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/PL25 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/PL25
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 A platform. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).
ID | DESCRIPTION | EASTING | NORTHING |
1 | LVO Whiting Manifold | 576454.46 | 5767197.97 |
2 | Inflection Point 01 | 576468.46 | 5767187.96 |
3 | Inflection Point 02 | 576471.38 | 5767174.56 |
4 | Inflection Point 03 | 576531.00 | 5767213.00 |
5 | Inflection Point 04 | 578784.81 | 5769526.63 |
6 | Inflection Point 05 | 589646.00 | 5772155.00 |
7 | Inflection Point 06 | 589736.07 | 5772173.94 |
8 | MLB450 Gas Pipeline Crossing | 589763.87 | 5772172.97 |
9 | Inflection Point 07 | 589770.28 | 5772166.33 |
10 | Inflection Point 08 | 589773.15 | 5772177.09 |
11 | SNA600 Gas Pipeline Crossing | 589774.90 | 5772176.86 |
12 | FVO Snapper Manifold | 589784.44 | 5772178.43 |
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 provide a legal framework for the regulation and management of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities within Australia. This Act was introduced to address the need for comprehensive and integrated governance of offshore petroleum resources and activities, ensuring environmental protection, economic benefits, and efficient management of these resources. The legislation was enacted by the Australian Parliament and aims to provide a robust and sustainable regulatory environment that balances the interests of industry, the environment, and the public. The application for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL25, as notified by the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator, Graeme Albert Waters, on behalf of the Commonwealth-Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, seeks to make administrative amendments to the pipeline licence. The proposed changes include adjusting the licence duration from a fixed term to an indefinite term, updating the pipeline route, and modifying the pipeline design details and parameters to reflect the current as-constructed Whiting to Snapper Pipeline. This application is part of the ongoing efforts to ensure that the offshore petroleum operations are managed in accordance with the legislative requirements and industry best practices.
Scope and Application
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to various entities and activities within Australia's offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage sectors. Specifically, this Act governs the administration and regulation of offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage, providing a legal framework for the licensing and oversight of operations conducted by companies such as Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd. The legislation's jurisdiction extends to offshore areas, including the state of Victoria, and encompasses various aspects of pipeline licensing, such as duration, route, and specifications. The Act allows for administrative amendments to existing pipeline licences, as demonstrated by the application by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd. for variations to Pipeline Licence VIC/PL25. This application includes modifying the licence's duration, updating the pipeline route with as-constructed coordinates, and revising design details to align with current Australian Standards. The notice of this application invites written submissions from interested parties within 30 days of its publication in the Australian Government Gazette, ensuring transparency and public participation in the regulatory process.
Key Provisions
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, specifically sections 226 and 708, provides the legislative framework for the management of offshore petroleum activities, including pipeline licences. Section 226 allows for the application and review of variations to existing licences, while Section 708 pertains to the administration and oversight of these activities by the Titles Administrator. In this instance, an application for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL25 has been submitted by Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd. The proposed changes include modifying the licence duration from a fixed term to an indefinite term to align with legislative amendments, updating the pipeline route coordinates and map, and refining the pipeline design details and parameters to reflect the as-constructed Whiting to Snapper Pipeline.
The obligations imposed by the Act on the parties involved are stringent, requiring adherence to the stipulated procedures for submitting variations to pipeline licences. The Titles Administrator, Graeme Albert Waters, must ensure that all applications are processed in accordance with the Act, which includes providing public notice and allowing for submissions from interested parties within 30 days. The applicants, Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd, are required to furnish comprehensive documentation supporting their application, including updated technical specifications and route details. Additionally, any other stakeholders or members of the public are given the opportunity to review and comment on the application, ensuring transparency and accountability in the licensing process.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 can result in significant legal consequences. Both civil and criminal penalties may be imposed for non-compliance, depending on the severity of the breach. Under the Act, individuals or corporations found to be in breach of its provisions may face fines, imprisonment, or both. The maximum penalties can vary but are designed to enforce adherence to safety, environmental, and operational standards in offshore petroleum activities. For instance, unauthorised activities related to pipeline operations could lead to substantial fines and potential imprisonment for the responsible parties, underscoring the importance of meticulous compliance with the Act's requirements.