Petroleum, Geothermal Energy and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 1967

Petroleum, Geothermal Energy and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2015

 

Petroleum, Geothermal Energy and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2015

Contents

Part 1 — Preliminary

1.Citation1

2.Commencement1

3.Objects of regulations1

4.Terms used4

Part 2 — Surveys

5.Requirement for approval of survey9

6.Application for approval of survey9

7.Time for making application10

8.Minister may request more information10

9.Decision on application10

Part 3 — Management of well activities

Division 1 — Well management plan

Subdivision 1A — Preliminary

9A.Well includes associated well-related equipment12

9B.Well activity taken to occur if well not operational12

Subdivision 1 — Requirements relating to approved well management plan

10.Requirement to have approved well management plan12

11.Requirement to undertake well activity in accordance with approved well management plan13

Subdivision 2 — Obtaining approval of well management plan

12.Application for approval of well management plan15

13.Decision on well management plan15

14.Notice of decision16

15.Date on which well management plan takes effect17

16.Criteria for approval of well management plan17

17.Content of well management plan18

18.Status of well management plan18

Subdivision 3 — Revision of well management plan

19.Application for approval of revision of well management plan19

20.Application for approval of revision required in certain circumstances19

21.Decision on application for approval of revision20

22.Notice of decision21

23.Date on which revision takes effect21

24.Revision required by Minister21

25.Objection to requirement to revise approved well management plan22

26.Decision on objection22

27.Title holder required to comply with notice23

Subdivision 4 — Termination of well management plan

28.Termination of well management plan23

Subdivision 5 — Withdrawal of approval of well management plan

29.Reasons for withdrawal of approval24

30.Notice of proposal to withdraw approval24

31.Decision to withdraw approval25

32.Relationship between withdrawal and other provisions25

Division 2 — Control of hazards and risks

33.Requirement to control well integrity hazard or risk26

Part 4 — Discovery assessment reports

34.Application of Part27

35.Minister may request additional information for discovery assessment report27

36.Requirement to provide discovery assessment report28

Part 5 — Annual assessment reports

37.Requirement to provide annual assessment report30

38.Reports may be combined31

39.Assessment report for part of year31

Part 6 — Field management plans for petroleum or regulated substance recovery

Division 1 — Preliminary

40.Terms used32

Division 2 — Field management plan requirements

41.Requirement to have approved field management plan32

42.Requirement to undertake well activity in accordance with approved field management plan33

Division 3 — Obtaining approval of field management plan

43.Application for approval of field management plan33

44.Decision on field management plan33

45.Notice of decision34

46.Date on which field management plan takes effect34

47.Criteria for approval of field management plan34

48.Content of field management plan35

Division 4 — Revision of approved field management plan

49.Application for approval of revision of field management plan35

50.Application for approval of revision required before major change36

51.Decision on application for approval of revision36

52.Notice of decision37

53.Date on which revision takes effect37

54.Revision required by Minister38

55.Objection to requirement to revise approved field management plan38

56.Decision on objection39

57.Requirement to comply with notice39

Division 5 — Recovery of petroleum or regulated substance before field management plan approved

58.Application40

59.Decision on application41

60.Notice of decision on application41

61.Permitted period42

Part 7 — Other matters relating to petroleum, regulated substances or geothermal energy recovery

62.Requirement to notify Minister of significant event43

63.Content of geothermal energy recovery development plan45

Part 8 — Data management

Division 1 — Preliminary

64.Term used: operation46

Division 2 — Requirements for keeping information

65.Requirement to securely retain information46

66.Requirement to retain information so that retrieval is reasonably practicable46

Division 3 — Requirements for collection and retention of cores, cuttings and samples

67.Requirement to securely retain core, cutting or sample47

68.Requirement to retain core, cutting or sample in Australia47

69.Requirement to return core, cutting or sample to Australia47

70.Requirement to provide report about overseas analysis of core, cutting or sample48

71.Requirement to retain core, cutting or sample so that retrieval is reasonably practicable48

Division 4 — Requirements for giving reports and samples

Subdivision 1 — Reports about well activities

72.Daily well activity report49

73.Final well activity report and data49

74.Well completion report and data50

Subdivision 2 — Reports about surveys

75.Weekly survey report51

76.Survey acquisition report and data51

77.Survey processing report and data52

78.Survey interpretation report and data54

Subdivision 2A — Other reports

78A.Report on work commitments other than wells or surveys55

Subdivision 3 — Production reports and GHG licence reports

79.Monthly production report from licensee56

79A.GHG report from licensee57

Subdivision 4 — Cores, cuttings and samples

80.Requirement to give core, cutting or sample58

Part 9 — Release of technical information about petroleum, regulated substances, geothermal energy and greenhouse gas

Division 1 — Preliminary

81.Terms used61

82.Meaning of excluded information63

Division 2 — Classification of documentary information

83.Meaning of permanently confidential information65

84.Meaning of interpretative information66

85.Classification dispute notice68

86.Making an objection71

87.Consideration of objection71

88.When objection ceases to be in force72

Division 3 — Release of documentary information

89.Purpose of Division72

90.Release of open information about survey or well72

90A.Release of information from greenhouse gas reports72

91.Release of basic disclosable information73

92.Release of interpretative disclosable information77

93.Release of documentary information: prior availability or consent78

94.Fees for documentary information79

94A.Release of documentary information to Department of Treasury and Finance workers for royalties functions79

Division 4 — Release of mining samples

95.Purpose of Division81

96.Release of mining samples after relevant day82

97.Release of mining samples: prior availability or consent82

98.Fees for inspection of mining sample83

Part 10 — Transitional provisions

99.Terms used84

100.Existing surveys84

101.Existing well activities84

102.Existing recovery operations85

Schedule 1 — Well management plan

Schedule 2 — Annual assessment report

Division 1 — Required information: petroleum, geothermal or GHG permittee or holder of petroleum, geothermal or GHG drilling reservation

Division 2 — Required information: petroleum retention lessee or geothermal retention lessee

Division 2A — Required information: GHG retention lessee

Division 3 — Required information: petroleum licensee or geothermal licensee

Schedule 3 — Field management plan

Schedule 4 — Geothermal energy recovery development plan

Schedule 5 — Daily well activity report

Schedule 6 — Final well activity data

Schedule 7 — Final well activity report

Schedule 8 — Well completion data

Schedule 9 — Well completion report

Schedule 10 — Weekly survey report

Schedule 11 — Survey acquisition data

Division 1 — Seismic surveys

Division 2 — Other surveys

Schedule 12 — Survey acquisition report

Schedule 13 — Processed survey data

Division 1 — 2D seismic surveys

Division 2 — 3D seismic surveys

Division 3 — Other surveys

Schedule 14 — Survey processing report

Schedule 15 — Interpretative survey data

Schedule 16 — Survey interpretation report

Schedule 17 — Production and GHG injection reports

Division 1 — Information for monthly production report for petroleum licensee

Division 2 — Information for monthly production report for geothermal licensee

Division 3 — Information for monthly GHG injection report

Division 4 — Information for annual GHG injection report

Division 5 — Information for monthly GHG accounting report

Division 6 — Information for annual GHG accounting report

Notes

Compilation table134

Other notes135

Defined terms

 

Petroleum, Geothermal Energy and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 1967

Petroleum, Geothermal Energy and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2015

Part 1  Preliminary

1.Citation

These regulations are the Petroleum, Geothermal Energy and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2015.

[Regulation 1 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 28.]

2.Commencement

These regulations come into operation as follows —

(a)regulations 1 and 2 — on the day on which these regulations are published in the Gazette (gazettal day);

(b)Part 9 — on the day on which the Petroleum and Energy Legislation Amendment Act 2010 section 57 comes into operation;

(c)the rest of the regulations — on the day after gazettal day.

3.Objects of regulations

The objects of these regulations are —

(a)to ensure that operations relating to the exploration for petroleum, regulated substances, geothermal energy resources or GHG storage formations, or the recovery of petroleum, regulated substances or geothermal energy, or GHG injection operations, in the State are —

(i)carried out in a proper and workmanlike manner and, in the case of operations relating to the exploration for or recovery of petroleum, in accordance with good oil‑field practice; and

(ii)compatible with the optimum long‑term recovery of petroleum, regulated substances and geothermal energy; and

(iii)carried out in a way that reduces the risk of aquifer contamination or, in the case of GHG injection operations, aquifer contamination outside the storage formation;

and

(b)to ensure that the Minister is informed, in a timely and consistent manner, of —

(i)the exploration for petroleum, regulated substances, geothermal energy resources or GHG storage formations; and

(ii)the discovery of petroleum, regulated substances or geothermal energy resources; and

(iii)the appraisal of discoveries; and

(iv)development and production operations relating to the recovery of petroleum, regulated substances or geothermal energy; and

(v)GHG injection operations; and

(vi)the results of operations referred to in subparagraph (iv) or (v);

and

(c)to provide a framework for encouraging the adequate collection and retention and timely dissemination of petroleum, regulated substances and geothermal energy resources and greenhouse gas data; and

(d)to assist in ensuring the adequacy of the data acquired; and

(e)to allow for the efficient management of data confidentiality and the disclosure of data on completion of the relevant confidentiality periods.

[Regulation 3 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 29.]

