COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Sections 226 and 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 sections 226 and 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 the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL14 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/PL14
The application seeks to affect the following administrative amendments to the licence:
Pipeline Duration, Interpretation and Conditions
- Vary the duration of the licence from a fixed tern to an indefinite term to reflect legislative amendment.
2. 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 West Kingfish to Kingfish A 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to pipeline specifications, performance, reporting and approval requirements that are no longer required or have been superseded under the current regulatory regime (and are regulated by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority).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 West Kingfish to Kingfish A pipeline is described in the table below, and displayed in the map below, commencing at the flange immediately downstream of the Last Valve Off (LVO) on the West Kingfish platform and terminating at the first flange upstream of the First Valve On (FVO) on the Kingfish A platform. Coordinated are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).
POINT ID | DESCRIPTION | EASTING | NORTHING |
1 | LVO West Kingfish Manifold | 596271.01 | 5727813.48 |
2 | Inflection Point 01 | 596260.21 | 5727814.31 |
3 | Inflection Point 02 | 596257.77 | 5727779.37 |
4 | Inflection Point 03 | 599124.17 | 5727640.06 |
5 | Inflection Point 04 | 599531.42 | 5727775.81 |
6 | Inflection Point 05 | 599674.06 | 5727421.47 |
7 | Inflection Point 06 | 599683.96 | 5727418.78 |
8 | Inflection Point 07 | 599683.32 | 5727405.55 |
9 | FVO Kingfish A Manifold | 599673.34 | 5727406.28 |
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 regulatory framework for the exploration, production, and storage of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas in Australian waters. This Act was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive legislative structure governing the offshore petroleum industry, ensuring that activities are conducted in a safe, environmentally responsible, and economically efficient manner. The Act aims to facilitate the development of offshore resources while protecting the marine environment and ensuring public safety. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, with the objective of providing a coordinated and effective regulatory system for offshore petroleum activities. This notice under the Act pertains to an application for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL14 by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd., seeking administrative amendments to the licence to reflect legislative changes, update pipeline specifications, and incorporate as-constructed pipeline coordinates. The public is invited to submit written submissions regarding this application within 30 days from the date of this notice.
Scope and Application
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to the regulation and management of offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage in Australian waters. This Act encompasses entities such as Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd, as indicated in the notice, by affecting their pipeline licences. The scope of the Act extends to the administrative amendment of pipeline licences in the offshore area of Victoria, including modifications to the licence duration, pipeline route, specifications, and conditions. The Act’s jurisdictional reach is specifically within the Commonwealth and the state of Victoria, as evidenced by the Commonwealth–Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority’s involvement in administering the application. The application for variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL14, which includes updating the pipeline route and design details, reflects legislative amendments and seeks to align with the current regulatory regime under the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority. The Act allows for subordinate instruments to further define and extend its application, ensuring that the regulatory framework remains adaptable to changes in technology and industry practices.
Key Provisions
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 includes sections 226 and 708, which pertain to the application for the variation of a pipeline licence. In this instance, an application has been received from Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL14 in the offshore area of Victoria. The application outlines several administrative amendments to the licence, including changes to the pipeline duration, interpretation, and conditions (section 226(3)). The changes proposed include extending the licence duration to an indefinite term to align with legislative amendments, updating pipeline design details to reflect the as-constructed West Kingfish to Kingfish A pipeline, and deleting conditions that are no longer applicable under the current regulatory regime.
The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act on the parties involved include submitting a detailed application for the variation of the pipeline licence, which must include specific administrative amendments as outlined. The application must also provide precise As-Constructed Pipeline Coordinates and a route map, which are based on the Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94). Additionally, the application must address the interpretation of the licence, ensuring that any references to former Designated Authorities or the ‘said Director’ are removed where possible.
Breaches of the provisions under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 can lead to various civil and criminal consequences. The maximum penalties for offences under the Act can include substantial fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. For instance, unauthorised activities related to offshore petroleum or greenhouse gas storage can result in significant financial penalties and potential imprisonment terms as stipulated in the Act. Compliance with the legislative requirements and timely submission of the application for variation are crucial to avoid any legal repercussions.