more
registered holders of a greenhouse gas title.
(2) Those registered holders may, by joint written
notice given to the Minister, nominate one of them
as being the person to whom documents may be
given in any case where the documents—
(a) relate to the greenhouse gas title; and
(b) are required or permitted by this Act to be
given.
(3) The joint written notice must be executed in an
approved manner by or on behalf of each of the
registered holders.
(4) If—
(a) a document relating to a greenhouse gas title
is required or permitted by this Act to be
given to the registered holder; and
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(b) there are 2 or more registered holders of the
greenhouse gas title; and
(c) a nomination of a person under
subsection (2) is in force in relation to the
greenhouse gas title; and
(d) the document is given to the nominated
person—
the document is taken to have been given to each
of those registered holders.
(5) If—
(a) a person has been nominated under
subsection (2) in relation to a greenhouse gas
title; and
(b) one of the registered holders of the
greenhouse gas title, by written notice given
to the Minister, revokes the nomination—
the nomination ceases to be in force.
(6) If—
(a) a person has been nominated under
subsection (2) in relation to a greenhouse gas
title; and
(b) the nominated person ceases to be one of the
registered holders of the greenhouse gas
title—
the nomination ceases to be in force.
(7) In this section—
greenhouse gas title means—
(a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit; or
(b) a greenhouse gas holding lease; or
(c) a greenhouse gas injection licence; or
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(d) a greenhouse gas search authority; or
(e) a greenhouse gas special authority.
__________________
s. 791
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PART 9.6—DELEGATION BY MINISTER
792 Delegation by Minister
(1) The Minister, by instrument, may delegate a
function or power conferred on the Minister under
this Act or the regulations (other than this power
of delegation) to any person.
(2) An instrument under subsection (1) must be
published in the Government Gazette.
__________________
s. 792
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PART 9.7—PUBLIC INTEREST
793 Public interest
(1) A provision of this Act that requires the Minister
to have regard to the public interest in making a
particular decision does not, by implication,
prevent the Minister from having regard to the
public interest when making any other decision
under this Act.
(2) Subsection (1) is enacted for the avoidance of
doubt.
__________________
s. 793
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PART 9.8—REGULATIONS
794 Regulations
(1) The Governor-General may make regulations
prescribing matters—
(a) required or permitted by this Act to be
prescribed; or
(b) necessary or convenient to be prescribed for
carrying out or giving effect to this Act.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the regulations
may make provision for or with respect to the
matters or things specified in Schedule 4.
(3) Regulations made under this Act—
(a) may be of general or limited application;
(b) may differ according to differences in time,
place or circumstances;
(c) may incorporate, adopt or apply wholly or
partially or as amended by the regulations,
the provisions of any document, standard,
rule, specification or method formulated,
issued, prescribed or published by any
authority or body whether—
(i) as formulated, issued, prescribed or
published at the time the regulation is
made or at any time before the
regulation is made; or
(ii) as published or amended from time to
time;
(d) may confer a discretionary authority or
impose a duty on a specified person or a
specified class of person.
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(3) A power conferred by this Act to make
regulations providing for the imposition of fees
may be exercised by providing for all or any of
the following matters—
(a) specific fees;
(b) maximum or minimum fees;
(c) maximum and minimum fees;
(d) the payment of fees either generally or under
specified conditions or in specified
circumstances;
(e) the reduction, waiver or refund, in whole or
in part, of the fees.
795 Unconditional or conditional prohibition
The regulations may permit or prohibit the doing
of an act or thing either—
(a) unconditionally; or
(b) subject to conditions (including conditions
requiring the grant, as prescribed by the
regulations, of the consent or approval of a
person).
796 Regulations not limited by conditions provisions
To avoid doubt, nothing in section 74, 119, 151 to
155, 190, 210, 229, 238, 249, 287 to 290, 326 to
328, 373 to 376, 436, 445 or 456 limits the
regulations that may be made under this Act.
797 Offences under regulations
(1) The regulations may provide for offences against
the regulations.
(2) The penalties for offences against the regulations
must not exceed a fine of 20 penalty units.
__________________
s. 795
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800
PART 9.9—TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
798 Transitional provisions
Schedule 5 has effect.
__________________
s. 798
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801
PART 9.10—REPEAL AND AMENDMENTS TO OTHER ACTS
799 Repeal
The Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 is
repealed.
800 Consequential amendments of other Acts
An Act specified in the heading to an item in
Schedule 6 is amended as set out in that item.
__________________
See:
Act No. 9772.
Reprint No. 5
as at
1 January
2010
and
amending
Act Nos
7/2005,
68/2009,
69/2009 and
74/2009.
LawToday:
www.
legislation.
vic.gov.au
s. 799
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SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1
SCHEDULED AREA FOR VICTORIA
Note
See section 6 (for datum, see section 41).
The scheduled area for Victoria is the area the boundary of
which commences at a point that is the intersection of the
coastline at mean low water by the boundary between the States
of New South Wales and Victoria and runs thence south-easterly
along the geodesic to a point of Latitude 37° 34' 54.39" South,
Longitude 150° 10' 04.43" East:
(a) thence south-easterly along the geodesic to a point of
Latitude 40° 39' 54.14" South, Longitude 158° 53' 03.98"
East; and
(b) thence south-westerly along the geodesic to a point of
Latitude 41° 29' 54.17" South, Longitude 158° 13' 04.08"
East; and
(c) thence north-westerly along the geodesic to a point of
Latitude 39° 11' 54.42" South, Longitude 150° 00' 04.52"
East; and
(d) thence westerly along the loxodrome to a point of
Latitude 39° 11' 54.71" South to its intersection by the
meridian of Longitude 142° 30' 04.95" East; and
(e) thence south-westerly along the geodesic to a point of
Latitude 39° 49' 54.74" South, Longitude 142° 00' 05.02"
East; and
(f) thence south-westerly along the geodesic to a point of
Latitude 43° 59' 55.11" South, Longitude 136° 29' 05.64"
East; and
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(g) thence north-easterly along the geodesic to a point of
Latitude 38° 40' 42.76" South, Longitude 140° 40' 49.00"
East; and
(h) thence north-easterly along the geodesic to a point of
Latitude 38° 35' 24.75" South, Longitude 140° 44' 41.98"
East; and
(i) thence north-easterly along the geodesic to a point of
Latitude 38° 25' 54.75" South, Longitude 140° 53' 04.96"
East; and
(j) thence north-easterly along the geodesic to a point of
Latitude 38° 14' 54.73" South, Longitude 140° 57' 04.94"
East; and
(k) thence north-easterly along the geodesic to a point that is
the intersection of the parallel of Latitude 38° 09' 54.73"
South by the meridian passing through the intersection of
the coastline at mean low water by the boundary between
the States of South Australia and Victoria; and
(l) thence north along that meridian to its intersection by the
coastline at mean low water; and
(m) thence along the coastline of the State of Victoria at mean
low water to the point of commencement.
__________________
Sch. 1
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SCHEDULE 2
AREA THAT INCLUDES THE AREA TO BE AVOIDED
Note
See section 666 (for datum, see section 41).
1 Area that includes the area to be avoided
This Schedule applies to the area the boundary of
which commences at the most easterly
intersection of the coastline of the State of
Victoria at mean low water by the parallel of
Latitude 38° 14' 54.50" South and runs thence
south-easterly along the geodesic to the point of
Latitude 38° 34' 54.49" South, Longitude
147° 44' 04.61" East:
(a) thence south-easterly along the geodesic to
the point of Latitude 38° 40' 54.48" South,
Longitude 148° 06' 04.60 East; and
(b) thence easterly along the loxodrome to a
point of Latitude 38° 40' 54.47" South,
Longitude 148° 13' 04.59" East; and
(c) thence north-easterly along the geodesic to
the point of Latitude 38° 31' 54.46" South,
Longitude 148° 26' 04.57" East; and
(d) thence north-easterly along the geodesic to
the point of Latitude 38° 18' 54.46" South,
Longitude 148° 35' 04.55" East; and
(e) thence north-westerly along the geodesic to
the point of Latitude 38° 07' 54.46" South,
Longitude 148° 31' 04.55" East; and
(f) thence north-westerly along the geodesic to
the point of Latitude 38° 04' 54.47" South,
Longitude 148° 24' 04.55" East; and
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(g) thence north-westerly along the geodesic to
the intersection of the coastline of the State
of Victoria at mean low water by the parallel
of Latitude 37° 57' 54.48" South; and
(h) thence along the coastline of the State of
Victoria at mean low water to the point of
commencement.
__________________
Sch. 2
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SCHEDULE 3
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Section 699
PART 1—INTRODUCTION
1 Objects
The objects of this Schedule are, in relation to
facilities located in the offshore area—
(a) to secure the health, safety and welfare of
persons at or near those facilities; and
(b) to protect persons at or near those facilities
from risks to health and safety arising out of
activities being conducted at those facilities;
and
(c) to ensure that expert advice is available on
occupational health and safety matters in
relation to those facilities; and
(d) to promote an occupational environment for
members of the workforce at such facilities
that is adapted to their needs relating to
health and safety; and
(e) to foster a consultative relationship between
all relevant persons concerning the health,
safety and welfare of members of the
workforce at those facilities.
2 Simplified outline
(1) This clause sets out a simplified outline of this
Schedule.
(2) This Schedule sets up a scheme to regulate
occupational health and safety matters at or near
facilities located in the offshore area.
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(3) Occupational health and safety duties are imposed
on the following—
(a) the operator of a facility;
(b) a person in control of a part of a facility, or
of any work carried out at a facility;
(c) an employer;
(d) a manufacturer of plant, or a substance, for
use at a facility;
(e) a supplier of a facility, or of any plant or
substance for use at a facility;
(f) a person who erects or installs a facility, or
any plant at a facility;
(g) a person at a facility.
(4) A group of members of the workforce at a facility
may be established as a designated work group.
(5) The members of a designated work group may
select a health and safety representative for that
designated work group.
(6) The health and safety representative may exercise
certain powers for the purpose of promoting or
ensuring the health and safety of the group
members.
(7) An OHS inspector may conduct an inspection—
(a) to ascertain whether a listed OHS law is
being complied with; or
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OHS law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous
occurrence that has happened at or near a
facility.
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(8) The operator of a facility must report accidents
and dangerous occurrences to the Safety
Authority.
(9) This clause is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this
Schedule.
3 Definitions
In this Schedule, unless the contrary intention
appears—
accident includes the contraction of a disease;
associated offshore place, in relation to a facility,
means any offshore place near the facility
where activities (including diving activities)
relating to the construction, installation,
operation, maintenance or decommissioning
of the facility take place, but does not
include—
(a) another facility; or
(b) a supply vessel, offtake tanker, anchor
handler or tugboat; or
(c) a vessel, or structure, that is declared by
the regulations not to be an associated
offshore place;
contract includes an arrangement or
understanding;
contractor has the meaning given by clause 14;
dangerous occurrence means an occurrence
declared by the regulations to be a dangerous
occurrence for the purposes of this
definition;
data includes—
(a) information in any form; and
(b) any program (or part of a program);
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data held in a computer includes—
(a) data held in any removable data storage
device for the time being held in a
computer; and
(b) data held in a data storage device on a
computer network of which the
computer forms a part;
data storage device means a thing containing, or
designed to contain, data for use by a
computer;
designated work group means—
(a) a group of members of the workforce at
a facility that is established as a
designated work group under clause 25
or 26; or
(b) that group as varied in accordance with
clause 27 or 28;
employee, in relation to an employer, means an
employee of that employer;
employer means an employer who carries on an
activity at a facility;
enter, when used in relation to a vessel, includes
board;
facility means a facility as defined by clauses 6
to 10, and—
(a) includes a facility (as defined by those
clauses) that is being constructed or
installed; and
(b) except in the definition of associated
offshore place, includes an associated
offshore place in relation to a facility
(as defined by those clauses);
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group member, in relation to a designated work
group at a facility, means a person who is—
(a) a member of the workforce at that
facility; and
(b) included in that designated work group;
improvement notice means an improvement
notice issued under clause 89(1);
inspection has the meaning given by clause 4;
master, in relation to a vessel, means the person
having command or charge of the vessel;
member of the workforce, in relation to a facility,
means an individual who does work at the
facility—
(a) whether as an employee of the operator
of the facility or of another person; or
(b) whether as a contractor of the operator
or of another person;
offshore greenhouse gas storage operations has
the same meaning as in Part 6.9 of this Act;
offshore petroleum operations has the same
meaning as in Part 6.9 of this Act;
operator, in relation to a facility or proposed
facility, has the meaning given by clause 11;
operator's representative at a facility means a
person present at the facility in compliance
with the obligations imposed on the operator
by clause 12;
own includes own jointly or own in part;
plant includes any machinery, equipment or tool,
or any component;
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premises includes the following—
(a) a structure or building;
(b) a place (whether or not enclosed or
built on);
(c) a part of a thing referred to in
paragraph (a) or (b);
prohibition notice means a prohibition notice
issued under clause 84(1);
proposed facility means a facility proposed to be
constructed, installed or operated;
recovery has the meaning given by clause 5;
registered organisation means an organisation
registered or an association recognised under
the Fair Work (Registered Organisations)
Act 2009 of the Commonwealth;
regulated business premises means—
(a) a facility; or
(b) premises that are—
(i) occupied by a person who is the
operator of a facility; and
(ii) used, or proposed to be used,
wholly or principally in
connection with offshore
petroleum operations or offshore
greenhouse gas storage
operations;
regulations means regulations made for the
purposes of this Schedule;
reviewing authority means the Australian
Industrial Relations Commission;
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work means work offshore that is directly or
indirectly related to the construction,
installation, operation, maintenance or
decommissioning of a facility;
work group employer, in relation to a designated
work group at a facility, means an employer
of one or more group members, but does not
include the operator of the facility;
workforce representative means—
(a) in relation to a person who is a member
of the workforce at a facility—an
organisation registered or an
association recognised under the Fair
Work (Registered Organisations) Act
2009 of the Commonwealth, of which
that person is a member, if the person is
qualified to be a member of that
organisation or association because of
the work the person performs at the
facility; or
(b) in relation to a designated work group
or a proposed designated work group—
an organisation registered or an
association recognised under the Fair
Work (Registered Organisations) Act
2009 of the Commonwealth, of which a
person who is, or who is likely to be, in
the work group is a member, if the
person is qualified to be a member of
that organisation or association because
of the work the person performs, or will
perform, at a facility as a member of
the group;
workplace, in relation to a facility, means the
whole facility or any part of the facility.
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4 Meaning of inspection
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, an inspection is
an inspection conducted under Part 4 of this
Schedule.
(2) An inspection may include an investigation or
inquiry, but need not include a physical inspection
of any facility, premises or other thing.
5 Meaning of recovery
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, recovery, in
relation to petroleum, includes all processes
directly or indirectly related with its recovery.
(2) Subclause (1) does not limit the meaning of the
expression recovery when used in a provision of
this Act other than this Schedule.
6 Vessels or structures that are facilities—offshore
petroleum operations
(1) A vessel or structure is taken to be a facility for
the purposes of this Schedule while that vessel or
structure—
(a) is located at a site in the offshore area; and
(b) is being used, or prepared for use, at that
site—
(i) for the recovery of petroleum, for the
processing of petroleum, or for the
storage and offloading of petroleum, or
for any combination of those activities;
or
(ii) for the provision of accommodation for
persons working on another facility,
whether connected by a walkway to
that other facility or not; or
(iii) for drilling or servicing a well for
petroleum or doing work associated
with the drilling or servicing process; or
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(iv) for laying pipes for petroleum,
including any manufacturing of such
pipes, or for doing work on an existing
pipe; or
(v) for the erection, dismantling or
decommissioning of a vessel or
structure referred to in a previous
subparagraph of this paragraph; or
(vi) for any other purpose related to
offshore petroleum operations that is
prescribed for the purposes of this
subparagraph.
(2) Subclause (1) applies to a vessel or structure—
(a) whether it is floating or fixed; and
(b) whether or not it is capable of independent
navigation.
(3) Subclause (1) has effect subject to clauses 8 and 9.
(4) A vessel or structure used for a purpose referred to
in subclause (1)(b)(i) includes—
(a) any wells and associated plant and
equipment by means of which petroleum
processed or stored at the vessel or structure
is recovered; and
(b) any pipe or system of pipes through which
petroleum is conveyed from a well to the
vessel or structure; and
(c) any secondary line associated with the vessel
or structure.
(5) For the purposes of subclause (1), a vessel or
structure that is located offshore for the purpose of
laying pipes as described in subclause (1)(b)(iv) is
taken to be located at a site, despite the fact that
the vessel or structure moves as the pipe laying
process proceeds.
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7 Vessels or structures that are facilities—offshore
greenhouse gas storage operations
(1) A vessel or structure is taken to be a facility for
the purposes of this Schedule while that vessel or
structure—
(a) is located at a site in the offshore area; and
(b) is being used, or prepared for use, at that
site—
(i) for the injection of a greenhouse gas
substance into the seabed or subsoil; or
(ii) for the storage of a greenhouse gas
substance in the seabed or subsoil; or
(iii) for the compression of a greenhouse
gas substance; or
(iv) for the processing of a greenhouse gas
substance; or
(v) for the pre-injection storage of a
greenhouse gas substance; or
(vi) for the offloading of a greenhouse gas
substance; or
(vii) for the monitoring of a greenhouse gas
substance stored in the seabed or
subsoil; or
(viii) for any combination of activities
covered by any of the preceding
subparagraphs; or
(ix) for the provision of accommodation for
persons working on another facility,
whether connected by a walkway to
that other facility or not; or
(x) for drilling or servicing a well for
injecting a greenhouse gas substance
into the seabed or subsoil or doing
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work associated with the drilling or
servicing process; or
(xi) for laying pipes for conveying a
greenhouse gas substance, including
any manufacturing of such pipes, or for
doing work on an existing pipe; or
(xii) for the erection, dismantling or
decommissioning of a vessel or
structure referred to in a previous
subparagraph; or
(xiii) for any other purpose related to
offshore greenhouse gas storage
operations that is prescribed for the
purposes of this subparagraph.
(2) Subclause (1) applies to a vessel or structure—
(a) whether it is floating or fixed; and
(b) whether or not it is capable of independent
navigation.
(3) Subclause (1) has effect subject to clauses 8 and 9.
(4) A vessel or structure used for a purpose referred to
in subclause (1)(b)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii)
or (viii) includes—
(a) any wells and associated plant and
equipment by means of which a greenhouse
gas substance processed or temporarily
stored at the vessel or structure is injected
into the seabed or subsoil; and
(b) any pipe or system of pipes through which a
greenhouse gas substance is conveyed from
the vessel or structure to a well; and
(c) any greenhouse gas injection line associated
with the vessel or structure.
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(5) For the purposes of subclause (1), a vessel or
structure that is located offshore for the purpose of
laying pipes as described in subclause (1)(b)(xi) is
taken to be located at a site, despite the fact that
the vessel or structure moves as the pipe laying
process proceeds.
8 Vessels or structures that are not facilities
Despite clauses 6(1) and 7(1), a vessel or structure
is taken not to be a facility for the purposes of this
Schedule if the vessel or structure is—
(a) an offtake tanker; or
(b) a tug or an anchor handler; or
(c) a vessel or structure used for supplying a
facility or otherwise travelling between a
facility and the shore; or
(d) a vessel or structure used for any purpose
such that it is declared by the regulations not
to be a facility.
9 Use for a particular purpose
In determining when a vessel or structure that has
the potential to be used for one or more of the
purposes referred to in clause 6(1)(b) or 7(1)(b) is
in fact being so used, the vessel or structure is
taken—
(a) to commence to be so used only at the time
when it arrives at the site where it is to be so
used and any activities necessary to make it
operational at that site are begun; and
(b) to cease to be so used when operations cease,
and the vessel or structure has been returned
either to a navigable form or to a form in
which it can be towed to another place.
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10 Pipelines that are facilities
(1) Each of the following is taken to be a facility for
the purposes of this Schedule—
(a) a pipeline subject to a pipeline licence;
(b) if a pipeline subject to a pipeline licence
conveys petroleum recovered from a well
without the petroleum having passed through
another facility—that pipeline, together
with—
(i) that well and associated plant and
equipment; and
(ii) any pipe or system of pipes through
which petroleum is conveyed from that
well to that pipeline;
(c) if a pipeline subject to a pipeline licence
conveys a greenhouse gas substance to a well
without the greenhouse gas substance having
passed through another facility—that
pipeline, together with—
(i) that well and associated plant and
equipment; and
(ii) any pipe or system of pipes through
which a greenhouse gas substance is
conveyed to that well from that
pipeline.
