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/PL28 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/PL28
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 of the 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 West Tuna to Tuna Pipeline.
As-Constructed Pipeline Co-ordinates
The route of the West Tuna to Tuna 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 Tuna platform and terminating at the first flange upstream of the First Valve On (FVO) on the Tuna platform. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).
ID | DESCRIPTION | EASTING | NORTHING |
1 | LVO West Tuna Manifold | 621613.65 | 5771977.89 |
2 | Inflection Point 01 | 621611.71 | 5772003.53 |
3 | Inflection Point 02 | 621590.59 | 5772029.44 |
4 | Inflection Point 03 | 624324.31 | 5774329.51 |
5 | TNA100 Gas Pipeline Crossing | 624321.77 | 5774353.27 |
6 | TNA300 Gas Pipeline Crossing | 624318.38 | 5774383.00 |
7 | TNA200 Oil Pipeline Crossing | 624318.01 | 5774388.85 |
8 | Inflection Point 04 | 624317.87 | 5774392.31 |
9 | Inflection Point 05 | 624323.06 | 5774407.64 |
10 | FVO Tuna Manifold | 624333.93 | 5774407.81 |
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 legislative framework for the regulation of offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage within Australian waters, thereby addressing the need for comprehensive management of offshore resources and environmental protection. This Act was introduced by the Australian Parliament, with a policy objective to balance the economic benefits of offshore petroleum activities with the need to protect the marine environment and ensure sustainable practices. The Act provides mechanisms for licensing, environmental protection, and the management of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage operations, aiming to foster responsible and efficient use of Australia's offshore resources. In the context of the present application for the variation of a pipeline licence, the Act facilitates administrative adjustments to existing licences to ensure they remain compliant with current legislation and operational realities.
Scope and Application
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to the application for the variation of Pipeline Licence VIC/PL28, which concerns the offshore area of Victoria. This Act pertains specifically to the entities Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd, requiring them to seek changes to their existing pipeline licence. The application involves modifications to the licence duration, interpretation, and pipeline route, along with updates to design details and parameters. The geographic scope is limited to the offshore area of Victoria, and the application is managed by the Commonwealth–Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority. Any person can submit written comments regarding this application within 30 days from the date of the notice, which becomes effective upon its publication in the Australian Government Gazette. The Act allows for extensions or restrictions of its application through subordinate instruments, ensuring comprehensive regulation of the pipeline operations.
Key Provisions
The primary operative sections in the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 that are pertinent to the application for the variation of the pipeline licence VIC/PL28 are sections 226 and 708. Section 226(3) allows for a written submission from the public about the application within 30 days from the date of the notice, while section 708 provides the overarching framework for the administration and regulation of pipeline licences within offshore areas. Specifically, section 226(3) mandates that any person may submit a written statement to the Titles Administrator concerning the application, thereby offering an avenue for public participation in the decision-making process regarding pipeline licence variations. Section 708, on the other hand, ensures that the pipeline licence is subject to the regulatory oversight of the Titles Administrator, who is empowered to approve or reject applications for variations.
The application imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties involved, particularly Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Bass Strait) Pty Ltd. Firstly, the applicants must provide comprehensive details regarding the proposed variations to the pipeline licence, including changes to the duration of the licence, the pipeline route, and the pipeline design specifications. They must also update the as-constructed pipeline coordinates and include a route map to accurately reflect the current physical configuration of the pipeline. Furthermore, the applicants are required to remove any outdated references to former Designated Authorities or specific departmental personnel within the licence documentation, ensuring that the licence remains current and aligned with the current legislative and administrative framework.
The Act delineates specific offences, penalties, and consequences for non-compliance with the provisions governing pipeline licence variations. While the notice does not explicitly detail penalties for breaches, it is implied that any failure to comply with the requirements of the Act could result in legal action. Such non-compliance might include administrative sanctions, such as the revocation of the pipeline licence, or civil penalties imposed by the Titles Administrator. Additionally, serious breaches could potentially lead to criminal charges, depending on the nature and severity of the non-compliance. However, the exact penalties are not specified in the notice itself and would need to be referred to within the broader context of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.