Commonwealth: Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth)

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 No. 14, 2006 Compilation No. 58 Compilation date: 11 December 2024 Includes amendments: Act No. 43, 2024 This compilation is in 4 volumes Volume 1: sections 1–286C Volume 2: sections 287–565A Volume 3: sections 566–791 Volume 4: Schedules Endnotes Each volume has its own contents About this compilation This compilation This is a compilation of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 11 December 2024 (the compilation date). The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law. Uncommenced amendments The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law. Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes. Editorial changes For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes. Modifications If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law. Self‑repealing provisions If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes. Contents Chapter 1—Introduction Part 1.1—Legislative formalities and background 1 Short title 2 Commencement 3 Object 4 Simplified outline 5 Commonwealth‑State agreement (the Offshore Constitutional Settlement) 6 Simplified maps Part 1.2—Interpretation Division 1—General 7 Definitions 8 Offshore areas of the States and Territories 8A Pipeline international offshore areas treated as offshore areas 9 Spaces above and below offshore areas 10 Term of titles 11 Renewal of titles 12 Variation of titles 13 Tied titles 14 Vacated area for a permit, lease, licence or authority 15 Infrastructure facilities 16 Terminal station 17 Terminal point 18 Declared greenhouse gas facility 19 Extended meaning of explore 20 Potential greenhouse gas storage formation 21 Eligible greenhouse gas storage formation 22 Potential greenhouse gas injection site 23 Incidental greenhouse gas‑related substance 24 Site plan—identified greenhouse gas storage formation 24A Compatible cross‑boundary law 25 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—approval of key petroleum operations 26 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—grant of petroleum production licence 27 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—approval of key greenhouse gas operations (general) 27A Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—approval of key greenhouse gas operations (cross‑boundary) 28 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—grant of greenhouse gas injection licence (general) 28A Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—grant of greenhouse gas injection licence (cross‑boundary) 29 Significant risk of a significant adverse impact—power of responsible Commonwealth Minister to protect petroleum 30 Direction given by the responsible Commonwealth Minister 30A State/Territory greenhouse gas storage administrator 31 Securities 32 Designated agreements 33 Graticulation of Earth's surface and constitution of blocks 33A Designated public official 34 External Territories 35 Application of Act 36 Certain pipelines provisions to apply subject to international obligations Division 2—Datum provisions Subdivision A—Datum for ascertaining the position of points etc. 37 Objects 38 Definitions 39 Australian Geodetic Datum 40 Geocentric Datum of Australia 41 Current datum, previous datum and changeover time 42 Use of current datum 43 Use of previous datum 44 Variation of titles and instruments 45 Variation of applications for titles 46 No change to actual position of point, line or area 47 Transitional regulations 48 International Seabed Agreements Subdivision B—Certain points etc. specified in an International Seabed Agreement to be ascertained by other means 49 Certain points etc. specified in an International Seabed Agreement to be ascertained by other means Division 3—Apportionment of petroleum recovered from adjoining title areas 50 Title 51 Titleholder and title area 52 Petroleum recovered through inclined well 53 Petroleum pool straddling 2 title areas etc. 54 Petroleum pool straddling Commonwealth title area and State title area etc. 55 Unit development Part 1.3—Joint Authorities Division 1—Joint Authorities 56 Joint Authorities 57 Functions and powers of Joint Authorities 58 Procedure of Joint Authority 59 Decision‑making 60 Opinion or state of mind of Joint Authority 61 Records of decisions of Joint Authority 62 Signing of documents 63 Communications with Joint Authority 64 Judicial notice of signature of member of a Joint Authority 65 Issue of documents, and service of notices, on behalf of Joint Authority 66 Delegation by a Joint Authority for a State (other than Tasmania) or the Northern Territory 66A Delegation by Joint Authority for Tasmania 67 Delegation by Greater Sunrise Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority 68 Delegation by Joint Authority for an external Territory 68A Delegation by Joint Authority for pipeline international offshore area 69 Greater Sunrise Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority—consultations 70 Cooperation with Timorese Designated Authority by Joint Authority for pipeline international offshore area Division 3—Finance 75 Payments by the Commonwealth to Western Australia—Royalty Act payments Part 1.3A—Cross‑boundary Authorities 76 Simplified outline of this Part 76A Cross‑boundary Authorities 76B Functions and powers of Cross‑boundary Authorities 76C Procedure of Cross‑boundary Authority 76D Decision‑making 76E Opinion or state of mind of Cross‑boundary Authority 76F Records of decisions of Cross‑boundary Authority 76G Signing of documents 76H Communications with Cross‑boundary Authority 76J Judicial notice of signature of member of a Cross‑boundary Authority 76K Issue of documents, and service of notices, on behalf of Cross‑boundary Authority 76L Delegation by a Cross‑boundary Authority Part 1.4—Application of State and Territory laws in offshore areas 78 Simplified outline 79 Meaning of laws 80 Application of State and Territory laws in offshore areas 81 Disapplication and modification of laws 82 Limit on application of laws 83 Inconsistent law not applied 84 Criminal laws not applied 85 Tax laws not applied 86 Appropriation law not applied 87 Applied laws not to confer Commonwealth judicial power 88 Applied laws not to contravene constitutional restrictions on conferral of powers on courts 89 State or Northern Territory occupational health and safety laws do not apply in relation to facilities 90 No limits on ordinary operation of law 91 Jurisdiction of State courts 92 Jurisdiction of Territory courts 93 Validation of certain acts 94 Certain provisions not affected by this Part Chapter 2—Regulation of activities relating to petroleum Part 2.1—Introduction 95 Simplified outline Part 2.2—Petroleum exploration permits Division 1—General provisions 96 Simplified outline 97 Prohibition of unauthorised exploration for petroleum in offshore area 98 Rights conferred by petroleum exploration permit 99 Conditions of petroleum exploration permits 100 Declared petroleum exploration permit—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations 101 Declared petroleum exploration permits 102 Duration of petroleum exploration permit 103 Extension of petroleum exploration permit if permittee applies for petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence Division 2—Obtaining a work‑bid petroleum exploration permit 104 Application for work‑bid petroleum exploration permit—advertising of blocks 105 Grant of work‑bid petroleum exploration permit—offer document 106 Ranking of multiple applicants for work‑bid petroleum exploration permit 107 Grant of work‑bid petroleum exploration permit 108 Withdrawal of application 109 Effect of withdrawal or lapse of application Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit 110 Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—application 111 Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—cash bids 112 Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—cash bids less than the reserve price 112A Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—highest cash bids at or over the reserve price 112B Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—tie‑breaking invitation 113 Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit—grant 114 Extension of cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit Division 4—Obtaining a special petroleum exploration permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks 115 Application for a special petroleum exploration permit over a surrendered block or certain other blocks 116 Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—only one application 117 Grant of special petroleum exploration permit—2 or more applications 118 Grant of special petroleum exploration permit Division 4A—Obtaining a boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit 118A Grant of boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit Division 5—Renewal of petroleum exploration permits 119 Application for renewal of petroleum exploration permit 120 Non‑renewable cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits 121 Limit on renewal of cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits 122 Limits on renewal of work‑bid petroleum exploration permits and special petroleum exploration permits 122A Limits on renewal of boundary‑change petroleum exploration permits 123 Standard halving rules 124 Modified halving rules 125 Renewal of petroleum exploration permit—offer document 126 Refusal to renew petroleum exploration permit 127 Renewal of petroleum exploration permit Division 6—Locations 128 Simplified outline 129 Nomination of blocks as a location 130 Requirement to nominate blocks as a location 131 Declaration of location 132 Revocation of declaration 133 Variation of declaration Part 2.3—Petroleum retention leases Division 1—General provisions 134 Simplified outline 135 Rights conferred by petroleum retention lease 136 Conditions of petroleum retention leases 137 Declared petroleum retention lease—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations 138 Declared petroleum retention leases 139 Duration of petroleum retention lease 140 Extension of petroleum retention lease if lessee applies for petroleum production licence Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum retention lease Subdivision A—Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a petroleum exploration permit 141 Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a petroleum exploration permit 142 Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document 143 Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease 143A Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum retention lease 144 Grant of petroleum retention lease 145 Petroleum exploration permit ceases to be in force when petroleum retention lease comes into force 146 Petroleum exploration permit transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant Subdivision B—Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a life‑of‑field petroleum production licence 147 Application for petroleum retention lease by the holder of a life‑of‑field petroleum production licence 148 Grant of petroleum retention lease—offer document 149 Refusal to grant petroleum retention lease 149A Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum retention lease 150 Grant of petroleum retention lease 151 Petroleum production licence ceases to be in force when petroleum retention lease comes into force 152 Petroleum production licence transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant Subdivision C—Obtaining a petroleum retention lease as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 152A Grant of petroleum retention lease as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory Division 3—Renewal of petroleum retention leases 153 Application for renewal of petroleum retention lease 154 Renewal of petroleum retention lease—offer document 155 Refusal to renew petroleum retention lease 155A Time limit for making decision about renewal of petroleum retention lease 156 Renewal of petroleum retention lease Division 4—Revocation of petroleum retention leases 157 Notice of proposal to revoke petroleum retention lease 158 Revocation of petroleum retention lease Part 2.4—Petroleum production licences Division 1—General provisions 159 Simplified outline 160 Prohibition of unauthorised recovery of petroleum in offshore area 161 Rights conferred by petroleum production licence 162 Conditions of petroleum production licences 163 Declared petroleum production licence—approval by responsible Commonwealth Minister of key petroleum operations 164 Declared petroleum production licences 165 Duration of petroleum production licence 166 Termination of life‑of‑field petroleum production licence if no recovery operations for 5 years 167 Petroleum production licences to which the Royalty Act applies Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum production licence as a result of an application made by a petroleum exploration permittee or a petroleum retention lessee 168 Application for petroleum production licence by permittee 169 Application period 170 Application for petroleum production licence by lessee 171 Offer document 172 Consultation—Greater Sunrise unit reservoir petroleum production licence 173 Refusal to grant petroleum production licence 173A Time limit for making decision about grant of petroleum production licence 174 Joint Authority may defer taking action on application for petroleum production licence if there is a pending application for a greenhouse gas assessment permit 175 Grant of petroleum production licence 176 Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease ceases to be in force when petroleum production licence comes into force 177 Petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease transferred—transferee to be treated as applicant Division 3—Obtaining a cash‑bid petroleum production licence over a surrendered block or similar block 178 Application for cash‑bid petroleum production licence over surrendered blocks or similar blocks 179 Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence—only one application 180 Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence—2 or more applications 181 Grant of cash‑bid petroleum production licence Division 4—Obtaining petroleum production licences over individual blocks 182 Applications for petroleum production licences over individual blocks 183 Grant of petroleum production licences over individual blocks Division 4A—Obtaining a petroleum production licence as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 183A Grant of petroleum production licence as a result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory Division 5—Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licences 184 Application for renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence 185 Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence—offer document 186 Refusal to renew fixed‑term petroleum production licence 186A Time limit for making decision about renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence 187 Renewal of fixed‑term petroleum production licence Division 6—What happens if a block is not taken up 188 Revocation of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease to the extent to which it relates to a block not taken up Division 7—Petroleum field development Subdivision A—Directions about the recovery of petroleum 189 Direction to recover petroleum 190 Directions about the rate of recovery of petroleum