(2) In subclause (1)(b)—
facility does not include a pipeline.
11 Operator of a facility or proposed facility
(1) For the purposes of this Schedule, the operator, in
relation to a facility or proposed facility, is the
person who, under the regulations, is registered by
the Safety Authority as the operator of that facility
or proposed facility.
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(2) The regulations may authorise the Safety
Authority to cancel the registration of a person as
the operator of a facility or proposed facility.
12 Operator must ensure presence of operator's
representative
(1) The operator of a facility must ensure that, at all
times when one or more individuals are present at
a facility, there is also present an individual (the
operator's representative at the facility) who has
day-to-day management and control of operations
at the facility.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2) The operator of a facility must take all reasonably
practicable steps to ensure that the name of the
operator's representative at the facility is displayed
in a prominent place at the facility.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(3) Subclause (1) does not imply that, if the operator
is an individual, the operator's representative at
the facility may not be, from time to time, the
operator.
13 Health and safety of persons using an
accommodation facility
For the avoidance of doubt, a reference in this
Schedule to the occupational health and safety of
a person includes a reference to the health and
safety of a person using an accommodation
facility provided for the accommodation of
persons working on another facility.
14 Contractor
For the purposes of this Schedule, if an individual
does work at a facility under a contract for
services between—
(a) a person (the relevant person); and
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(b) either—
(i) the individual; or
(ii) the employer of the individual—
the individual is taken to be a contractor of the
relevant person.
PART 2—OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Division 1—Duties relating to occupational health and safety
15 Duties of operator
(1) The operator of a facility must take all reasonably
practicable steps to ensure that—
(a) the facility is safe and without risk to the
health of any person at or near the facility;
and
(b) all work and other activities carried out on
the facility are carried out in a manner that is
safe and without risk to the health of any
person at or near the facility.
Penalty: 1200 penalty units.
Note
See also clause 22.
(2) The operator of a facility is taken to be subject,
under subclause (1), to each of the following
requirements—
(a) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
provide and maintain a physical environment
at the facility that is safe and without risk to
health;
(b) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
provide and maintain adequate facilities for
the welfare of all members of the workforce
at the facility;
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(c) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
ensure that any plant, equipment, materials
and substances at the facility are safe and
without risk to health;
(d) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
implement and maintain systems of work at
the facility that are safe and without risk to
health;
(e) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
implement and maintain appropriate
procedures and equipment for the control of,
and response to, emergencies at the facility;
(f) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
provide all members of the workforce, in
appropriate languages, with the information,
instruction, training and supervision
necessary for them to carry out their
activities in a manner that does not adversely
affect the health and safety of persons at the
facility;
(g) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
monitor the health and safety of all members
of the workforce and keep records of that
monitoring;
(h) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
provide appropriate medical and first aid
services at the facility;
(i) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
develop, in consultation with—
(i) members of the workforce; and
(ii) if a member of the workforce at the
facility has requested a workforce
representative in relation to the member
to be involved in those consultations—
that workforce representative—
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a policy, relating to occupational health and
safety, that—
(iii) will enable the operator and the
members of the workforce to cooperate
effectively in promoting and
developing measures to ensure the
occupational health and safety of
persons at the facility; and
(iv) will provide adequate mechanisms for
reviewing the effectiveness of the
measures; and
(v) provides for the making of an
agreement that complies with
subclauses (5) and (6).
(3) Subclause (2) does not limit subclause (1).
(4) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(i)(v)
must be between—
(a) on the one hand—the operator; and
(b) on the other hand—
(i) the members of the workforce; and
(ii) if a member of the workforce at the
facility has requested a workforce
representative in relation to the member
to be a party to that agreement—that
workforce representative.
(5) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(i)(v)
must provide appropriate mechanisms for
continuing consultation between—
(a) on the one hand—the operator; and
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(b) on the other hand—
(i) the members of the workforce; and
(ii) if a member of the workforce at the
facility has requested a workforce
representative in relation to the member
to be involved in consultations on a
particular occasion—that workforce
representative.
(6) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(i)(v)
must provide for such other matters (if any) as are
agreed between the parties to the agreement.
16 Duties of persons in control of parts of facility or
particular work
(1) A person who is in control of any part of a
facility, or of any particular work carried out at a
facility, must take all reasonably practicable steps
to ensure that—
(a) that part of the facility, or the place where
that work is carried out, is safe and without
risk to health; and
(b) if the person is in control of particular
work—the work is carried out in a manner
that is safe and without risk to health.
Penalty: 1200 penalty units.
Note
See also clause 22.
(2) A person who is in control of any part of a
facility, or of any particular work carried out at a
facility, is taken to be subject, under subclause (1),
to each of the following requirements—
(a) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
ensure that the physical environment at that
part of the facility, or at the place where the
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work is carried out, is safe and without risk
to health;
(b) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
ensure that any plant, equipment, materials
and substances at or near that part of the
facility or that place, or used in that work,
are safe and without risk to health;
(c) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
implement and maintain systems of work at
that part of the facility, or in carrying out
work at that place, that are safe and without
risk to health;
(d) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
ensure a means of access to, and egress from,
that part of the facility or that place that is
safe and without risk to health;
(e) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
provide all members of the workforce
located at that part of the facility or engaged
on that work, in appropriate languages, with
the information, instruction, training and
supervision necessary for them to carry out
their work in a manner that is safe and
without risk to health.
(3) Subclause (2) does not limit subclause (1).
17 Duties of employers
(1) An employer must take all reasonably practicable
steps to protect the health and safety of employees
at a facility.
Penalty: 1200 penalty units.
Note
See also clause 22.
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(2) An employer is taken to be subject, under
subclause (1), to each of the following
requirements—
(a) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
provide and maintain a working environment
that is safe for employees and without risk to
their health;
(b) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
ensure that any plant, equipment, materials
and substances used in connection with the
employees' work are safe and without risk to
health;
(c) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
implement and maintain systems of work
that are safe and without risk to health;
(d) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
provide a means of access to, and egress
from, the employees' work location that is
safe and without risk to health;
(e) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
provide the employees, in appropriate
languages, with the information, instruction,
training and supervision necessary for them
to carry out their work in a manner that is
safe and without risk to health.
(3) An employer is taken to be subject, under
subclause (1), to each of the following
requirements—
(a) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
monitor the health and safety of employees;
(b) to take all reasonably practicable steps to
keep records of that monitoring.
(4) Subclauses (2) and (3) do not limit subclause (1).
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(5) A person has, in relation to a contractor of that
person, the same obligations that an employer has
under subclauses (1) and (2) in relation to an
employee of that employer, but only in relation
to—
(a) matters over which the first-mentioned
person has control; or
(b) matters over which—
(i) the first-mentioned person would have
had control apart from express
provision to the contrary in a contract;
and
(ii) the first-mentioned person would, in the
circumstances, usually be expected to
have had control.
18 Duties of manufacturers in relation to plant and
substances
(1) A manufacturer of any plant that the manufacturer
ought reasonably to expect will be used by
members of the workforce at a facility must take
all reasonably practicable steps—
(a) to ensure that the plant is so designed and
constructed as to be, when properly used,
safe and without risk to health; and
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the
research, testing and examination necessary
in order to discover, and to eliminate or
minimise, any risk to health and safety that
may arise from the use of the plant; and
(c) to make available, in connection with the use
of the plant at a facility, adequate written
information about—
(i) the use for which it is designed and has
been tested; and
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(ii) details of its design and construction;
and
(iii) any conditions necessary to ensure that,
when put to the use for which it was
designed and tested, it will be safe and
without risk to health.
Penalty: 240 penalty units.
Note
See also clause 22.
(2) A manufacturer of any substance that the
manufacturer ought reasonably to expect will be
used by members of the workforce at a facility
must take all reasonably practicable steps—
(a) to ensure that the substance is so
manufactured as to be, when properly used,
safe and without risk to health; and
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the
research, testing and examination necessary
to discover, and to eliminate or minimise,
any risk to health and safety that may arise
from the use of the substance; and
(c) to make available, in connection with the use
of the substance at a facility, adequate
written information concerning—
(i) the use for which it is manufactured
and has been tested; and
(ii) details of its composition; and
(iii) any conditions necessary to ensure that,
when put to the use for which it was
manufactured and tested, it will be safe
and without risk to health; and
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(iv) the first aid and medical procedures that
should be followed if the substance
causes injury.
Penalty: 240 penalty units.
Note
See also clause 22.
(3) For the purposes of this clause, if—
(a) plant or a substance is imported into
Australia by a person who is not its
manufacturer; and
(b) at the time of the importation, the
manufacturer of the plant or substance does
not have a place of business in Australia—
the first-mentioned person is taken to be the
manufacturer of the plant or substance.
(4) This clause does not affect the operation of any
other law of this State that imposes an obligation
on a manufacturer in relation to defective goods or
in relation to information to be supplied in relation
to goods.
19 Duties of suppliers of facilities, plant and substances
(1) A supplier of a facility, or of any plant or
substance that the supplier ought reasonably to
expect will be used by members of the workforce
at a facility, must take all reasonably practicable
steps—
(a) to ensure that, at the time of supply, the
facility, or the plant or substance, is in such
condition as to be, when properly used, safe
and without risk to health; and
(b) to carry out, or cause to be carried out, the
research, testing and examination necessary
to discover, and to eliminate or minimise,
any risk to health or safety that may arise
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from the condition of the facility, plant or
substance; and
(c) to make available—
(i) in the case of a facility—to the operator
of a facility; and
(ii) in the case of plant or substance—to the
person to whom the plant or substance
is supplied—
adequate written information, in connection
with the use of the facility, plant or
substance, as the case requires, about—
(iii) the condition of the facility, plant or
substance at the time of supply; and
(iv) any risk to the health and safety of
members of the workforce at the
facility to which the condition of the
facility, plant or substance may give
rise unless it is properly used; and
(v) the steps that need to be taken in order
to eliminate such risk; and
(vi) in the case of a substance—the first aid
and medical procedures that should be
followed if the condition of the
substance causes injury to a member of
the workforce at the facility.
Penalty: 240 penalty units.
Note
See also clause 22.
(2) For the purposes of subclause (1), if a person (the
ostensible supplier) supplies to a person either a
facility, or any plant or substance that is to be used
by members of the workforce at a facility, and the
ostensible supplier—
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(a) carries on the business of financing the
acquisition or the use of goods by other
persons; and
(b) has, in the course of that business, acquired
an interest in the facility, or in the plant or
substance, from another person (the actual
supplier), solely for the purpose of financing
its acquisition by, or its provision to, the
person to whom it is finally supplied; and
(c) has not taken possession of the facility, plant
or substance, or has taken possession of the
facility, plant or substance solely for the
purpose of passing possession of the facility,
plant or substance to the person to whom it is
finally supplied—
a reference in subclause (1) to a supplier is, in
relation to the facility, plant or substance referred
to in this subclause, to be read as a reference to
the actual supplier and not as a reference to the
ostensible supplier.
(3) This clause does not affect the operation of any
other law of this State that imposes an obligation
in relation to the sale or supply of goods or in
relation to the information to be supplied in
relation to goods.
20 Duties of persons erecting facilities or installing
plant
(1) A person who erects or installs a facility, or erects
or installs any plant at a facility, must take all
reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the
facility or plant is not erected or installed in such a
way that it is unsafe or constitutes a risk to health.
Penalty: 240 penalty units.
Note
See also clause 22.
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(2) This clause does not affect the operation of any
other law of this State that imposes an obligation
in relation to the erection or installation of goods
or the supply of services.
21 Duties of persons in relation to occupational health
and safety
(1) A person at a facility must, at all times, take all
reasonably practicable steps—
(a) to ensure that the person does not take any
action, or make any omission, that creates a
risk, or increases an existing risk, to the
health or safety of that person or of any other
person at or near the facility; and
(b) in respect of any obligation imposed on the
operator or on any other person by or under a
listed OHS law—to cooperate with the
operator or that other person to the extent
necessary to enable the operator or that other
person to fulfil that obligation; and
(c) to use equipment that is—
(i) supplied to the person by the operator,
an employer of the person or any other
person having control of work at a
facility (the equipment supplier); and
(ii) necessary to protect the health and
safety of the person, or of any other
person at or near the facility—
in accordance with any instructions given by
the equipment supplier, consistent with the
safe and proper use of the equipment.
Penalty: 240 penalty units.
(2) Despite subclause (1), the choice or manner of use
of equipment of the kind referred to in
subclause (1)(c)(ii) is a matter that may be,
consistently with each listed OHS law—
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(a) agreed on between the equipment supplier
and any relevant health and safety
representative; or
(b) agreed on by a health and safety committee.
(3) If an agreement of the kind referred to in
subclause (2)(a) or (b) provides a process for
choosing equipment of a particular kind that is to
be provided by the equipment supplier, action
must not be taken against a person for failure to
use equipment of that kind that is so provided
unless the equipment has been chosen in
accordance with that process.
(4) If an agreement of the kind referred to in
subclause (2)(a) or (b) provides a process for
determining the manner of use of equipment of a
particular kind, action must not be taken against a
person for failure to use, in the manner required
by the equipment supplier, equipment of that kind
that is so provided unless the manner has been
determined in accordance with that process.
22 Reliance on information supplied or results of
research
(1) For the purpose of the application of clause 15, 16
or 17 to the use of plant or a substance, a person
on whom an obligation is imposed under that
clause is regarded as having taken such reasonably
practicable steps as that clause requires, in relation
to the use of the plant or substance, to the extent
that—
(a) the person ensured, so far as practicable, that
its use was in accordance with the
information supplied by the manufacturer or
the supplier of the plant or substance relating
to health and safety in its use; and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on
that information.
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(2) Subclause (1) does not limit the generality of what
constitutes reasonably practicable steps as
required by clause 15, 16 or 17.
(3) For the purpose of the application of clause 18
or 19 to carrying out research, testing and
examining a facility, or any plant or substance, a
person on whom an obligation is imposed under
that clause is regarded as having taken such
reasonably practicable steps as that clause
requires, in relation to carrying out research,
testing and examining the facility, plant or
substance, to the extent that—
(a) the research, testing or examination has
already been carried out by or on behalf of
someone else; and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on
that research, testing or examination.
(4) Subclause (3) does not limit the generality of what
constitutes reasonably practicable steps as
required by clause 18 or 19.
(5) For the purpose of the application of clause 20 to
the erection of a facility or the erection or
installation of plant at a facility, a person on
whom an obligation is imposed under that clause
is regarded as having taken such reasonably
practicable steps as that clause requires to the
extent that—
(a) the person ensured, so far as is reasonably
practicable, that the erection of the facility,
or the erection or installation of the plant,
was—
(i) in accordance with information
supplied by the manufacturer or
supplier of the facility or plant relating
to its erection or its installation; and
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(ii) consistent with the health and safety of
persons at the facility; and
(b) it was reasonable for the person to rely on
that information.
(6) Subclause (5) does not limit the generality of what
constitutes reasonably practicable steps as
required by clause 20.
Division 2—Regulations relating to occupational health and
safety
23 Regulations relating to occupational health and
safety
(1) The regulations may make provision relating to
any matter affecting, or likely to affect, the
occupational health and safety of persons at a
facility.
(2) Subclause (1) has effect subject to this Schedule.
(3) Regulations made for the purposes of
subclause (1) may make provision for any or all of
the following—
(a) prohibiting or restricting the performance of
all work or specified work at a facility;
(b) prohibiting or restricting the use of all plant
or specified plant at a facility;
(c) prohibiting or restricting the carrying out of
all processes or a specified process at a
facility;
(d) prohibiting or restricting the storage or use of
all substances or specified substances at a
facility;
(e) specifying the form in which information
required to be made available under clause
18(1)(c) or (2)(c) or 19(1)(c) is to be so made
available;
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(f) prohibiting, except in accordance with
licences granted under the regulations, the
use of specified plant or specified substances
at a facility;
(g) providing for—
(i) the issue, variation, renewal, transfer,
suspension and cancellation of such
licences; and
(ii) the conditions to which the licences
may be subject;
(h) regulating the maintenance and testing of
plant used at a facility;
(i) regulating the labelling or marking of
substances used at a facility;
(j) regulating the transport of specified plant or
specified substances for use at a facility;
(k) prohibiting the performance, at a facility, of
specified activities or work except—
(i) by persons who satisfy requirements of
the regulations as to qualifications,
training or experience; or
(ii) under the supervision specified in the
regulations;
(l) requiring specified action to avoid accidents
or dangerous occurrences;
(m) providing for, or prohibiting, specified action
in the event of accidents or dangerous
occurrences;
(n) providing for the employment at a facility of
persons to perform specified duties relating
to the maintenance of occupational health
and safety at the facility;
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(o) regulating the provision and use, at a facility,
of protective clothing and equipment, safety
equipment and rescue equipment;
(p) providing for monitoring the health of
members of the workforce at a facility and
the conditions at the facility;
(q) requiring employers to keep records of
matters related to the occupational health and
safety of employees;
(r) providing for the provision of first aid
equipment and facilities at facilities.
(4) Subclause (3) does not limit subclause (1).
PART 3—WORKPLACE ARRANGEMENTS
Division 1—Introduction
24 Simplified outline
(1) This clause sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) A group of members of the workforce at a facility
may be established as a designated work group.
(3) The members of a designated work group may
select a health and safety representative for that
designated work group.
(4) The health and safety representative may exercise
certain powers for the purpose of promoting or
ensuring the health and safety of the group
members.
(5) A health and safety committee may be established
in relation to the members of the workforce at a
facility.
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(6) The main function of a health and safety
committee is to assist the operator in relation to
occupational health and safety matters.
(7) This clause is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
Division 2—Designated work groups
Subdivision 1—Establishment of designated work groups
25 Establishment of designated work groups by request
(1) A request to the operator of a facility to enter into
consultations to establish designated work groups
in relation to the members of the workforce at the
facility may be made by—
(a) any member of the workforce; or
(b) if a member of the workforce requests a
workforce representative in relation to the
member to make the request to the
operator—that workforce representative.
(2) The operator of a facility must, within 14 days
after receiving a request under subclause (1), enter
into consultations with—
(a) if any member of the workforce made a
request to establish designated work
groups—
(i) that member of the workforce; and
(ii) if that member requests that the
operator enter into consultations with a
workforce representative in relation to
the member—that workforce
representative; and
(iii) each employer (if any) of members of
the workforce; and
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(b) if a workforce representative made a request
to establish designated work groups—
(i) if a member of the workforce requests
that the operator enter into
consultations with that workforce
representative—that workforce
representative; and
(ii) each employer of members of the
workforce.
(3) Within 14 days after the completion of
consultations about the establishment of the
designated work groups, the operator must, by
notifying the members of the workforce, establish
the designated work groups in accordance with the
outcome of the consultations.
26 Establishment of designated work groups at
initiative of operator
(1) If, at any time, the operator of a facility considers
that designated work groups should be
established, the operator must enter into
consultations with—
(a) all members of the workforce; and
(b) if a member of the workforce requests that
the operator enter into consultations with a
workforce representative in relation to the
member—that workforce representative; and
(c) each employer (if any) of members of the
workforce.
(2) Within 14 days after the completion of
consultations about the establishment of the
designated work groups, the operator must, by
notifying the members of the workforce, establish
the designated work groups in accordance with the
outcome of the consultations.
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Subdivision 2—Variation of designated work groups
27 Variation of designated work groups by request
(1) A request to the operator of a facility to enter into
consultations to vary designated work groups that
have already been established in relation to the
members of the workforce at the facility may be
made by—
(a) any member of the workforce; or
(b) if a member of the workforce requests a
workforce representative in relation to the
member to make the request to the
operator—that workforce representative.