4.Terms used

(1)In these regulations —

approved field management plan means a field management plan that has been approved under regulation 44 and includes such a plan as revised from time to time under regulation 51;

approved well management plan means a well management plan that has been approved under regulation 13 and includes such a plan as revised from time to time under regulation 21;

drilling activity includes exploratory drilling, production drilling, appraisal drilling and well drilling;

each well activity, in relation to a well management plan, means each well activity to which the plan relates;

engineering enhancement —

(a)means an action taken by an individual to facilitate storage of a greenhouse gas substance in an identified GHG storage formation; and

(b)includes —

(i)remediating an existing well from a previous operation that penetrates the storage formation; and

(ii)managing formation pressure; and

(iii)increasing the injectivity potential;

field, in relation to an approved field management plan, means an area within a title area that is subject to the plan;

instrument means any of the following —

(a)a title;

(b)a special prospecting authority;

(c)an access authority;

(d)an instrument of consent under section 116 of the Act;

instrument area means any of the following —

(a)a title area;

(b)an area in respect of which a special prospecting authority is in force;

(c)an area in respect of which an access authority is in force;

(d)an area to which an instrument of consent under section 116 of the Act applies;

instrument holder means any of the following —

(a)a title holder;

(b)the registered holder of a special prospecting authority;

(c)the registered holder of an access authority;

(d)the person specified in an instrument of consent under section 116 of the Act;

integrity, in relation to a well, means that the well bore —

(a)is under control, in accordance with an approved well management plan; and

(b)is able to contain reservoir fluid, petroleum, a greenhouse gas substance or any other substance; and

(c)is subject only to risks that have been reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable;

produced formation material means natural fluid or other natural material (for example, rock or sand) recovered from a well;

requirement, in relation to an approved field management plan or an approved well management plan, includes any condition to which the approval of the plan, or any revision of the plan, is subject;

survey means a geochemical survey, geological survey or geophysical survey, the data from which is intended for use in —

(a)the exploration for —

(i)petroleum; or

(ii)regulated substances; or

(iii)geothermal energy resources; or

(iv)potential GHG storage formations; or

(v)sites for the injection of greenhouse gas;

or

(b)the appraisal of a discovery of —

(i)petroleum; or

(ii)regulated substances; or

(iii)geothermal energy resources; or

(iv)potential GHG storage formations; or

(v)sites for the injection of greenhouse gas;

or

(c)the recovery of petroleum, regulated substances or geothermal energy; or

(d)the injection and permanent storage of greenhouse gas substances;

survey applicant means an instrument holder, or an applicant for an instrument, who makes an application under regulation 6(1);

title means any of the following —

(a)a permit;

(b)a drilling reservation;

(c)a lease;

(d)a licence;

title area means any of the following —

(a)a permit area;

(b)the area constituted by the blocks that are the subject of a drilling reservation;

(c)a lease area;

(d)a licence area;

title holder means any of the following —

(a)a permittee;

(b)the registered holder of a drilling reservation;

(c)a lessee;

(d)a licensee;

treatment material means fluid or other material introduced into a well for the purposes of operations carried out under a title and includes the following —

(a)drilling fluid;

(b)drilling mud;

(c)stimulation fluid;

(d)fracturing fluid;

underground formation includes a natural underground reservoir;

well activity means an activity relating to a well that is carried out during the life of the well;

well integrity hazard means an event that may —

(a)compromise the integrity of a well; or

(b)involve a risk of damage to —

(i)an underground formation that contains petroleum, regulated substances or geothermal energy resources; or

(ii)an aquifer; or

(iia)a GHG storage formation; or

(iii)any other part of the environment;

workover operation means a remedial operation for the purposes of maintaining or adjusting production from a well.

(2)For the purposes of paragraph (b) of the definition of regulated substance in section 5(1) of the Act, the following are regulated substances —

(a)hydrogen;

(b)helium.

[Regulation 4 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 30.]

Part 2  Surveys

5.Requirement for approval of survey

An instrument holder commits an offence if —

(a)the instrument holder undertakes a survey in an instrument area; and

(b)the instrument holder does not have the approval of the Minister under regulation 9 to undertake the survey.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

6.Application for approval of survey

(1)A survey applicant may apply to the Minister for approval to undertake a survey.

(2)The application —

(a)must be in writing; and

(b)must include the following information —

(i)the instrument number (if available);

(ii)the type of survey;

(iii)the purpose of the survey;

(iv)the proposed name of the survey;

(v)the proposed distance or area to be covered by the survey;

(vi)the proposed start date for the survey;

(vii)the estimated duration of the survey;

(viii)details of the energy source to be used for the survey;

(ix)the name and address of the person conducting the survey if that person is not the survey applicant;(x)the name and contact details of the person who will have responsibility for communications with the Minister regarding the survey;

(xi)details of anything the survey applicant is aware of that is likely to prevent the survey applicant from complying with the requirements of regulation 76(2)(b) in relation to the survey;

and

(c)must be accompanied by a cadastral map in a form approved by the Minister showing details of existing land tenure in the area where the survey is to be undertaken.

[Regulation 6 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 31.]

7.Time for making application

(1)Unless subregulation (2) applies, an application under regulation 6(1) must be made at least 30 days before the proposed start date for the survey.

(2)If an application under regulation 6(1) relates to a survey that is to be undertaken in an area that is or includes land reserved, declared or otherwise dedicated under the Land Administration Act 1997 or any other written law, the application must be made at least 90 days before the proposed start date for the survey.

8.Minister may request more information

(1)The Minister may ask a survey applicant to provide further written information about the proposed survey.

(2)A request under subregulation (1) must be in writing and describe the information that is requested.

[Regulation 8 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 32.]

9.Decision on application

(1)As soon as practicable after the Minister is satisfied that there is enough information to make a decision on an application under regulation 6(1), the Minister must decide whether to give or refuse approval.

(2)The Minister may give approval subject to conditions.

(3)As soon as practicable after making a decision under subregulation (1), the Minister must give the survey applicant written notice of the decision specifying —

(a)if the decision is to give approval —

(i)the date on which the approval takes effect; and

(ii)if the approval is subject to a condition — the condition and the reason for it;

or

(b)if the decision is to refuse approval — the reasons for the decision.

(4)An approval takes effect on the date specified in respect of the approval under subregulation (3)(a)(i).

[Regulation 9 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 33.]

Part 3 — Management of well activities

Division 1 — Well management plan

Subdivision 1A — Preliminary

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 34.]

9A.Well includes associated well-related equipment

In this Part, a reference to a well includes a reference to the well-related equipment, including any plant, equipment or other thing for containing pressure in a well.

[Regulation 9A inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 34.]

9B.Well activity taken to occur if well not operational

If a well, in a title area that is not operational, has not been decommissioned the titleholder is taken for the purposes of this Part to be undertaking a well activity in relation to the well.

[Regulation 9B inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 34.]

Subdivision 1 — Requirements relating to approved well management plan

10.Requirement to have approved well management plan

(1)A title holder commits an offence if —

(a)the title holder undertakes a well activity in a title area; and

(b)the title holder does not have an approved well management plan in force for undertaking that activity in that area.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

(2)Subregulation (1) does not apply if —

(a)there is an emergency in which there is a likelihood of any of the following —

(i)injury;

(ii)significant discharge of fluids from the well;

(iii)damage to —

(I)an underground formation that contains petroleum or geothermal energy resources; or

(II)an aquifer; or

(IIA)a GHG storage formation; or

(III)any other part of the environment;

and

(b)the title holder undertakes a well activity to avoid the injury, discharge or damage; and

(c)as soon as practicable, but in any case within 2 hours, after becoming aware of the emergency, the title holder gives the Minister oral or written notice of the emergency; and

(d)as soon as practicable, but in any case within 3 days, after becoming aware of the emergency, the title holder gives the Minister written notice of the well activity undertaken.

[Regulation 10 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 35.]

11.Requirement to undertake well activity in accordance with approved well management plan

(1)A title holder commits an offence if —

(a)the title holder undertakes a well activity in a title area; and

(b)the well activity is regulated by one or more requirements of an approved well management plan in force for the title area; and

(c)the title holder does not undertake the well activity in accordance with a requirement of the plan for the activity.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

(2)Subregulation (1) does not apply if —

(a)there is an emergency in which there is a likelihood of any of the following —

(i)injury;

(ii)significant discharge of fluids from the well;

(iii)damage to —

(I)an underground formation that contains petroleum or geothermal energy resources; or

(II)an aquifer; or

(IIA)a GHG storage formation; or

(III)any other part of the environment;

and

(b)the title holder undertakes a well activity to avoid the injury, discharge or damage; and

(c)as soon as practicable, but in any case within 2 hours, after becoming aware of the emergency, the title holder gives the Minister oral or written notice of the emergency; and

(d)as soon as practicable, but in any case within 3 days, after becoming aware of the emergency, the title holder gives the Minister written notice of the well activity undertaken.

[Regulation 11 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 36.]

Subdivision 2 — Obtaining approval of well management plan

12.Application for approval of well management plan

(1)A title holder may apply to the Minister for approval of a well management plan.

(2)The application —

(a)must be in writing; and

(b)must be made —

(i)at least 30 days before the proposed start of any well activity to which the plan relates; or

(ii)if the Minister, in writing, allows another period — within that period;

and

(c)must be accompanied by the well management plan.

(3)The well management plan —

(a)must be in writing; and

(b)may apply to well activities for more than one well; and

(c)may be submitted, with the written permission of the Minister, in parts for particular stages of a well activity.

13.Decision on well management plan

(1)Within 30 days after a title holder makes an application under regulation 12(1) for approval of a well management plan, the Minister must —

(a)approve the plan, or one or more parts of the plan, as a well management plan; or

(b)refuse to approve the plan; or

(c)give the title holder a written notice stating that the Minister is unable to make a decision without further assessment of the plan.

(2)The approval of one or more parts of a well management plan is taken to be the rejection of any other parts of the well management plan that are not approved by the Minister.

(3)A notice given under subregulation (1)(c) must specify —

(a)any further information the Minister requires to be included in the plan; and

(b)the date after which the Minister will commence further assessment of the plan.

(4)The date specified under subregulation (3)(b) must give the title holder a reasonable opportunity to modify or resubmit the plan.

