COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Section 708
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006
APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF A PIPELINE LICENCE
I, GRAEME ALBERT WATERS, the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator, on behalf of the Commonwealth–Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority hereby give notice pursuant to section 708 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 that an application has been received from
Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd
(ABN 62 091 829 819)
BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd.
(ABN 29 004 228 004)
for a variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL11 in the offshore area of Victoria, as set out below.
Pursuant to subsection 226(3) of the Act, a person may make a written submission to the Titles Administrator about this application within 30 days from the date of this notice.
This notice takes effect on the day on which it appears in the Australian Government Gazette.
Made under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006
of the Commonwealth of Australia.
GRAEME ALBERT WATERS
TITLES ADMINISTRATOR
ON BEHALF OF THE COMMONWEALTH–VICTORIA
OFFSHORE PETROLEUM JOINT AUTHORITY
APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF
PIPELINE LICENCE VIC/PL11
The application seeks to effect the following administrative amendments to the licence:
Pipeline Duration, Interpretation and Conditions
- Vary the duration of the licence from a fixed term to an indefinite term to reflect legislative amendment.
- Where possible, remove references in the licence to the former Designated Authorities or the ‘said Director’.
Route of the Pipeline
3. Add the As-Constructed Pipeline Co-ordinates.
4. Add the Route Map.
Specifications and Further Conditions
5. Update the pipeline design details and parameters, including reference to relevant Australian Standards, to reflect the as-constructed Marlin A to Halibut Tee 300mm Oil Pipeline.
6. Delete conditions relating to pipeline specifications, performance, reporting and approval requirements that are no longer required or have been superseded under the current regulatory regime (and are regulated by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority).
As-Constructed Pipeline Co-ordinates
The route of the Marlin A to Halibut Tee 300mm pipeline is described in the table below, commencing at the Marlin A platform riser, proceeding in a straight line with some minor deflections and terminating at an existing branch valve on the 600 mm (25 inch) pipeline licenced by Pipeline Licence VIC/PL5. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).
ID | DESCRIPTION | EASTING | NORTHING |
1 | Riser at Marlin A Platform (Start Point) | 606872 | 5767902 |
2 | Deflection point | 608009 | 5767121 |
3 | VIC/PL5 branch valve (HLA600) (End Point) | 608156 | 5766966 |
Coordinate set above is based on GDA94 / MGA Zone 55, survey of pipeline centreline.
Overview
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 was enacted to provide a legislative framework for the regulation of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities in Australian waters. The Act was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive legal structure to govern the exploration, development, and environmental management of offshore petroleum resources, ensuring both economic benefits and environmental protection. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of Australia and its policy objective is to facilitate the sustainable development of offshore petroleum resources while protecting the marine environment. This legislation provides a regulatory regime that balances the economic interests of the petroleum industry with the need to safeguard Australia's marine ecosystems and address climate change through greenhouse gas storage initiatives.
Scope and Application
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to entities involved in offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage within Australian waters. In this specific instance, the Act applies to Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd, both of which hold a pipeline licence (VIC/PL11) in the offshore area of Victoria. The application for variation of this licence pertains to administrative amendments such as extending the licence duration from a fixed term to an indefinite term, updating the pipeline route, and modifying design details and conditions. The Act’s jurisdiction covers the Commonwealth and state waters, including Victoria, and its application is not limited by any stated exclusions or exemptions in this context. The application process allows for public submissions within a specified timeframe, and the Titles Administrator, acting on behalf of the Commonwealth–Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, oversees the approval process. The Act’s reach may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, which provide further regulatory detail and operational guidelines for offshore petroleum activities.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this notice relate to the application for a variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL11 under section 708 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (the Act). Section 708 allows the Titles Administrator to give notice of such applications, which is the function being exercised here by Graeme Albert Waters, the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator on behalf of the Commonwealth–Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority. The application from Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd seeks several administrative amendments to the existing licence, including the change of licence duration from a fixed term to an indefinite term (section 226(3) of the Act), the addition of as-constructed pipeline coordinates and route map, the updating of pipeline design details, and the removal of conditions that are either no longer necessary or have been superseded by current regulations.
Under the Act, the obligations imposed on the parties involved include the requirement to submit any written submissions regarding the application within 30 days from the date of the notice, as stipulated in subsection 226(3). The applicants must provide detailed information on the proposed changes, including the pipeline coordinates and route map, updated design details, and the rationale for the removal of certain conditions. Additionally, the applicants must ensure that the changes align with current regulatory standards and are in compliance with the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority regulations.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act or the terms of the licence may result in various civil or criminal consequences. For instance, if the applicants do not adhere to the specified timeline for submissions or provide incomplete or inaccurate information, this could lead to the rejection of the application or further administrative action. Additionally, if the variations to the licence involve activities that breach the Act or other regulatory requirements, this could result in enforcement actions, fines, or other penalties. The specific maximum penalties for breaches of the Act are not detailed in the notice but would be determined according to the relevant sections of the legislation and any applicable regulations.