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

Schedule 1   Amendments relating to greenhouse gas storage etc.

Offshore Petroleum Act 2006

119   At the end of section 79

Add:

Declared exploration permits - approval of key petroleum operations

(8) A declared exploration permit is subject to the condition that the permittee will not carry on key petroleum operations under the permit unless the responsible Commonwealth Minister has approved the operations under section 79A.

(9) Despite subsection (2), the condition mentioned in subsection (8) does not need to be specified in the permit.

(10) If, under section 79A, the responsible Commonwealth Minister approves the carrying on of one or more key petroleum operations under a declared exploration permit, the responsible Commonwealth Minister may, by written notice given to the permittee, vary the permit by imposing one or more conditions to which the permit is subject.

(11) A variation of a declared exploration permit under subsection (10) takes effect on the day on which notice of the variation is given to the permittee.

(12) A condition imposed under subsection (10) 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.

(13) Subsection (12) does not limit:

(a) subsection (10); or

(b) Part 4.2; or

(c) Part 4.3.

(14) If:

(a) a declared exploration permit is subject to a condition; and

(b) the condition was imposed under subsection (10);

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

(15) A variation of a declared exploration permit under subsection (14) takes effect on the day on which notice of the variation is given to the permittee.

(16) Subsection (14) does not limit section 227.