COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006

NOTICE OF INVITATION FOR WORK PROGRAM PETROLEUM EXPLORATION PERMIT APPLICATION

I, GRAEME ALBERT WATERS, the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA), on behalf of the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, the Commonwealth-Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, the Commonwealth-Tasmania Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, and the Commonwealth-Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority (the Joint Authorities), pursuant to section 104 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (the Act), hereby invite applications for the grant of work-bid petroleum exploration permits in respect of the blocks and within the areas described below.

Applications must be received, in the manner prescribed below, by Thursday 4:00 pm local time at the place of submission on Thursday, 3 March 2022.

Applicants are advised to review comments received for areas they intend to bid on via Consultation Hub at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent.

Graticular Block ListingS

Release Area AC21-1

Bonaparte Basin, Vulcan Sub-basin, the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Map Sheet SD51 (Brunswick Bay)

Assessed to contain three full blocks.

Release Area W21-1

Bonaparte Basin, Londonderry High, Western Australia

Map Sheet SC51 (Kupang)

Map Sheet SC52 (Melville Island)

Map Sheet SD51 (Brunswick Bay)

Map Sheet SD52 (Darwin)

Assessed to contain 222 blocks (203 full blocks and 19 part blocks).

Perth Treaty

W21-1 partially overlaps a region designated by the Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia establishing an Exclusive Economic Zone Boundary and Certain Seabed Boundaries (Perth, 14 March 1997) (1997 Perth Treaty) that has been signed but is not yet in force.

While the 1997 Perth Treaty is not yet in force, the Australian Government acts in accordance with its provisions, including in relation to notification. Under Article 7(d) of the 1997 Perth Treaty, Australia is required to notify Indonesia three months prior to the proposed grant of exploration or exploitation rights in an area of overlapping jurisdiction. If exploration activity within an area of overlapping jurisdiction involves the construction of an installation or structure, the 1997 Perth Treaty requires Australia to give Indonesia ‘due notice’ of this. A permanent means of giving warning of the installation or structure’s presence must be maintained. An installation or structure generally would be a structure that rests on, or is fixed or connected to, the seabed.

Marine parks

At the time of gazettal, W21-1 was known to intersect the Oceanic Shoals Marine Park which is a Multiple Use zone (IUCN V1).

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, W21-1 was known to intersect the Carbonate bank and terrace system of the Sahul Shelf key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area W21-2

Bonaparte Basin, Londonderry High, Western Australia

Map Sheet SD51 (Brunswick Bay)

Assessed to contain 143 blocks (118 full blocks and 25 part blocks).

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, W21-2 was known to intersect the Carbonate bank and terrace system of the Sahul Shelf and the Ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour key ecological features.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area W21-3

Browse Basin, Yampi Shelf, Western Australia

Map Sheet SD51 (Brunswick Bay)

Assessed to contain 75 blocks (74 full blocks and one part block).

Marine parks

At the time of gazettal, W21-3 was known to intersect the Kimberley Marine Park which is a Multiple Use zone (IUCN V1).

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, W21-3 was known to intersect the Ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area W21-4

Northern Carnarvon Basin, Exmouth Plateau and Beagle Sub-basin, Western Australia

Map Sheet SE50 (Rowley Shoals)

Assessed to contain 75 full blocks.

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, W21-4 was known to intersect the Ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area W21-5

Northern Carnarvon Basin, Beagle and Dampier sub-basins, Western Australia

Map Sheet SE50 (Rowley Shoals)

Assessed to contain five full blocks.

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, W21-5 was known to intersect the Ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area W21-6

Northern Carnarvon Basin, Exmouth Plateau and Rankin Platform, Western Australia

Map Sheet SE50 (Rowley Shoals)

Assessed to contain four full blocks.

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, W21-6 was known to intersect the Ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area W21-7

Northern Carnarvon Basin, Dampier Sub-basin, Western Australia

Map Sheet SE50 (Rowley Shoals)

Map Sheet SF50 (Hamersley Range)

Assessed to contain six full blocks

Marine parks

At the time of gazettal, W21-7 was known to intersect the Montebello Marine Park which is a Multiple Use zone (IUCN V1).

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area W21-8

Northern Carnarvon Basin, Dampier and Barrow sub-basins, Western Australia

Map Sheet SF50 (Hamersley Range)

Assessed to contain 13 blocks (ten full blocks and three part blocks).

Marine parks

At the time of gazettal, W21-8 was known to intersect the Montebello Marine Park which is a Multiple Use zone (IUCN V1).