(5)After commencing further assessment of the plan, the Minister may on one or more occasions give the title holder a written notice requiring the title holder —

(a)to provide further information to the Minister; or

(b)to modify or resubmit the plan,

on or before a date specified in the notice.

(6)A date specified under subregulation (5) must give the title holder a reasonable opportunity to provide the information or to modify or resubmit the plan, as the case requires.

(7)As soon as practicable after completing further assessment of the plan, the Minister must —

(a)approve the plan, or one or more parts of the plan, as a well management plan; or

(b)refuse to approve the plan.

(8)The Minister may approve the plan subject to conditions.

14.Notice of decision

As soon as practicable after deciding to approve or refuse to approve a well management plan or to approve one or more parts of a well management plan, the Minister must give the title holder written notice of the decision specifying —

(a)if the decision is to approve the plan or one or more parts of the plan —

(i)the date on which the plan takes effect; and

(ii)if the approval is subject to a condition — the condition and the reason for it;

or

(b)if the decision is to refuse to approve the plan or one or more parts of the plan — the reasons for the decision.

15.Date on which well management plan takes effect

If the Minister approves a well management plan, or one or more parts of a well management plan, the plan takes effect on the date specified in respect of the plan under regulation 14(a)(i).

16.Criteria for approval of well management plan

(1)The Minister must approve a well management plan under regulation 13(1)(a) or (7)(a) if the Minister is satisfied that —

(a)the plan includes the information required under regulation 17(1); and

(b)the plan is appropriate for the nature and scale of each well activity; and

(c)the plan shows that the risks identified by the title holder in relation to each well activity will be managed —

(i)in accordance with sound engineering principles, codes, standards and specifications; and

(ii)if the activity relates to exploration for or the recovery of petroleum or a regulated substance, in a manner that is consistent with good oil‑field practice;

and

(d)the way that each well activity will be carried out —

(i)will not result in the occurrence of any significant new detrimental risk to or effect on that activity or any other well activity to which the plan relates; and

(ii)will not result in any significant increase in a detrimental risk to or effect on that activity or any other well activity to which the plan relates that already exists.

(2)The Minister must not approve a well management plan if the Minister is not satisfied that the plan meets the requirements of subregulation (1).

[Regulation 16 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 37.]

17.Content of well management plan

(1)A well management plan must include the information listed in Schedule 1.

(2)A well management plan may include any other information that the title holder believes is relevant.

18.Status of well management plan

(1)If the Minister has given a title holder permission to submit a well management plan in parts —

(a)the first part of the plan that the Minister approves is taken to be an approved well management plan in its own right; and

(b)a part that is given to the Minister after that approval is taken to be a revision to which Subdivision 3 applies.

(2)If the Minister approves one or more parts of a well management plan —

(a)the part of the plan that the Minister approves is taken to be an approved well management plan in its own right; and

(b)a part that is given to the Minister after that approval is taken to be a revision to which Subdivision 3 applies.

(3)If the Minister approves a well management plan as a replacement for an approved well management plan, the previous approved well management plan ceases to have effect.

Subdivision 3 — Revision of well management plan

19.Application for approval of revision of well management plan

(1)A title holder may apply to the Minister for approval of a revision of an approved well management plan.

(2)The application must be accompanied by the proposed revision.

20.Application for approval of revision required in certain circumstances

A title holder must make an application under regulation 19(1) for approval of a revision if any of the following circumstances exists —

(a)a change in the understanding of the geology or underground formation that may have a significant impact on the integrity of a well or a well activity to which the approved well management plan relates;

(b)the occurrence or potential occurrence of a significant new detrimental risk to or effect on the integrity of a well or a well activity to which the approved well management plan relates;

(c)a significant increase in a detrimental risk to or effect on the integrity of a well or a well activity to which the approved well management plan relates.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

21.Decision on application for approval of revision

(1)Within 30 days after an application is made under regulation 19(1) in respect of a revision, the Minister must —

(a)approve the revision if the approved well management plan as revised would meet the requirements of regulation 16(1); or

(b)refuse to approve the revision; or

(c)give the title holder a written notice stating that the Minister is unable to make a decision without further assessment of the revision.

(2)A notice given under subregulation (1)(c) must specify —

(a)any further information the Minister requires to be included in the revision; and

(b)the date after which the Minister will commence further assessment of the revision.

(3)The date specified under subregulation (2)(b) must give the title holder a reasonable opportunity to modify or resubmit the revision.

(4)If the Minister undertakes further assessment of the revision, the Minister must approve or refuse to approve the revision as soon as practicable after that further assessment.

(5)The Minister may approve the revision subject to conditions.

22.Notice of decision

As soon as practicable after deciding to approve or refuse to approve a revision, the Minister must give the title holder written notice of the decision specifying —

(a)if the decision is to approve the revision —

(i)the date on which the revision takes effect; and

(ii)if the approval is subject to a condition — the condition and the reason for it;

or

(b)if the decision is to refuse to approve the revision — the reasons for the decision.

23.Date on which revision takes effect

If the Minister approves a revision of an approved well management plan, then, on the date specified in respect of the revision under regulation 22(a)(i), the plan as revised replaces the existing approved well management plan as the plan in force for the relevant well activity.

24.Revision required by Minister

The Minister may give a title holder a written notice —

(a)advising the title holder that the Minister requires the title holder to revise an approved well management plan as set out in the notice; and

(b)setting out the technical grounds for requiring the revision; and

(c)identifying the proposed date of effect of the revision; and

(d)identifying the proposed date by which the title holder must submit the revision to the Minister; and

(e)advising the title holder of the effect of regulation 25.

25.Objection to requirement to revise approved well management plan

(1)If the Minister gives a title holder a notice under regulation 24, the title holder may make an objection, in writing, to the Minister —

(a)stating one or more of the following —

(i)that the revision should not occur;

(ii)that the revision should be in terms different from the proposed terms;

(iii)that the revision should take effect on a date later than the proposed date;

(iv)that the date by which the title holder must submit the revision should be later than the proposed date;

and

(b)giving reasons for the objection.

(2)The title holder must make the objection within —

(a)21 days after receiving the notice; or

(b)if the Minister, in writing, allows a longer period — that period.

26.Decision on objection

(1)Within 30 days after a title holder makes an objection under regulation 25, the Minister must decide whether to accept or reject the objection.

(2)As soon as practicable after making the decision, the Minister must give the title holder written notice of the decision specifying —

(a)if the decision is to accept the objection —

(i)whether the original notice given under regulation 24 is varied or withdrawn; and

(ii)if the original notice is varied — the requirements of that notice as varied;

or

(b)if the decision is to reject the objection — the reasons for the decision.

27.Title holder required to comply with notice

(1)This regulation applies if the Minister gives a title holder a notice under regulation 24.

(2)The title holder must comply with the requirements of the notice unless the notice is varied or withdrawn under regulation 26.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

(3)If the notice is varied under regulation 26, the title holder must comply with the requirements of the notice as varied.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

Subdivision 4 — Termination of well management plan

28.Termination of well management plan

An approved well management plan ceases to be in force at the earliest of the following —

(a)when the title holder withdraws the plan;

(b)when the Minister approves another well management plan that replaces the plan;

(c)when the Minister withdraws approval of the plan under Subdivision 5;

(d)at the end of the period of 5 years starting on the date on which the plan takes effect, whether or not the plan has been revised since being approved.

Subdivision 5 — Withdrawal of approval of well management plan

29.Reasons for withdrawal of approval

The Minister may withdraw approval of a title holder’s well management plan if —

(a)the title holder has not complied with the Act, this Part or a direction given under section 95 of the Act; or

(b)the title holder has not complied with the plan; or

(c)the Minister is satisfied for any other reason that approval of the plan should be withdrawn.

30.Notice of proposal to withdraw approval

(1)If the Minister believes it may be necessary to withdraw approval of a well management plan, the Minister must, at least 30 days before the Minister would withdraw approval —

(a)give the title holder a written notice stating that the Minister is considering the withdrawal of approval; and

(b)include in the notice —

(i)an explanation of the reasons why the Minister is considering the withdrawal of approval; and

(ii)a date by which the title holder may give the Minister any information that the title holder wants the Minister to take into account before deciding whether to withdraw approval; and

(iii)any other information that the Minister considers appropriate.

(2)The Minister may give a copy of the notice to a person other than the title holder if the Minister considers it appropriate to do so.

(3)If the Minister gives a copy of the notice to a person other than the title holder, the Minister must notify the title holder in writing that the Minister has done so.

31.Decision to withdraw approval

(1)If the Minister gives a title holder a notice under regulation 30(1), the Minister must, as soon as practicable after the date mentioned in regulation 30(1)(b)(ii) has passed —

(a)withdraw approval of the well management plan; or

(b)decide not to withdraw approval of the plan.

(2)The Minister must not withdraw approval unless the Minister —

(a)has taken any information given under regulation 30(1)(b)(ii) into account; and

(b)is satisfied that a reason mentioned in regulation 29 exists.

(3)As soon as practicable after making a decision under subregulation (1), the Minister must give the title holder written notice of the decision.

(4)If the decision is to withdraw approval, the notice under subregulation (3) must specify —

(a)the date on which the withdrawal of approval takes effect; and

(b)the reasons for the decision.

32.Relationship between withdrawal and other provisions

(1)The Minister may withdraw approval of a title holder’s well management plan, even if the title holder has been convicted of an offence, because of a failure to comply with a provision of the Act, these regulations or other regulations made under the Act.

(2)If the Minister withdraws approval of a title holder’s well management plan, the withdrawal does not prevent the title holder from being convicted of an offence because of a failure to comply with a provision of the Act, these regulations or other regulations made under the Act.

