Offshore Petroleum Exploration Areas Currently Open for Bidding
2012 Acreage Release
The Australian Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, launched the 2012 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release on 14 May. The 2012 Release comprises 27 areas, located across nine basins in Commonwealth waters in the offshore areas of Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
In addition, 10 areas are re-released for consideration.
| Rounds | Areas | Bids Close |
|---|
2012 Acreage Release
First Round (15 areas) | Areas: NT12-3, W12-1 to W12-5, W12-8, W12-9, W12-12 to W12-14, S12-4, V12-1,V12-2, and T12-1 | Thursday 8 November 2012 |
Re-release Acreage
(10 areas) | Areas: NT11-2, AC11-1, W11-3, W11-6, W11-7, W11-16, W11-17, V11-3, V11-4 and V11-6 |
2012 Acreage Release Second Round (12 areas) | Areas: NT12-1, NT12-2, W12-6, W12-7, W12-10, W12-11, S12-1 to S12-3, T12-2, V12-3 and V12-4 | Thursday 9 May 2013 |
Exploration work undertaken in re-release acreage may fulfil Good Standing Arrangement obligations, which have been entered into by a company following the cancellation or expiry in default of an exploration permit.
Further information on these areas, bid application requirements and a bid checklist can be found by visiting www.petroleum-acreage.gov.au.
Pre-competitive and open-file geological data associated with release areas may be available from Geoscience Australia, which offers secure access to seismic and geological data supporting the Acreage Release. For data room bookings please email biu@ga.gov.au or visit http://www.ga.gov.au/oceans/oar_DataRoom.jsp. To request well and survey data from repository holdings or to view samples please contact ausgeodata@ga.gov.au.
Bidding applications
The following special instructions should be observed:
All applications are to be received by the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) on behalf of the Joint Authority. Application for Petroleum Exploration Permit cover forms may be downloaded from the NOPTA website.
Three bound paper copies and three searchable electronic copies (CD or USB) of the application for a single area, along with the prescribed application form and fee, must be submitted to NOPTA.
The application should be sealed and clearly marked as “Application for Area…” as appropriate, “Commercial-in-Confidence” and this envelope or package should then be enclosed in a plain covering envelope or package.
Lodgement of applications
To submit an application please make an appointment with NOPTA by emailing titles@nopta.gov.au or phoning one of the following:
- 08 6424 5317 (NOPTA Titles phone number)
- 08 6424 5300 (NOPTA WA reception phone number)
- 03 8199 0300 (NOPTA Vic reception phone number).
Please check the NOPTA website for further updates on submissions prior to submitting an application.