Subdivision B—Unit development 191 Unit development Part 2.5—Infrastructure licences Division 1—General provisions 192 Simplified outline 193 Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of an infrastructure facility in an offshore area 194 Rights conferred by an infrastructure licence 195 Conditions of infrastructure licences 196 Duration of infrastructure licence 197 Termination of infrastructure licence if no operations for 5 years Division 2—Obtaining an infrastructure licence 198 Application for infrastructure licence 199 Grant of infrastructure licence—offer document 200 Refusal to grant infrastructure licence 200A Time limit for making decision about grant of infrastructure licence 201 Grant of infrastructure licence 202 Consultation with petroleum titleholders—grant of infrastructure licence 203 Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—grant of infrastructure licence Division 3—Varying an infrastructure licence 204 Application for variation of infrastructure licence 205 Variation of infrastructure licence 206 Consultation with petroleum titleholders—variation of infrastructure licence 207 Consultation with greenhouse gas titleholders—variation of infrastructure licence Division 4—Directions by responsible Commonwealth Minister 208 Directions by responsible Commonwealth Minister Part 2.6—Pipeline licences Division 1—General provisions 209 Simplified outline 210 Prohibition of unauthorised construction or operation of a pipeline in an offshore area 211 Rights conferred by pipeline licence 212 Conditions of pipeline licences 213 Approval by Joint Authority of greenhouse gas substance to be conveyed in a pipeline 214 Duration of pipeline licence 215 Termination of pipeline licence if no operations for 5 years 216 Alteration or removal of pipeline constructed in breach of this Act Division 2—Obtaining a pipeline licence 217 Application for pipeline licence 218 Rights of petroleum production licensees following application for petroleum‑related pipeline licences by other persons 219 Rights of petroleum production licensees following application for greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licences by other persons 220 Rights of greenhouse gas injection licensees following application for greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licences by other persons 221 Grant of petroleum‑related pipeline licence—offer document 222 Grant of greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licence—offer document 223 Refusal to grant petroleum‑related pipeline licence 224 Refusal to grant greenhouse gas‑related pipeline licence 225 Grant of pipeline licence Division 3—Varying a pipeline licence 226 Variation of pipeline licence on application by licensee 227 Variation of pipeline licence at the request of a Minister or a statutory body Division 4—Pipeline operation 228 Ceasing to operate pipeline without consent Part 2.7—Petroleum special prospecting authorities Division 1—General provisions 229 Simplified outline 230 Rights conferred by petroleum special prospecting authority 231 Conditions of petroleum special prospecting authorities 232 Duration of petroleum special prospecting authority 233 Petroleum special prospecting authority cannot be transferred Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum special prospecting authority 234 Application for petroleum special prospecting authority 235 Grant or refusal of petroleum special prospecting authority 236 Holders to be informed of the grant of another petroleum special prospecting authority 237 Holders to be informed of the grant of greenhouse gas search authority Part 2.8—Petroleum access authorities Division 1—General provisions 238 Simplified outline 239 Rights conferred by petroleum access authority 240 Conditions of petroleum access authorities 241 Duration of petroleum access authority Division 2—Obtaining a petroleum access authority 242 Application for petroleum access authority 243 Grant or refusal of petroleum access authority 244 Consultation—grant of petroleum access authority in same offshore area 245 Consultation—approval of grant of petroleum access authority in adjoining offshore area Division 3—Variation of petroleum access authorities 246 Variation of petroleum access authority 247 Consultation—variation of petroleum access authority in same offshore area 248 Consultation—approval of variation of petroleum access authority in adjoining offshore area Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access authorities 249 Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access authorities Division 5—Revocation of petroleum access authorities 250 Revocation of petroleum access authority Part 2.9—Petroleum scientific investigation consents 251 Simplified outline 252 Rights conferred by petroleum scientific investigation consent 253 Conditions of petroleum scientific investigation consents 254 Grant of petroleum scientific investigation consent Part 2.10—Standard procedures 255 Application and cash bid to be made in an approved manner 256 Application fee 257 Application may set out additional matters 258 Titles Administrator may require further information 259 Offer documents 260 Acceptance of offer—request by applicant 260A Cash‑bid petroleum exploration permits—failure to respond to offer 261 Special petroleum exploration permits and s 181 petroleum production licences—failure to pay 262 Consultation—adverse decisions 263 Responsible Commonwealth Minister may require information about negotiations for a designated agreement Part 2.11—Variation, suspension and exemption Division 1—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to petroleum exploration permits, petroleum retention leases, petroleum production licences, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 264 Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of titles 265 Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease—suspension of conditions 265A Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease pending decision on application for suspension of conditions 266 Suspension of rights—petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease 267 Extension of term of petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease—suspension of rights 267A Variation of Commonwealth title—including an area as the result of a change to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory Division 2—Variation, suspension and exemption decisions relating to petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities 268 Variation, suspension and exemption—conditions of petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities Part 2.12—Surrender of titles Division 1—Surrender of petroleum exploration permits, petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 269 Application for consent to surrender title 270 Consent to surrender title 271 Surrender of title Division 2—Surrender of petroleum special prospecting authorities and petroleum access authorities 272 Surrender of petroleum special prospecting authority 273 Surrender of petroleum access authority Part 2.13—Cancellation of titles Division 1—Cancellation of petroleum exploration permits, petroleum production licences, petroleum retention leases, infrastructure licences and pipeline licences 274 Grounds for cancellation of title 275 Cancellation of title 276 Consultation 277 Cancellation of title not affected by other provisions 277A NOPSEMA to notify the Titles Administrator of grounds for cancellation of title Division 2—Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting authorities 278 Cancellation of petroleum special prospecting authority Part 2.14—Other provisions 279 Reservation of blocks 280 Interference with other rights 281 No conditions about payment of money 282 Certain portions of blocks to be blocks 283 Changes to the boundary of the coastal waters of a State or Territory 284 Notification of discovery of petroleum in petroleum exploration permit area, petroleum retention lease area or petroleum production licence area 285 Property in petroleum not recovered from a Greater Sunrise unit reservoir 286 Property in petroleum recovered from a Greater Sunrise unit reservoir 286A Notification requirements—registered holders of titles 286B Publication of prescribed time limits 286C Report about decisions not made within time limits An Act about petroleum exploration and recovery, and the injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances, in offshore areas, and for other purposes Chapter 1—Introduction Part 1.1—Legislative formalities and background 1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006. 