Division 2 — Control of hazards and risks

33.Requirement to control well integrity hazard or risk

A title holder commits an offence if —

(a)the title holder is operating a well in a title area; and

(b)either —

(i)a well integrity hazard has been identified for the well; or

(ii)there has been a significant increase in an existing risk for the well;

and

(c)the title holder does not control the well integrity hazard or risk.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

Part 4  Discovery assessment reports

34.Application of Part

This Part applies to a title holder who is required, under section 44(1)(a) or (b), 48J(1)(a) or (b) or 54AA(1)(a) or (b) of the Act, to furnish to the Minister particulars of a discovery.

[Regulation 34 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 38.]

35.Minister may request additional information for discovery assessment report

(1)The Minister may, within 7 days after receiving particulars of the discovery from the title holder, ask the title holder in writing to include additional information about the discovery in the discovery assessment report to be provided by the title holder under regulation 36.

(2)The request must specify the information sought and the reasons for the request.

(3)After receiving the request, the title holder may give the Minister a written statement that —

(a)the information is not within the title holder’s knowledge; or

(b)the title holder is unable to obtain the information.

(4)If the Minister is satisfied (whether or not because of a statement under subregulation (3)) that the title holder cannot comply with the request because —

(a)the information is not within the title holder’s knowledge; or

(b)the title holder is unable to obtain the information,

the Minister must, as soon as practicable, give the title holder a written notice withdrawing the request.

36.Requirement to provide discovery assessment report

(1)In this regulation —

discovery assessment report means a report that includes the following information —

(a)the title area in which the discovery was made;

(b)a preliminary estimate of the location and areal extent of the resources pool or geothermal resources area;

(c)details of the geological structure or underground formation in which the petroleum or regulated substance is located or the geothermal energy resources are located;

(d)the results of all assessments of the discovery;

(e)if the rate or quantity of production of petroleum or regulated substance and water, or geothermal energy and water, from the well that resulted in the discovery has been determined — that rate or quantity;

(f)the data used to estimate the quantity of petroleum or regulated substance in the resources pool or the quantity of geothermal energy resources in the geothermal resources area;

(g)a preliminary estimate of the quantity of recoverable petroleum or regulated substance in the resources pool or the quantity of recoverable geothermal energy in the geothermal resources area;

(h)details of the title holder’s plans for further evaluation of the discovery, including the work that the title holder proposes to carry out in the title area in the next 12 months from the date of the report;

(i)if the Minister has issued a request to the title holder under regulation 35 and the request has not been withdrawn — the information specified in the request.

(2)The title holder must give the Minister a discovery assessment report for the title area within —

(a)90 days after the date of the discovery; or

(b)if the Minister authorises the title holder to give the report within another period — the other period.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

[Regulation 36 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 39.]

Part 5  Annual assessment reports

37.Requirement to provide annual assessment report

(1)A title holder must give the Minister a report (an annual assessment report) providing the required information for each year of a term of the title, within —

(a)30 days after the day on which the year of the term ends; or

(b)if the Minister authorises the title holder to give the annual assessment report within another period — the other period.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $10 000.

(2)For the purposes of subregulation (1), the required information is —

(a)in the case of a permittee or holder of a drilling reservation — the information listed in Schedule 2 Division 1; or

(b)in the case of a petroleum retention lessee or a geothermal retention lessee — the information listed in Schedule 2 Division 2; or

(c)in the case of a GHG retention lessee — the information listed in Schedule 2 Division 2A; or

(d)in the case of a petroleum licensee or a geothermal licensee — the information listed in Schedule 2 Division 3.

(3)An annual assessment report may include any other information that the title holder believes is relevant to the title.

[Regulation 37 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 40.]

38.Reports may be combined

A title holder with more than one title may combine the annual assessment reports into a single document with the written agreement of the Minister.

39.Assessment report for part of year

(1)This regulation applies if —

(a)a title ceases to be in force (whether because the title has expired or because the title has been surrendered, cancelled, revoked or terminated); and

(b)the term of the title was not a whole number of years.

(2)The Minister may, by written notice, require the title holder to give an assessment report to the Minister for the period at the end of the term that was not a year of the term.

(3)The notice must specify —

(a)the information that must be provided in the report; and

(b)the date by which the report must be given.

(4)For the purposes of subregulation (3)(a), only information that would be required from the title holder in an annual assessment report under regulation 37(1) may be specified.

(5)For the purposes of subregulation (3)(b), the date must be at least 30 days after the day on which the notice is given.

(6)A title holder must comply with a notice given to the title holder under subregulation (2).

Penalty for an offence under this subregulation: a fine of $10 000.

Part 6 — Field management plans for petroleum or regulated substance recovery

[Heading amended: SL 2026/82 r. 41.]

Division 1 — Preliminary

40.Terms used

In this Part —

licence means a petroleum production licence;

licence area means —

(a)in relation to a petroleum licensee — the area constituted by the block or blocks that are the subject of the licence; or

(b)in relation to an applicant for a licence — the area constituted by the block or blocks that will be the subject of the licence if the licence is granted.

Division 2 — Field management plan requirements

41.Requirement to have approved field management plan

A petroleum licensee must not undertake the recovery of petroleum or a regulated substance from a resources pool in the licence area unless —

(a)the recovery is on an appraisal basis; or

(b)at the time of the recovery of the petroleum or regulated substance, the licensee has —

(i)an approved field management plan in force for a field that includes the resources pool; or

(ii)an approval, under regulation 59(1), to undertake the recovery of petroleum or a regulated substance without an approved field management plan.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

[Regulation 41 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 42.]

42.Requirement to undertake well activity in accordance with approved field management plan

If an approved field management plan is in force for a field in a licence area, the petroleum licensee must undertake each well activity in the licence area in a way that is consistent with the field management plan.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

Division 3 — Obtaining approval of field management plan

43.Application for approval of field management plan

(1)A petroleum licensee or an applicant for a licence may apply to the Minister for approval of a field management plan.

(2)The application must be accompanied by the field management plan.

44.Decision on field management plan

(1)As soon as practicable after an application is made under regulation 43(1) in respect of a field management plan, the Minister must —

(a)approve the plan; or

(b)refuse to approve the plan; or

(c)give the applicant a written notice stating that the Minister is unable to make a decision without further assessment of the plan.

(2)A notice given under subregulation (1)(c) must specify —

(a)any further information the Minister requires to be included in the plan; and

(b)the date after which the Minister will commence further assessment of the plan.

(3)The date specified under subregulation (2)(b) must give the applicant a reasonable opportunity to modify or resubmit the plan.

(4)If the Minister undertakes further assessment of the plan, the Minister must approve or refuse to approve the plan as soon as practicable after that further assessment.

(5)The Minister may approve the plan subject to conditions.

45.Notice of decision

As soon as practicable after deciding to approve or refuse to approve a field management plan, the Minister must give the applicant written notice of the decision specifying —

(a)if the decision is to approve the plan —

(i)the date on which the plan takes effect; and

(ii)if the approval is subject to a condition — the condition and the reason for it;

or

(b)if the decision is to refuse to approve the plan — the reasons for the decision.

46.Date on which field management plan takes effect

If the Minister approves a field management plan, the plan takes effect on the date specified in respect of the plan under regulation 45(a)(i).

47.Criteria for approval of field management plan

(1)The Minister must approve a field management plan under regulation 44(1)(a) or (4) if the Minister is satisfied that —

(a)the plan includes the information required under regulation 48(1); and

(b)the plan demonstrates that the applicant will manage the field —

(i)in accordance with sound engineering principles, codes, standards and specifications; and

(ii)in a manner that is consistent with good oil‑field practice and compatible with optimum long‑term recovery of the petroleum or regulated substance.

(2)The Minister must not approve a field management plan if the Minister is not satisfied that the plan meets the requirements of subregulation (1).

[Regulation 47 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 43.]

48.Content of field management plan

(1)A field management plan must include the information listed in Schedule 3.

(2)A field management plan may include any other information that the applicant believes is relevant.

Division 4 — Revision of approved field management plan

49.Application for approval of revision of field management plan

(1)A petroleum licensee may apply to the Minister for approval of a revision of an approved field management plan.

(2)The application must be accompanied by the proposed revision.

50.Application for approval of revision required before major change

(1)In this regulation —

major change, in relation to the recovery of petroleum or a regulated substance from a field, means any of the following —

(a)the petroleum licensee changes the development strategy or management strategy of the field or a resources pool in the field;

(b)the petroleum licensee changes the plan for the development of additional resources pools in the field;

(c)the petroleum licensee ceases production, permanently or for the long term, before the date proposed in the approved field management plan for the field;

(d)the petroleum licensee introduces new methods for the recovery of petroleum or a regulated substance from the field, such as enhanced recovery and injection of fluids.

(2)A petroleum licensee must make an application under regulation 49(1) in respect of an approved field management plan at least 90 days before the licensee makes a major change in relation to the recovery of petroleum or a regulated substance from the field to which the plan applies.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

[Regulation 50 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 44.]

51.Decision on application for approval of revision

(1)As soon as practicable after an application is made under regulation 49(1) in respect of a revision, the Minister must —

(a)approve the revision if the approved field management plan as revised would meet the requirements of regulation 47(1); or

(b)refuse to approve the revision; or

(c)give the petroleum licensee a written notice stating that the Minister is unable to make a decision without further assessment of the revision.

(2)A notice given under subregulation (1)(c) must specify —

(a)any further information the Minister requires to be included in the revision; and

(b)the date after which the Minister will commence further assessment of the revision.

(3)The date specified under subregulation (2)(b) must give the petroleum licensee a reasonable opportunity to modify or resubmit the revision.

(4)If the Minister undertakes further assessment of the revision, the Minister must approve or refuse to approve the revision as soon as practicable after that further assessment.

(5)The Minister may approve the revision subject to conditions.

