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 (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd.
(ABN 29 004 228 004)
for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL21 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/PL21
The application seeks to effect the following administrative amendments to the licence:
Pipeline Duration and Interpretation
- 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 ‘Director, Energy Division of the Department of Industry, Technology and Resources.’
Route of the Pipeline
3. Add the as-Constructed Pipeline Co-ordinates.
4. Add the Route Map.
Specifications
5. Update the pipeline design details and parameters, including reference to relevant Australian Standards, to reflect the as-constructed Perch to Dolphin Pipeline.
As-Constructed Pipeline Co-ordinates
The route of the Perch to Dolphin 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 Perch platform before proceeding through two major deflections, and commencing at the flange immediately downstream of the Last Valve Off (LVO) on the Dolphin platform before proceeding to the Dolphin tee connection, followed by a straight line with minor deflections to a point which intersects the boundary of Commonwealth offshore waters at the 3 nautical mile limit. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).
ID | DESCRIPTION | EASTING | NORTHING |
1 | LVO Perch Manifold | 528102.35 | 5730967.54 |
2 | Inflection Point 01 | 528098.33 | 5730963.35 |
3 | Inflection Point 02 | 528094.04 | 5730967.53 |
4 | Inflection Point 03 | 528081.75 | 5730952.46 |
5 | Inflection Point 04 | 528072.77 | 5730965.39 |
6 | Inflection Point 05 | 528071.65 | 5730974.82 |
7 | Inflection Point 06 | 527415.13 | 5731936.61 |
8 | Inflection Point 07 | 533815.81 | 5739200.92 |
9 | LVO Dolphin Manifold | 532920.41 | 5740041.56 |
10 | Inflection Point 08 | 532917.01 | 5740037.94 |
11 | Inflection Point 09 | 532912.67 | 5740041.88 |
12 | Inflection Point 10 | 532905.62 | 5740035.54 |
13 | DPA300 T Connection | 532905.56 | 5740030.90 |
14 | 3 Nautical Mile Limit Crossing | 522271.50 | 5749838.54 |
15 | Shoreline Crossing | 518173.00 | 5753695.52 |
Coordinate set above based on GDA94 / MGA Zone 55, survey of pipeline centreline.
Overview
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to address the regulation and management of offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage within Australian waters. This legislation provides a comprehensive framework for the licensing, environmental regulation, and oversight of offshore petroleum operations, including the management of pipelines essential for transporting petroleum products. The Act aims to ensure the sustainable and safe exploitation of offshore petroleum resources while minimising environmental impact and ensuring compliance with national and international standards. This Act facilitates the administrative processes for variations to pipeline licenses, as seen in the application by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL21. This application seeks to reflect legislative amendments by updating the pipeline's duration and interpretation, adding the as-constructed pipeline coordinates, updating the route map, and modifying the pipeline design details to align with the current Australian Standards.
Scope and Application
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to various entities and individuals involved in offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities within the Commonwealth of Australia. This includes the application for the variation of a pipeline licence, as demonstrated by the case of Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd., which are seeking to amend Pipeline Licence VIC/PL21. The application pertains specifically to the offshore area of Victoria, indicating a jurisdictional reach within the state boundaries. The Act allows for the submission of written feedback on the application within a 30-day period, thereby involving public participation in regulatory decisions. The Act’s provisions may be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, providing flexibility in its application. Notably, the application for variation involves updating the pipeline's duration, route, and design specifications, reflecting legislative changes and the as-constructed pipeline coordinates based on the Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).
Key Provisions
The primary sections relevant to this notification are sections 226 and 708 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (the Act). Section 226 allows for the variation of a pipeline licence, while section 708 deals with the process for making a submission about such applications. The application in question, from Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd, seeks to vary Pipeline Licence VIC/PL21 by changing its duration from a fixed term to an indefinite term, updating the pipeline's route and coordinates, and revising the pipeline's design details and parameters to reflect the as-constructed Perch to Dolphin Pipeline.
The obligations imposed by the Act on the parties involved include the requirement to submit a written application detailing the proposed changes and to provide any necessary documentation, such as updated route maps and as-constructed pipeline coordinates. The Titles Administrator, Graeme Albert Waters, is mandated to notify the public of the application and provide a 30-day window for written submissions from interested parties. This ensures transparency and allows stakeholders to voice their opinions or concerns regarding the proposed variations.
The Act also stipulates consequences for non-compliance or breaches. While the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breaching the provisions of the Act are not detailed in this notification, it is implied that any failure to comply with the statutory requirements could result in legal action. Penalties for such breaches might include fines, revocation of the pipeline licence, or other civil or criminal sanctions, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. The maximum penalties, however, are not specified in this notice and would need to be referred to in the Act itself.