Variation of a Petroleum Safety Zone – Notice A1247904 – Beach Energy (Operations) Limited – Vic/L23 & T/L2 – Thylacine 1 & Geographe 1 Wells

Overview

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 was enacted to provide a framework for the regulation of offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas storage activities, ensuring safety and environmental protection. This Act addresses the need for stringent regulatory measures to manage the risks associated with offshore operations, particularly in the context of petroleum exploration and production, as well as the storage of greenhouse gases. Enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament, the Act aims to prevent incidents that could have significant environmental and safety consequences. The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), which operates under the authority of this Act, is tasked with enforcing compliance and ensuring that operations are conducted in a manner that safeguards human life, the environment, and property.

Scope and Application

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 applies to entities and individuals involved in offshore petroleum activities within the Commonwealth of Australia, including exploration, production, and storage of petroleum and greenhouse gases. The Act provides a regulatory framework to manage safety and environmental risks associated with these activities. The prohibition of entry into a petroleum safety zone, as outlined in this gazette, applies to all vessels except those under the control of the registered holders of specific licences (VIC/L23 and T/L2) and vessels operated by authorised persons exercising specific powers under the Act. The safety zone in this instance extends to a radius of 500 metres from the outer edges of the Geographe 1 and Thylacine 1 wells. This prohibition is effective from 1 September 2025 to 1 November 2025 and applies to any vessel that enters or remains within this zone without the written consent of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA). Contravention of this notice is subject to penalties, including imprisonment terms that vary based on the nature of the breach, ranging from strict liability to intentional conduct. The Act allows for the extension or restriction of its application through subordinate instruments, such as the revocation of previous notices and the establishment of new safety zones as needed.

Key Provisions

Pursuant to section 616 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (the Act), Chris Bourne, a representative of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), has issued Notice A1247904, prohibiting any vessels, except those under the control of the registered holders of VIC/L23 and T/L2, or operated by authorised persons exercising powers under the Act, from entering or being present in a designated safety zone. This safety zone, extending 500 metres from the outer edges of the Geographe 1 and Thylacine 1 wells, will be in effect from 1 September 2025 to 1 November 2025. This notice is critical for ensuring safety and environmental protection in offshore petroleum operations. The Act imposes several obligations on parties governed by it. Primarily, it mandates that only specific vessels, as outlined in the notice, are permitted to operate within the safety zone. All other vessels must seek written consent from NOPSEMA before entering the area. This requirement is essential for maintaining operational safety and preventing potential environmental hazards. The notice also specifies the exact geographical coordinates of the safety zone, ensuring there is no ambiguity regarding its boundaries. Violation of the provisions outlined in this notice constitutes an offence under Section 616 of the Act. The severity of the penalties varies based on the nature of the breach. For intentional breaches, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for up to 15 years. If the breach is deemed reckless, the maximum penalty reduces to 12.5 years, while negligence results in a maximum penalty of 10 years. The least severe penalty, applicable to offences of strict liability, is imprisonment for up to 5 years. These stringent penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the safety regulations established by the Act. This notice not only establishes a safety zone but also revokes a previous notice, A1194988, effective from 1 September 2025. The revocation ensures that only the current safety measures are in effect, eliminating any potential confusion or overlap between different safety protocols. By clearly defining the boundaries and the conditions for entry into the safety zone, the notice aims to maintain a high standard of safety and environmental protection in offshore petroleum activities.