52.Notice of decision

As soon as practicable after deciding to approve or refuse to approve a revision, the Minister must give the petroleum licensee written notice of the decision specifying —

(a)if the decision is to approve the revision —

(i)the date on which the revision takes effect; and

(ii)if the approval is subject to a condition — the condition and the reason for it;

or

(b)if the decision is to refuse to approve the revision — the reasons for the decision.

53.Date on which revision takes effect

If the Minister approves a revision of an approved field management plan, then, on the date specified in respect of the revision under regulation 52(a)(i), the plan as revised replaces the existing approved field management plan as the plan in force for the field.

54.Revision required by Minister

(1)The Minister may give a petroleum licensee a written notice —

(a)requiring the licensee to submit to the Minister a revision of an approved field management plan as set out in the notice; and

(b)setting out the technical grounds for requiring the revision; and

(c)identifying the proposed date of effect of the revision; and

(d)identifying the proposed date by which the licensee must submit the revision to the Minister; and

(e)advising the licensee of the effect of regulation 55.

(2)A revision submitted by the petroleum licensee in accordance with the notice (or the notice as varied under regulation 56) is to be taken to be an application under regulation 49(1) and regulations 51, 52 and 53 apply accordingly.

55.Objection to requirement to revise approved field management plan

(1)If the Minister gives a petroleum licensee a notice under regulation 54, the licensee may make an objection, in writing, to the Minister —

(a)stating one or more of the following —

(i)that the revision should not occur;

(ii)that the revision should be in terms different from the proposed terms;

(iii)that the revision should take effect on a date later than the proposed date;

(iv)that the date by which the licensee must submit the revision should be later than the proposed date;

and

(b)giving reasons for the objection.

(2)The petroleum licensee must make the objection within —

(a)21 days after receiving the notice; or

(b)if the Minister, in writing, allows a longer period — that period.

56.Decision on objection

(1)As soon as practicable after a petroleum licensee makes an objection under regulation 55, the Minister must decide whether to accept or reject the objection.

(2)As soon as practicable after making the decision, the Minister must give the petroleum licensee written notice of the decision specifying —

(a)if the decision is to accept the objection —

(i)whether the original notice given under regulation 54 is varied or withdrawn; and

(ii)if the original notice is varied — the requirements of that notice as varied;

or

(b)if the decision is to reject the objection — the reasons for the decision.

57.Requirement to comply with notice

(1)This regulation applies if a petroleum licensee is given a notice under regulation 54.

(2)The petroleum licensee must comply with the requirements of the notice unless the notice is varied or withdrawn under regulation 56.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

(3)If the notice is varied under regulation 56, the petroleum licensee must comply with the requirements of the notice as varied.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

Division 5  Recovery of petroleum or regulated substance before field management plan approved

[Heading amended: SL 2026/82 r. 45.]

58.Application

(1)A petroleum licensee may apply, in writing, to the Minister for permission to undertake the recovery of petroleum or a regulated substance from a resources pool in the licence area for a period of up to 3 months without having an approved field management plan in force for a field that includes the resources pool.

(2)The application must include —

(a)the reason why it is necessary for the petroleum licensee to undertake the recovery without having an approved field management plan; and

(b)the period in respect of which the permission is sought; and

(c)details of any proposed extended production test; and

(d)details of any proposed disposal or flaring of produced petroleum or a regulated substance; and

(e)details of any proposed disposal of produced formation material.

[Regulation 58 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 46.]

59.Decision on application

(1)As soon as practicable after an application is made under regulation 58(1), the Minister must —

(a)approve the application; or

(b)refuse to approve the application; or

(c)give the petroleum licensee a written notice stating that the Minister is unable to make a decision without further information.

(2)A notice given under subregulation (1)(c) must specify the further information that the Minister requires.

(3)As soon as practicable after receiving the information, the Minister must approve or refuse the application.

(4)The Minister may approve the application subject to conditions.

60.Notice of decision on application

As soon as practicable after deciding to approve or refuse to approve an application made under regulation 58(1), the Minister must give the petroleum licensee written notice of the decision specifying —

(a)if the decision is to approve the application —

(i)the period for which the petroleum licensee may undertake the recovery of petroleum or a regulated substance; and

(ii)if the approval is subject to a condition — the condition and the reason for it;

or

(b)if the decision is to refuse to approve the application — the reasons for the decision.

[Regulation 60 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 47.]

61.Permitted period

(1)The period specified under regulation 60(a)(i) (the permitted period) must not exceed 3 months after the date of the Minister’s approval under regulation 59(1).

(2)However, the Minister may, on written application by the petroleum licensee, extend the permitted period by not more than 3 months.

(3)The Minister may, under subregulation (2), extend the permitted period more than once.

Part 7  Other matters relating to petroleum, regulated substances or geothermal energy recovery

[Heading amended: SL 2026/82 r. 48.]

62.Requirement to notify Minister of significant event

(1)In this regulation —

licence means a petroleum production licence or a geothermal production licence;

significant event means any of the following —

(a)a change in the understanding of the characteristics of the geology or underground formation that may have a significant impact on the optimum long‑term recovery of petroleum, a regulated substance or geothermal energy;

(b)a new or increased risk to the recovery of petroleum, a regulated substance or geothermal energy within the licence area;

(c)a new or increased risk to the recovery of petroleum, a regulated substance or geothermal energy outside the licence area caused by the development of resources pools or geothermal resources areas in the licence area;

(d)a new or increased risk of activities in the licence area causing effects outside the licence area (for example, aquifer depletion caused by petroleum or regulated substance extraction);

(e)a change to the proposed option for the development of resources pools or geothermal resources areas in the licence area, including any tie‑in opportunity with nearby licence areas.

(2)This regulation applies if a licensee becomes aware that a significant event has occurred in, or in relation to, the licence area.

[(3)deleted]

(4)The licensee must give the Minister written notice of the significant event, in accordance with subregulation (5), as soon as practicable, but in any case within 7 days, after becoming aware of it.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $10 000.

(5)The notice under subregulation (4) must include —

(a)all the material facts and circumstances about the significant event that the licensee is aware of or is able, by reasonable search and inquiry, to find out, including —

(i)when the event occurred or was first detected; and

(ii)the implications of the event for —

(I)the resources pool and the optimum long‑term recovery of petroleum or regulated substance; or

(II)the geothermal resources area and the optimum long‑term recovery of geothermal energy,

as the case requires;

and

(b)the action the licensee proposes to take in response to the significant event.

(6)The notice under subregulation (4) may include any other information the licensee considers relevant.

[Regulation 62 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 49.]

63.Content of geothermal energy recovery development plan

For the purposes of section 62A(1) of the Act, the information listed in Schedule 4 must be set out in a geothermal energy recovery plan.

Part 8 — Data management

Division 1 — Preliminary

64.Term used: operation

In this Part —

operation means an operation carried out under the authority of an instrument.

Division 2 — Requirements for keeping information

65.Requirement to securely retain information

An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)keeps accounts, records or other documents in connection with an operation; and

(b)does not securely retain the accounts, records or other documents.

Penalty: a fine of $4 000.

66.Requirement to retain information so that retrieval is reasonably practicable

An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)keeps accounts, records or other documents in connection with an operation; and

(b)does not retain the accounts, records or other documents so that retrieval of the accounts, records or other documents is reasonably practicable.

Penalty: a fine of $4 000.

Division 3 — Requirements for collection and retention of cores, cuttings and samples

67.Requirement to securely retain core, cutting or sample

An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)collects a core, cutting or sample in connection with an operation; and

(b)does not securely retain the core, cutting or sample.

Penalty: a fine of $4 000.

68.Requirement to retain core, cutting or sample in Australia

An instrument holder commits an offence if —

(a)the instrument holder collects a core, cutting or sample in connection with an operation; and

(b)the instrument holder does not retain the core, cutting or sample in Australia; and

(c)the Minister has not authorised the instrument holder to retain the core, cutting or sample outside Australia.

Penalty: a fine of $4 000.

69.Requirement to return core, cutting or sample to Australia

An instrument holder commits an offence if —

(a)the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to retain a core, cutting or sample outside Australia; and

(b)the instrument holder does not ensure that the core, cutting or sample is returned to Australia within —

(i)12 months after the authorisation being given; or

(ii)a longer period authorised by the Minister.

Penalty: a fine of $4 000.

70.Requirement to provide report about overseas analysis of core, cutting or sample

(1)An instrument holder commits an offence if —

(a)the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to retain a core, cutting or sample outside Australia for the purposes of analysis; and

(b)the instrument holder does not give the Minister a report about the progress of the analysis within 12 months after the authorisation being given.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

(2)An instrument holder commits an offence if —

(a)the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to retain a core, cutting or sample outside Australia for the purposes of analysis; and

(b)the Minister requires the instrument holder to give the Minister a report about the progress of the analysis within a period, after the end of the period referred to in subregulation (1)(b), specified by the Minister; and

(c)the instrument holder does not comply with the requirement.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

71.Requirement to retain core, cutting or sample so that retrieval is reasonably practicable

An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)collects a core, cutting or sample in connection with an operation; and

(b)does not retain the core, cutting or sample so that retrieval of the core, cutting or sample is reasonably practicable.

Penalty: a fine of $4 000.

Division 4 — Requirements for giving reports and samples

Subdivision 1 — Reports about well activities

72.Daily well activity report

(1)In this regulation —

daily well activity report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 5.

(2)An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)undertakes a well activity in an instrument area on a particular day (the activity day); and

(b)does not give the Minister a daily well activity report in respect of the activity day before midday on the day after the activity day.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

73.Final well activity report and data

(1)In this regulation —

final well activity data means each type of data mentioned in an item in Schedule 6 —

(a)presented on a medium and in a format specified in the item; or

(b)presented on another medium or in another format that the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to use;

final well activity report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 7.