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area W21-9

Northern Carnarvon Basin, Barrow Sub-basin, Western Australia

Map Sheet SF50 (Hamersley Range)

Assessed to contain two full blocks.

Defence

Potential bidders should note that the Australian Department of Defence does not support the installation of any production infrastructure within this area due to potential impacts on Defence activities.

It should also be noted that this area is within the North Western Australia Exercise Area (NWXA) and Restricted Airspace R852. Proponents should liaise with Defence early in the project planning phase in order to facilitate deconfliction with Defence activities.

For more information please refer to full comments and advice from Defence at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent.

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, W21-9 was known to intersect the Ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area W21-10

Northern Carnarvon Basin, Exmouth Plateau, Western Australia

Map Sheet SE50 (Rowley Shoals)

Assessed to contain 57 full blocks.

Defence

Potential bidders should note that this area is within the North Western Australia Exercise Area (NWXA). Proponents should liaise with the Australian Department of Defence early in the project planning phase in order to facilitate deconfliction with Defence activities.

For more information please refer to full comments and advice from Defence at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent.

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, W21-10 was known to intersect the Ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour and the Continental Slope Demersal Fish Communities key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area W21-11

Northern Carnarvon Basin, Exmouth Plateau, Western Australia

Map Sheet SF50 (Hamersley Range)

Assessed to contain 11 full blocks.

Defence

Potential bidders should note that the Australian Department of Defence does not support the installation of any production infrastructure within this area due to potential impacts on Defence activities. For more information, please refer to full comments and advice from Defence.

It should also be noted that this area is within the North Western Australia Exercise Area (NWXA) and Restricted Airspace R853. Proponents should liaise with the Australian Department of Defence early in the project planning phase in order to facilitate deconfliction with Defence activities.

For more information please refer to full comments and advice from Defence at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area V21-1

Otway Basin, Nelson Sub-basin, Victoria

Map Sheet SJ54 (Hamilton)

Assessed to contain 91 blocks (87 full blocks and four part blocks).

Seismic survey data

Potential bidders should note that recent seismic data over this area is available on Geoscience Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System (www.ga.gov.au/nopims). Bidders are strongly encouraged to consider this data to formulate a more targeted exploration work bid.

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, V21-1 was known to intersect the West Tasmania Canyons key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area V21-2

Otway Basin, Nelson Sub-basin, Victoria

Map Sheet SJ54 (Hamilton)

Assessed to contain 149 blocks (130 full blocks and 19 part blocks).

Seismic survey data

Potential bidders should note that recent seismic data over this area is available on Geoscience Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System (www.ga.gov.au/nopims). Bidders are strongly encouraged to consider this data to formulate a more targeted exploration work bid.

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, V21-2 was known to intersect the West Tasmania Canyons key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area V21-3

Otway Basin, Shipwreck Trough, Victoria

Map Sheet SJ54 (Hamilton)

Assessed to contain 33 blocks (21 full blocks and 12 part blocks).

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area V21-4

Gippsland Basin, Victoria

Map Sheet SJ55 (Melbourne)

Assessed to contain 32 full blocks.

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, V21-4 was known to intersect the Upwelling East of Eden and Big Horseshoe Canyon key ecological features.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area V21-5

Gippsland Basin, Victoria

Map Sheet SJ55 (Melbourne)

Assessed to contain 21 full blocks.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area T21-1

Otway Basin, Nelson Sub-basin, Tasmania

Map Sheet SJ54 (Hamilton)

Map Sheet SK54 (King Island)

Assessed to contain 39 blocks (38 full blocks and one part block).

Seismic survey data

Potential bidders should note that recent seismic data over this area is available on Geoscience Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System (www.ga.gov.au/nopims). Bidders are strongly encouraged to consider this data to formulate a more targeted exploration work bid.

Marine Parks

At the time of gazettal, T21-1 was known to intersect the Zeehan Marine Park which is a Multiple Use zone (IUCN V1).

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, T21-1 was known to intersect the West Tasmania Canyons key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area T21-2

Otway Basin, Nelson Sub-basin, Tasmania

Map Sheet SJ54 (Hamilton)

Map Sheet SK54 (King Island)

Assessed to contain 76 blocks (66 full blocks and ten part blocks).

Seismic survey data

Potential bidders should note that recent seismic data over this area is available on Geoscience Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System (www.ga.gov.au/nopims). Bidders are strongly encouraged to consider this data to formulate a more targeted exploration work bid.

Marine Parks

At the time of gazettal, T21-2 was known to intersect the Zeehan Marine Park which is a Multiple Use zone (IUCN V1).