(2) The operator of a facility must, within 14 days
after receiving a request under subclause (1), enter
into consultations with—
(a) if any member of the workforce made a
request to vary designated work groups—
(i) that member of the workforce; and
(ii) the health and safety representative of
each designated work group affected by
the proposed variation; and
(iii) each work group employer (if any) in
relation to each designated work group
affected by the proposed variation; and
(b) if a workforce representative made a request
to vary designated work groups—
(i) if a member of a designated work group
affected by the proposed variation
requests that the operator enter into
consultations with a workforce
representative in relation to the group—
that workforce representative; and
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(ii) the health and safety representative of
each designated work group affected by
the proposed variation; and
(iii) each work group employer (if any) in
relation to each designated work group
affected by the proposed variation.
(3) If—
(a) consultations take place about the variation
of designated work groups that have already
been established; and
(b) as a result of the consultations, it has been
determined that the variation of some or all
of those designated work groups is
justified—
then, within 14 days after the completion of the
consultations, the operator must, by notifying the
members of the workforce who are affected by the
variation, vary the designated work groups in
accordance with the outcome of the consultations.
28 Variation of designated work groups at initiative of
operator
(1) If the operator of a facility believes the designated
work groups should be varied, the operator may,
at any time, enter into consultations about the
variations with—
(a) the health and safety representative of each
of the designated work groups affected by
the proposed variation; and
(b) if a member of a designated work group
affected by the proposed variation requests
that the operator enter into consultations with
a workforce representative in relation to the
group—that workforce representative; and
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(c) each work group employer (if any) in
relation to each designated work group
affected by the proposed variation.
(2) If—
(a) consultations take place about the variation
of designated work groups that have already
been established; and
(b) as a result of the consultations, it has been
determined that the variation of some or all
of those designated work groups is
justified—
then, within 14 days after the completion of the
consultations, the operator must, by notifying the
members of the workforce who are affected by the
variation, vary the designated work groups in
accordance with the outcome of the consultations.
Subdivision 3—General
29 Referral of disagreement to reviewing authority
(1) If, in the course of consultations under clause 25,
26, 27 or 28, there is a disagreement between any
of the parties to the consultation about the manner
of establishing or varying a designated work
group, any party may, for the purpose of
facilitating that consultation, refer the matter of
disagreement to the reviewing authority.
(2) If the matter of disagreement is referred to the
reviewing authority, the parties to the
disagreement must complete the consultation in
accordance with the resolution of that matter by
the reviewing authority.
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30 Manner of grouping members of the workforce
(1) Consultations about the establishment or variation
of a designated work group must be directed
principally towards the determination of the
manner of grouping members of the workforce—
(a) that best and most conveniently enables their
interests relating to occupational health and
safety to be represented and safeguarded;
and
(b) that best takes account of the need for any
health and safety representative selected for
that designated work group to be accessible
to each group member.
(2) The parties to the consultations must have regard,
in particular, to—
(a) the number of members of the workforce at
the facility to which the consultation relates;
and
(b) the nature of each type of work performed by
such members; and
(c) the number and grouping of such members
who perform the same or similar types of
work; and
(d) the workplaces where each type of work is
performed; and
(e) the nature of any risks to health and safety at
each such workplace; and
(f) any overtime or shift working arrangement at
the facility.
(3) The designated work groups must be established
or varied in such a way that, so far as practicable,
each of the members of the workforce at a facility
is in a designated work group.
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(4) All the members of the workforce at a facility may
be in one designated work group.
Division 3—Health and safety representatives
Subdivision 1—Selection of health and safety representatives
31 Selection of health and safety representatives
(1) One health and safety representative may be
selected for each designated work group.
(2) A person is not eligible for selection as the health
and safety representative for a designated work
group unless the person is a member of the
workforce included in the group.
(3) A person is taken to have been selected as the
health and safety representative for a designated
work group if—
(a) all the members of the workforce in the
group unanimously agree to the selection; or
(b) the person is elected as the health and safety
representative of the group in accordance
with clause 32.
32 Election of health and safety representatives
(1) If—
(a) there is a vacancy in the office of health and
safety representative for a designated work
group; and
(b) within a reasonable time after the vacancy
occurs, a person has not been selected under
clause 31(3)(a)—
the operator of the facility must invite
nominations from all group members for election
as the health and safety representative of the
group.
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(2) If the office of health and safety representative is
vacant and the operator has not invited
nominations within a further reasonable time that
is no later than 6 months after the vacancy
occurred, the Safety Authority may direct the
operator to do so.
(3) If there is more than one candidate for election at
the close of the nomination period, the operator
must conduct, or arrange for the conduct of, an
election at the operator's expense.
(4) An election conducted or arranged to be
conducted under subclause (3) must be conducted
in accordance with regulations made for the
purposes of this subclause if this is requested by
the lesser of—
(a) 100 members of the workforce normally in
the designated work group; or
(b) a majority of the members of the workforce
normally in the designated work group.
(5) If there is only one candidate for election at the
close of the nomination period, that person is
taken to have been elected.
(6) A person cannot be a candidate in the election if
he or she is disqualified under clause 38.
(7) All the members of the workforce in the
designated work group are entitled to vote in the
election.
(8) An operator conducting or arranging for the
conduct of an election under this clause must
comply with any relevant directions issued by the
Safety Authority.
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33 List of health and safety representatives
The operator of a facility must—
(a) prepare and keep up to date a list of all the
health and safety representatives of
designated work groups comprising
members of the workforce performing work
at the facility; and
(b) ensure that the list is available for inspection,
at all reasonable times, by—
(i) the members of the workforce at the
facility; and
(ii) OHS inspectors.
34 Members of designated work group must be notified
of selection etc. of health and safety representative
The operator of a facility must—
(a) notify members of a designated work group
in relation to the facility of a vacancy in the
office of health and safety representative for
the designated work group within a
reasonable time after the vacancy arises; and
(b) notify those members of the name of any
person selected (whether under clause
31(3)(a) or (b)) as health and safety
representative for the designated work group
within a reasonable time after the selection is
made.
35 Term of office
(1) A health and safety representative for a designated
work group holds office—
(a) if, in consultations that took place under
clause 25, 26, 27 or 28, the parties to the
consultations agreed to the period for which
the health and safety representative for the
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group was to hold office—for such a period;
or
(b) in any other case—for 2 years—
beginning at the start of the day on which he or
she was selected.
(2) However, the health and safety representative is
eligible to be selected for further terms of office.
(3) Subclauses (1) and (2) have effect subject to this
Part.
36 Training of health and safety representatives
(1) A health and safety representative for a designated
work group must undertake a course of training
relating to occupational health and safety that is
accredited by the Safety Authority for the
purposes of this clause.
(2) The operator of the facility concerned must permit
the representative to take such time off work,
without loss of remuneration or other entitlements,
as is necessary to undertake the training.
(3) If a person other than the operator is the employer
of the representative, that person must permit the
representative to take such time off work, without
loss of remuneration or other entitlements, as is
necessary to undertake the training.
37 Resignation etc. of health and safety representatives
(1) A person ceases to be the health and safety
representative for the designated work group if—
(a) the person resigns as the health and safety
representative; or
(b) the person ceases to be a group member of
that designated work group; or
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(c) the person's term of office expires without
the person having been selected, under
clause 31, to be the health and safety
representative for the designated work group
for a further term; or
(d) the person is disqualified under clause 38.
(2) A person may resign as the health and safety
representative for a designated work group by
written notice delivered to the operator and to
each work group employer.
(3) If a person resigns as the health and safety
representative for a designated work group, the
person must notify the resignation to the group
members.
(4) If a person has ceased to be the health and safety
representative for a designated work group
because of subclause (1)(b), the person must
notify in writing—
(a) the group members; and
(b) the operator and each work group
employer—
that the person has ceased to be the health and
safety representative for that designated work
group.
38 Disqualification of health and safety representatives
(1) An application for the disqualification of a health
and safety representative for a designated work
group may be made to the Safety Authority by—
(a) the operator; or
(b) a work group employer; or
(c) at the request of a group member of the
designated work group—a workforce
representative in relation to the designated
work group.
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(2) An application under subclause (1) may be made
on either or both of the following grounds—
(a) that action taken by the health and safety
representative in the exercise or purported
exercise of a power under clause 40(1) or
any other provision of this Schedule was
taken—
(i) with the intention of causing harm to
the operator or work group employer or
to an undertaking of the operator or
work group employer; or
(ii) unreasonably, capriciously or not for
the purpose for which the power was
conferred on the health and safety
representative;
(b) that the health and safety representative has
intentionally used, or disclosed to another
person, for a purpose that is not connected
with the exercise of a power of a health and
safety representative, information acquired
from the operator or work group employer.
(3) If, on an application under subclause (1), the
Safety Authority is satisfied that the health and
safety representative has acted in a manner
referred to in subclause (2), the Safety Authority
may, after having regard to—
(a) the harm (if any) that was caused to the
operator or work group employer or to an
undertaking of the operator or work group
employer as a result of the action of the
representative; and
(b) the past record of the representative in
exercising the powers of a health and safety
representative; and
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(c) the effect (if any) on the public interest of the
action of the representative; and
(d) such other matters as the Authority thinks
relevant—
disqualify the representative, for a specified
period not exceeding 5 years, from being a health
and safety representative for any designated work
group.
39 Deputy health and safety representatives
(1) One deputy health and safety representative may
be selected for each designated work group for
which a health and safety representative has been
selected.
(2) A deputy health and safety representative is to be
selected in the same way as a health and safety
representative under clause 31.
(3) If the health and safety representative for a
designated work group—
(a) ceases to be the health and safety
representative; or
(b) is unable (because of absence or for any
other reason) to exercise the powers of a
health and safety representative—
then—
(c) the powers may be exercised by the deputy
health and safety representative (if any) for
the group; and
(d) this Schedule (other than this clause) applies
in relation to the deputy health and safety
representative accordingly.
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Subdivision 2—Powers of health and safety representatives
40 Powers of health and safety representatives
(1) A health and safety representative for a designated
work group in relation to a facility may, for the
purpose of promoting or ensuring the health and
safety at a workplace of the group members—
(a) do any or all of the following—
(i) inspect the whole or any part of the
workplace if there has, in the
immediate past, been an accident or a
dangerous occurrence at the workplace,
or if there is an immediate threat of
such an accident or dangerous
occurrence;
(ii) inspect the whole or any part of the
workplace if the health and safety
representative has given reasonable
notice of the inspection to the operator's
representative at the facility and to any
other person having immediate control
of the workplace;
(iii) make a request to an OHS inspector or
to the Safety Authority that an
inspection be conducted at the
workplace;
(iv) accompany an OHS inspector during
any inspection at the workplace by the
OHS inspector (whether or not the
inspection is being conducted as a
result of a request made by the health
and safety representative);
(v) if there is no health and safety
committee in relation to the members of
the workforce at the facility—represent
group members in consultations with
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the operator and any work group
employer about the development,
implementation and review of measures
to ensure the health and safety of those
members at the workplace;
(vi) if a health and safety committee has
been established in relation to the
members of the workforce at the
facility—examine any of the records of
that committee; and
(b) investigate complaints made by any group
member to the health and safety
representative about the health and safety of
any of the members of the workforce
(whether in the group or not); and
(c) with the consent of a group member, be
present at any interview about health and
safety at work between that member and—
(i) an OHS inspector; or
(ii) the operator or a person representing
the operator; or
(iii) a work group employer or a person
representing that employer; and
(d) obtain access to any information under the
control of the operator or any work group
employer—
(i) relating to risks to the health and safety
of any group member; and
(ii) relating to the health and safety of any
group member; and
(e) issue provisional improvement notices in
accordance with clause 44.
(2) Subclause (1)(d)(ii) has effect subject to
clause 42.
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41 Assistance by consultant
(1) A health and safety representative for a designated
work group is entitled, in the exercise of his or her
powers, to be assisted by a consultant.
(2) A health and safety representative for a designated
work group may—
(a) be assisted by a consultant at a workplace at
which work is performed; or
(b) provide to a consultant information that has
been provided to the health and safety
representative by an operator or work group
employer under clause 40(1)(d)—
only if the operator or the Safety Authority has, in
writing, agreed to the provision of that assistance
at that workplace or the provision of that
information, as the case may be.
(3) Neither the operator nor any workplace employer
becomes, because of the agreement under
subclause (2) to the provision of assistance by a
consultant, liable for any remuneration or other
expenses incurred in connection with the
consultant's activities.
(4) If a health and safety representative for a
designated work group is being assisted by a
consultant, the consultant is entitled to be present
with the representative at any interview, about
health and safety at work, between a group
member and—
(a) an OHS inspector; or
(b) the operator or any work group employer or
a person representing the operator or that
employer—
if, and only if, the group member consents to the
presence of the consultant.
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42 Information
(1) Neither—
(a) the health and safety representative; nor
(b) if the health and safety representative is
assisted by a consultant—the consultant—
is entitled, under clause 40(1)(d)(ii), to have
access to information in relation to which a group
member is entitled to claim, and does claim, legal
professional privilege.
(2) Neither—
(a) the health and safety representative; nor
(b) if the health and safety representative is
assisted by a consultant—the consultant—
is entitled, under clause 40(1)(d)(ii), to have
access to information of a confidential medical
nature relating to a person who is or was a group
member unless—
(c) the person has delivered to the operator or
any work group employer a written authority
permitting the health and safety
representative, or the health and safety
representative and the consultant, as the case
requires, to have access to the information;
or
(d) the information is in a form that does not
identify the person or enable the identity of
the person to be discovered.
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43 Obligations and liabilities of health and safety
representatives
This Schedule does not—
(a) impose an obligation on a person to exercise
any power conferred on the person because
the person is a health and safety
representative; or
(b) render a person liable in civil proceedings
because of—
(i) a failure to exercise such a power; or
(ii) the way such a power was exercised.
44 Provisional improvement notices
(1) If—
(a) a health and safety representative for a
designated work group believes, on
reasonable grounds, that a person—
(i) is contravening a provision of a listed
OHS law; or
(ii) has contravened a provision of a listed
OHS law and is likely to contravene
that provision again; and
(b) the contravention affects or may affect one
or more group members—
the representative must consult with the person
supervising the relevant activity in an attempt to
reach agreement on rectifying the contravention or
preventing the likely contravention.
(2) If, in the health and safety representative's
opinion, agreement is not reached within a
reasonable time, the health and safety
representative may issue a provisional
improvement notice to any or all of the persons
(each of whom is in this clause called a
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responsible person) responsible for the
contravention.
(3) If a responsible person is the operator, the
improvement notice may be issued to the operator
by giving it to the operator's representative at the
facility.
(4) If it is not practicable to issue the notice to a
responsible person (other than the operator or the
supervisor) by giving it to that responsible
person—
(a) the notice may be issued to that responsible
person by giving it to the person who for the
time being is, or may reasonably be
presumed to be, on behalf of the responsible
person, in charge of the activity to which the
notice relates; and
(b) if the notice is so issued, a copy of the notice
must be given to the responsible person as
soon as practicable afterwards.
(5) The notice must—
(a) specify the contravention that, in the health
and safety representative's opinion, is
occurring or is likely to occur, and set out the
reasons for that opinion; and
(b) specify a period that—
(i) is not less than 7 days beginning on the
day after the notice is issued; and
(ii) is, in the representative's opinion,
reasonable—
within which the responsible person is to
take action necessary to prevent any further
contravention or to prevent the likely
contravention, as the case may be.
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(6) The notice may specify action that the responsible
person is to take during the period specified in the
notice.
(7) If, in the health and safety representative's
opinion, it is appropriate to do so, the
representative may, in writing and before the end
of the period, extend the period specified in the
notice.
(8) On issuing the notice, the health and safety
representative must give a copy of the notice to—
(a) if the operator is not a responsible person—
the operator; and
(b) each work group employer other than a work
group employer who is a responsible person;
and
(c) if the supervisor is not a responsible
person—the supervisor; and
(d) if the notice relates to any plant, substance or
thing that is owned by a person other than a
responsible person or a person to whom a
copy of the notice is given under
paragraph (a), (b) or (c)—that owner.
45 Effect of provisional improvement notice
(1) Within 7 days after a notice is issued under
clause 44—
(a) the responsible person; or
(b) any other person to whom a copy of the
notice has been given under clause 44(8)—
may make a request to the Safety Authority or to
an OHS inspector that an inspection of the matter
be conducted.
(2) Upon the request being made, the operation of the
notice is suspended pending the determination of
the matter by an OHS inspector.
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(3) As soon as possible after a request is made, an
inspection must be conducted of the work that is
the subject of the disagreement, and the OHS
inspector conducting the inspection must—
(a) confirm, vary or cancel the notice and notify
the responsible person, and any person to
whom a copy of the notice has been given
under clause 44(8), accordingly; and
(b) make such decisions, and exercise such
powers, under Part 4 of this Schedule, as the
OHS inspector considers necessary in
relation to the work.
(4) If the OHS inspector varies a notice, the notice as
so varied has effect—
(a) so far as the notice concerns obligations
imposed on the responsible person that are
unaffected by the variation—as if the notice
as so varied resumed effect on the day of the
variation; and
(b) so far as the notice concerns new obligations
imposed by virtue of the variation—as if the
notice as so varied were a new notice issued
on the day of the variation.
(5) If the notice is issued to a responsible person, the
responsible person must—
(a) notify each group member who is affected by
the notice of the fact of the issue of the
notice; and
(b) until the notice ceases to have effect, cause a
copy of the notice to be displayed at or near
each workplace at which the work that is the
subject of the notice is being performed.
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(6) The notice ceases to have effect if—
(a) it is cancelled by an OHS inspector or by the
health and safety representative; or
(b) the responsible person—
(i) takes such action (if any) as is specified
in the notice; or
(ii) if no action is so specified—takes the
action necessary to prevent the further
contravention, or likely contravention,
concerned.
(7) The responsible person—
(a) must ensure that, to the extent that the notice
relates to any matter over which the person
has control, the notice is complied with; and
(b) must take reasonable steps to inform the
health and safety representative who issued
the notice of the action taken to comply with
the notice.
(8) For the purposes of clause 95, if the OHS
inspector confirms or varies the notice, the OHS
inspector is taken to have decided, under
clause 89, to issue an improvement notice in those
terms.
Subdivision 3—Duties of the operator and other employers
in relation to health and safety representatives
46 Duties of the operator and other employers in
relation to health and safety representatives
(1) The operator of a facility, in relation to which a
designated work group having a health and safety
representative has been established, must—
(a) on being requested to do so by the
representative, consult with the
representative on the implementation of
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changes at any workplace at which some or
all of the group members perform work,
where the changes may affect their health
and safety; and
(b) in relation to a workplace at which some or
all of the group members perform work—
(i) permit the representative to make such
inspection of the workplace as the
representative is entitled to make in
accordance with clause 40(1)(a)(i) and
to accompany an OHS inspector during
an inspection at the workplace by the
OHS inspector; and
(ii) if there is no health and safety
committee in relation to the members of
the workforce—on being requested to
do so by the representative, consult
with the representative about the
development, implementation and
review of measures to ensure the health
and safety of group members; and
(c) permit the representative to be present at any
interview at which the representative is
entitled to be present under clause 40(1)(c);
and
(d) provide to the representative access to any
information to which the representative is
entitled to obtain access under clause
40(1)(d)(i) or (ii) and to which access has
been requested; and
(e) permit the representative to take such time
off work, without loss of remuneration or
other entitlements, as is necessary to exercise
the powers of a health and safety
representative; and
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(f) provide the representative with access to
such facilities as are—
(i) prescribed for the purposes of this
paragraph; or
(ii) necessary for the purposes of exercising
the powers of a health and safety
representative.
(2) Subclause (1)(d) has effect subject to
subclauses (3) and (4).
(3) The operator must not permit a health and safety
representative in relation to a designated work
group to have access to information that—
(a) is of a confidential medical nature under the
control of the operator; and
(b) relates to a person who is or was a group
member—
unless—
(c) the person has delivered to the employer a
written authority permitting the
representative to have access to the
information; or
(d) the information is in a form that does not
identify the person or enable the identity of
the person to be discovered.
(4) The operator is not required to give a health and
safety representative access to any information in
relation to which the operator is entitled to claim,
and does claim, legal professional privilege.
(5) The duties imposed by this clause on the operator
in relation to the health and safety representative
for a designated work group apply equally, to the
extent that the matters to which the duties relate
are within the control of a work group employer
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or of a supervisor of particular work, to that
employer and to that supervisor.
