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/PL8 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/PL8
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 and Economic Planning.’
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 Mackerel to Halibut Pipeline.
As-Constructed Pipeline Co-ordinates
The route of the Mackerel to Halibut 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 Mackerel platform and terminating at the first flange upstream of the First Valve On (FVO) on the Halibut platform. Coordinates are based on Geodetic Datum of Australia (GDA94).
ID | DESCRIPTION | EASTING | NORTHING |
1 | LVO Mackerel Manifold | 617112.65 | 5740149.89 |
2 | Inflection Point 01 | 617103.28 | 5740144.71 |
3 | Inflection Point 02 | 616925.68 | 5740153.00 |
4 | Inflection Point 03 | 617234.51 | 5744105.63 |
5 | Inflection Point 04 | 617273.69 | 5744107.11 |
6 | Inflection Point 05 | 617222.86 | 5747499.34 |
7 | Inflection Point 06 | 615316.11 | 5748501.76 |
8 | Inflection Point 07 | 615311.94 | 5748505.64 |
9 | FVO Halibut Manifold | 615298.45 | 5748508.58 |
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 regulatory framework for the exploration, development, and production of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage in Australian waters. This Act was introduced to address the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the regulation of offshore petroleum activities, ensuring both the efficient development of resources and the protection of the marine environment. The Act was passed by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia with the policy objective of facilitating the sustainable development of Australia's offshore petroleum resources while minimising environmental impacts and ensuring the safety of operations. The Act establishes a robust framework for licensing, environmental protection, and safety standards, ensuring that offshore activities are conducted in a manner that balances economic benefits with environmental and safety considerations.
Scope and Application
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to the offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities in Australia, encompassing various entities such as companies and partnerships involved in these activities. Specifically, this legislation governs the administration of pipeline licenses within offshore petroleum areas, including those under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth-Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority. The Act provides a framework for managing and regulating the exploration, production, and storage of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas. In this context, Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd. are subject to the Act as they hold a pipeline licence (VIC/PL8) in the offshore area of Victoria. The application for variation of this licence involves modifications to the licence duration, interpretation, pipeline route, and specifications to align with legislative changes and the as-constructed status of the Mackerel to Halibut Pipeline. The geographic reach of this Act is national, with the Commonwealth-Victoria Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority overseeing activities in Victoria's offshore area. The Act may extend or restrict its application through subordinate instruments, which are not specified in this notice.
Key Provisions
Sections 226 and 708 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 detail the process for applying for a variation of a pipeline licence. Section 226(3) provides that any person may make a written submission to the Titles Administrator about the application within 30 days from the date of the notice. This notice informs the public that an application has been received from Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd and BHP Billiton (Bass Strait) Pty. Ltd for a variation to Pipeline Licence VIC/PL8 in the offshore area of Victoria.
The application from Esso Australia Resources and BHP Billiton seeks several key amendments to the existing licence. Firstly, it requests a change to the duration of the licence from a fixed term to an indefinite term to align with legislative changes. Secondly, it aims to remove references to former Designated Authorities or the 'Director, Energy Division of the Department of Industry and Economic Planning' where possible. Thirdly, the application proposes adding the as-Constructed Pipeline Coordinates and a Route Map to the licence. Lastly, it seeks to update the pipeline design details and parameters to reflect the current Mackerel to Halibut Pipeline, including references to relevant Australian Standards.
The Act imposes several obligations on the applicants. They must ensure that their application for the variation of the pipeline licence includes all necessary documentation and information, such as the as-Constructed Pipeline Coordinates and Route Map. The applicants must also ensure that the proposed changes comply with the legislative requirements and standards outlined in the Act. Additionally, the applicants must respond to any submissions made by interested parties within the stipulated 30-day period.
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act may result in civil or criminal consequences. While specific penalties are not mentioned in this notice, under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, breaches of the Act can lead to substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. The maximum penalties for offences under the Act can vary depending on the nature and severity of the breach but can include fines of up to $1,100,000 for corporations and imprisonment for up to 10 years for individuals.