2 Commencement (1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms. Commencement information Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Provision(s) Commencement Date/Details 1. Sections 1 and 2 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table The day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent. 29 March 2006 2. Sections 3 to 5 A single day to be fixed by Proclamation. 1 July 2008 (see F2008L02273) 3. Parts 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. 1 July 2008 4. Chapters 2 to 6 At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. 1 July 2008 5. Schedules 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. 1 July 2008 6. Schedule 6, clauses 1 to 38 At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. 1 July 2008 7. Schedule 6, clause 39 The day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent. 29 March 2006 8. Schedule 6, clauses 40 to 42 At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item 2. 1 July 2008 Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally passed by the Parliament and assented to. It will not be expanded to deal with provisions inserted in this Act after assent. (2) Column 3 of the table contains additional information that is not part of this Act. Information in this column may be added to or edited in any published version of this Act. 3 Object The object of this Act is to provide an effective regulatory framework for: (a) petroleum exploration and recovery; and (b) the injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances; in offshore areas. 4 Simplified outline The following is a simplified outline of this Act: • This Act sets up a system for regulating the following activities in offshore areas: (a) exploration for petroleum; (b) recovery of petroleum; (c) construction and operation of infrastructure facilities relating to petroleum or greenhouse gas substances; (d) construction and operation of pipelines for conveying petroleum or greenhouse gas substances; (e) exploration for potential greenhouse gas storage formations; (f) injection and storage of greenhouse gas substances. • An offshore area: (a) starts 3 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured; and (b) extends seaward to the outer limits of the continental shelf. • This Act provides for the grant of the following titles: (a) a petroleum exploration permit (see Part 2.2); (b) a petroleum retention lease (see Part 2.3); (c) a petroleum production licence (see Part 2.4); (d) an infrastructure licence (see Part 2.5); (e) a pipeline licence (see Part 2.6); (f) a petroleum special prospecting authority (see Part 2.7); (g) a petroleum access authority (see Part 2.8); (h) a greenhouse gas assessment permit (see Part 3.2); (i) a greenhouse gas holding lease (see Part 3.3); (j) a greenhouse gas injection licence (see Part 3.4); (k) a greenhouse gas search authority (see Part 3.5); (l) a greenhouse gas special authority (see Part 3.6). • Generally, the administration of this Act in relation to an offshore area of a State is the responsibility of the Joint Authority for the State. The Joint Authority for a State (other than Tasmania) is constituted by the responsible State Minister and the responsible Commonwealth Minister. The Joint Authority for Tasmania is constituted by the responsible Commonwealth Minister. • Generally, the administration of this Act in relation to the Principal Northern Territory offshore area is the responsibility of the Joint Authority for that area (the Joint Authority is constituted by the responsible Northern Territory Minister and the responsible Commonwealth Minister). • The responsible Commonwealth Minister is responsible for the administration of greenhouse gas injection and storage provisions. • The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority is responsible for the administration of: (a) occupational health and safety provisions; and (b) structural integrity provisions; and (c) environmental management provisions. • The National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator is responsible for: (a) assisting and advising the Joint Authority and the responsible Commonwealth Minister; and (b) keeping registers of titles; and (c) data and information management. Note: Generally, the baseline is the line of lowest astronomical tide along the coast, but it also encompasses straight lines across bays (bay closing lines), rivers (river closing lines) and between islands, as well as along heavily indented areas of coastline (straight baselines) under certain circumstances. 5 Commonwealth‑State agreement (the Offshore Constitutional Settlement) (1) This section explains the agreement known as the Offshore Constitutional Settlement, to the extent to which that agreement relates to exploring for, and exploiting, petroleum. (2) The Commonwealth, the States and the Northern Territory have agreed that: (a) Commonwealth offshore petroleum legislation should be limited to the area that is outside the coastal waters of the States and the Northern Territory; and (b) for this purpose, the outer limits of State and Northern Territory coastal waters should start 3 nautical miles from the baseline of the territorial sea; and (c) the States and the Northern Territory should share, in the manner provided by this Act, in the administration of the Commonwealth offshore petroleum legislation; and (d) State and Northern Territory offshore petroleum legislation should apply to State and Northern Territory coastal waters; and (e) the Commonwealth, the States and the Northern Territory should try to maintain, as far as practicable, common principles, rules and practices in regulating and controlling the exploration for, and exploitation of, offshore petroleum beyond the baseline of Australia's territorial sea. (3) The table summarises other Acts that provide background to the Offshore Constitutional Settlement: Other Acts Item Act Summary of Act 1 Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973 This Act: (a) declared and enacted that the sovereignty in respect of the territorial sea and the associated airspace, seabed and subsoil is vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of the Commonwealth; and (b) gave the Governor‑General power to declare, by Proclamation, the limits of the territorial sea; and (c) declared and enacted that the sovereignty in respect of waters of the sea that are on the landward side of the baseline of the territorial sea (but not within the limits of a State) and in respect of the associated airspace, seabed and subsoil is vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of the Commonwealth; and (d) declared and enacted that the sovereign rights of Australia as a coastal state in respect of the continental shelf of Australia (for the purpose of exploring it and exploiting its natural resources) are vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of the Commonwealth; and (e) gave the Governor‑General power to declare, by Proclamation, the limits of the continental shelf of Australia. 