Division 4—Health and safety committees
47 Health and safety committees
(1) A health and safety committee must be established
in relation to the members of the workforce at a
facility if—
(a) the number of those members normally
present at the facility is not less than 50
(whether or not those members are all at
work at the facility at the same time); and
(b) the members of the workforce are included
in one or more designated work groups; and
(c) the operator is requested to establish the
committee by the health and safety
representative for the designated work group
or for one of the designated work groups.
(2) The health and safety committee consists of—
(a) the number of members specified in an
agreement reached between the operator and
the members of the workforce; or
(b) if there is no such agreement—an equal
number of—
(i) members, chosen by the members of
the workforce, to represent the interests
of members of the workforce; and
(ii) members, chosen by the operator, to
represent the interests of the operator
and the employers (other than the
operator) of members of the workforce.
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(3) The agreement referred to in subclause (2)(a)
may—
(a) specify the persons who are to be members
to represent the interests of the operator and
employers (other than the operator) of
members of the workforce; and
(b) provide for the way in which persons who
are to be members to represent the interests
of members of the workforce are to be
chosen.
(4) If regulations made for the purposes of this clause
specify procedures for the selection of persons as
members of health and safety committees, to
represent the interests of members of the
workforce, an agreement referred to in
subclause (2)(a) must not provide for such
members to be chosen in a way inconsistent with
the regulations.
(5) A health and safety committee must hold meetings
at least once every 3 months.
(6) The procedure at meetings of a health and safety
committee must, except to the extent provided for
by the regulations, be the procedure agreed upon
by the committee.
(7) A health and safety committee must cause minutes
of its meetings to be kept, and must retain those
minutes for a period of not less than 3 years.
(8) This clause does not prevent an operator from
establishing, in consultation with members of the
workforce or any other persons, committees
concerned with occupational health and safety in
relation to undertakings carried on by the
operator.
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48 Functions of health and safety committees
(1) A health and safety committee has the following
functions—
(a) to assist the operator of the facility
concerned—
(i) to develop and implement measures
designed to protect; and
(ii) to review and update measures used to
protect—
the health and safety at work of members of
the workforce;
(b) to facilitate cooperation between the operator
of the facility, employers (other than the
operator) of members of the workforce, and
members of the workforce, in relation to
occupational health and safety matters;
(c) to assist the operator to disseminate among
members of the workforce, in appropriate
languages, information relating to health and
safety at work;
(d) such functions as are prescribed;
(e) such other functions as are agreed upon
between the operator and the health and
safety committee.
(2) A health and safety committee has power to do all
things necessary or convenient to be done for, or
in connection with, the performance of its
functions.
(3) This Schedule does not—
(a) impose an obligation on a person to do any
act, because the person is a member of a
health and safety committee, in connection
with the performance of a function conferred
on the committee; or
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(b) render such a person liable in civil
proceedings because of—
(i) a failure to do such an act; or
(ii) the manner in which such an act was
done.
49 Duties of the operator and other employers in
relation to health and safety committees
(1) If there is a health and safety committee, the
operator and any employer (other than the
operator) of a member of the workforce must—
(a) make available to the committee any
information possessed by the operator or that
employer relating to risks to health and
safety to members of the workforce; and
(b) permit any member of the committee who is
a member of the workforce to take such time
off work, without loss of remuneration or
other entitlements, as is necessary for the
member adequately to participate in the
performance by the committee of its
functions.
(2) Subclause (1)(a) has effect subject to
subclauses (3) and (4).
(3) The operator or any employer (other than the
operator) of a member of the workforce must not
make available to a health and safety committee
information of a confidential nature relating to a
person who is or was a member of the workforce,
unless—
(a) the person has authorised the information to
be made available to the committee; or
(b) the information is in a form that does not
identify the person or enable the identity of
the person to be discovered.
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(4) The operator or any employer (other than the
operator) of a member of the workforce is not
required to make available to a health and safety
committee any information in relation to which
the operator or employer is entitled to claim, and
does claim, legal professional privilege.
Division 5—Emergency procedures
50 Action by health and safety representatives
(1) If a health and safety representative for a
designated work group has reasonable cause to
believe that there is an imminent and serious
danger to the health or safety of any person at or
near the facility unless a group member or group
members cease to perform particular work, the
representative must—
(a) inform a person (a supervisor) supervising
the group member or group members in the
performance of the work of the danger; or
(b) if no supervisor can be contacted
immediately—
(i) direct the group member or group
members to cease, in a safe manner, to
perform the work; and
(ii) as soon as practicable, inform a
supervisor that the direction has been
given.
(2) If a supervisor is informed under subclause (1)(a)
of a danger to the health or safety of any person at
or near the facility, the supervisor must take such
action as he or she thinks appropriate to remove
that danger, and any such action may include
directing a group member or group members to
cease, in a safe manner, to perform the work.
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(3) If—
(a) a health and safety representative has
informed a supervisor under subclause (1)(a)
of a danger; and
(b) the representative has reasonable cause to
believe that, despite any action taken by the
supervisor in accordance with subclause (2),
there continues to be an imminent and
serious danger to the health or safety of any
person at or near the facility unless the group
member or group members cease to perform
particular work—
the representative must—
(c) direct the group member or group members
to cease, in a safe manner, to perform the
work; and
(d) as soon as practicable, inform the supervisor
that the direction has been given.
(4) If—
(a) a health and safety representative gives a
direction under subclause (1)(b), but is
unable to agree with a supervisor whom the
representative has informed under that
paragraph that there is a need for a direction
under that paragraph; or
(b) a health and safety representative gives a
direction under subclause (3)(c)—
the representative or the supervisor may make a
request to the Safety Authority or to an OHS
inspector that an inspection be conducted of the
work that is the subject of the direction.
(5) As soon as possible after a request is made, an
inspection must be conducted of the work that is
the subject of the direction, and the OHS inspector
conducting the inspection must make such
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decisions, and exercise such powers, under Part 4
of this Schedule as the OHS inspector considers
necessary in relation to the work.
(6) This clause does not limit the power of a health
and safety representative under clause 40(1)(a)(iii)
to make a request to an OHS inspector or to the
Safety Authority that an inspection be conducted
at the workplace.
51 Direction to perform other work
(1) This clause applies if—
(a) a group member who is an employee has
ceased to perform work, in accordance with
the direction of a health and safety
representative under clause 50(1)(b)
or (3)(c); and
(b) the cessation of work does not continue
after—
(i) the health and safety representative has
agreed with a person supervising work
at the workplace where the work was
being performed that the cessation of
work was not, or is no longer,
necessary; or
(ii) an OHS inspector has, under clause
50(5), made a decision to the effect that
the employee should perform the work.
(2) The employer may direct the employee to perform
suitable alternative work, and the employee is to
be taken, for all purposes, to be required to
perform that other work under the terms and
conditions of the employee's employment.
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Division 6—Exemptions
52 Exemptions
(1) The Safety Authority may, in accordance with the
regulations, make a written order exempting a
specified person from any or all of the provisions
of this Part (other than this clause).
(2) The Safety Authority must not make an order
under subclause (1) unless it is satisfied on
reasonable grounds that it is impracticable for the
person to comply with the provision or provisions.
PART 4—INSPECTIONS
Division 1—Introduction
53 Simplified outline
(1) This clause sets out a simplified outline of this
Part.
(2) An OHS inspector may conduct an inspection—
(a) to ascertain whether a listed OHS law is
being complied with; or
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OHS law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous
occurrence that has happened at or near a
facility.
(3) An OHS inspector may issue a prohibition notice
to the operator of a facility in order to remove an
immediate threat to the health or safety of any
person.
(4) An OHS inspector may issue an improvement
notice specifying action that is to be taken to
prevent contraventions of a listed OHS law.
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(5) An OHS inspector must prepare a report about an
inspection and give the report to the Safety
Authority.
(6) This clause is intended only as a guide to readers
as to the general scheme and effect of this Part.
54 Powers, functions and duties of OHS inspectors
(1) An OHS inspector has the powers, functions and
duties conferred or imposed by a listed OHS law.
(2) The Safety Authority may give written directions
specifying the manner in which, and the
conditions subject to which, powers conferred on
OHS inspectors by a listed OHS law are to be
exercised. If it does so, the powers of OHS
inspectors must be exercised in accordance with
those directions.
(3) The Safety Authority may, by written notice,
impose restrictions, not inconsistent with any
direction in force under subclause (2), on the
powers that are conferred on a particular OHS
inspector by a listed OHS law. If it does so, the
powers of the OHS inspector are taken to have
been restricted accordingly.
Division 2—Inspections
55 Inspections
(1) An OHS inspector may, at any time, conduct an
inspection—
(a) to ascertain whether the requirements of, or
any requirements properly made under, a
listed OHS law are being complied with; or
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OHS law; or
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(c) concerning an accident or dangerous
occurrence that has happened at or near a
facility.
(2) The Safety Authority may direct an OHS
inspector to conduct an inspection—
(a) to ascertain whether the requirements of, or
any requirements properly made under, a
listed OHS law are being complied with; or
(b) concerning a contravention or a possible
contravention of a listed OHS law; or
(c) concerning an accident or dangerous
occurrence that has happened at or near a
facility—
and the OHS inspector must, unless the Safety
Authority revokes the direction, conduct an
inspection accordingly.
Division 3—Powers of OHS inspectors in relation to the
conduct of inspections
Subdivision 1—General powers of entry and search
56 Powers of entry and search—facilities
(1) An OHS inspector may, for the purposes of an
inspection, at any reasonable time during the day
or night—
(a) enter the facility to which the inspection
relates and do any or all of the following—
(i) search the facility;
(ii) inspect, examine, take measurements
of, or conduct tests concerning, any
workplace at the facility or any plant,
substance or thing at the facility;
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(iii) take photographs of, make video
recordings of, or make sketches of, any
workplace at the facility or any plant,
substance or thing at the facility;
(iv) inspect, take extracts from, or make
copies of, any documents at the facility
that the OHS inspector has reasonable
grounds to believe relate, or are likely
to relate, to the subject matter of the
inspection; and
(b) inspect the seabed and subsoil in the vicinity
of the facility to which the inspection relates.
(2) Immediately on entering a facility for the purposes
of an inspection, an OHS inspector must take
reasonable steps to notify the purpose of entering
the facility to—
(a) the operator's representative at the facility;
and
(b) if there is a health and safety representative
for a designated work group having a group
member likely to be affected by the matter
the subject of the inspection—that
representative—
and must, on being requested to do so by the
person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b), produce
for inspection by that person—
(c) the OHS inspector's identity card; and
(d) a copy of the Safety Authority's written
direction (if any) to conduct the inspection;
and
(e) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed on
the powers of the OHS inspector under
clause 54(3).
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(3) If there is a health and safety representative for a
designated work group having a group member
likely to be affected by the matter the subject of
the inspection, the OHS inspector must give the
health and safety representative a reasonable
opportunity to consult on the matter the subject of
the inspection.
57 Powers of entry and search—regulated business
premises (other than facilities)
(1) An OHS inspector may, for the purposes of an
inspection—
(a) at any reasonable time, enter any regulated
business premises (other than a facility) if
the OHS inspector has reasonable grounds to
believe that there are likely to be at those
premises documents that relate to a facility
that is, or to facility operations that are, the
subject of the inspection; and
(b) search for, inspect, take extracts from, or
make copies of, any such documents at those
premises.
(2) Immediately on entering premises referred to in
subclause (1), an OHS inspector must take
reasonable steps to notify the purpose of the entry
to the occupier of those premises, and must, on
being requested to do so by the occupier, produce
for inspection by the occupier—
(a) the OHS inspector's identity card; and
(b) a copy of the Safety Authority's written
direction (if any) to conduct the inspection;
and
(c) a copy of the restrictions (if any) imposed on
the powers of the OHS inspector under
clause 54(3).
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58 Powers of entry and search—premises (other than
regulated business premises)
(1) An OHS inspector may, for the purposes of an
inspection—
(a) enter any premises (other than regulated
business premises) if the OHS inspector has
reasonable grounds to believe that there are
likely to be at those premises documents that
relate to a facility that is, or to facility
operations that are, the subject of the
inspection; and
(b) search for, inspect, take extracts from, or
make copies of, any such documents at those
premises.
(2) An OHS inspector may exercise the powers
referred to in subclause (1) to enter premises
only—
(a) if the premises are not a residence—
(i) in accordance with a warrant under
clause 59; or
(ii) with the consent of the occupier of the
premises; or
(b) if the premises are a residence—with the
consent of the occupier of the premises.
(3) Immediately on entering premises referred to in
subclause (1), an OHS inspector must—
(a) take reasonable steps to notify the purpose of
the entry to the occupier of those premises;
and
(b) take reasonable steps to produce, for
inspection by the occupier, the OHS
inspector's identity card; and
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(c) on being requested to do so by the occupier,
produce, for inspection by the occupier—
(i) a copy of the Safety Authority's written
direction (if any) to conduct the
inspection; and
(ii) a copy of the restrictions (if any)
imposed on the powers of the OHS
inspector under clause 54(3).
(4) If—
(a) an OHS inspector enters premises in
accordance with a warrant under clause 59;
and
(b) the occupier of the premises is present at the
premises—
the OHS inspector must make a copy of the
warrant available to the occupier.
(5) Before obtaining the consent of a person as
mentioned in subclause (2)(a) or (b), an OHS
inspector must inform the person that—
(a) the person may refuse consent; and
(b) the consent may be withdrawn.
(6) The consent of a person is not effective for the
purposes of subclause (2) unless the consent is
voluntary.
59 Warrant to enter premises (other than regulated
business premises)
(1) An OHS inspector may apply to a magistrate for a
warrant authorising the OHS inspector, with such
assistance as the OHS inspector thinks necessary,
to exercise the powers referred to in clause 58(1)
in relation to particular premises (other than a
residence).
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(2) The application must be supported by evidence on
oath or affirmation (whether oral or by affidavit)
that sets out the grounds on which the OHS
inspector is applying for the warrant.
(3) If the magistrate is satisfied that there are
reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant, the
magistrate may issue the warrant.
(4) A warrant issued under subclause (3) must state—
(a) the name of the OHS inspector; and
(b) whether the inspection may be carried out at
any time or only during specified hours of
the day; and
(c) the day on which the warrant ceases to have
effect; and
(d) the purposes for which the warrant is issued.
(5) The day specified under subclause (4)(c) is not to
be more than 7 days after the day on which the
warrant is issued.
(6) The purposes specified under subclause (4)(d)
must include the identification of the premises in
relation to which the warrant is issued.
(7) A warrant must be issued in accordance with the
Magistrates' Court Act 1989 and must be in the
form set out in the regulations under that Act.
(8) Subject to any provision to the contrary in this
Act, the rules to be observed with respect to
search warrants mentioned in the Magistrates'
Court Act 1989 extend and apply to warrants
under this clause.
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60 Obstructing or hindering OHS inspector
(1) A person must not obstruct or hinder an OHS
inspector in the exercise of his or her powers
under clause 56, 57 or 58.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2) Subclause (1) does not apply if the person has a
reasonable excuse.
Subdivision 2—Offence-related searches and seizures
61 What is evidential material?
For the purposes of this Subdivision, a thing is
evidential material if it is—
(a) a thing in respect of which an offence against
a listed OHS law has been committed or is
suspected, on reasonable grounds, to have
been committed; or
(b) a thing that there are reasonable grounds for
suspecting will afford evidence as to the
commission of an offence against a listed
OHS law; or
(c) a thing that there are reasonable grounds for
suspecting was used, or is intended to be
used, for the purposes of committing an
offence against a listed OHS law.
62 Offence-related searches and seizures—OHS
inspector already present at facility
(1) This clause applies if, in connection with an
inspection—
(a) an OHS inspector has entered a facility under
clause 56; and
(b) the OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds that there is at the facility any
evidential material.
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(2) The OHS inspector may, for the purposes of the
inspection—
(a) search the facility for evidential material;
and
(b) break open and search a cupboard, drawer,
chest, trunk, box, package or other
receptacle, whether a fixture or not, at the
facility and in which the OHS inspector
believes on reasonable grounds there to be
any evidential material; and
(c) examine any thing at the facility that the
OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds to be evidential material; and
(d) seize any thing at the facility that the OHS
inspector believes on reasonable grounds to
be evidential material; and
(e) take samples of any thing at the facility that
the OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds to be evidential material; and
(f) exercise the data access powers set out in
clause 64 in relation to the facility; and
(g) exercise the data seizure powers set out in
clause 65 in relation to the facility.
(3) An OHS inspector may exercise the powers
referred to in subclause (2)(a), (b), (c), (e) or (f)
only—
(a) with the consent of—
(i) the operator; or
(ii) the operator's representative at the
facility; or
(b) in accordance with a warrant issued under
clause 73(1).
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(4) An OHS inspector may exercise the powers
referred to in subclause (2)(d) or (g) only in
accordance with a warrant issued under
clause 73(1).
(5) Before searching a facility under subclause (2), an
OHS inspector must—
(a) take reasonable steps to notify the purpose of
the search to the operator's representative at
the facility; and
(b) take reasonable steps to produce, for
inspection by the operator's representative,
the OHS inspector's identity card; and
(c) on being requested to do so by the operator's
representative, produce, for inspection by the
operator's representative—
(i) a copy of the Safety Authority's written
direction (if any) to conduct the
inspection; and
(ii) a copy of the restrictions (if any)
imposed on the powers of the OHS
inspector under clause 54(3).
(6) If—
(a) an OHS inspector searches a facility in
accordance with a warrant issued under
clause 73(1); and
(b) the operator's representative at the facility is
present at the facility—
the OHS inspector must make a copy of the
warrant available to the operator's representative.
(7) Before obtaining the consent of a person as
mentioned in subclause (3)(a), an OHS inspector
must inform the person that—
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(a) the person may refuse consent; and
(b) the consent may be withdrawn.
(8) The consent of a person is not effective for the
purposes of subclause (3) unless the consent is
voluntary.
(9) If—
(a) in the course of searching, in accordance
with a warrant issued under clause 73(1) for
particular evidential material relating to an
offence against a listed OHS law, an OHS
inspector finds a thing that the OHS
inspector believes on reasonable grounds to
be—
(i) a thing that is evidential material
relating to that offence, although not
evidential material of a kind specified
in the warrant; or
(ii) a thing that is evidential material
relating to another offence against a
listed OHS law; and
(b) the OHS inspector believes, on reasonable
grounds, that it is necessary to seize that
thing in order to prevent its concealment,
loss or destruction, or its use in committing,
continuing or repeating the offence or the
other offence—
the warrant is taken to authorise the OHS
inspector to seize that thing.
63 Offence-related searches and seizures—OHS
inspector not already present at facility, premises or
vessel
(1) This clause applies if, in connection with an
inspection, an OHS inspector believes on
reasonable grounds that—
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(a) there is at a facility any evidential material;
or
(b) there is at any premises (other than a facility)
any evidential material; or
(c) there is on any vessel any evidential
material.
(2) The OHS inspector may, for the purposes of the
inspection—
(a) enter the facility, premises or vessel; and
(b) search the facility, premises or vessel for
evidential material; and
(c) break open and search a cupboard, drawer,
chest, trunk, box, package or other
receptacle, whether a fixture or not, at the
facility or premises or on the vessel and in
which the OHS inspector believes on
reasonable grounds there to be any evidential
material; and
(d) examine any thing at the facility or premises
or on the vessel that the OHS inspector
believes on reasonable grounds to be
evidential material; and
(e) seize any thing at the facility or premises or
on the vessel that the OHS inspector believes
on reasonable grounds to be evidential
material; and
(f) inspect, examine, take measurements of,
conduct tests on, or take samples of, any
thing at the facility or premises or on the
vessel that the OHS inspector believes on
reasonable grounds to be evidential material;
and
(g) take photographs of, make video recordings
of, or make sketches of the facility, premises
or vessel or any thing at the facility or
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premises or on the vessel that the OHS
inspector believes on reasonable grounds to
be evidential material; and
(h) exercise the data access powers set out in
clause 64 in relation to the facility, premises
or vessel; and
(i) exercise the data seizure powers set out in
clause 65 in relation to the facility, premises
or vessel.
(3) An OHS inspector may exercise the powers
referred to in subclause (2)(a), (b), (c), (d), (f), (g)
or (h) only—
(a) with the consent of—
(i) in the case of a facility—the operator's
representative at the facility or the
operator of the facility; or
(ii) in the case of premises—the occupier
of the premises; or
(iii) in the case of a vessel—the master of
the vessel; or
(b) in accordance with a warrant issued under
clause 73(2) or (4).
