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/PL17 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/PL17
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, removing references to the former Designated Authorities or the ‘said Manager’.
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 Flounder to Tuna 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to pipeline specifications, performance, reporting and approval requirements that are no longer required or have been superseded under the current regulatory regime (and are regulated by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority).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 Flounder to Tuna pipeline is described in the table below, and displayed in the map below, commencing at the flange immediately downstream of the LVO on the Flounder platform and terminating at the first flange upstream of the FVO on the Tuna platform. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).
POINT ID | DESCRIPTION | EASTING | NORTHING |
1 | LVO Flounder Manifold | 625859.5 | 5758705 |
2 | Inflection Point 01 | 625866.6 | 5758705.4 |
3 | Inflection Point 02 | 625873.3 | 5758735.3 |
4 | Inflection Point 03 | 625867.5 | 5758784.4 |
5 | Inflection Point 04 | 625833 | 5758787 |
6 | Inflection Point 05 | 625786 | 5758799 |
7 | Inflection Point 06 | 625783 | 5758817 |
8 | Inflection Point 07 | 625829 | 5762223 |
9 | Inflection Point 08 | 625863 | 5762244 |
10 | Inflection Point 09 | 626086.7 | 5765652 |
11 | Inflection Point 10 | 626118.3 | 5765644.9 |
12 | West Tuna Fluid Umbilical Crossing | 625459.8 | 5772194.2 |
13 | KPA350 South Gas Pipeline Crossing | 625455.8 | 5772214.9 |
14 | KPA350 North Gas Pipeline Crossing | 625446.1 | 5772265.8 |
15 | West Tuna Electrical Umbilical Crossing | 625441.2 | 5772291.4 |
16 | Inflection Point 11 | 625214 | 5773082 |
17 | Inflection Point 12 | 624587.1 | 5774202.3 |
18 | Inflection Point 13 | 624365.9 | 5774389.1 |
19 | FVO Tuna Manifold | 624358.2 | 5774389.1 |
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 by the Commonwealth Parliament to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation of offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage in Australian waters. This Act was introduced to address the need for coordinated management and regulation of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage operations to ensure environmental protection, safety, and economic benefits. The policy objective of the Act is to facilitate the exploration and production of offshore petroleum resources while minimising environmental impact and ensuring the safety of operations. This legislative notice pertains to an application for the variation of a pipeline licence under this Act, specifically for Pipeline Licence VIC/PL17 in the offshore area of Victoria. The application, made by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd, seeks administrative amendments to the licence to reflect legislative changes, update pipeline specifications, and remove outdated conditions.
The application for variation of the pipeline licence highlights the dynamic nature of offshore petroleum operations and the need for regulatory frameworks to adapt to changes in technology, safety standards, and operational practices. The amendments proposed include changing the licence duration from a fixed term to an indefinite term, updating pipeline route details and coordinates, and modifying conditions to align with current regulatory requirements enforced by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority. This notice allows for public submissions on the proposed changes within a specified period, ensuring transparency and public participation in the regulatory process.
Scope and Application
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to entities and individuals involved in the exploration, production, storage, and transportation of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities in Australian waters. In this case, the application for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL17 specifically pertains to Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd, who are seeking changes to their existing pipeline licence in the offshore area of Victoria. This application is administered by the Commonwealth-Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, highlighting the collaborative governance structure between the Commonwealth and the State of Victoria. The scope of the Act includes administrative amendments to the pipeline licence, such as altering the duration of the licence, updating pipeline specifications and conditions, and adding route details based on the as-constructed pipeline coordinates. The Act does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions in this notice, and the application process allows for public submissions within a specified timeframe. The geographic reach of the Act is limited to the offshore area of Victoria, but it operates within the broader framework of the Commonwealth's regulatory oversight over offshore petroleum activities.
Key Provisions
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (the Act) governs the application process for varying a pipeline licence, specifically in the offshore area of Victoria. Section 226(3) allows a person to make a written submission to the Titles Administrator within 30 days of the notice being published in the Australian Government Gazette, regarding an application for the variation of a pipeline licence, such as Pipeline Licence VIC/PL17. The application by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd seeks to modify the licence to reflect legislative amendments and updates to the pipeline's design and operational conditions.
Under the Act, the obligations imposed on the parties applying for the licence variation include ensuring that all proposed changes are clearly outlined and justified. This includes varying the licence duration from a fixed term to an indefinite term, updating pipeline design details and parameters to reflect the as-constructed Flounder to Tuna pipeline, and removing conditions that are no longer necessary or have been superseded by other regulatory requirements. Additionally, the application must provide updated pipeline coordinates and a route map, as well as any other necessary documentation to support the changes.
In terms of compliance and potential consequences, the Act stipulates that any breach of its provisions may result in penalties. These penalties can include fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach. For instance, under section 708, there are specific penalties outlined for offences related to the administration of pipeline licences. The maximum penalties for such offences are not explicitly stated in this notice, but they can be found in the relevant sections of the Act. It is important for the applicants to adhere strictly to the requirements set out in the Act to avoid any legal repercussions.
The legislative framework provided by the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 ensures that any changes to a pipeline licence are made in a controlled and transparent manner. The Act mandates that all modifications be communicated and justified adequately, while also providing a mechanism for public submission on the proposed changes. This helps in maintaining the safety and regulatory compliance of offshore petroleum operations. The penalties for non-compliance underscore the importance of adhering to the Act's stipulations to prevent any adverse legal or operational consequences.