Variation of a Petroleum Safety Zone – Notice A1313929 – Laminaria / Corrallina Oilfields

Overview

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to provide a framework for the regulation of offshore petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage. This legislation was introduced to address the need for stringent controls and safety measures to manage the environmental and safety risks associated with offshore petroleum operations and greenhouse gas storage. The Act aims to ensure that such activities are conducted in a manner that protects the environment and public safety while also promoting efficient and responsible resource management. The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) was established under this Act with the policy objective of overseeing and enforcing compliance with safety and environmental standards in offshore petroleum operations. This particular notice, Notice A1313929, issued under section 616 of the Act by a representative of NOPSEMA, establishes a petroleum safety zone around specified wells and structures in the Laminaria/Corrallina oilfields. The safety zone prohibits unauthorised vessels from entering or being present within 500 metres of the well or structure unless they have explicit written consent from NOPSEMA. This measure is intended to mitigate risks to safety and the environment by controlling vessel access to critical areas around the oilfield infrastructure. The safety zone is effective from 19 March 2026 until 19 March 2031, and contraventions of the prohibition carry significant penalties, including imprisonment, depending on the nature of the breach.

Scope and Application

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 governs the regulation of petroleum activities and greenhouse gas storage in Australian waters. This Act applies to any person or entity engaged in offshore petroleum activities, including the exploration, production, and storage of petroleum and greenhouse gases, and is administered by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA). The jurisdiction of this Act extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, covering all offshore areas. The legislation provides mechanisms for the establishment of safety zones around petroleum operations to protect the environment and ensure the safety of personnel. These zones can prohibit entry by unauthorised vessels to prevent interference with operations or potential hazards. The application of the Act can be extended or modified through subordinate instruments issued by NOPSEMA, which may include specific regulations and guidelines tailored to particular operations or circumstances. This notice, A1313929, specifically prohibits vessels not under the control of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources or authorised persons from entering a designated petroleum safety zone around the Laminaria/Corrallina oilfields, effective from 19 March 2026 until 19 March 2031. Contravention of this prohibition is subject to severe penalties, including imprisonment, depending on the nature of the breach.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation, Notice A1313929, focus on the prohibition of entry into a specified Petroleum Safety Zone. Section 616 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 is invoked to prohibit any vessel, other than those controlled by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources or operated by authorised persons exercising specific powers, from entering or being present within a 500-metre radius of designated wells and structures in the Laminaria and Corallina oilfields. The safety zone encompasses various wells and subsea structures, as detailed in Table 1 and Figure 1 of the Notice, and it is effective from 19 March 2026 until 19 March 2031. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on parties or entities governed by this legislation. Firstly, all vessels must obtain written consent from NOPSEMA before entering the safety zone, with exceptions made only for vessels under the control of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources or operated by authorised persons exercising powers under section 615(1) of Division 1 of Part 6.6 of the Act. Secondly, the safety zone's boundaries are explicitly defined, and any deviation into these boundaries without proper authorisation constitutes a breach of the Act. Additionally, the Notice revokes the previous Notice A908449, effective as of 19 March 2026. The Notice also outlines the offences, penalties, and consequences for breaches of the Act. Any unauthorised vessel entering or remaining in the safety zone is subject to criminal penalties. The severity of the penalty depends on the intent behind the breach, with maximum penalties reaching up to 15 years of imprisonment for intentional breaches, 12.5 years for reckless breaches, 10 years for negligent breaches, and 5 years for strict liability offences. The owner of the vessel and the person in command or in charge of the vessel are each liable for these penalties upon conviction. Overall, the Notice A1313929 sets out a stringent regulatory framework designed to ensure the safety and environmental protection of the Laminaria and Corallina oilfields by prohibiting unauthorised access to the designated safety zones and imposing significant penalties for non-compliance with the Act.