(4) An OHS inspector may exercise the powers
referred to in subclause (2)(e) or (i) only in
accordance with a warrant issued under
clause 73(1).
(5) Immediately on entering a facility, premises or
vessel under subclause (2), an OHS inspector
must—
(a) take reasonable steps to notify the purpose of
the entry to the operator's representative at
the facility, the occupier of the premises, or
the master of the vessel, as the case may be;
and
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(b) take reasonable steps to produce, for
inspection by the operator's representative,
the occupier, or the master, as the case may
be, the OHS inspector's identity card; and
(c) on being requested to do so by the operator's
representative, the occupier, or the master,
produce, for inspection by the operator's
representative, the occupier or the master, as
the case may be—
(i) a copy of the Safety Authority's written
direction (if any) to conduct the
inspection; and
(ii) a copy of the restrictions (if any)
imposed on the powers of the OHS
inspector under clause 54(3).
(6) If—
(a) an OHS inspector enters a facility, premises
or vessel in accordance with a warrant issued
under clause 73(2) or (4); and
(b) in the case of a facility or premises—the
operator's representative at the facility, or the
occupier of the premises, is present at the
facility or premises, as the case may be—
the OHS inspector must make a copy of the
warrant available to the operator's representative,
the occupier of the premises, or the master of the
vessel, as the case may be.
(7) Before obtaining the consent of a person as
mentioned in subclause (3)(a), an OHS inspector
must inform the person that—
(a) the person may refuse consent; and
(b) the consent may be withdrawn.
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(8) The consent of a person is not effective for the
purposes of subclause (3) unless the consent is
voluntary.
(9) If—
(a) in the course of searching, in accordance
with a warrant issued under clause 73(2)
or (4) for particular evidential material
relating to an offence against a listed OHS
law, an OHS inspector finds a thing that the
OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds to be—
(i) a thing that is evidential material
relating to that offence, although not
evidential material of a kind specified
in the warrant; or
(ii) a thing that is evidential material
relating to another offence against a
listed OHS law; and
(b) the OHS inspector believes, on reasonable
grounds, that it is necessary to seize that
thing in order to prevent its concealment,
loss or destruction, or its use in committing,
continuing or repeating the offence or the
other offence—
the warrant is taken to authorise the OHS
inspector to seize that thing.
64 Data access powers
(1) This clause sets out the data access powers that an
OHS inspector may exercise under—
(a) clause 62(2)(f) in relation to a facility; or
(b) clause 63(2)(h) in relation to a facility,
premises or vessel.
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(2) The OHS inspector may operate electronic
equipment at the facility or premises or on the
vessel to access data (including data not held at
the facility or premises or on the vessel) if the
OHS inspector believes on reasonable grounds
that—
(a) the data might constitute evidential material;
and
(b) the equipment can be operated without
damaging it.
Note
An OHS inspector can obtain an order requiring a person
with knowledge of a computer or computer system to
provide assistance: see clause 66.
(3) If the OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds that any data accessed by operating the
electronic equipment might constitute evidential
material, the OHS inspector may—
(a) copy the data to a disk, tape or other
associated device brought to the facility,
premises or vessel; or
(b) if—
(i) the operator's representative at the
facility; or
(ii) the occupier of the premises; or
(iii) the master of the vessel—
as the case may be, agrees in writing—copy
the data to a disk, tape or other associated
device at the facility or premises or on the
vessel—
and take the disk, tape or device from the facility,
premises or vessel.
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(4) If—
(a) the OHS inspector takes the disk, tape or
device from the facility, premises or vessel;
and
(b) the Safety Authority is satisfied that the data
is not required (or is no longer required)
for—
(i) an inspection; or
(ii) the prosecution of a person—
the Safety Authority must arrange for—
(c) the removal of the data from any disk, tape
or device in the control of the Safety
Authority; and
(d) the destruction of any other reproduction of
the data in the control of the Safety
Authority.
(5) If the OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds that—
(a) evidential material may be accessible by
operating electronic equipment at the facility
or premises or on the vessel; and
(b) expert assistance is required to operate the
equipment; and
(c) if the OHS inspector does not take action
under this subclause, the material may be
destroyed, altered or otherwise interfered
with—
the OHS inspector may do whatever is necessary
to secure the equipment, whether by locking it up,
placing a guard or otherwise.
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(6) The OHS inspector must give notice to—
(a) the operator's representative at the facility; or
(b) the occupier of the premises; or
(c) the master of the vessel—
as the case may be, of the OHS inspector's
intention to secure equipment and of the fact that
the equipment may be secured for up to 24 hours.
(7) The equipment may be secured—
(a) for a period not longer than 24 hours; or
(b) until the equipment has been operated by the
expert—
whichever happens first.
(8) If the OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds that the expert assistance will not be
available within 24 hours, the OHS inspector may
apply to a magistrate for an extension of that
period.
(9) The OHS inspector must give notice to—
(a) the operator's representative at the facility; or
(b) the occupier of the premises; or
(c) the master of the vessel—
as the case may be, of the OHS inspector's
intention to apply for an extension, and the
operator, occupier or master is entitled to be heard
in relation to the application.
(10) The provisions of this Subdivision relating to the
issue of warrants apply, with such modifications
as are necessary, to the issuing of an extension.
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65 Data seizure powers
(1) This clause sets out the data seizure powers that
an OHS inspector may exercise under—
(a) clause 62(2)(g) in relation to a facility; or
(b) clause 63(2)(i) in relation to a facility,
premises or vessel.
(2) If—
(a) an OHS inspector operates electronic
equipment under clause 64(2); and
(b) the OHS inspector, after operating the
equipment, finds that evidential material is
accessible by doing so—
the OHS inspector may—
(c) seize the equipment and any disk, tape or
other associated device; or
(d) if the material can, by using a thing at the
facility or premises or on the vessel, be put
in documentary form—operate the thing to
put the material in that form, and seize the
documents so produced.
(3) The OHS inspector may seize equipment under
subclause (2)(c) only if—
(a) it is not practicable to copy the data as
mentioned in clause 64(3) or to put the
material in documentary form as mentioned
in subclause (2)(d) of this clause; or
(b) the equipment is in the possession of another
person, and the possession by the other
person could constitute an offence.
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66 Access to computer data
(1) This clause applies if a warrant is in force under
clause 73 authorising an OHS inspector to
exercise data access powers under clause 64 in
relation to a facility, premises or vessel.
(2) The OHS inspector may apply to a magistrate for
an order requiring a specified person to provide
any information or assistance that is reasonable
and necessary to allow the OHS inspector to do
one or more of the following—
(a) access data held in, or accessible from, a
computer that is at the facility or premises or
on the vessel;
(b) copy the data to a data storage device;
(c) convert the data into documentary form.
(3) The magistrate may grant the order if the
magistrate is satisfied that—
(a) there are reasonable grounds for suspecting
that evidential material is held in, or is
accessible from, the computer; and
(b) the specified person is—
(i) reasonably suspected of having been
involved in the offence stated in the
warrant; or
(ii) the owner or lessee of the computer; or
(iii) an employee of the owner or lessee of
the computer; and
(c) the specified person has relevant knowledge
of—
(i) the computer or a computer network of
which the computer forms a part; or
(ii) measures applied to protect data held
in, or accessible from, the computer.
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(4) A person who is subject to an order under this
clause must comply with that order.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.
67 Compensation for damage to equipment
(1) This clause applies if—
(a) as a result of equipment being operated as
mentioned in clause 64 or 65—
(i) damage is caused to the equipment; or
(ii) the data recorded on the equipment is
damaged; or
(iii) programs associated with the use of the
equipment, or with the use of the data,
are damaged or corrupted; and
(b) the damage or corruption occurs because—
(i) insufficient care was exercised in
selecting the person who was to operate
the equipment; or
(ii) insufficient care was exercised by the
person operating the equipment.
(2) The State must pay the owner of the equipment, or
the user of the data or programs, such reasonable
compensation for the damage or corruption as the
State and the owner or user agree on.
(3) However, if the owner or user and the State fail to
agree, the owner or user may institute proceedings
in the Supreme Court for such reasonable amount
of compensation as the Supreme Court
determines.
(4) In determining the amount of compensation
payable, regard is to be had to—
(a) if the equipment was operated at a facility—
whether the operator of the facility, or the
operator's representative at the facility, if
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they were available at the time, provided any
appropriate warning or guidance on the
operation of the equipment; or
(b) if the equipment was operated at premises
other than a facility—whether the occupier
of the premises, or the occupier's employees
and agents, if they were available at the time,
provided any appropriate warning or
guidance on the operation of the equipment;
or
(c) if the equipment was operated on a vessel—
whether the master of the vessel, or the crew
of the vessel, provided any appropriate
warning or guidance on the operation of the
equipment.
(5) For the purposes of subclause (1) the Consolidated
Fund is, to the necessary extent, appropriated
accordingly.
(6) For the purposes of subclause (1)—
damage, in relation to data, includes damage by
erasure of data or addition of other data.
68 Copies of things seized to be provided
(1) If an OHS inspector seizes, under this
Subdivision—
(a) a document, film, computer file or other
thing that can be readily copied; or
(b) a storage device the information in which
can be readily copied—
the OHS inspector must, if requested to do so
by—
(c) in the case of a facility—the operator's
representative at the facility; or
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(d) in the case of premises (other than a
facility)—the occupier of the premises or
another person who apparently represents the
occupier and who is present when the thing
is seized; or
(e) in the case of a vessel—the master of the
vessel—
give a copy of the thing or the information to that
person as soon as practicable after the seizure.
(2) However, subclause (1) does not apply if—
(a) the thing that has been seized was seized
under clause 64(3) or 65(2)(d); or
(b) the document, film, computer file, thing or
information is in the possession of another
person, and the possession by the other
person could constitute an offence.
69 Operator's representative, occupier or master
entitled to be present during search
(1) If a warrant in relation to a facility is being
executed, the operator's representative at the
facility is entitled to observe the search being
conducted.
(2) If a warrant in relation to premises is being
executed, the following person is entitled to
observe the search being conducted—
(i) if the occupier of the premises is present at
the premises—the occupier;
(ii) if another person who apparently represents
the occupier is present at the premises—the
other person.
(3) If a warrant in relation to a vessel is being
executed, the master of the vessel is entitled to
observe the search being conducted.
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(4) The right to observe the search being conducted
ceases if the operator's representative, the
occupier, the other person or the master, as the
case may be, impedes the search.
(5) This clause does not prevent 2 or more areas of
the facility, premises or vessel being searched at
the same time.
70 Receipts for things seized
(1) If an OHS inspector seizes a thing under this
Subdivision, the OHS inspector must provide a
receipt for the thing.
(2) If 2 or more things are seized or moved, they may
be covered in the one receipt.
71 Retention of things seized
(1) If an OHS inspector seizes a thing under this
Subdivision, the OHS inspector or the Safety
Authority may retain it until—
(a) the end of the period of 60 days after the
seizure; or
(b) if proceedings for an offence in respect of
which the thing may afford evidence are
instituted within that period—the
proceedings (including any appeal to a court
in relation to those proceedings) are
completed.
(2) The Safety Authority may, by written instrument,
authorise a thing seized under this Subdivision to
be released to the owner, or to the person from
whom it was seized, either—
(a) unconditionally; or
(b) on such conditions as the Safety Authority
thinks fit.
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72 Magistrate may permit a thing seized to be retained
for a further period
(1) If an OHS inspector seizes a thing under this
Subdivision, the OHS inspector or the Safety
Authority may apply to a magistrate for an order
that the OHS inspector, or the Safety Authority, as
the case may be, may retain the thing for a further
period if—
(a) before the end of 60 days after the seizure; or
(b) before the end of a period previously
specified in an order of a magistrate under
this clause—
proceedings for an offence in respect of which the
thing may afford evidence have not been
instituted.
(2) If the magistrate is satisfied that it is necessary for
an OHS inspector, or the Safety Authority, as the
case may be, to continue to retain the thing—
(a) for the purposes of an inspection; or
(b) to enable evidence of an offence against a
listed OHS law to be secured for the
purposes of a prosecution—
the magistrate may order that the OHS inspector
or the Safety Authority may retain the thing for a
period (not exceeding 3 years) specified in the
order.
(3) Before making the application, the OHS inspector,
or the Safety Authority, as the case may be,
must—
(a) take reasonable steps to discover who has an
interest in the retention of the thing; and
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(b) if it is practicable to do so—notify the
proposed application to each person whom
the OHS inspector or the Safety Authority
believes to have an interest in the retention
of the thing.
73 Magistrate may issue warrant
(1) If—
(a) an OHS inspector has entered a facility under
clause 56; and
(b) the OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds that there is at the facility any
evidential material; and
(c) the OHS inspector applies to a magistrate, by
telephone, fax or other electronic means, for
a search warrant under this subclause in
relation to the evidential material—
the magistrate may issue a search warrant
authorising the OHS inspector, with such
assistance, and by such force, as is necessary and
reasonable, to exercise the powers referred to in
clause 62(2)(a) to (g) in respect of the evidential
material.
(2) If—
(a) evidence on oath or affirmation, or by
affidavit, is submitted to a magistrate
alleging that an OHS inspector believes on
reasonable grounds that there is at a facility
or premises or on a vessel any evidential
material; and
(b) the evidence sets out those grounds—
the magistrate may issue a search warrant
authorising the OHS inspector named in the
warrant, with such assistance, and by such force,
as is necessary and reasonable, to—
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Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010
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(c) enter the facility, premises or vessel; and
(d) exercise the powers referred to in clause
63(2)(b) to (i) in respect of the evidential
material.
(3) If, because of circumstances of urgency, an OHS
inspector thinks it necessary to do so, the OHS
inspector may apply to a magistrate for a warrant
under subclause (2) by telephone, fax or other
electronic means.
(4) If—
(a) an OHS inspector has entered a facility under
clause 56; and
(b) the OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds that there is on a vessel any
evidential material that relates to the listed
OHS law covered by section 700(a); and
(c) the OHS inspector applies to a magistrate, by
telephone, fax or other electronic means, for
a search warrant under this subclause in
relation to the evidential material—
the magistrate may issue a search warrant
authorising the OHS inspector named in the
warrant, with such assistance, and by such force,
as is necessary and reasonable, to—
(d) enter the vessel; and
(e) exercise the powers referred to in clauses
63(2)(b) to (i) in respect of the evidential
material.
74 Reasonable grounds for issuing warrant etc.
A magistrate must not issue a warrant under
clause 73 unless—
(a) the informant or some other person has given
to the magistrate, either orally or by
affidavit, such further information (if any) as
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the magistrate requires concerning the
grounds on which the issue of the warrant is
being sought; and
(b) the magistrate is satisfied that there are
reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant.
75 Contents of warrant
(1) A warrant issued under clause 73 must state—
(a) the name of the OHS inspector; and
(b) in the case of a warrant issued under clause
73(1)—whether the search may be carried
out at any time or only during specified
hours of the day; and
(c) in the case of a warrant issued under clause
73(2) or (4)—whether the entry or search
may be carried out at any time or only during
specified hours of the day; and
(d) a description of the kind of things to be
seized; and
(e) the day on which the warrant ceases to have
effect; and
(f) the purpose for which the warrant is issued.
(2) The day specified under subclause (1)(e) is not to
be more than 7 days after the day on which the
warrant is issued.
(3) The purpose specified under subclause (1)(f) must
include the identification of the facility, premises
or vessel in relation to which the warrant is issued.
(4) A warrant must be issued in accordance with the
Magistrates' Court Act 1989 and must be in the
form set out in the regulations under that Act.
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(5) Subject to any provision to the contrary in this
Act, the rules to be observed with respect to
search warrants mentioned in the Magistrates'
Court Act 1989 extend and apply to warrants
under this clause.
76 Provisions relating to issue of warrant by
telephone etc.
(1) This clause applies to an application for a warrant
under clause 73(1), (2) or (4) if the application is
made by telephone, fax or other electronic means.
(2) Before making the application, an OHS inspector
must prepare an affidavit that—
(a) alleges that the OHS inspector believes on
reasonable grounds that there is at a facility
or premises or on a vessel any evidential
material; and
(b) sets out those grounds.
(3) The affidavit must be on oath or affirmation.
However, the OHS inspector may, if it is
necessary to do so, make the application before
the affidavit has been sworn or affirmed.
(4) If the magistrate to whom an application is made
is satisfied—
(a) after having considered the terms of the
affidavit prepared under subclause (2); and
(b) after having received any further affidavit
that the magistrate requires concerning the
grounds on which the issue of the warrant is
being sought—
that there are reasonable grounds for issuing the
warrant, the magistrate must complete and sign
such a search warrant.
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(5) If the magistrate signs a warrant under
subclause (4)—
(a) the magistrate must—
(i) inform the OHS inspector of the terms
of the warrant; and
(ii) inform the OHS inspector of the day on
which and the time at which the
warrant was signed; and
(iii) inform the OHS inspector of the day
(not more than 7 days after the
magistrate completes and signs the
warrant) on which the warrant ceases to
have effect; and
(iv) record on the warrant the reasons for
issuing the warrant; and
(b) the OHS inspector must—
(i) complete a form of warrant in the same
terms as the warrant completed and
signed by the magistrate; and
(ii) write on it the magistrate's name and
the day on which and the time at which
the warrant was signed.
(6) The OHS inspector must, not later than the day
after the date of expiry or execution of the
warrant, whichever is the earlier, send to the
magistrate—
(a) the form of warrant completed by the OHS
inspector; and
(b) the affidavit duly sworn or affirmed in
connection with the warrant.
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(7) On receiving the documents referred to in
subclause (6), the magistrate must—
(a) attach to them the warrant signed by the
magistrate; and
(b) deal with the documents in the way that the
magistrate would have dealt with the
affidavit if the application for the warrant
had been made otherwise than by telephone,
fax or other electronic means.
(8) A form of warrant duly completed by an OHS
inspector under subclause (5), if it is in
accordance with the terms of the warrant signed
by the magistrate, is authority for a seizure or
other exercise of a power that the warrant so
signed authorises.
77 Proceedings involving warrant issued by
telephone etc.
If—
(a) it is material in any proceedings for a court
to be satisfied that a seizure or other exercise
of power was authorised in accordance with
clause 76; and
(b) a warrant signed by a magistrate under
clause 76 authorising the seizure or other
exercise of power is not produced in
evidence—
the court is to assume, unless the contrary is
proved, that the seizure or other exercise of power
was not authorised by such a warrant.
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78 This Subdivision does not limit other powers
(1) This Subdivision does not limit Subdivision 1.
(2) In particular, this Act does not prevent the
concurrent exercise of powers under this
Subdivision and Subdivision 1.
Note
Subdivision 1 deals with general powers of entry and search.
(3) This Subdivision does not limit clause 82.
Note
Clause 82 deals with the power to take possession of plant,
take samples of substances etc.
Subdivision 3—Other powers
79 Power to require assistance
(1) An OHS inspector may, to the extent that it is
reasonably necessary to do so in connection with
the conduct of an inspection, require—
(a) the operator of a facility; or
(b) the person in charge of operations at a
workplace in relation to a facility; or
(c) a member of the workforce at a facility; or
(d) any person representing a person referred to
in paragraph (a) or (b)—
to provide the OHS inspector with reasonable
assistance and facilities—
(e) that is or are reasonably connected with the
conduct of the inspection at or near the
facility; or
(f) for the effective exercise of the OHS
inspector's powers under this Schedule in
connection with the conduct of the
inspection at or near the facility.
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(2) The reasonable assistance referred to in subclause
(1) includes, so far as the operator of the facility is
concerned—
(a) appropriate transport to or from the facility
for the OHS inspector and for any equipment
required by the OHS inspector, or any article
of which the OHS inspector has taken
possession; and
(b) reasonable accommodation and means of
subsistence while the OHS inspector is at the
facility.
(3) A person who is subject to a requirement under
this clause must comply with that requirement.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.
(4) Subclause (3) does not apply if the person has a
reasonable excuse.