2 Coastal Waters (State Powers) Act 1980 This Act was enacted following a request from the Parliaments of all the States under paragraph 51(xxxviii) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth and provided that the legislative powers exercisable under the Constitution of each State extended to the making of certain laws that would operate offshore. 3 Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Powers) Act 1980 This Act makes similar provision to the Coastal Waters (State Powers) Act 1980 in relation to the Northern Territory. 4 Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980 This Act vested in each State certain property rights in the seabed beneath the coastal waters of the State. 5 Coastal Waters (Northern Territory Title) Act 1980 This Act makes similar provision to the Coastal Waters (State Title) Act 1980 in relation to the Northern Territory. 6 Offshore Minerals Act 1994 This Act makes provision, based on the Offshore Constitutional Settlement, for the licensing regime that applies to the exploration for, and recovery of, minerals (other than petroleum) in offshore areas. 6 Simplified maps (1) This section sets out simplified maps illustrating areas off the coast of Australia that are relevant to this Act. (2) In the interests of simplification: (a) coastlines and boundaries have been smoothed; and (b) the maps do not show certain waters within the limits of a State or Territory; and (c) the line marking the outer limits of the coastal waters of a State or Territory appears to be further out to sea than it actually is. Map 1 (3) Map 1 illustrates the offshore areas and the scheduled areas: Note 1: As at the day on which the Bill that became this Act was introduced into the House of Representatives, certain maritime areas adjacent to Australia remained subject to delimitation with other countries. The full extent of Australia's claimed exclusive economic zone and continental shelf jurisdiction has not been shown in this map. The claimed jurisdiction extends beyond the areas shown in this map. Note 2: Generally, the territorial sea baseline is the line of lowest astronomical tide along the coast, but it also encompasses straight lines across bays (bay closing lines), rivers (river closing lines) and between islands, as well as along heavily indented areas of coastline (straight baselines) under certain circumstances. Map 2 (4) Map 2 zooms in and illustrates the offshore area of South Australia: Map 3 (5) Map 3 zooms in and illustrates coastal waters and waters within the limits of South Australia: Note: The bays shown as being within the limits of South Australia are for illustrative purposes only. Part 1.2—Interpretation Division 1—General 7 Definitions In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears: acts jointly with has the meaning given by subsection 566B(2). applied provisions has the meaning given by subsection 80(2). approved means approved in writing by the Titles Administrator. This definition does not apply to: (a) the expression approved site plan; or (b) section 286A; or (c) section 452A; or (d) section 650; or (e) subsection 695B(3); or (f) section 695F; or (g) section 695YC. approved site plan means a site plan in respect of which an approval is in force under the regulations. Note: See section 457. authority area: (a) when used in relation to a petroleum special prospecting authority—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the petroleum special prospecting authority; or (b) when used in relation to a petroleum access authority—means the area to which the petroleum access authority relates; or (c) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas search authority—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the greenhouse gas search authority; or (d) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas special authority—means the area to which the greenhouse gas special authority relates. Bayu‑Undan pipeline international offshore area means the area described in Schedule 8. block means a block constituted as provided by section 33, 282, 461A or 462. boundary‑change petroleum exploration permit means: (a) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 4A of Part 2.2; or (b) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 5 of Part 2.2 by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (a). cash‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit means: (a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Division 3 of Part 3.2; or (b) a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Division 4 of Part 3.2 by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (a). cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit means: (a) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 3 of Part 2.2 of this Act; or (b) an exploration permit granted under section 22B of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967; or (c) a petroleum exploration permit granted under Division 5 of Part 2.2 of this Act by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (a) or (b); or (d) an exploration permit granted under section 32 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (b). civil penalty provision has the same meaning as in the Regulatory Powers Act. closure assurance period has the meaning given by section 399. coastal waters, in relation to a State or the Northern Territory, means so much of the scheduled area for the State or Territory as consists of: (a) the territorial sea; and (b) any waters that are: (i) on the landward side of the territorial sea; and (ii) not within the limits of the State or Territory. For this purpose, assume that the breadth of the territorial sea of Australia had never been determined or declared to be greater than 3 nautical miles, but had continued to be 3 nautical miles. Commissioner means a person appointed under section 780A. Commission of inquiry means an inquiry conducted, or to be conducted, by a person appointed under section 780A. compatible cross‑boundary law has the meaning given by section 24A. consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit means: (a) a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Subdivision B of Division 2 of Part 3.2; or (b) a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Division 4 of Part 3.2 by way of the renewal of a permit referred to in paragraph (a). constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies. construct includes place. continental shelf means the continental shelf (within the meaning of the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973) adjacent to the coast of: (a) Australia (including the coast of any island forming part of a State or Territory); or (b) a Territory. Cross‑boundary Authority has the meaning given by section 76A and, when used in the expression the Cross‑boundary Authority, means the Cross‑boundary Authority for the offshore area concerned. cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit means a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under: (a) Division 3A of Part 3.2; or (b) Subdivision B of Division 4 of Part 3.2. cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease means a greenhouse gas holding lease granted under: (a) Subdivision AA, BA or CA of Division 2 of Part 3.3; or (b) Subdivision B of Division 3 of Part 3.3. cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence means a greenhouse gas injection licence granted under Subdivision AA of Division 2 of Part 3.4. datum means a reference frame for defining geographic coordinates. Note: If the position on the surface of the Earth of a particular point is identified by a coordinate that is determined