(2)An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)undertakes a well activity (other than a drilling activity) in an instrument area; and

(b)does not give the Minister a final well activity report and all final well activity data within —

(i)6 months after the completion date for the well activity as approved by the Minister; or

(ii)if the Minister authorises the instrument holder to give the report and data within another period — the other period.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

74.Well completion report and data

(1)In this regulation —

well completion data means each type of data mentioned in an item in Schedule 8 —

(a)presented on a medium and in a format specified in the item; or

(b)presented on another medium or in another format that the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to use;

well completion report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 9.

(2)An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)undertakes a well activity in an instrument area; and

(b)does not give the Minister a well completion report and all well completion data within —

(i)12 months after the rig release date; or

(ii)if the Minister authorises the instrument holder to give the report and data within another period — the other period.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

Subdivision 2 — Reports about surveys

75.Weekly survey report

(1)In this regulation —

week of survey, in relation to a survey, means —

(a)the period of 7 days starting on the first day on which data is acquired under the survey; and

(b)each subsequent period of 7 days in which, or in any part of which, data is acquired under the survey;

weekly survey report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 10.

(2)An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)undertakes a survey in an instrument area; and

(b)does not give the Minister a weekly survey report within 24 hours after the end of each week of survey.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

76.Survey acquisition report and data

(1)In this regulation —

survey acquisition data means —

(a)for a seismic survey, each type of data mentioned in an item in Schedule 11 Division 1 —

(i)presented on a medium and in a format specified in the item; or

(ii)presented on another medium or in another format that the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to use;

or

(b)for any other type of survey, each type of data mentioned in an item in Schedule 11 Division 2 —

(i)presented on a medium and in a format specified in the item; or

(ii)presented on another medium or in another format that the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to use;

survey acquisition report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 12.

(2)An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)undertakes a survey in an instrument area; and

(b)does not give the Minister a survey acquisition report and all survey acquisition data within —

(i)18 months after the day on which the acquisition of the data is completed; or

(ii)if the Minister authorises the instrument holder to give the report and data within another period — the other period.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

77.Survey processing report and data

(1)In this regulation —

processed survey data means —

(a)for a 2‑dimensional seismic survey, each type of data mentioned in an item in Schedule 13 Division 1 —

(i)presented on a medium and in a format specified in the item; or

(ii)presented on another medium or in another format that the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to use;

or

(b)for a 3‑dimensional seismic survey, each type of data mentioned in an item in Schedule 13 Division 2 —

(i)presented on a medium and in a format specified in the item; or

(ii)presented on another medium or in another format that the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to use;

or

(c)for any other type of survey, each type of data mentioned in an item in Schedule 13 Division 3 —

(i)presented on a medium and in a format specified in the item; or

(ii)presented on another medium or in another format that the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to use;

survey processing report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 14.

(2)An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)undertakes a survey in an instrument area; and

(b)does not give the Minister a survey processing report and all processed survey data within —

(i)24 months after the day on which the acquisition of the data is completed; or

(ii)if the Minister authorises the instrument holder to give the report and data within another period — the other period.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

(3)An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)in compliance with a condition to which the instrument is subject, reprocesses data from a survey undertaken in the instrument area; and

(b)does not give the Minister a survey processing report and all processed survey data within —

(i)24 months after the day on which the reprocessing of the data is completed; or

(ii)if the Minister authorises the instrument holder to give the report and data within another period — the other period.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

78.Survey interpretation report and data

(1)In this regulation —

interpretative survey data means the data mentioned in Schedule 15 item 1 —

(a)presented on a medium and in a format specified in the item; or

(b)presented on another medium or in another format that the Minister has authorised the instrument holder to use;

survey interpretation report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 16.

(2)An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)undertakes a survey in an instrument area; and

(b)does not give the Minister a survey interpretation report and all interpretative survey data within —

(i)30 months after the day on which the acquisition of the data is completed; or

(ii)if the Minister authorises the instrument holder to give the report and data within another period — the other period.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

(3)An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)in compliance with a condition to which the instrument is subject, reprocesses data from a survey undertaken in the instrument area; and

(b)does not give the Minister a survey interpretation report and all interpretative survey data within —

(i)30 months after the day on which the reprocessing of the data is completed; or

(ii)if the Minister authorises the instrument holder to give the report and data within another period — the other period.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

Subdivision 2A — Other reports

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 50.]

78A.Report on work commitments other than wells or surveys

An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)in compliance with a condition to which the instrument is subject, conducts any work, other than a well activity or under a survey; and

(b)does not give the Minister a report detailing the results of the work and the relevance of the observations and interpretations to the evaluation of the petroleum, regulated substance, geothermal energy resource or GHG storage potential of the instrument area —

(i)within 12 months after the day on which the work is completed; or

(ii)if the Minister authorises the instrument holder to give the report within another period — the other period.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

[Regulation 78A inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 50.]

Subdivision 3 — Production reports and GHG licence reports

[Heading amended: SL 2026/82 r. 51.]

79.Monthly production report from licensee

(1)In this regulation —

monthly production report means —

(a)if the licensee is a petroleum licensee — a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 17 Division 1; or

(b)if the licensee is a geothermal licensee — a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 17 Division 2.

(2)A licensee commits an offence if the licensee does not give the Minister a monthly production report for a licence area within the period —

(a)starting on the last day of the month to which the report relates; and

(b)ending 15 days after that day.

Penalty: a fine of $7 000.

79A.GHG report from licensee

(1)In this regulation —

annual GHG accounting report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 17 Division 6;

annual GHG injection report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 17 Division 4;

monthly GHG accounting report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 17 Division 5;

monthly GHG injection report means a report that includes the information listed in Schedule 17 Division 3.

(2)A GHG licensee commits an offence if the licensee does not give the Minister a monthly GHG injection report or a monthly GHG accounting report for the licence area within the period —

(a)starting on the last day of the month to which the report relates; and

(b)ending 15 days after that day.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $7 000.

(3)A GHG licensee commits an offence if the licensee does not give the Minister an annual GHG injection report or an annual GHG accounting report for the licence area within the period —

(a)starting on the last day of the financial year to which the report relates; and

(b)ending on the day 4 months after that day.

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $7 000.

[Regulation 79A inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 52.]

Subdivision 4 — Cores, cuttings and samples

80.Requirement to give core, cutting or sample

(1)An instrument holder commits an offence if the instrument holder —

(a)undertakes a drilling activity or other well activity in an instrument area; and

(b)collects a core, cutting or sample of a kind specified in an item in the Table; and

(c)does not give the quantity of the core, cutting or sample specified in that item in the Table to the Minister within —

(i)the period specified in that item in the Table; or

(ii)if the Minister authorises the instrument holder to give the quantity of the core, cutting or sample within another period — the other period.

Penalty: a fine of $10 000.

Table

Item

Core, cutting or sample

Quantity of core, cutting or sample

Period for giving core, cutting or sample

1.

Ditch cutting

200 grams dry weight per sample interval

Within 12 months after the rig release date.

2.

Full hole conventional core

One‑third of the core

The period ending on the day 6 months after the rig release date.

3.

Full hole conventional core

Remainder of the core

As soon as practicable after the expiry, surrender, cancellation, revocation or termination of the relevant instrument.

4.

Gaseous petroleum and regulated substance samples

300 cm3 at reservoir pressure per test interval

Within 12 months after completion of the test during which the sample was collected.

5.

Fluid petroleum and regulated substance samples

1 L per test interval

Within 12 months after completion of the test during which the sample was collected.

6.

Sidewall core material

All material collected

Within 12 months after the rig release date.

7.

Palynological, paleontological or petrological material

All material produced

Within 12 months after the rig release date.

(2)Subregulation (1) does not apply if —

(a)the quantity of the core, cutting or sample required under subregulation (1)(c) is not available to the instrument holder; and

(b)before the end of the relevant period under subregulation (1)(c) the instrument holder gives the Minister a written notice —

(i)explaining why the quantity is not available; and

(ii)setting out the total quantity of the core, cutting or sample that was collected.

[Regulation 80 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 53.]

Part 9 — Release of technical information about petroleum, regulated substances, geothermal energy and greenhouse gas

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 54.]

Division 1 — Preliminary

81.Terms used

In this Part —

basic information means documentary information that is not interpretative information;

disclosable information means documentary information that is not permanently confidential information;

documentary information has the meaning given in section 150A of the Act;

excluded information has the meaning given in regulation 82;

exclusive data means data that is not made available for commercial sale or licence;

interpretative information has the meaning given in regulation 84;

mining sample has the meaning given in section 150A of the Act;

non‑exclusive data means data that is made available for commercial sale or licence;

open information about a survey means any of the following information —

(a)the name of the survey;

(b)the instrument under which the survey is being conducted;

(c)the name of the instrument holder;

(d)the basin and sub‑basin (if applicable) in which the survey is being conducted;

(e)the type of survey;

(f)the size of the survey in —

(i)for a 2‑dimensional survey — kilometres; or

(ii)for a 3‑dimensional survey — square kilometres;

(g)the name of the vessel or aircraft being used to conduct the survey;

(h)the name of the contractor conducting the survey;

(i)the dates on which the survey starts and ends or is proposed to start and end;

(j)whether the survey is exclusive or non‑exclusive;

(k)navigation data for the survey, in the form of —

(i)for a 2‑dimensional survey — line ends and bends; or

(ii)for a 3‑dimensional seismic survey — a full fold polygon outline; or

(iii)for other 3‑dimensional surveys — a polygon outline;

open information about a well means any of the following information —

(a)the name of the well;

(b)the basin and sub‑basin (if applicable) in which the well is located;

(c)the well’s latitude and longitude;

(d)the name of the instrument area in which the well is located;

(e)the name of the instrument holder;

(f)the purpose of the well (for example, development, appraisal, exploration or stratigraphy);

(g)if the well is a sidetrack — the name of the parent well;

(h)the well’s spud date;

(i)the water depth at the well;

(j)what is being used as the depth reference for the well (for example, the Kelly bushing or the rig floor);

(k)the height of the depth reference above sea level;

(l)the name of the rig drilling the well;

(m)the rig’s make and model;

(n)the name of the drilling contractor;

(o)the rig release date;

(p)the status of the well (for example, producing, suspended or decommissioned);

operation means an operation carried on under the authority of an instrument;

permanently confidential information has the meaning given in regulation 83;

seismic extracted data grid means a series of vertical cross‑sections extracted from a 3‑dimensional seismic data volume that form a grid of which —

(a)one direction is along the direction of seismic data acquisition; and

(b)the other direction is at right angles to the direction of seismic data acquisition; and

(c)the vertical cross‑sections are spaced 5 kilometres apart in both directions.