80 Power to require the answering of questions and the
production of documents or articles
(1) If—
(a) an OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds that a person is capable of
answering a question that is reasonably
connected with the conduct of an inspection;
and
(b) the person is—
(i) the operator of a facility; or
(ii) the person in charge of operations at a
workplace in relation to a facility; or
(iii) a member of the workforce at a facility;
or
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(iv) any person representing a person
referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii)—
the OHS inspector may, to the extent that it is
reasonably necessary to do so in connection with
the conduct of the inspection, require the person to
answer the question put by the OHS inspector.
(2) If, at the time when a requirement under subclause
(1) is imposed on a person, the person is not
physically present on regulated business premises,
the person is not obliged to comply with the
requirement unless the requirement—
(a) is in writing; and
(b) specifies the day on or before which the
question is to be answered; and
(c) is accompanied by a statement to the effect
that a failure to comply with the requirement
is an offence.
(3) The day specified under subclause (2)(b) must be
at least 14 days after the day on which the
requirement is imposed.
(4) If—
(a) an OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds that a person is capable of producing
a document or article that is reasonably
connected with the conduct of an inspection;
and
(b) the person is—
(i) the operator of a facility; or
(ii) the person in charge of operations at a
workplace in relation to a facility; or
(iii) a member of the workforce at a facility;
or
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(iv) any person representing a person
referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii)—
the OHS inspector may, to the extent that it is
reasonably necessary to do so in connection with
the conduct of the inspection, require the person to
produce the document or article.
(5) If, at the time when a requirement under subclause
(4) is imposed on a person, the person is not
physically present on regulated business premises,
the person is not obliged to comply with the
requirement unless the requirement—
(a) is in writing; and
(b) specifies the day on or before which the
document or article is to be produced; and
(c) is accompanied by a statement to the effect
that a failure to comply with the requirement
is an offence.
(6) The day specified under subclause (5)(b) must be
at least 14 days after the day on which the
requirement is imposed.
(7) A person who is subject to a requirement under
this clause must comply with the requirement.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.
(8) Subclause (7) does not apply if the person has a
reasonable excuse.
(9) A person must not, in compliance or purported
compliance with a requirement under this clause,
give information to another person knowing that
the information is false or misleading in a material
particular.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.
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81 Privilege against self-incrimination abrogated
(1) A person is not excused from answering a
question or producing a document or article when
required to do so under clause 80(1) or (4) on the
ground that the answer to the question, or the
production of the document or article, may tend to
incriminate the person or make the person liable
to a penalty.
(2) However—
(a) the answer given or document or article
produced; or
(b) answering the question or producing the
document or article; or
(c) any information, document or thing obtained
as a direct or indirect consequence of the
answering of the question or the production
of the document or article—
is not admissible in evidence against the person—
(d) in any civil proceedings; or
(e) in any criminal proceedings other than
proceedings for an offence against this
clause.
82 Power to take possession of plant, take samples of
substances etc.
(1) In conducting an inspection, an OHS inspector
may, to the extent that it is reasonably necessary
for the purposes of inspecting, examining, taking
measurements of, or conducting tests concerning,
any plant, substance or thing at a facility in
connection with the inspection—
(a) take possession of the plant, substance or
thing and remove it from the facility; or
(b) take a sample of the substance or thing and
remove that sample from the facility.
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(2) On taking possession of plant, a substance or a
thing, or taking a sample of a substance or thing,
the OHS inspector must, by written notice,
inform—
(a) the operator of the facility; and
(b) if the plant, substance or thing is used for the
performance of work by an employer (other
than the operator) of a member or members
of the workforce at the facility—that
employer; and
(c) if the plant, substance or thing is owned by a
person other than a person mentioned in
paragraph (a) or (b)—that person; and
(d) if there is a health and safety representative
for a designated work group that includes a
member of the workforce who is affected by
the matter to which the inspection relates—
that representative—
of the taking of possession or the taking of the
sample, and the reasons for it.
(3) If the OHS inspector gives the notice to the
operator of the facility to which the inspection
relates, the operator's representative at the facility
must cause the notice to be displayed in a
prominent place at the workplace from which the
plant, substance or thing was removed.
(4) If the OHS inspector takes possession of plant, a
substance or a thing at a workplace for the
purpose of inspecting, examining, taking
measurements of, or conducting tests concerning,
the plant, substance or thing, the OHS inspector
must—
(a) ensure that the inspection, examination,
measuring or testing is conducted as soon as
practicable; and
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(b) return it to the workplace as soon as
practicable afterwards.
(5) As soon as practicable after completing any such
inspection, examination, measurement or testing,
the OHS inspector must give a written statement
setting out the results to each person whom the
OHS inspector is required to notify under
subclause (2).
83 Power to direct that workplace etc. not be disturbed
(1) If, in conducting an inspection, an OHS inspector
has reasonable grounds to believe that it is
reasonably necessary to give a direction in order
to—
(a) remove an immediate threat to the health or
safety of any person; or
(b) allow the inspection, examination or taking
of measurements of, or conducting of tests
concerning, a facility or any plant, substance
or thing at the facility—
the OHS inspector may, by written notice given to
the operator's representative at the facility, direct
that the operator must ensure that—
(c) a particular workplace; or
(d) particular plant, or a particular substance or
thing—
not be disturbed for a period specified in the
direction.
(2) The period specified in the direction must be a
period that the OHS inspector has reasonable
grounds to believe is necessary in order to remove
the threat or to allow the inspection, examination,
measuring or testing to take place.
(3) The direction may be renewed by another
direction in the same terms.
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(4) If an OHS inspector gives a notice to the
operator's representative under subclause (1), the
operator's representative must cause the notice to
be displayed in a prominent place at the
workplace—
(a) that is to be left undisturbed; or
(b) where the plant, substance or thing that is to
be left undisturbed is located.
(5) As soon as practicable after giving the direction,
the OHS inspector must take reasonable steps to
notify—
(a) if the workplace, plant, substance or thing to
which the direction relates is owned by a
person other than the operator of the
facility—that person; and
(b) if there is a health and safety representative
for a designated work group that includes a
group member performing work—
(i) at a workplace; or
(ii) involving the plant, substance or
thing—
to which the direction relates—that
representative—
of the direction and the reasons for giving it.
(6) A person who is subject to a direction under
subclause (1) must not without reasonable excuse
contravene the direction.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(7) A direction under subclause (1) must be
accompanied by a statement setting out the
reasons for the direction.
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84 Power to issue prohibition notices
(1) If, having conducted an inspection, an OHS
inspector is satisfied on reasonable grounds that it
is reasonably necessary to issue a prohibition
notice to the operator of a facility in order to
remove an immediate threat to the health or safety
of any person, the OHS inspector may issue such
a notice, in writing, to the operator.
(2) The notice must be issued to the operator by
giving it to the operator's representative at the
facility.
85 Matters to be specified in prohibition notice
(1) The notice must—
(a) specify the activity in respect of which, in
the OHS inspector's opinion, the threat to
health or safety has arisen, and set out the
reasons for that opinion; and
(b) either—
(i) direct the operator to ensure that the
activity is not engaged in; or
(ii) direct the operator to ensure that the
activity is not engaged in a specified
manner.
(2) A specified manner may relate to any one or more
of the following—
(a) any workplace, or part of a workplace, at
which the activity is not to be engaged in;
(b) any plant or substance that is not to be used
in connection with the activity;
(c) any procedure that is not to be followed in
connection with the activity.
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(3) The notice may specify action that may be taken
to satisfy an OHS inspector that adequate action
has been taken to remove the threat to health and
safety.
86 Copies of prohibition notice to be given
(1) If a prohibition notice under clause 84 relates to
any workplace, plant, substance or thing that is
owned by a person other than the operator, the
OHS inspector must, upon issuing the notice, give
a copy of the notice to that person.
(2) The operator's representative at the facility must—
(a) give a copy of the notice to each health and
safety representative (if any) for any
designated work group having group
members performing work that is affected by
the notice; and
(b) cause a copy of the notice to be displayed at
a prominent place at or near each workplace
at which that work is performed.
87 Prohibition notice must not be breached
A person issued with a prohibition notice must
comply with the notice.
Penalty: 240 penalty units.
88 When prohibition notice ceases to have effect
(1) A prohibition notice ceases to have effect when an
OHS inspector notifies the operator that the OHS
inspector is satisfied that the operator has taken
adequate action to remove the threat to health or
safety.
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(2) If an OHS inspector is satisfied that action taken
by the operator to remove the threat to health and
safety is not adequate, the OHS inspector must
inform the operator accordingly.
(3) In making a decision under subclause (2), an OHS
inspector may exercise such of the powers of an
OHS inspector conducting an inspection as the
OHS inspector considers necessary for the
purposes of making the decision.
89 Power to issue improvement notices
(1) If, in conducting an inspection, an OHS inspector
believes on reasonable grounds that a person—
(a) is contravening a provision of a listed OHS
law; or
(b) has contravened a provision of a listed OHS
law and is likely to contravene that provision
again—
the OHS inspector may issue an improvement
notice, in writing, to the person (the responsible
person).
(2) If the responsible person is the operator, the
improvement notice may be issued to the operator
by giving it to the operator's representative at the
facility.
(3) If the responsible person is an employer (other
than the operator) of members of the workforce,
but it is not practicable to give the notice to that
employer—
(a) the improvement notice may be issued to the
employer by giving it to the operator's
representative at the facility; and
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(b) if the notice is so issued—the operator must
ensure that a copy of the notice is given to
the employer as soon as practicable
afterwards.
90 Matters to be specified in improvement notice
(1) An improvement notice must—
(a) specify the contravention that the OHS
inspector believes is occurring or is likely to
occur, and set out the reasons for that belief;
and
(b) specify a period within which the responsible
person is to take the action necessary to
prevent any further contravention or to
prevent the likely contravention, as the case
may be.
(2) The period specified in the notice must be
reasonable.
(3) The notice may specify action that the responsible
person is to take during the period specified in the
notice.
(4) If the OHS inspector believes on reasonable
grounds that it is appropriate to do so, the OHS
inspector may, in writing and before the end of the
period, extend the period specified in the notice.
91 Copies of improvement notice to be given
(1) If an improvement notice is issued to an employer
(other than the operator) of members of the
workforce in circumstances other than the
circumstance referred to in clause 89(3), the
employer must immediately ensure that a copy of
the notice is given to the operator's representative
at the facility.
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(2) If a notice is issued to the operator or to an
employer (other than the operator) of members of
the workforce, the operator's representative at the
facility must—
(a) give a copy of the notice to each health and
safety representative for a designated work
group having group members performing
work that is affected by the notice; and
(b) cause a copy of the notice to be displayed in
a prominent place at or near each workplace
at which the work is being performed.
(3) Upon issuing a notice, the OHS inspector must
give a copy of the notice to—
(a) if the notice is—
(i) given to a member of the workforce
who is an employee; and
(ii) in connection with work performed by
the employee—
the employer of that employee; and
(b) if the notice relates to any workplace, plant,
substance or thing that is owned by a person
other than—
(i) a responsible person; or
(ii) a person who is an employer referred to
in paragraph (a)—
that owner; and
(c) if the notice is issued to a person who owns
any workplace, plant, substance or thing,
because of which a contravention of a listed
OHS law has occurred or is likely to occur—
(i) the operator of the facility; and
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(ii) if the employer of employees who work
in that workplace or who use that plant,
substance or thing is a person other
than the operator—that employer.
92 Duty of responsible person to ensure compliance
with improvement notice
The responsible person under clause 89 must
ensure that the improvement notice is complied
with to the extent that it relates to any matter over
which the person has control.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
93 Notices not to be tampered with or removed
(1) A person must not tamper with any notice that has
been displayed under clause 82(3), 83(4), 86(2)
or 91(2) while that notice is so displayed.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(2) If a notice has been displayed under clause 82(3),
a person must not remove the notice until the
plant, substance or thing to which the notice
relates is returned to the workplace from which it
was removed.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(3) If a notice has been displayed under clause 83(4),
86(2) or 91(2), a person must not remove the
notice before the notice has ceased to have effect.
Penalty: 60 penalty units.
(4) Subclauses (1), (2), and (3) do not apply if the
person has a reasonable excuse.
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Division 4—Reports on inspections
94 Reports on inspections
(1) If an OHS inspector has conducted an inspection,
the OHS inspector must, as soon as practicable,
prepare a written report relating to the inspection
and give the report to the Safety Authority.
(2) The report must include—
(a) the OHS inspector's conclusions from
conducting the inspection and the reasons for
those conclusions; and
(b) any recommendations that the OHS inspector
wishes to make arising from the inspection;
and
(c) such other matters (if any) as are prescribed.
(3) As soon as practicable after receiving the report,
the Safety Authority must give a copy of the
report, together with any written comments that it
wishes to make—
(a) to the operator of the facility to which the
report relates; and
(b) if the report relates to activities performed by
an employee of another person—to that other
person; or
(c) if the report relates to any plant, substance or
thing owned by another person—to that
other person.
(4) The Safety Authority may, in writing, request the
operator or any other person to whom a copy of
the report is given to provide to the Authority,
within a reasonable period specified in the
request, details of—
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(a) any action proposed to be taken as a result of
the conclusions or recommendations
contained in the report; and
(b) if a notice has been issued under clause 84
or 85 in relation to work being performed for
the operator or that other person—any action
taken, or proposed to be taken, in respect of
that notice—
and the operator or that other person must comply
with the request.
(5) As soon as practicable after receiving a report, the
operator of a facility must give a copy of the
report, together with any written comment made
by the Safety Authority on the report—
(a) if there is a least one health and safety
committee in respect of some or all of the
members of the workforce—to each such
committee; and
(b) if there is no such committee in respect of
some or all of the members of the workforce,
but some or all of those members (in respect
of which there is no such committee) are in
at least one designated work group for which
there is a health and safety representative—
to each such health and safety representative.
Division 5—Appeals
95 Appeals against decisions of OHS inspectors
(1) If an OHS inspector, in conducting an inspection
or having conducted an inspection—
(a) decides, under clause 45, to confirm or vary
a provisional improvement notice; or
(b) decides, under clause 82, to take possession
of plant, a substance or a thing at a
workplace; or
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(c) decides, under clause 83, to direct that a
workplace, a part of a workplace, plant, a
substance or a thing not be disturbed; or
(d) decides, under clause 84, to issue a
prohibition notice; or
(e) decides, under clause 88(2), that the operator
of a facility to whom a prohibition notice has
been issued has not taken adequate action to
remove the threat to health and safety that
caused the notice to be issued; or
(f) decides, under clause 89, to issue an
improvement notice—
an appeal against the decision may be made, by
written notice, to the reviewing authority by—
(g) the operator of the facility, or any employer
(other than the operator), who is affected by
the decision; or
(h) a person to whom a notice has been issued
under clause 44(2) or 89(1); or
(i) the health and safety representative for a
designated work group having a group
member affected by the decision; or
(j) a workforce representative in relation to the
designated work group that includes a group
member who is affected by the decision and
who has requested the workforce
representative to make the appeal; or
(k) if there is no such designated work group,
and a member of the workforce affected by
the decision has requested a workforce
representative in relation to the member to
make the appeal—that workforce
representative; or
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(l) a person who owns any workplace, plant,
substance or thing to which the decision
referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (f)
relates.
(2) If an OHS inspector, having conducted an
inspection—
(a) decides under clause 45 to cancel a
provisional improvement notice; or
(b) decides under clause 88 that the operator of a
facility to whom a prohibition notice has
been issued has taken adequate action to
remove the threat to health and safety that
caused the notice to be issued—
an appeal against the decision may be made, by
written notice, to the reviewing authority by—
(c) the health and safety representative for a
designated work group having a group
member affected by the decision; or
(d) a workforce representative in relation to the
designated work group that includes a group
member who is affected by the decision and
who has requested the workforce
representative to make the appeal; or
(e) if there is no such designated work group,
and a member of the workforce affected by
the decision has requested a workforce
representative in relation to the member to
make the appeal—that workforce
representative.
(3) Subject to this clause, the making of an appeal
against a decision referred to in subclause (1) or
(2) does not affect the operation of the decision or
prevent the taking of action to implement the
decision, except to the extent that the reviewing
authority makes an order to the contrary.
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(4) If the decision appealed against is a decision
under clause 89, to issue an improvement notice,
the operation of the decision is suspended pending
determination of the appeal, except to the extent
that the reviewing authority makes an order to the
contrary.
(5) If the decision appealed against is a decision of an
OHS inspector, under clause 45, to confirm or
vary a provisional improvement notice whose
operation has been suspended pending the
inspection of the matter to which the notice
relates, the operation of the notice is further
suspended pending determination of the appeal,
except to the extent that the reviewing authority
makes an order to the contrary.
(6) The reviewing authority may—
(a) affirm or revoke the decision appealed
against under subclause (1) or (2); and
(b) if it revokes the decision—substitute such
other decision as it thinks appropriate.
(7) If the decision is—
(a) varied; or
(b) revoked; or
(c) revoked with the substitution of another
decision—
the decision is taken to have effect, and always to
have had effect, accordingly.
(8) If—
(a) the decision appealed against is a decision
under clause 82 to take possession of plant, a
substance or a thing at a workplace; and
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(b) the decision is not affirmed—
the OHS inspector who made the decision must
ensure that, to the extent that the decision is not
affirmed, the plant, substance or thing is returned
to the workplace as soon as practicable.
PART 5—GENERAL PROVISIONS
96 Notifying and reporting accidents and dangerous
occurrences
(1) If, at or near a facility, there is—
(a) an accident that causes the death of, or
serious injury to, any individual; or
(b) an accident that causes a member of the
workforce to be incapacitated from
performing work for a period prescribed for
the purposes of this paragraph; or
(c) a dangerous occurrence—
the operator must, in accordance with the
regulations, give the Safety Authority notice of
the accident or dangerous occurrence.
Penalty: 240 penalty units.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of
subclause (1) (other than regulations made for the
purposes of subclause (1)(b)) may prescribe—
(a) the time within which, and the manner in
which, notice of an accident or dangerous
occurrence is to be given; and
(b) the form of such a notice.
(3) Subclause (2) does not limit regulations that may
be made for the purposes of subclause (1).
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(4) If, at or near a facility, there is—
(a) an accident that causes the death of, or
serious injury to, any individual; or
(b) an accident that causes a member of the
workforce to be incapacitated from
performing work for a period prescribed for
the purposes of this paragraph; or
(c) a dangerous occurrence—
the operator must, in accordance with the
regulations, give the Safety Authority a report
about the accident or dangerous occurrence.
Penalty: 120 penalty units.
(5) Regulations made for the purposes of
subclause (4) (other than regulations made for the
purposes of subclause (4)(b)) may prescribe—
(a) the time within which, and the manner in
which, a report of an accident or dangerous
occurrence is to be given; and
(b) the form of such a report.
(6) Subclause (5) does not limit regulations that may
be made for the purposes of subclause (4).
97 Records of accidents and dangerous occurrences to
be kept
(1) The operator of a facility must maintain, in
accordance with the regulations, a record of each
accident or dangerous occurrence in respect of
which the operator is required by clause 96 to
notify the Safety Authority.
Penalty: 10 penalty units.
(2) Regulations made for the purposes of
subclause (1) may prescribe—
(a) the nature of the contents of a record
maintained under this clause; and
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(b) the period for which such a record must be
retained.
(3) Subclause (2) does not limit regulations that may
be made for the purposes of subclause (1).
98 Codes of practice
(1) The regulations may prescribe codes of practice
for the purpose of providing practical guidance to
operators of facilities and employers (other than
such operators) of members of the workforce at
facilities.
(2) A person is not liable to any civil or criminal
proceedings for contravening a code of practice.
99 Use of codes of practice in criminal proceedings
(1) This clause applies if, in any proceedings for an
offence against a listed OHS law, it is alleged that
a person contravened a provision of a listed OHS
law in relation to which a code of practice was in
effect at the time of the alleged contravention.
(2) The code of practice is admissible in evidence in
those proceedings.
(3) If the court is satisfied, in relation to any matter
which it is necessary for the prosecution to prove
in order to establish the contravention, that—
(a) any provision of the code of practice is
relevant to that matter; and
(b) the person failed at any material time to
comply with that provision of the code of
practice—
that matter is treated as proved unless the court is
satisfied that, in respect of that matter, the person
complied with that provision of a listed OHS law
otherwise than by complying with the code of
practice.
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100 Interference etc. with equipment etc.