by reference to a particular datum, the use of a different datum will result in the same point being identified by a different coordinate. declared greenhouse gas facility has the meaning given by section 18. declared petroleum exploration permit has the meaning given by section 101. declared petroleum production licence has the meaning given by section 164. declared petroleum retention lease has the meaning given by section 138. designated agreement has the meaning given by section 32. Designated Authority: (a) means a person who, at any time before the commencement of Part 6.10, was a Designated Authority (within the meaning of this Act); and (b) when used in the expression the Designated Authority, means a person who, at any time before the commencement of Part 6.10, was the Designated Authority (within the meaning of this Act) for the offshore area concerned. designated external Territory means: (a) Norfolk Island; or (b) the Territory of Christmas Island; or (c) the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; or (d) the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands. designated public official has the meaning given by section 33A. detection agent means a substance, whether in a gaseous or liquid state, that: (a) when added to: (i) another substance; or (ii) a mixture of other substances; facilitates the monitoring of the behaviour of that other substance or that mixture, as the case may be; and (b) is specified in the regulations. Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area has the meaning given by Schedule 7. Note: The Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area is a part of the offshore area of the Northern Territory. eligible greenhouse gas storage formation has the meaning given by section 21. engage in conduct means: (a) do an act; or (b) omit to perform an act. environmental management law has the same meaning as in Schedule 2A. Environment Minister means the Minister administering the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. expert advisory committee means a committee established under section 748. expert advisory committee member means a member of an expert advisory committee, and includes the Chair of an expert advisory committee. expiry date: (a) when used in relation to a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence—has the meaning given by subsection 10(1); or (b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas assessment permit or a greenhouse gas holding lease (other than a special greenhouse gas holding lease)—has the meaning given by subsection 10(2). explore: (a) when used in relation to petroleum—has a meaning affected by subsection 19(1); or (b) when used in relation to a potential greenhouse gas storage formation—has a meaning affected by subsections 19(2) and (3); or (c) when used in relation to a potential greenhouse gas injection site—has a meaning affected by subsection 19(4). Federal Court means the Federal Court of Australia. Federation Reform Fund means the Federation Reform Fund established by section 5 of the Federation Reform Fund Act 2008. fixed‑term petroleum production licence means a petroleum production licence covered by item 2, 3 or 5 of the table in subsection 165(1). fixed‑term State/Territory petroleum production title means a State/Territory petroleum production title that was granted for a term of years. fundamental suitability determinants: (a) when used in relation to an eligible greenhouse gas storage formation—has the meaning given by subsection 21(8); or (b) when used in relation to an identified greenhouse gas storage formation—has the meaning given by subsection 312(11) or 312A(11). geographic coordinate includes: (a) a meridian of longitude by itself; and (b) a parallel of latitude by itself. geological formation includes: (a) any seal or reservoir of a geological formation; and (b) any associated geological attributes or features of a geological formation. good oilfield practice means all those things that are generally accepted as good and safe in: (a) the carrying on of exploration for petroleum; or (b) petroleum recovery operations. good processing and transport practice means all those things that are generally accepted as good and safe in: (a) the processing, conveyance, transport and storage of petroleum; and (b) the preparation of petroleum for transport. graticular section has the meaning given by section 33. Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area means the area declared under section 780P. Greater Sunrise special regime area has the same meaning as in the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973. Greater Sunrise unitisation agreement means the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor‑Leste relating to the Unitisation of the Sunrise and Troubadour Fields, done at Dili on 6 March 2003, as in force immediately before the commencement of Schedule 1 to the Timor Sea Maritime Boundaries Treaty Consequential Amendments Act 2019. Note: In 2007, the text of international agreements was accessible through the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (www.austlii.edu.au). Greater Sunrise unit reservoir petroleum production licence means a petroleum production licence in respect of one or more blocks within the Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area that would allow the licensee to recover petroleum from either or both of the Greater Sunrise unit reservoirs. Greater Sunrise unit reservoirs means the unit reservoirs within the meaning of the Greater Sunrise unitisation agreement. Greater Sunrise visiting inspector means a NOPSEMA inspector identified as a Greater Sunrise visiting inspector in his or her identity card (see subsection 602(4)). greenhouse gas assessment permit means a greenhouse gas assessment permit granted under Part 3.2. greenhouse gas assessment permit area means the permit area of a greenhouse gas assessment permit. greenhouse gas assessment permittee means the registered holder of a greenhouse gas assessment permit. greenhouse gas facility line means a pipe, or system of pipes, that is: (a) for conveying a greenhouse gas substance; and (b) part of a declared greenhouse gas facility. greenhouse gas holding lease means a greenhouse gas holding lease granted under Part 3.3. greenhouse gas holding lease area means the lease area of a greenhouse gas holding lease. greenhouse gas holding lessee means the registered holder of a greenhouse gas holding lease. greenhouse gas infrastructure line means a pipe, or system of pipes, that is: (a) for conveying a greenhouse gas substance; and (b) part of an infrastructure facility. greenhouse gas injection licence means a greenhouse gas injection licence granted under Part 3.4. greenhouse gas injection licence area means the licence area of a greenhouse gas injection licence. greenhouse gas injection licensee means the registered holder of a greenhouse gas injection licence. greenhouse gas injection line means a pipe, or system of pipes, for: (a) conveying a greenhouse gas substance to be compressed, processed or otherwise prepared for injection into an identified greenhouse gas storage formation; or (b) conveying a greenhouse gas substance for storage prior to being injected into an identified greenhouse gas storage formation; or (c) conveying a greenhouse gas substance for injection into an identified greenhouse gas storage formation; so long as the greenhouse gas substance does not pass through a terminal point on the pipe, or system of pipes, as the case may be, before it is injected into the identified greenhouse gas storage formation. greenhouse gas pipeline means: (a) a pipe, or system of pipes, in an offshore area for conveying a greenhouse gas substance, other than: (i) a greenhouse gas injection