Declaration of Location - Gungurru Field and Cherring Field

Overview

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 was enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for the regulation of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities within Australia's jurisdiction. This legislation was introduced to address the need for a coordinated and efficient system to manage offshore resources while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable development. The Act was passed by the Parliament of Australia, with the policy objective of facilitating the exploration, development, and production of offshore petroleum resources in a manner that minimises environmental impact and promotes the interests of the nation. On 10 June 2014, Graeme Albert Waters, the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator on behalf of the Commonwealth – Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, declared blocks 30 and 31 in the Hamersley Range as locations under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006. These blocks, named Gungurru and Cherringi, are subject to Petroleum Exploration Permit WA-202-P. The declaration signifies the formal recognition and management of these areas for potential offshore petroleum activities, in line with the objectives and provisions of the Act.

Scope and Application

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to any entity or person involved in the exploration, production, or storage of petroleum or greenhouse gas in Australian waters, specifically offshore areas. This legislation governs the administration of petroleum titles and the regulation of activities related to offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas operations, ensuring that such activities are conducted in a manner that is environmentally responsible and sustainable. The act applies to a range of entities, including companies, partnerships, and individuals who hold or seek to hold petroleum titles, as well as those involved in the exploration and production of petroleum resources within the designated offshore areas. Geographically, the act has a broad jurisdictional reach, covering all Commonwealth waters, including state and territory waters, ensuring a consistent regulatory framework across different jurisdictions. While the act comprehensively regulates offshore petroleum activities, it does include specific exclusions and exemptions, such as certain research activities and the exploration of coal seam gas. The application of the act can be extended or modified through subordinate instruments, which may provide further detail or specific provisions for certain types of activities or areas.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, as evidenced by the declaration, are those that pertain to the declaration of specific offshore petroleum locations. Section 131 of the Act provides the authority for the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator to declare particular blocks as locations, as demonstrated in the declaration of the Gungurru and Cherringi blocks (Section 131). This formal declaration is essential for establishing the geographic boundaries and administrative details of the exploration and production activities in these offshore areas. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties involved. The National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator, acting on behalf of the Commonwealth – Western Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority, must ensure that the declaration accurately describes the location and field name of each block, which in this case are the Gungurru and Cherringi blocks within the Hamersley Range (Section 131). Additionally, the declaration must be made under the authority of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 and must be dated and signed by the Titles Administrator, as seen in the example provided. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 can result in significant consequences. While the specific declaration document does not detail offences or penalties, the Act generally provides for both civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Civil penalties may include fines up to a substantial amount, while criminal penalties can encompass imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of breaches in the regulatory framework. These penalties are designed to enforce adherence to the Act's provisions and ensure proper management and exploration of offshore petroleum resources.