(1) A person who—
(a) interferes with or renders ineffective,
equipment or a device that is protective
equipment or a safety device; and
(b) knows that the equipment or device is
protective equipment or a safety device or is
negligent as to whether the equipment or
device is protective equipment or a safety
device—
is guilty of an offence and liable to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.
(2) Subclause (1) does not apply if the person has a
reasonable excuse.
(3) In this clause, protective equipment or a safety
device means equipment or a device provided for
the health, safety or welfare of members of the
workforce at a facility.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.
101 Members of workforce not to be levied
A person who is—
(a) the operator of a facility; or
(b) an employer (other than the operator) of
members of the workforce at a facility—
must not levy, or permit to be levied, on any
member of the workforce at the facility, any
charge in relation to anything done or provided in
accordance with a listed OHS law in order to
ensure the health, safety or welfare of persons at
or near the facility.
Penalty: 240 penalty units.
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102 Employer not to dismiss etc. employees on certain
grounds
(1) An employer (whether the operator or another
person) must not—
(a) dismiss an employee; or
(b) perform an act that results in injury to an
employee in his or her employment; or
(c) perform an act that prejudicially alters the
employee's position (whether by deducting
or withholding remuneration or by any other
means); or
(d) threaten to do any of those things—
because the employee—
(e) has complained or proposes to complain
about a matter concerning the health, safety
or welfare of employees at work; or
(f) has assisted or proposes to assist, by giving
information or otherwise, the conduct of an
inspection; or
(g) has ceased, or proposes to cease, to perform
work, in accordance with a direction by a
health and safety representative under clause
50(1)(b) or (3)(c), and the cessation or
proposed cessation does not continue after—
(i) the health and safety representative has
agreed with a person supervising the
work that the cessation or proposed
cessation was not, or is no longer,
necessary; or
(ii) an OHS inspector has, under clause
50(5), made a decision that has the
effect that the employee should perform
the work.
Penalty: 240 penalty units.
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(2) In proceedings for an offence against subclause
(1), if all the relevant facts and circumstances,
other than the reason for an action alleged in the
charge, are proved, the defendant has the onus of
establishing that the action was not taken for that
reason.
103 Institution of prosecutions
(1) Proceedings for an offence against a listed OHS
law may be instituted by the Safety Authority or
by an OHS inspector.
(2) A health and safety representative for a designated
work group may request the Safety Authority to
institute proceedings for an offence against a
listed OHS law in relation to the occurrence of an
act or omission if—
(a) a period of 6 months has elapsed since the
act or omission occurred; and
(b) the health and safety representative considers
that the occurrence of the act or omission
constitutes an offence against a listed OHS
law; and
(c) proceedings in respect of the offence have
not been instituted.
(3) A workforce representative in relation to a
designated work group may request the Safety
Authority to institute proceedings for an offence
against a listed OHS law in relation to the
occurrence of an act or omission if—
(a) a period of 6 months has elapsed since the
act or omission occurred; and
(b) the workforce representative considers that
the occurrence of the act or omission
constitutes an offence against a listed OHS
law; and
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(c) proceedings in respect of the offence have
not been instituted; and
(d) a group member included in the group
requests the workforce representative to
request the Safety Authority to institute the
proceedings.
(4) A request under subclause (2) or (3) must be in
writing.
(5) The Safety Authority must, within 3 months after
receiving the request, advise the health and safety
representative or the workforce representative, as
the case may be, whether proceedings under
subclause (1) have been or will be instituted and,
if not, give reasons why not.
104 Conduct of directors, employees and agents
(1) This clause has effect for the purposes of a
proceeding for an offence against a listed OHS
law.
(2) If it is necessary to establish the state of mind of a
body corporate in relation to particular conduct, it
is sufficient to show—
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by a
director, employee or agent of the body
corporate within the scope of actual or
apparent authority; and
(b) that the director, employee or agent had the
state of mind.
(3) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of a body
corporate by a director, employee or agent of the
body corporate within the scope of actual or
apparent authority is taken to have been engaged
in also by the body corporate unless it establishes
that it took reasonable precautions and exercised
due diligence to avoid the conduct.
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(4) If it is necessary to establish the state of mind of
an individual in relation to particular conduct, it is
sufficient to show—
(a) that the conduct was engaged in by an
employee or agent of the individual within
the scope of actual or apparent authority; and
(b) that the employee or agent had the state of
mind.
(5) Any conduct engaged in on behalf of an
individual by an employee or agent of the
individual within the scope of actual or apparent
authority is taken to have been engaged in also by
the individual unless the individual establishes
that he or she took reasonable precautions and
exercised due diligence to avoid the conduct.
(6) If—
(a) an individual is convicted of an offence; and
(b) he or she would not have been convicted of
the offence if subclauses (4) and (5) had not
been enacted—
he or she is not liable to be punished by
imprisonment for that offence.
(7) A reference in subclause (2) or (4) to the state of
mind of a person includes a reference to—
(a) the person's knowledge, intention, opinion,
belief or purpose; and
(b) the person's reasons for the intention,
opinion, belief or purpose.
105 Schedule not to give rise to other liabilities etc.
This Schedule does not—
(a) confer a right of action in any civil
proceeding in respect of any contravention of
a provision of a listed OHS law; or
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(b) confer a defence to an action in any civil
proceeding or otherwise affect a right of
action in any civil proceeding.
106 Circumstances preventing compliance may be
defence to prosecution
It is a defence to a prosecution for refusing or
failing to do anything required by a listed OHS
law if the defendant proves that it was not
practicable to do that thing because of an
emergency prevailing at the relevant time.
107 Regulations—general
(1) The regulations may prescribe—
(a) procedures for the selection of persons,
under clause 47, as members of health and
safety committees, to represent the interests
of members of the workforce at a facility;
and
(b) procedures to be followed at meetings of
health and safety committees; and
(c) the manner in which notices are to be served
under this Schedule or the regulations; and
(d) forms for the purposes of this Schedule or
the regulations.
(2) Subclause (1) does not limit the power to make
regulations.
(3) If the Minister is satisfied that—
(a) a power, function or duty is conferred or
imposed on a person under a law of the
State, the Commonwealth or of another State
or a Territory; and
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(b) the proper exercise of the power or
performance of the function or duty is or
would be prevented by this Schedule or a
provision of this Schedule—
regulations made for the purposes of this
subclause may declare that this Schedule, or the
provision, as the case may be, does not apply to
that person, or does not apply to that person in the
circumstances specified in the regulations.
(4) Regulations made for the purposes of subclause
(3) do not remain in force for longer than 5 years
after they commence, but this subclause does not
prevent the making of further regulations of the
same substance.
(5) In subclause (3)—
this Schedule includes regulations made for the
purposes of this Schedule.
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SCHEDULE 4
Section 794
SUBJECT-MATTER FOR REGULATIONS
1 The exploration for petroleum and the carrying on of
operations, and the execution of works, for that purpose.
2 The recovery of petroleum and the carrying on of
operations, and the execution of works, for that purpose.
3 The exploration for potential greenhouse gas storage
formations, potential greenhouse gas injection sites, and
the carrying on of operations, and the execution of
works, for any of those purposes.
4 The injection of a greenhouse gas substance into a part of
a geological formation, the storage of a greenhouse gas
substance in a part of a geological formation; and the
carrying on of operations, and the execution of works,
for any of those purposes.
5 The conservation of, and the prevention of the waste of,
the natural resources (whether petroleum or otherwise) of
the offshore area.
6 The restoration or maintenance of the suitability of a part
of a geological formation for the permanent storage of
greenhouse gas substances.
7 The restoration or maintenance of the suitability of a part
of a geological formation for the recovery of petroleum.
8 The construction and operation of pipelines, water lines,
secondary lines, greenhouse gas facility lines,
greenhouse gas infrastructure lines, greenhouse gas
injection lines, pumping stations, tank stations or valve
stations, and the carrying on of operations, and the
execution of works, for any of those purposes.
9 The construction, erection, maintenance, operation or use
of installations, structures, equipment or facilities.
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10 The control of the flow or discharge, and the prevention
of the escape, of—
(a) petroleum, a greenhouse gas substance, water or
drilling fluid; or
(b) a mixture of water or drilling fluid with petroleum,
a greenhouse gas substance or any other matter.
11 The clean-up or other remediation of the effects of the
escape of petroleum or a greenhouse gas substance.
12 The prevention of damage to petroleum-bearing strata in
an area (whether in the offshore area or not) over which a
petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease,
petroleum production licence, greenhouse gas
assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding lease or
greenhouse gas injection licence is not in force.
13 The keeping separate of—
(a) each petroleum pool discovered in a petroleum
exploration permit area, a petroleum retention lease
area, a petroleum production licence area, a
greenhouse gas assessment permit area, a
greenhouse gas holding lease area or a greenhouse
gas injection licence area; and
(b) each source of water discovered in a petroleum
exploration permit area, a petroleum retention lease
area, a petroleum production licence area, a
greenhouse gas assessment permit area, a
greenhouse gas holding lease area or a greenhouse
gas injection licence area.
14 The prevention of water or other matter from entering a
petroleum pool through wells.
15 The prevention of the waste or escape of petroleum or
water from a petroleum pipeline, water line, secondary
line, petroleum pumping station, petroleum tank station
or petroleum valve station.
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16 The prevention of the waste or escape of a greenhouse
gas substance or water from a greenhouse gas pipeline,
water line, greenhouse gas facility line, greenhouse gas
infrastructure line, greenhouse gas injection line,
greenhouse gas pumping station, greenhouse gas tank
station or greenhouse gas valve station.
17 The maintaining in good condition and repair of all
structures, equipment and other property in the offshore
area used or intended to be used for or in connection with
exploring for, or exploiting, petroleum in the offshore
area.
18 The maintaining in good condition and repair of all
structures, equipment and other property in the offshore
area used or intended to be used for or in connection
with—
(a) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
storage formations in the offshore area; or
(b) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
injection sites in the offshore area; or
(c) the injection of a greenhouse gas substance into a
part of a geological formation, where the part is in
the offshore area; or
(d) the storage of a greenhouse gas substance in a part
of a geological formation, where the part is in the
offshore area.
19 The removal from the offshore area of structures,
equipment and other items of property that—
(a) have been brought into the offshore area for or in
connection with exploring for, or exploiting,
petroleum; and
(b) are not used, or intended to be used, in connection
with exploring for, or exploiting, petroleum in the
offshore area.
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20 The removal from the offshore area, of structures,
equipment and other items of property that—
(a) have been brought into the offshore area for or in
connection with—
(i) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
storage formations; or
(ii) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
injection sites; or
(iii) the injection of a greenhouse gas substance
into a part of a geological formation; or
(iv) the storage of a greenhouse gas substance in
a part of a geological formation; and
(b) are not used, or intended to be used, for or in
connection with—
(i) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
storage formations; or
(ii) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
injection sites; or
(iii) the injection of a greenhouse gas substance
into a part of a geological formation; or
(iv) the storage of a greenhouse gas substance in
a part of a geological formation.
21 The decommissioning of structures, equipment and other
items of property that—
(a) have been brought into the offshore area for or in
connection with—
(i) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
storage formations; or
(ii) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
injection sites; or
(iii) the injection of a greenhouse gas substance
into a part of a geological formation; or
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(iv) the storage of a greenhouse gas substance in
a part of a geological formation; and
(b) are not used, or intended to be used, for or in
connection with—
(i) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
storage formations; or
(ii) the exploration for potential greenhouse gas
injection sites; or
(iii) the injection of a greenhouse gas substance
into a part of a geological formation; or
(iv) the storage of a greenhouse gas substance in
a part of a geological formation.
22 The management of substances stored in a part of a
geological formation and the interactions of those
substances.
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SCHEDULE 5
Section 798
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
1 Definitions
(1) In this Schedule—
commencement day means the day on which
section 799 comes into operation;
corresponding provision means a provision of
this Act that re-enacts (with or without
modification) a provision of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
eligible instrument means a declaration, a
determination, a direction, an agreement, a
delegation, an approval, an appointment, a
notice or any other instrument, but does not
include an old title;
old infrastructure licence means an infrastructure
licence under Part III of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
old petroleum access authority means an access
authority under Part III of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
old petroleum exploration permit means an
exploration permit for petroleum under
section 22, 27 or 32 of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
old petroleum production licence means a
production licence for petroleum under
section 44, 49 or 51 of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
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old petroleum retention lease means a retention
lease under Part III of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
old petroleum scientific investigation consent
means a scientific investigation consent
under section 123 of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
old petroleum special prospecting authority
means a special prospecting authority under
Part III of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982;
old pipeline licence means a licence to construct
and operate a pipeline under Part III of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
old title means any of the following as in force
immediately before the commencement
day—
(a) an old infrastructure licence;
(b) an old petroleum access authority;
(c) an old petroleum exploration permit;
(d) an old petroleum production licence;
(e) an old petroleum retention lease;
(f) an old petroleum scientific
investigation consent;
(g) an old petroleum special prospecting
authority;
(h) an old pipeline licence.
(2) For the purposes of the definition of
corresponding provision in subclause (1), in
determining whether a provision is a
corresponding provision—
(a) regard must be had to the substance of the
provision; and
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(b) if the provision appears to have expressed
the same idea in a different form of words
for the purpose of using a clearer style—
disregard the difference.
2 Re-enactment of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982
This Act re-enacts the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 with certain modifications.
3 General transitional provisions
(1) This Schedule does not affect or take away from
the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984.
(2) Without limiting subclause (1), in declaring that
this Act re-enacts with certain modifications the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, this
Schedule must not be taken to—
(a) limit the operation of any provision of the
Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984
relating to the re-enactment; or
(b) be an exhaustive list of the provisions of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
re-enacted by this Act.
(3) This Schedule applies despite anything to the
contrary in any other provision of this Act.
4 Old infrastructure licences
On the commencement day, an old infrastructure
licence as in force immediately before that day is
taken to be an infrastructure licence.
5 Old petroleum access authorities
On the commencement day, an old petroleum
access authority as in force immediately before
that day is taken to be a petroleum access
authority.
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6 Old petroleum exploration permits
(1) On the commencement day, an old petroleum
exploration permit under section 22 of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 as in
force immediately before that day is taken to be a
petroleum exploration permit granted under
Division 2 of Part 2.2 of this Act.
(2) On the commencement day, an old petroleum
exploration permit under section 27 of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 as in
force immediately before that day is taken to be a
petroleum exploration permit granted under
Division 4 of Part 2.2 of this Act.
(3) On the commencement day, an old petroleum
exploration permit under section 32 of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 as in
force immediately before that day is taken to be a
petroleum exploration permit granted under
Division 5 of Part 2.2 of this Act.
7 Old petroleum production licences
(1) On the commencement day, an old petroleum
production licence under section 44 of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 as in
force immediately before that day is taken to be a
petroleum production licence granted under
Division 2 of Part 2.4 of this Act.
(2) On the commencement day, an old petroleum
production licence under section 49 of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 as in
force immediately before that day is taken to be a
petroleum production licence granted under
Division 3 of Part 2.4 of this Act.
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(3) On the commencement day, an old petroleum
production licence under section 51 of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 as in
force immediately before that day is taken to be a
petroleum production licence granted under
Division 4 of Part 2.4 of this Act.
8 Old petroleum retention leases
On the commencement day, an old petroleum
retention lease as in force immediately before that
day is taken to be a petroleum retention lease.
9 Old petroleum scientific investigations consents
On the commencement day, an old petroleum
scientific investigation consent as in force
immediately before that day is taken to be a
petroleum scientific investigation consent.
10 Old petroleum special prospecting authorities
On the commencement day, an old petroleum
special prospecting authority as in force
immediately before that day is taken to be a
petroleum special prospecting authority.
11 Old pipeline licences
On the commencement day, an old pipeline
licence as in force immediately before that day is
taken to be a pipeline licence.
12 Transitional—eligible instruments
(1) This clause applies to an eligible instrument if—
(a) the eligible instrument was in force
immediately before the commencement day;
and
(b) the eligible instrument was made or given
under, or for the purposes of, a particular
provision of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982.
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(2) The eligible instrument has effect, on and after the
commencement day, as if it had been made or
given under, or for the purposes of, the
corresponding provision of this Act.
(3) If—
(a) under the eligible instrument, a particular act
or thing was required, permitted or proposed
to be done within, or at the end of, a
particular period; and
(b) if the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1982 had not been repealed, that period
would have—
(i) begun before the commencement day;
and
(ii) ended on or after the commencement
day—
this Act and the eligible instrument have effect, on
and after the commencement day, as if the act or
thing was required, permitted or proposed to be
done within, or at the end of—
(c) if that period was one month—whichever is
the longer of—
(i) 30 days; or
(ii) one month; or
(d) if that period was 3 months—whichever is
the longer of—
(i) 90 days; or
(ii) 3 months; or
(e) in any other case—that period—
instead of the period that would otherwise be
applicable.
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13 Transitional—acts or things done before
commencement
(1) This clause applies to an act or thing (other than
the grant of an old title or the making or giving of
an eligible instrument) if—
(a) the act or thing was done before the
commencement day; and
(b) the act or thing was done under, or for the
purposes of, a particular provision of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
(2) The act or thing has effect, on and after the
commencement day, as if it had been done under,
or for the purposes of, the corresponding
provision of this Act.
14 Transitional—conditions of old titles
In a condition of an old title, the expression the
Act includes this Act.
15 Translation of references in documents
(1) The Minister may, by writing, make any or all of
the following declarations in relation to a
specified document—
(a) that the document has effect, on and after the
commencement day, as if a specified
reference, or each reference other than a
specified reference, in the document to the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
included a reference to this Act;
(b) that the document has effect, on and after the
commencement day, as if a specified
reference, or each reference other than a
specified reference, in the document to a
particular provision of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 included a
reference to the corresponding provision of
this Act;
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(c) that the document has effect, on and after the
commencement day, as if a specified
reference, or each reference other than a
specified reference, in the document to
regulations under the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 included a
reference to regulations under this Act;
(d) that the document has effect, on and after the
commencement day, as if a specified
reference, or each reference other than a
specified reference, in the document to the
adjacent area within the meaning of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
were a reference to the offshore area within
the meaning of this Act;
(e) that the document has effect, after the
commencement day, as if a specified
reference, or each reference other than a
specified reference, in the document to the
Commonwealth adjacent area within the
meaning of section 9 of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 were a
reference to the Commonwealth defined
offshore area within the meaning of this Act;
(f) that the document has effect, on and after the
commencement day, as if a specified
reference, or each reference other than a
specified reference, in the document to the
relinquished area within the meaning of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
were a reference to the corresponding
vacated area within the meaning of this Act.
(2) A declaration under subclause (1) has effect
accordingly.
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(3) In this clause—
document includes—
(a) an eligible instrument; and
(b) an old title.
16 Transitional regulations
(1) The Governor in Council may make regulations in
relation to matters of a savings or transitional
nature consequent on the enactment of this Act
and the repeal of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982.
(2) A provision of regulations under this clause may
be retrospective in operation to the
commencement day or a day after the
commencement day.
(3) Regulations under this clause have effect despite
anything to the contrary in any Act other than this
Act or in any subordinate instrument.
17 Petroleum project inspectors
On the commencement day, an inspector within
the meaning of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 is taken to be a petroleum
project inspector and a greenhouse gas project
inspector.
18 Offshore area
(1) The offshore area within the meaning of this Act
corresponds to the area which, immediately before
the repeal of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982, was the adjacent area within the
meaning of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982.
(2) The Commonwealth defined offshore area within
the meaning of this Act corresponds to the area
which, immediately before the repeal of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 was
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the Commonwealth adjacent area within the
meaning of section 9 of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
19 Registers
(1) The Register kept under section 505 of this Act
for the offshore area is, for all purposes, a
continuation of the register kept in pursuance of
Division 5 of Part III of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
(2) Section 551(1) of this Act has effect as if the
reference in that section to Chapter 4 of this Act
included a reference to Division 5 of Part III of
the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
Note
Section 551(1) of this Act deals with the reception in
evidence of a Register.
(3) Despite the repeal of section 87(2) of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, that
section continues to apply, in relation to a copy or
extract certified before the commencement day, as
if that repeal had not happened.
Note
Section 87(2) of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1982 deals with the evidentiary effect of certified copies and
extracts.
(4) Despite the repeal of section 87(3) of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, that
subsection continues to apply, in relation to a
certificate given before the commencement day,
as if that repeal had not happened.