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, T21-2 was known to intersect the West Tasmania Canyons key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area T21-3

Otway Basin, Nelson Sub-basin, Tasmania

Map Sheet SJ54 (Hamilton)

Map Sheet SK54 (King Island)

Assessed to contain 54 blocks (47 full blocks and seven part blocks).

Seismic survey data

Potential bidders should note that recent seismic data over this area is available on Geoscience Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System (www.ga.gov.au/nopims). Bidders are strongly encouraged to consider this data to formulate a more targeted exploration work bid.

Marine Parks

At the time of gazettal, T21-3 was known to intersect the Zeehan Marine Park which is a Multiple Use zone (IUCN V1).

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

Release Area T21-4

Sorell Basin, Tasmania

Map Sheet SK54 (King Island)

Assessed to contain 65 full blocks.

Seismic survey data

Potential bidders should note that recent seismic data over this area is available on Geoscience Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System (www.ga.gov.au/nopims). Bidders are strongly encouraged to consider this data to formulate a more targeted exploration work bid.

Marine Parks

At the time of gazettal, T21-4 was known to intersect the Zeehan Marine Park which is a Multiple Use zone (IUCN V1).

Biologically Important Areas

At the time of gazettal, T21-4 was known to intersect the West Tasmania Canyons key ecological feature.

Public consultation comments

Potential investors should note public consultation comments in relation to this area at https://consult.industry.gov.au/offshore-exploration/2021-acreage-release-consultation/consultation/published_select_respondent

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

When preparing a bid and planning exploration, explorers should:

• carefully consider the relevant maritime boundaries and international treaties
• take all relevant advice to inform decision-making.

Marine Parks and Biologically Important Areas (BIA)

Investors should note that some of the gazetted areas overlap marine parks and key ecological features. For more information in relation to these areas please refer to https://www.environment.gov.au/marine/marine-species/bias

and https://parksaustralia.gov.au/marine/management/

Foreign Investment Review Board

International investors may need to seek approval from the Australian Treasurer. See the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) website (https://firb.gov.au/) for more information. If FIRB approval is not available at the time of submission, it will need to be provided separately before any new acreage will be awarded.

Seismic survey data

Investors are encouraged to consider all available seismic data to determine if further seismic acquisition is necessary in an area and to form a more targeted work program bid. Geoscience Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System (www.ga.gov.au/nopims) is available and bidders are strongly encouraged to consider this data to formulate an exploration work program.

APPLICATIONS

In accordance with subsection 104(3) of the Act, applications must be accompanied by details of:

1. the applicant’s proposals for work and expenditure in relation to the block or blocks specified in the application;
2. the technical qualifications of the applicant and of the applicant’s employees;
3. the technical advice available to the applicant; and
4. the financial resources available to the applicant.

For further details of the expectations of the Joint Authorities in relation to the content of applications and used as the criteria for ranking of competing applicants in accordance with section 106 of the Act, please refer to the Offshore Petroleum Exploration Guideline: Work-bid available at https://www.nopta.gov.au/guidelines-and-factsheets/index.html.

FEE

An application must be accompanied by the appropriate application fee and evidence of payment. The amount of the fee is prescribed in Schedule 6 of the RMA regulations[1]. Details on how to pay the prescribed fee are on NOPTA’s website.

If paying by cheque, please write the full company name and Australian Business Number of each applicant and work-bid release area number on the back of the bank cheque. Cheques should be made payable to ‘NOPTA – Commonwealth of Australia’.

If paying by electronic funds transfer, please make payment to the following account:

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

The application must be on the prescribed application form and signed by all applicants and in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The application form is available for download from the NOPTA website at http://www.nopta.gov.au/forms/forms.html.

One bound paper copy and one electronic copy in text search format (on DVD, CD or USB) of the application, together with evidence of payment of the application fee, must be submitted to the NOPTA in the following manner:

• the application should be sealed and clearly marked as “Application for Area [Release Area Number as appropriate] Commercial-in-Confidence” and
• this envelope or package should then be enclosed in a plain covering envelope or package and delivered by hand (couriers accepted) to the below address:

To submit an application please make an appointment with the NOPTA by emailing titles@nopta.gov.au or phoning 08 6424 5317. 

Please check the NOPTA website prior to submitting an application for further updates on submissions.

[1] Please note that application fees are subject to change. Applicants should refer to the application fee stated in Schedule 6, Part 1 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2011 or confirm with NOPTA prior to submitting an application https://www.nopta.gov.au/_documents/schedule-of-fees.pdf)