line; or (ii) a greenhouse gas infrastructure line; or (iii) a greenhouse gas facility line; or (iv) a pipe, or a system of pipes, that is specified in the regulations; or (b) a part of a pipe covered by paragraph (a); or (c) a part of a system of pipes covered by paragraph (a). greenhouse gas pumping station means equipment for pumping a greenhouse gas substance or water, and includes any structure associated with that equipment. greenhouse gas research consent means a greenhouse gas research consent granted under Part 3.7. greenhouse gas search authority means a greenhouse gas search authority granted under Part 3.5. greenhouse gas special authority means a greenhouse gas special authority granted under Part 3.6. greenhouse gas substance means: (a) carbon dioxide, whether in a gaseous or liquid state; or (b) a prescribed greenhouse gas, whether in a gaseous or liquid state; or (c) a mixture of any or all of the following substances: (i) carbon dioxide, whether in a gaseous or liquid state; (ii) one or more prescribed greenhouse gases, whether in a gaseous or liquid state; (iii) one or more incidental greenhouse gas‑related substances, whether in a gaseous or liquid state, that relate to either or both of the substances mentioned in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); (iv) a prescribed detection agent, whether in a gaseous or liquid state; so long as: (v) the mixture consists overwhelmingly of either or both of the substances mentioned in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and (vi) if the mixture includes a prescribed detection agent—the concentration of the prescribed detection agent in the mixture is not more than the concentration prescribed in relation to that detection agent. greenhouse gas tank station means a tank, or system of tanks, for holding or storing a greenhouse gas substance, and includes any structure associated with that tank or system of tanks. greenhouse gas valve station means equipment for regulating the flow of a greenhouse gas substance, and includes any structure associated with that equipment. holder, in relation to: (a) a State/Territory petroleum exploration title; or (b) a State/Territory petroleum retention title; or (c) a State/Territory petroleum production title; or (d) a State/Territory greenhouse gas assessment title; means the person who, under a law of a State or Territory, is the registered holder of the State/Territory petroleum exploration title, the State/Territory petroleum retention title, the State/Territory petroleum production title or the State/Territory greenhouse gas assessment title, as the case may be. identified greenhouse gas storage formation has the meaning given by section 312 or 312A. identity card of a NOPSEMA inspector means an identity card issued to the inspector under the Regulatory Powers Act in its application under Division 1 of Part 6.5 of this Act. incidental greenhouse gas‑related substance has the meaning given by section 23. infrastructure facility has the meaning given by section 15. infrastructure licence means an infrastructure licence granted under: (a) Part 2.5 of this Act; or (b) Division 3A of Part III of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967. infrastructure licence area means the licence area of an infrastructure licence. infrastructure licensee means the registered holder of an infrastructure licence. Joint Authority has the meaning given by section 56 and, when used in the expression the Joint Authority, means the Joint Authority for the offshore area concerned. key greenhouse gas operation means: (a) an operation to make a well; or (b) an operation to inject, on an appraisal basis, a greenhouse gas substance into a part of a geological formation; or (c) an operation to store, on an appraisal basis, a greenhouse gas substance in a part of a geological formation; or (d) an operation to inject, on an appraisal basis, air, petroleum or water into a part of a geological formation; or (e) an operation to store, on an appraisal basis, air, petroleum or water in a part of a geological formation; or (f) an operation to carry out a seismic survey or any other kind of survey; or (g) an operation to monitor the behaviour of: (i) a greenhouse gas substance; or (ii) air; or (iii) petroleum; or (iv) water; stored in a part of a geological formation; or (h) an operation to carry out baseline investigations relating to the storage of a greenhouse gas substance in a part of the geological formation; or (i) an operation to take samples of the seabed or subsoil of an offshore area; or (j) an operation specified in the regulations. key petroleum operation means: (a) an operation to make a well; or (b) an operation to inject a substance into a part of a geological formation; or (c) an operation to store a substance in a part of a geological formation; or (d) an operation to carry out a seismic survey or any other kind of survey; or (e) an operation to monitor the behaviour of a substance stored in a part of a geological formation; or (f) an operation to take samples of the seabed or subsoil of an offshore area; or (g) an operation specified in the regulations. lease area: (a) when used in relation to a petroleum retention lease—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the petroleum retention lease; or (b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas holding lease—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the greenhouse gas holding lease. lessee: (a) when used in relation to a petroleum retention lease—means the registered holder of the petroleum retention lease; or (b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas holding lease—means the registered holder of the greenhouse gas holding lease. licence area: (a) when used in relation to an infrastructure licence—means the place in relation to which the infrastructure licence is in force; or (b) when used in relation to a petroleum production licence—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the petroleum production licence; or (c) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas injection licence—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the greenhouse gas injection licence. Note: The place in relation to which an infrastructure licence is in force must be a place in an offshore area—see subsection 198(2) and section 199. licensee: (a) when used in relation to a petroleum production licence—means the registered holder of the petroleum production licence; or (b) when used in relation to an infrastructure licence—means the registered holder of the infrastructure licence; or (c) when used in relation to a pipeline licence—means the registered holder of the pipeline licence; or (d) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas injection licence—means the registered holder of the greenhouse gas injection licence. life‑of‑field petroleum production licence means a petroleum production licence covered by item 1, 3A or 4 of the table in subsection 165(1). listed NOPSEMA law: see section 601. listed OHS laws has the meaning given by section 638. location means a block or blocks in relation to which a declaration under section 131 is in force. Ministers responsible for mineral and energy resources matters means a body (however described) that consists of the Minister of the Commonwealth, the Minister of each State and Territory and the Minister of New Zealand who is responsible, or principally responsible, for matters relating to energy or resources (or both). natural resources has the same meaning as in paragraph 4 of Article 77 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea done at Montego Bay on 10 December 1982. Note: Paragraph 4 of Article 77 is as follows: The natural resources referred to in this Part consist of the mineral