Note
Section 87(3) of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1982 is about evidentiary certificates.
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20 Registration fees—transfer
(1) This clause applies if, before the commencement
day—
(a) an application for approval of a transfer of a
title was made under section 78 of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
and
(b) a payment was made in relation to the
approval as mentioned in section 78(9) of
that Act; and
(c) the Minister had not entered in the Register a
memorandum of the transfer.
(2) On and after the commencement day, section
514(3) of this Act has effect, in relation to the
approval, as if that payment had been the payment
mentioned in that section.
21 Registration fees—dealings
(1) This clause applies if, before the commencement
day—
(a) either—
(i) an application for approval of a dealing
was made under section 81 of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1982; or
(ii) a provisional application for approval
of a dealing was made under
section 81A of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982; and
(b) a payment was made in relation to the
approval as mentioned in section 81(12) of
that Act; and
(c) the Minister had not made an entry in the
Register of the approval.
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(2) On and after the commencement day, section
529(3) of this Act has effect, in relation to the
approval, as if that payment had been the payment
mentioned in that section.
22 Retention and inspection of documents
(1) This clause applies if a provision of Division 5 of
Part III of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982 required that a particular document be—
(a) retained by the Minister; and
(b) made available for inspection in accordance
with that Division.
(2) On and after the commencement day, the
document must be—
(a) retained by the Minister; and
(b) made available for inspection in accordance
with Chapter 4 of this Act.
23 Assessment of registration fee
On and after the commencement day, section 555
of this Act has effect as if the reference in
subsection (2)(b) of that section to section 547 of
this Act included a reference to section 82(1) of
the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
24 Payments by the State to the Commonwealth
(1) Despite the repeal of section 129 of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, that
section continues to apply, in relation to an
amount received by the Minister before the
commencement day, as if that repeal had not
happened.
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(2) Despite the repeal of section 129 of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, that
section continues to apply, in relation to an
amount that became payable under Part III of that
Act before the commencement day, as if that
repeal had not happened.
(3) If, apart from this subclause, the same amount
would be counted for the purposes of a provision
of section 129 of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 and for the purposes of the
corresponding provision of this Act, the amount is
to be counted only for the purposes of one of
those provisions.
(4) Section 281 of this Act has effect, in relation to an
amount received by the Minister, as if a reference
in that section to this Act included a reference to
the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
25 Adjustment to period required or allowed for doing
an act or thing etc.
(1) If—
(a) under a particular provision of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, a
particular act or thing was required or
permitted to be done within a period of one
month; and
(b) if that Act had not been repealed, the period
of one month would have—
(i) begun before the commencement day;
and
(ii) ended after the commencement day;
and
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(c) under the corresponding provision of this
Act, the act or thing is required or permitted
to be done within 30 days; and
(d) the period of one month is longer than the
period of 30 days—
this Act has effect as if the act or thing was
required or permitted to be done within the period
of one month instead of within the period of
30 days.
(2) If—
(a) under a particular provision of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982,
the Minister was required to give not less
than one month's notice of something; and
(b) the Minister gave notice before the
commencement day; and
(c) if that Act had not been repealed, the period
of one month would have—
(i) begun before the commencement day;
and
(ii) ended after the commencement day;
and
(d) under the corresponding provision of this
Act, the Minister is required to give at least
30 days notice of that thing; and
(e) the period of one month is longer than the
period of 30 days—
this Act has effect as if the Minister had been
required to give at least one month's notice of that
thing instead of at least 30 days notice.
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(3) If—
(a) under a particular provision of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, a
particular act or thing was required or
permitted to be done within a period of
3 months; and
(b) if that Act had not been repealed, the period
of 3 months would have—
(i) begun before the commencement day;
and
(ii) ended after the commencement day;
and
(c) under the corresponding provision of this
Act, the act or thing is required or permitted
to be done within 90 days; and
(d) the period of 3 months is longer than the
period of 90 days—
this Act has effect as if the act or thing was
required or permitted to be done within the period
of 3 months instead of within the period of
90 days.
(4) If—
(a) under a particular provision of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, a
particular act or thing was required or
permitted to be done within a period of
6 months; and
(b) if that Act had not been repealed, the period
of 6 months would have—
(i) begun before the commencement day;
and
(ii) ended after the commencement day;
and
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(c) under the corresponding provision of this
Act, the act or thing is required or permitted
to be done within 180 days—
this Act has effect as if the act or thing was
required or permitted to be done within the period
of 6 months instead of within the period of
180 days.
26 Old titles—continuation in force beyond date of
expiry
(1) This clause applies if, immediately before the
commencement day, an old title was being
continued in force beyond its date of expiry
subject to, and in accordance with, a particular
provision of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982.
(2) On the commencement day, the old title continues
in force subject to, and in accordance with, the
corresponding provision of this Act.
Note
For example, see section 32(8) of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 and section 102(5) of this
Act.
27 Applications for old infrastructure licences
On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old infrastructure licence that has not
been granted or refused before that day is taken to
be an application for the grant of an infrastructure
licence under Part 2.5 of this Act.
28 Applications for old petroleum access authorities
On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old petroleum access authority that has
not been granted or refused before that day is
taken to be an application for the grant of a
petroleum access authority under Part 2.8 of this
Act.
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29 Applications for old petroleum exploration permits
(1) On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old petroleum exploration permit
under section 22 of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 that has not been granted or
refused before that day is taken to be an
application for the grant of a petroleum
exploration permit under Division 2 of Part 2.2 of
this Act.
(2) On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old petroleum exploration permit
under section 27 of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 that has not been granted or
refused before that day is taken to be an
application for the grant of a petroleum
exploration permit under Division 4 of Part 2.2 of
this Act.
(3) On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old petroleum exploration permit
under section 32 of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 that has not been granted or
refused before that day is taken to be an
application for the grant of a petroleum
exploration permit under Division 5 of Part 2.2 of
this Act.
(4) Sections 108 and 109 of this Act have effect, in
relation to an application for the renewal of an old
petroleum exploration permit, as if—
(a) each reference in those sections to Chapter 2,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 or Part 7.1 of this Act
included a reference to Part III of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
and
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(b) each reference in those sections to
regulations under this Act included a
reference to regulations under the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
(5) In addition, the reference in item 1(b) of the table
in section 105(2) of this Act to section 86(1) of
this Act includes a reference to section 20(1) of
the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
Note
Item 1(b) is about invitations to apply for the grant of a
petroleum exploration permit.
30 Applications for old petroleum production licences
(1) On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old petroleum production licence
under section 44 of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 that has not been granted or
refused before that day is taken to be an
application for the grant of a petroleum production
licence under Division 2 of Part 2.4 of this Act.
(2) On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old petroleum production licence
under section 49 of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 that has not been granted or
refused before that day is taken to be an
application for the grant of a petroleum production
licence under Division 3 of Part 2.4 of this Act.
(3) On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old petroleum production licence
under section 51 of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 that has not been granted or
refused before that day is taken to be an
application for the grant of a petroleum production
licence under Division 4 of Part 2.4 of this Act.
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31 Applications for old petroleum retention leases
(1) On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old petroleum retention lease that has
not been granted or refused before that day is
taken to be an application for the grant of a
petroleum retention lease under Part 2.3 of this
Act.
(2) Sections 143 and 144 of this Act have effect, in
relation to an application for the renewal of an old
petroleum retention lease, as if—
(a) each reference in those sections (other than
section 144(8)) to Chapter 2, Chapter 4,
Chapter 6 or Part 7.1 of this Act included a
reference to Part III of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982; and
(b) each reference in those sections to
regulations under this Act included a
reference to the regulations under the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
32 Applications for old petroleum scientific
investigation consents
On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old petroleum scientific investigation
consent that has not been granted or refused
before that day is taken to be an application for
the grant of a petroleum scientific investigation
consent under Part 2.9 of this Act.
33 Applications for old petroleum special prospecting
authorities
On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old petroleum special prospecting
authority that has not been granted or refused
before that day is taken to be an application for
the grant of a petroleum special prospecting
authority under Part 2.7 of this Act.
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34 Applications for old pipeline licences
(1) On the commencement day, an application for the
grant of an old pipeline licence that has not been
granted or refused before that day is taken to be an
application for the grant of a pipeline licence
under Part 2.6 of this Act.
(2) Sections 219, 220, 221 and 222 of this Act have
effect, in relation to an application for the grant of
a pipeline licence in a case where the applicant is
the licensee of an old petroleum production
licence, as if—
(a) each reference in those sections to Chapter 2,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 or Part 7.1 of this Act
included a reference to Part III of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
and
(b) each reference in those sections to
regulations under this Act included a
reference to the regulations under the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
35 Requirement to provide further information in
connection with application for title
Section 254 of this Act has effect as if a
requirement under any of the following provisions
of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
were a requirement under section 254(2) of this
Act—
(a) section 21(4);
(b) section 23(5);
(c) section 38A(3);
(d) section 38BB(3);
(e) section 38F(4);
(f) section 41(2);
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(g) section 47(7);
(h) section 59B(3);
(i) section 59K(3);
(j) section 64(4);
(k) section 71(3).
36 Revocation of old petroleum exploration permits,
old petroleum retention leases, old petroleum
production licences and old petroleum access
authorities
(1) If an old petroleum exploration permit or old
petroleum retention lease was wholly determined
under the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1982, this Act has effect as if the permit or lease
had been wholly revoked.
(2) If an old petroleum exploration permit or old
petroleum retention lease was partly determined to
a particular extent under the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982, this Act has effect
as if the permit or lease had been partly revoked to
that extent.
(3) If an old petroleum production licence was
determined under the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982, this Act has effect as if the
licence had been revoked.
(4) If an old petroleum retention lease was cancelled
under section 38E of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982, this Act has effect as if the
lease had been revoked.
(5) If an old petroleum access authority was cancelled
under the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1982, this Act has effect as if the authority had
been revoked.
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37 Surrender of old title
Section 266 of this Act has effect, in relation to
the surrender of an old title, as if—
(a) the reference in subsection (3)(a) of that
section to this Act included a reference to the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
and
(b) each reference in subsections (3)(b) and
(5)(a) of that section to Chapter 2, Chapter 4,
Chapter 6 or Part 7.1 of this Act included a
reference to Part III of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982; and
(c) each reference in subsections (3)(b) and
(5)(a) of that section to regulations under this
Act included a reference to regulations under
the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1982.
38 Cancellation of old titles
Sections 270 and 273 of this Act have effect, in
relation to the cancellation of an old title, as if—
(a) each reference in those sections to Chapter 2,
Chapter 4, Chapter 6 or Part 7.1 of this Act
included a reference to Part III of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982;
and
(b) each reference in those sections to
regulations under this Act included a
reference to regulations under the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982; and
(c) each reference in those sections to this Act
included a reference to the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
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39 Commencement of works or operations
(1) This clause applies if, immediately before the
commencement day, an instrument under section
96(2) of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1982 was in force in relation to—
(a) an old petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) an old petroleum retention lease; or
(c) an old petroleum production licence; or
(d) an old infrastructure licence; or
(e) an old pipeline licence.
(2) The instrument ceases to be in force on the
commencement day.
(3) Section 615(2) of this Act has effect, in relation to
the permit, lease or licence referred to in
subclause (1)(a), (b), (d) or (e), as if the period
specified in the instrument under section 96(2)(b)
of the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982
had been allowed by the Minister under section
615(2)(b) of this Act.
40 Deduction of debts from proceeds of sale of property
Section 638(2) of this Act has effect as if the
reference in that section to this Act included a
reference to the Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982.
41 Authorised persons
(1) This clause applies if, immediately before the
commencement day, an authorisation under
section 151A(4) of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 was in force in relation to a
person or a person included in a class of persons.
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(2) This Act has effect as if the Minister had made a
declaration under section 667(2) of this Act in
relation to that person, or a person included in that
class of persons, as the case requires.
42 Release of technical information—deemed time of
receipt of certain information and samples
(1) For the purposes of Part 7.3 of this Act—
(a) cores and cuttings relating to the drilling of a
well; and
(b) well data relating to the drilling of a well;
and
(c) logs relating to the drilling of a well; and
(d) sample descriptions and other documents
relating to the drilling of a well—
are taken to have been given to the Minister not
later than 30 days after the drilling of the well
was, in the Minister's opinion, substantially
completed.
(2) For the purposes of Part 7.3 of this Act,
geophysical or geochemical data relating to
geophysical or geochemical surveys are taken to
have been given to the Minister not later than one
year after the geophysical or geochemical field
work was, in the Minister's opinion, substantially
completed.
43 Liability for acts and omissions
Despite the repeal of section 151ZS of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982, that
section continues to apply, in relation to an act or
matter done or omitted to be done before the
commencement day, as if that repeal had not
happened.
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44 Meaning of petroleum in the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982
Disregard the definition of petroleum in section 6
of this Act in determining the meaning that the
expression petroleum has or had in the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
45 OHS inspections
Clause 55 of Schedule 3 to this Act has effect,
after the commencement day, as if the following
paragraphs were inserted after each of subclauses
(1)(c) and (2)(c) of that clause—
(d) to ascertain whether the requirements of, or
any requirements properly made under—
(i) Schedule 7 to the repealed Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 (as in
force before the commencement day);
or
(ii) the regulations (within the meaning of
Schedule 7 to the repealed Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 as in
force before 1 January 2005); or
(iii) regulations set out in or prescribed for
the purposes of section 151ZD of the
repealed Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 as in force during the
period that began on 1 January 2005
and ended immediately before the
commencement day—
were being complied with before the
commencement day; or
(e) concerning a contravention, or possible
contravention, before the commencement
day, of—
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(i) Schedule 7 to the repealed Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 (as in
force before the commencement day);
or
(ii) the regulations (within the meaning of
Schedule 7 to the repealed Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 as in
force before 1 January 2005); or
(iii) regulations set out in or prescribed for
the purposes of section 151ZD of the
repealed Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 as in force during the
period that began on 1 January 2005
and ended immediately before the
commencement day; or
(f) concerning an accident or dangerous
occurrence that has happened, before the
commencement day, in the performing of
work (within the meaning of Schedule 7 to
the repealed Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982 as in force before the
commencement day).
46 OHS prosecutions
Clause 103 of Schedule 3 to this Act has effect,
after the commencement day, as if each reference
in that clause to a listed OHS law included a
reference to—
(a) Schedule 7 to the repealed Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 as in force
before the commencement day; and
(b) the regulations within the meaning of that
Schedule as in force before 1 January 2005.
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47 Disqualification of health and safety representatives
Clause 38(2) of Schedule 3 to this Act has effect
as if—
(a) the reference in that clause to clause 40(1) of
that Schedule included a reference to the
corresponding provision of Schedule 7 to the
repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982; and
(b) the reference in that clause to Schedule 3 to
this Act included a reference to Schedule 7
to the repealed Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982.
__________________
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SCHEDULE 6
Section 800
CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS
1 Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006
In section 50—
(a) in paragraph (g) of the definition of earth
resource authorisation, for "Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982" substitute
"Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2010";
(b) in paragraph (g) of the definition of earth
resource law, for "Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982" substitute "Offshore
Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage
Act 2010".
2 Accident Compensation Act 1985
2.1 In section 80(9), in the definition of State, for
"adjacent" substitute "offshore".
2.2 In the heading to Schedule 3, for "ADJACENT"
substitute "OFFSHORE".
2.3 In the heading to clause 2 of Schedule 3, for
"Adjacent" substitute "Offshore".
2.4 In clause 2(1) of Schedule 3—
(a) for "adjacent" substitute "offshore";
(b) for "Schedule 2 to the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1967" substitute
"items 1, 2, 4 and 6 of Schedule 1 to the
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2006".
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2.5 In clause 2(2) of Schedule 3—
(a) for "adjacent" substitute "offshore";
(b) in paragraph (a), for "Schedule 2 to the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967"
substitute "item 3 of Schedule 1 to the
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2006";
(c) in paragraph (b), for "subsection (7) of
section 5A of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1967" substitute "section 8(2) of
the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2006".
2.6 In clause 2(3) of Schedule 3—
(a) for "adjacent" substitute "offshore";
(b) for "Schedule 2 to the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1967" substitute
"item 5 of Schedule 1 to the Offshore
Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act
2006".
2.7 In clause 2(4) of Schedule 3—
(a) for "adjacent" substitute "offshore";
(b) in paragraph (a), for "Schedule 2 to the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967"
substitute "item 7 of Schedule 1 to the
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2006";
(c) in paragraph (b), for "subsection (3) of
section 5A of the Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1967" substitute "section 8(3) of
the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2006".
2.8 In clause 2(5) of Schedule 3, for "adjacent"
substitute "offshore".
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3 Dangerous Goods Act 1985
3.1 In section 61(1), in the definition of relevant
Minister, for "Petroleum (Submerged Lands)
Act 1982" substitute "Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010".
3.2 In section 61(2), for paragraphs (a) and (b)
substitute—
"(a) the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2006 of the Commonwealth; and
(b) the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse
Gas Storage Act 2010.".
4 Gas Industry Act 2001
In section 3, in paragraph (a) of the definition of
significant producer, for "Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982 or of the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 of the
Commonwealth" substitute "Offshore
Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act
2010 or of the Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 of the
Commonwealth".
5 Geothermal Energy Resources Act 2005
In section 9, for "adjacent area in the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982" substitute
"offshore area in the Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010".
6 Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Act 2008
In section 11, for "adjacent area in the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982" substitute
"offshore area in the Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010".
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7 Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984
7.1 In section 57(1)—
(a) for "section 14 of the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982" substitute
"section 794 of the Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010";
(b) for "adjacent" substitute "offshore".
7.2 In section 57(2) and (3), for "adjacent" (wherever
occurring) substitute "offshore".
7.3 In section 57(6)(a)—
(a) for "adjacent" substitute "offshore";
(b) for "Schedule 2 to the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1967
(Commonwealth)" substitute "item 2 of
Schedule 1 to the Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 of the
Commonwealth".
8 National Gas (Victoria) Act 2008
In section 9(1)—
(a) in the definition of adjacent area of another
participating jurisdiction, for "Offshore
Petroleum Act 2006" substitute "Offshore
Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act
2006";
(b) in the definition of adjacent area of this
jurisdiction, for "Offshore Petroleum Act
2006" substitute "Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006".
9 National Parks Act 1975
9.1 In the heading to section 40A, for "Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982" substitute
"Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2010".
Sch. 6
-- 1003 of 1006 --
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010
No. 10 of 2010
965
9.2 In section 40A—
(a) for "or permit under the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982" substitute
", permit or other authority under the
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2010";
(b) in paragraph (a)—
(i) after "petroleum" insert "or greenhouse
gas storage";
(ii) for "or permit" substitute ", permit or
other authority";
(c) in paragraph (b), for "or permit" substitute
", permit or other authority".
9.3 In section 40B(2), for "Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982" substitute "Offshore
Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act
2010".
10 Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
10.1 In the heading to section 157, for "Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Acts" substitute "Offshore
Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act".
10.2 In section 157(1), for "Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1982" substitute "Offshore
Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act
2010".
10.3 In section 157(2)(a), for "Petroleum (Submerged
Lands) Act 1967 of the Commonwealth or the
Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982"
substitute "Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse
Gas Storage Act 2006 of the Commonwealth or
the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas
Storage Act 2010".
Sch. 6
-- 1004 of 1006 --
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010
No. 10 of 2010
966
11 Petroleum Act 1998
In section 11, for "adjacent area in the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982" substitute
"offshore area in the Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010".
12 Pipelines Act 2005
12.1 In section 13, for "adjacent area in the Petroleum
(Submerged Lands) Act 1982" substitute
"offshore area in the Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010".
12.2 In section 52(1)—
(a) for "Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1982" substitute "Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010";
(b) for "adjacent" (wherever occurring)
substitute "offshore".
12.3 In section 52(2)—
(a) for "Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act
1982" substitute "Offshore Petroleum and
Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010";
(b) for "adjacent" substitute "offshore".
═══════════════
Sch. 6
-- 1005 of 1006 --
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2010
No. 10 of 2010
967
ENDNOTES
† Minister's second reading speech—
Legislative Assembly: 4 February 2010
Legislative Council: 25 February 2010
The long title for the Bill for this Act was "A Bill for an Act to regulate
petroleum exploration and recovery activities and petroleum facilities and
the geological storage of carbon dioxide in the Victorian offshore area
and for other purposes."
Endnotes
-- 1006 of 1006 --