82.Meaning of excluded information

(1)This regulation sets out the type of information that is excluded information.

(2)Information about the following is excluded information —

(a)the technical qualifications of an instrument holder or an applicant for an instrument;

(b)the technical advice available to an instrument holder or an applicant for an instrument;

(c)the financial resources available to an instrument holder or an applicant for an instrument.

(3)Information contained in the following documents is excluded information —

(a)an application for a permit under section 30, 33 or 105(3)(a)(ii) of the Act;

(b)an application for the renewal of a permit under section 40 of the Act;

(c)an application for a drilling reservation under section 43A or 105(3)(a)(ii) of the Act;

(d)an application for a lease under section 48A, 48BB or 48CA of the Act;

(e)an application for the renewal of a lease under section 48F of the Act;

(f)a document setting out the results of a re‑evaluation of the commercial viability of the recovery of petroleum or regulated substance from a petroleum lease area, or the recovery of geothermal energy from a geothermal lease area, under section 48H of the Act;

(g)an application for a licence under section 50, 50AA, 50A, 50B or 57 of the Act;

(h)an application for the renewal of a licence under section 64 of the Act;

(i)a report given under Part 4 or 5;

(j)a field management plan submitted under regulation 43;

(k)a revision of an approved field management plan submitted under regulation 49;

(l)a well management plan submitted under regulation 12;

(m)a revision of an approved well management plan submitted under regulation 19;

(n)a geothermal energy recovery development plan submitted under section 62A of the Act;

(o)an application for approval of a variation of an approved development plan under section 62B of the Act.

(4)For the purposes of subregulation (3), it does not matter whether a document was prepared or submitted before or after the commencement of this regulation.

(5)However, subregulation (3) does not apply to information that is also contained in a document not listed in that subregulation that is given to the Minister.

[Regulation 82 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 55.]

Division 2 — Classification of documentary information

83.Meaning of permanently confidential information

(1)This regulation sets out the 4 situations in which documentary information is permanently confidential information.

(2)Despite anything else in this Division, excluded information is permanently confidential information.

(3)Documentary information given by a person to the Minister is permanently confidential information if the Minister considers the information to be —

(a)a trade secret; or

(b)information the disclosure of which would, or could reasonably be expected to, adversely affect the person’s business, commercial or financial affairs.

(4)Documentary information given by a person to the Minister is permanently confidential information if —

(a)when the information was given, the person told the Minister in writing that the person classified the information as —

(i)a trade secret; or

(ii)information the disclosure of which would, or could reasonably be expected to, adversely affect the person’s business, commercial or financial affairs;

and

(b)the Minister did not give the person a written notice under regulation 85(1) disputing the classification.

(5)Documentary information given by a person to the Minister is permanently confidential information if —

(a)when the information was given, the person told the Minister in writing that the person classified the information as —

(i)a trade secret; or

(ii)information the disclosure of which would, or could reasonably be expected to, adversely affect the person’s business, commercial or financial affairs;

and

(b)the Minister gave the person a written notice under regulation 85(1) disputing the classification; and

(c)either —

(i)the time for making an objection in response to the notice has not elapsed; or

(ii)the person has made an objection in response to the notice, and the objection remains in force.

84.Meaning of interpretative information

(1)This regulation sets out the 3 situations in which documentary information is interpretative information.

(2)Documentary information given by a person to the Minister is interpretative information if the Minister considers the information to be a conclusion drawn wholly or partly from, or an opinion based wholly or partly on, other documentary information.

(3)Documentary information given by a person to the Minister is interpretative information if —

(a)when the information was given, the person told the Minister in writing that the person classified the information as a conclusion drawn wholly or partly from, or an opinion based wholly or partly on, other documentary information; and

(b)the Minister did not give the person a written notice under regulation 85(2) disputing the classification.

(4)Documentary information given by a person to the Minister is interpretative information if —

(a)when the information was given, the person told the Minister in writing that the person classified the information as a conclusion drawn wholly or partly from, or an opinion based wholly or partly on, other documentary information; and

(b)the Minister gave the person a written notice under regulation 85(2) disputing the classification; and

(c)either —

(i)the time for making an objection in response to the notice has not elapsed; or

(ii)the person has made an objection in response to the notice, and the objection remains in force.

85.Classification dispute notice

(1)The Minister may give a person a written notice disputing the classification of documentary information as permanently confidential information if —

(a)the person gave the documentary information to the Minister; and

(b)when the information was given, the person told the Minister in writing that the person classified the information as —

(i)a trade secret; or

(ii)information the disclosure of which would, or could reasonably be expected to, adversely affect the person’s business, commercial or financial affairs;

and

(c)the Minister does not consider the information to be —

(i)a trade secret; or

(ii)information the disclosure of which would, or could reasonably be expected to, adversely affect the person’s business, commercial or financial affairs.

(2)The Minister may give a person a written notice disputing the classification of documentary information as interpretative information if —

(a)the person gave the documentary information to the Minister; and

(b)when the information was given, the person told the Minister in writing that the person classified the information as a conclusion drawn wholly or partly from, or an opinion based wholly or partly on, other documentary information; and

(c)the Minister does not consider the information to be a conclusion drawn wholly or partly from, or an opinion based wholly or partly on, other documentary information.

(3)A notice under subregulation (1) or (2) must be given within 30 days after the Minister receives the documentary information to which it relates.

(4)The Minister may combine 2 or more notices to the same person under subregulation (1) or (2), or both, into a single notice.

(5)A notice under subregulation (1) must include the following —

(a)a statement that the Minister considers the information to be disclosable information and proposes to treat it as disclosable information under this Part;

(b)a statement inviting the person to make a written objection to the Minister’s proposal to treat the information as disclosable information;

(c)a statement that if the person does not make a written objection by the date specified under paragraph (d), the information will be taken to be disclosable information under this Part;

(d)the date by which a written objection must be given to the Minister.

(6)A notice under subregulation (2) must include the following —

(a)a statement that the Minister considers the information to be basic information and proposes to treat it as basic information under this Part;

(b)a statement inviting the person to make a written objection to the Minister’s proposal to treat the information as basic information;

(c)a statement that if the person does not make a written objection by the date specified under paragraph (d), the information will be taken to be basic information under this Part;

(d)the date by which a written objection must be given to the Minister.

(7)For the purposes of subregulations (5)(d) and (6)(d), the date must be at least 45 days after the date the notice was issued.

86.Making an objection

(1)If a person has received a notice from the Minister under regulation 85, the person may make an objection to the classification of the information.

(2)The objection may relate to all of the information described in the notice, or a specified part of the information.

(3)If the notice is given under both regulation 85(1) and (2), the objection must state whether the objection is —

(a)on the ground that the information should be treated as permanently confidential information; or

(b)on the ground that the information should be treated as interpretative information; or

(c)on both grounds.

(4)The objection must be made in writing to the Minister on or before the date specified in the notice.

(5)An objection made under this regulation remains in force until it ceases to be in force under regulation 88.

87.Consideration of objection

(1)If the Minister receives an objection made by a person under regulation 86, the Minister must consider the objection and decide whether to allow or disallow the objection.

(2)The Minister may allow the objection for part of the documentary information to which it relates, and disallow the objection for another part.

(3)The Minister must notify the person in writing of the Minister’s decision within 45 days after the Minister receives the objection.

88.When objection ceases to be in force

An objection made by a person under regulation 86 ceases to be in force if —

(a)the person withdraws the objection by notifying the Minister in writing; or

(b)the Minister disallows the objection.

Division 3 — Release of documentary information

89.Purpose of Division

This Division sets out the circumstances in which the Minister may —

(a)make documentary information publicly known; or

(b)make documentary information available to a person (other than another Minister or a Minister of another jurisdiction).

90.Release of open information about survey or well

Despite anything else in this Division, the Minister may make the following information publicly known at any time —

(a)open information about a survey;

(b)open information about a well.

90A.Release of information from greenhouse gas reports

Despite anything else in this Division, the Minister must make publicly available on a website maintained by, or on behalf of, the Department, the following —

(a)information contained in a monthly GHG accounting report (as defined in regulation 79A(1)) — within 15 days after the Minister receives the report;

(b)information contained in an annual GHG accounting report (as defined in regulation 79A(1)) — within 30 days after the Minister receives the report;

(c)information listed in Schedule 17 Division 4 item 14 of the annual GHG injection report (as defined in regulation 79A(1)) — within 3 years after the Minister receives the report.

[Regulation 90A inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 56.]

91.Release of basic disclosable information

(1)The Minister may make documentary information publicly known or make documentary information available to a person if —

(a)it is basic information; and

(b)it is disclosable information; and

(c)the relevant day for the information, as determined under subregulation (2), (3), (4) or (5), has passed.

(2)Subject to subregulation (3), the relevant day for documentary information relating to a seismic survey described in an item in the Table is the day specified in that item.

Table

Item

Seismic survey

Relevant day

1.

A survey that collected exclusive data if the survey was conducted under an instrument that is still in force.

The day 3 years after the acquisition of the data was completed.

2.

