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/PL24 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/PL24
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 ‘Manager, Minerals and Petroleum Operations, Department of Natural Resources and Environment.’
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 Whiting to Snapper Pipeline.
As-Constructed Pipeline Co-ordinates
The route of the Whiting to Snapper 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 Whiting platform and terminating at the first flange upstream of the First Valve On (FVO) on the Snapper platform. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).
ID | DESCRIPTION | EASTING | NORTHING |
1 | LVO Whiting Manifold | 576455.12 | 5767198.71 |
2 | Inflection Point 01 | 576470.64 | 5767188.51 |
3 | Inflection Point 02 | 576476.35 | 5767182.10 |
4 | Inflection Point 03 | 576477.24 | 5767187.62 |
5 | Inflection Point 04 | 578905.00 | 5769627.67 |
6 | Inflection Point 05 | 589635.00 | 5772160.00 |
7 | Inflection Point 06 | 589761.69 | 5772176.96 |
8 | Inflection Point 07 | 589765.60 | 5772183.01 |
9 | Inflection Point 08 | 589772.64 | 5772184.81 |
10 | SNA600 Gas Pipeline Crossing | 589772.94 | 5772183.70 |
11 | MLB450 Gas Pipeline Crossing | 589774.80 | 5772180.77 |
12 | Inflection Point 09 | 589776.15 | 5772178.23 |
13 | FVO Snapper Manifold | 589784.40 | 5772179.25 |
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 to address the need for comprehensive regulation of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities in Australian waters. This Act was introduced to provide a robust legal framework governing the exploration, production, and storage of offshore petroleum resources and greenhouse gases, ensuring environmental protection, safety, and economic efficiency. The Act is administered by the Commonwealth Parliament and aims to balance the exploitation of natural resources with the need to safeguard the marine environment and public interests. This legislative notice pertains to an application for the variation of a pipeline licence under this Act, specifically for Pipeline Licence VIC/PL24, reflecting administrative amendments to the licence in response to legislative changes and updates to the pipeline's operational details.
Scope and Application
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to the application for the variation of a pipeline licence in the offshore area of Victoria. The Act pertains specifically to the application submitted by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd for the modification of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL24. The application involves administrative amendments including the alteration of the licence duration, updating the pipeline route and design details, and removing references to former designated authorities. The jurisdictional reach of this Act is the Commonwealth of Australia, particularly concerning the Victoria offshore area. The Act does not specify any exclusions or exemptions for this application, but it does allow for the Titles Administrator to receive written submissions from interested persons within 30 days of the notice being published in the Australian Government Gazette. The Act's application can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, although this is not elaborated in the provided notice.
Key Provisions
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (sections 226 and 708) governs the administrative process for varying offshore pipeline licences, such as Pipeline Licence VIC/PL24. The Act outlines the conditions under which an application for variation of a licence can be made and the steps that must be followed. In this case, Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd. have applied to vary their existing pipeline licence. The primary changes proposed include altering the licence duration from a fixed term to an indefinite term, updating the pipeline route details, and revising the pipeline design specifications to reflect the as-constructed pipeline. These changes aim to align the licence with legislative amendments and current operational realities.
The Act imposes several obligations on the applicants and the Titles Administrator. The applicants must provide detailed information about the proposed changes to the pipeline licence, including the updated duration, route, and design specifications. The Titles Administrator, in this case Graeme Albert Waters, is responsible for publicising the application and inviting submissions from interested parties within a specified timeframe. This process ensures transparency and allows stakeholders to voice their concerns or support regarding the proposed changes. Additionally, the applicants must ensure that all information provided is accurate and comprehensive to facilitate a smooth assessment process.
Breach of the provisions outlined in the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 can lead to various consequences. The Act does not explicitly detail penalties for non-compliance in the notice provided. However, generally, failure to adhere to the legislative requirements for pipeline licence variations could result in legal actions, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the licence. Such breaches may also attract civil or criminal liability, depending on the severity and intent behind the non-compliance. It is crucial for applicants to meticulously follow the procedural guidelines to avoid any legal repercussions.