and other non‑living resources of the seabed and subsoil together with living organisms belonging to sedentary species, that is to say, organisms which, at the harvestable stage, either are immobile on or under the seabed or are unable to move except in constant physical contact with the seabed or the subsoil. New Zealand boundary treaty means the Treaty between Australia and New Zealand establishing certain exclusive economic zone boundaries and continental shelf boundaries that was signed at Adelaide on 25 July 2004. NOPSEMA means the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority. NOPSEMA inspector means a person appointed as a NOPSEMA inspector under section 602. Northern Territory title means an authority, however described, under a law of the Northern Territory, to explore for, or to recover, petroleum. OEI Minister means the Minister administering the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021. offshore area means: (a) the offshore area of New South Wales; or (b) the offshore area of Victoria; or (c) the offshore area of Queensland; or (d) the offshore area of Western Australia; or (e) the offshore area of South Australia; or (f) the offshore area of Tasmania; or (g) the Principal Northern Territory offshore area; or (h) the Eastern Greater Sunrise offshore area; or (i) the offshore area of Norfolk Island; or (j) the offshore area of the Territory of Christmas Island; or (k) the offshore area of the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; or (l) the offshore area of the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands; or (m) the offshore area of the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands; and, when used in the expression the offshore area, means whichever of the areas referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l) or (m) is applicable. Note 1: The offshore area of a State or Territory is defined by section 8. Note 2: The offshore area of a State or Territory corresponds to the term adjacent area under the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967. Note 3: Under section 8A, each of the following areas is treated like an offshore area for the purposes of many provisions of this Act so far as they relate to petroleum pipelines: (a) the Bayu‑Undan pipeline international offshore area; (b) the Greater Sunrise pipeline international offshore area (if declared). Note 4: See also section 295B (permit area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit is taken to be included in the offshore area). Note 5: See also section 323B (lease area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease is taken to be included in the offshore area). Note 6: See also section 360A (licence area of a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas injection licence is taken to be included in the offshore area). Offshore Infrastructure Registrar means the Registrar within the meaning of the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021. Offshore Infrastructure Regulator means the Regulator within the meaning of the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021. original consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit means a consolidated work‑bid greenhouse gas assessment permit that was granted otherwise than by way of renewal. original cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit means a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas assessment permit granted otherwise than by way of renewal. original cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease means a cross‑boundary greenhouse gas holding lease granted otherwise than by way of renewal. original greenhouse gas assessment permit means a greenhouse gas assessment permit that was granted otherwise than by way of renewal. original petroleum exploration permit means a petroleum exploration permit granted otherwise than by way of renewal. original petroleum production licence means a petroleum production licence granted otherwise than by way of renewal. original petroleum retention lease means a petroleum retention lease granted otherwise than by way of renewal. original State/Territory greenhouse gas assessment title means a State/Territory greenhouse gas assessment title granted otherwise than by way of renewal. original State/Territory petroleum exploration title means a State/Territory petroleum exploration title granted otherwise than by way of renewal. original State/Territory petroleum retention title means a State/Territory petroleum retention title granted otherwise than by way of renewal. partly cancelled means: (a) in relation to a petroleum exploration permit or petroleum production licence—cancelled as to one or more, but not all, of the blocks the subject of the permit or licence; and (b) in relation to a pipeline licence—cancelled as to a part of the pipeline the subject of the licence. partly revoked, in relation to a petroleum exploration permit or petroleum retention lease, means revoked as to one or more, but not all, of the blocks the subject of the permit or lease. partly surrendered, in relation to a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum production licence or greenhouse gas injection licence, means surrendered as to one or more, but not all, of the blocks the subject of the permit or licence. partly terminated, in relation to a pipeline licence, means terminated as to a part of the pipeline the subject of the licence. part of a geological formation includes a part of a combination of geological formations. permit area: (a) when used in relation to a petroleum exploration permit—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the petroleum exploration permit; or (b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas assessment permit—means the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the greenhouse gas assessment permit. permittee: (a) when used in relation to a petroleum exploration permit—means the registered holder of the petroleum exploration permit; or (b) when used in relation to a greenhouse gas assessment permit—means the registered holder of the greenhouse gas assessment permit. petroleum means: (a) any naturally occurring hydrocarbon, whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state; or (b) any naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons, whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state; or (c) any naturally occurring mixture of: (i) one or more hydrocarbons, whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state; and (ii) one or more of the following, that is to say, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen, helium and carbon dioxide; and: (d) includes any petroleum as defined by paragraph (a), (b) or (c) that has been returned to a natural reservoir; and (e) for the purposes of the pipeline provisions, also includes any petroleum as defined by paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d), where: (i) one or more things have been added; or (ii) one or more things have been wholly or partly removed; or both; and (f) for the purposes of the pipeline provisions, also includes any mixture that: (i) has been recovered from a well; and (ii) includes petroleum as defined by paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d); whether or not: (iii) one or more things have been added; or (iv) one or more things have been wholly or partly removed; or both. petroleum access authority means: (a) a petroleum access authority granted under Part 2.8 of this Act; or (b) an access authority granted under section 112 of the repealed Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967. petroleum exploration permit means: (a) a work‑bid petroleum exploration permit; or (b) a cash‑bid petroleum exploration permit; or (c) a specia