Offshore Petroleum Amendment (Greenhouse Gas Storage) Act 2008 (117 of 2008)

Schedule 1   Amendments relating to greenhouse gas storage etc.

Offshore Petroleum Act 2006

127   At the end of section 138

Add:

Declared production licences - approval of key petroleum operations

(10) A declared production licence is subject to the condition that the licensee will not carry on key petroleum operations under the licence unless the responsible Commonwealth Minister has approved the operations under section 138A.

(11) Despite subsection (2), the condition mentioned in subsection (10) does not need to be specified in the licence.

(12) If, under section 138A, the responsible Commonwealth Minister approves the carrying on of one or more key petroleum operations under a declared production licence, the responsible Commonwealth Minister may, by written notice given to the licensee, vary the licence by imposing one or more conditions to which the licence is subject.

(13) A variation of a declared production licence under subsection (12) takes effect on the day on which notice of the variation is given to the licensee.

(14) A condition imposed under subsection (12) 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.

(15) Subsection (14) does not limit:

(a) subsection (12); or

(b) Part 4.2; or

(c) Part 4.3.

(16) If:

(a) a declared production licence is subject to a condition; and

(b) the condition was imposed under subsection (12);

the responsible Commonwealth Minister may, by written notice given to the licensee, vary or revoke the condition.

(17) A variation of a declared production licence under subsection (16) takes effect on the day on which notice of the variation is given to the licensee.

(18) Subsection (17) does not limit section 227.