A survey that collected exclusive data if the survey was conducted under an instrument that —

(a)has expired; or

(b)has been surrendered, cancelled, revoked or terminated before the expiry date of the instrument.

The day of the expiry, surrender, cancellation, revocation or termination.

3.

A survey that collected 2D seismic data as non‑exclusive data.

The day 15 years after the acquisition of the data was completed.

4.

A survey that collected 3D seismic data as non‑exclusive data if either of the following was required to be produced as a condition of the grant of an instrument —

(a)the 3D data;

(b)2D data extracted from the 3D data, contained in a seismic extracted data grid.

For the 3D data — the day 15 years after the acquisition of the data was completed.

For the extracted 2D data — the day 5 years after the acquisition of the 3D data was completed.

5.

A survey that collected 3D seismic data as non‑exclusive data if neither of the following was required to be produced as a condition of the grant of an instrument —

(a)the 3D data;

(b)2D data extracted from the 3D data, contained in a seismic extracted data grid.

For the 3D data — the day 15 years after the acquisition of the data was completed.

For the extracted 2D data — the day 6 years after the acquisition of the 3D data was completed.

 

(3)If data from a seismic survey has been reprocessed as a condition of the grant of an instrument, the relevant day for the documentary information obtained from the reprocessing is the later of the following —

(a)the relevant day under subregulation (2) for the information relating to the original survey;

(b)the day 3 years after the last day of the year of the term of the instrument during which the reprocessing was done.

(4)The relevant day for documentary information relating to a survey (other than a seismic survey) described in an item in the Table is the day specified in that item.

Table

Item

Survey

Relevant day

1.

A survey (other than a survey to which item 3 applies) conducted under an instrument that is still in force.

The day 3 years after the acquisition of the data was completed.

2.

A survey (other than a survey to which item 3 applies) conducted under an instrument that —

(a)has expired; or

(b)has been surrendered, cancelled, revoked or terminated before the expiry date of the instrument.

The day of the expiry, surrender, cancellation, revocation or termination.

3.

A survey conducted under a special prospecting authority or access authority that collected non‑exclusive data.

The day 15 years after the acquisition of the data was completed.

(5)The relevant day for documentary information relating to a well is the day specified in the item of the Table that describes the instrument under which the well activity to which the information relates was conducted.

Table

Item

Instrument

Relevant day

1.

An instrument that is still in force.

The day 2 years after the day on which, in the opinion of the Minister, the well activity was substantially completed.

2.

An instrument that —

(a)has expired; or

(b)has been surrendered, cancelled, revoked or terminated before the expiry date of the instrument.

The day of the expiry, surrender, cancellation, revocation or termination.

[Regulation 91 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 57.]

92.Release of interpretative disclosable information

(1)In this regulation —

well information means any of the following —

(a)final well activity data as defined in regulation 73(1);

(b)information contained in a final well activity report as defined in regulation 73(1);

(c)well completion data as defined in regulation 74(1);

(d)information contained in a well completion report as defined in regulation 74(1).

(2)The Minister may make documentary information publicly known or make documentary information available to a person if —

(a)it is interpretative information; and

(b)it is disclosable information; and

(c)the information relates to the subsoil, or to petroleum, a regulated substance, a greenhouse gas substance or geothermal energy resources, in a block; and

(d)the relevant period for the information, determined under subregulation (3) or (4), has elapsed.

(3)The relevant period for well information is 2 years after the day on which, in the opinion of the Minister, the operation to which the information relates was substantially completed.

(4)The relevant period for any other information is 5 years after the day on which, in the opinion of the Minister, the operation to which the information relates was substantially completed.

[Regulation 92 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 58.]

93.Release of documentary information: prior availability or consent

(1)Subject to subregulation (2), the Minister may make documentary information publicly known or make documentary information available to a person if —

(a)the instrument holder who gave the information to the Minister has made the information publicly known; or

(b)the instrument holder who gave the information to the Minister has consented in writing to the information being made publicly known or made available, as the case may be.

(2)If documentary information relating to a block was given to the Minister under a special prospecting authority, an access authority or an instrument of consent under section 116 of the Act, subregulation (1) applies only if the information relates to a period when no permit, lease or licence was in force over the block.

94.Fees for documentary information

(1)This regulation applies if, under regulation 91(1), 92(2) or 93(1), the Minister makes documentary information available to a person.

(2)If the document containing the information is lent to the person, the Minister may require the person to pay a fee of $142.00 for each day or part of a day during which the document is on loan.

(3)If it is necessary to conduct a search in order to locate the information for the person, the Minister may require the person to pay a fee of $142.00 for each hour or part of an hour (after the first half hour) taken to conduct the search.

(4)If the information is copied or reproduced for the person, the Minister may require the person to pay a fee of an amount equal to the total costs incurred in copying or reproducing the information.

(5)If the information is sent to the person, the Minister may require the person to pay a fee of an amount equal to the total costs incurred in sending the information (including any packaging costs).

[Regulation 94 amended: Gazette 24 Jun 2016 p. 2333; 23 Jun 2017 p. 3304; 25 Jun 2018 p. 2319; 18 Jun 2019 p. 2053; SL 2020/93 r. 17.]

94A.Release of documentary information to Department of Treasury and Finance workers for royalties functions

(1)In this regulation —

CEO means the chief executive officer of the Department of Treasury and Finance;

Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration worker means a public service officer, or other individual, employed or engaged in, or who otherwise holds a position in, the department of the Public Service principally assisting in the administration of the Act;

Department of Treasury and Finance means the department of the Public Service principally assisting in the administration of the Taxation Administration Act 2003;

Department of Treasury and Finance worker means a public service officer, or other individual, employed or engaged in, or who otherwise holds a position in, the Department of Treasury and Finance;

Minister for Finance means the Minister to whom the administration of the Taxation Administration Act 2003 is for the time being committed by the Governor;

royalties function means a function for, or in connection with, the administration or collection of royalties under the Act.

(2)The Minister may make documentary information available to a Department of Treasury and Finance worker for the purposes of, or in relation to, the performance of a royalties function.

(3)If the Minister makes documentary information available to a Department of Treasury and Finance worker under subregulation (2), the worker may access, copy, use, store or disclose the documentary information for the purposes of, or in relation to, performing a royalties function.

(4)A Department of Treasury and Finance worker may only disclose documentary information under subregulation (3) to —

(a)another Department of Treasury and Finance worker; or

(b)a Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration worker; or

(c)the CEO; or

(d)the Minister for Finance; or

(e)another Minister.

(5)An individual who is or was a Department of Treasury and Finance worker commits an offence if —

(a)documentary information made available under subregulation (2) came to the individual’s knowledge in the course of, or by reason of, their employment or engagement in, or their otherwise holding a position in, the Department of Treasury and Finance; and

(b)the individual accesses, copies, uses, stores or discloses the documentary information —

(i)for personal gain; or

(ii)otherwise in a way that is not authorised under subregulation (3).

Penalty for this subregulation: a fine of $10 000.

(6)A Minister to whom documentary information is disclosed under subregulation (3) or this subregulation may access, copy, use, store or disclose the documentary information for the purposes of, or in relation to, a royalties function.

(7)Subregulation (6) authorises a Minister to disclose documentary information only to another Minister.

[Regulation 94A inserted: SL 2022/1 r. 6; amended: SL 2025/153 r. 15.]

Division 4 — Release of mining samples

95.Purpose of Division

This Division sets out the circumstances in which the Minister may —

(a)make publicly known any details of a mining sample; or

(b)permit a person (other than another Minister or a Minister of another jurisdiction) to inspect a mining sample.

96.Release of mining samples after relevant day

(1)The Minister may make publicly known details of a mining sample or permit a person to inspect a mining sample if the relevant day for the sample, as determined under subregulation (2), has passed.

(2)The relevant day for a mining sample is the day specified in the item of the Table that describes the instrument under which the operation to which the sample relates was conducted.

Table

Item

Instrument

Relevant day

1.

An instrument that is still in force.

The day 2 years after the day on which, in the opinion of the Minister, the operation was substantially completed.

2.

An instrument that —

(a)has expired; or

(b)has been surrendered, cancelled, revoked or terminated before the expiry date of the instrument.

The day of the expiry, surrender, cancellation, revocation or termination.

97.Release of mining samples: prior availability or consent

(1)Subject to subregulation (2), the Minister may make publicly known details of a mining sample or permit a person to inspect a mining sample if —

(a)the instrument holder who gave the sample to the Minister has made publicly known those details of the sample; or

(b)the instrument holder who gave the sample to the Minister has caused to be made publicly known those details of the sample; or

(c)the instrument holder who gave the sample to the Minister has consented in writing to details of the sample being made publicly known or to the sample being made available for inspection.

(2)If a mining sample from a block was given to the Minister under a special prospecting authority, an access authority or an instrument of consent under section 116 of the Act, subregulation (1) applies only if the sample was obtained during a period when no permit, lease or licence was in force over the block.

98.Fees for inspection of mining sample

(1)This regulation applies if, under regulation 96(1) or 97(1), the Minister permits a person to inspect a mining sample.

(2)If the mining sample is lent to the person for inspection, the Minister may require the person to pay a fee of $142.00 for each day or part of a day during which the sample is on loan.

(3)If it is necessary to conduct a search in order to locate the mining sample for the person, the Minister may require the person to pay a fee of $142.00 for each hour or part of an hour (after the first half hour) taken to conduct the search.

(4)If the mining sample is sent to the person for inspection, the Minister may require the person to pay a fee of an amount equal to the total costs incurred in sending the sample (including any packaging costs).

[Regulation 98 amended: Gazette 24 Jun 2016 p. 2334; 23 Jun 2017 p. 3304; 25 Jun 2018 p. 2319; 18 Jun 2019 p. 2053; SL 2020/93 r. 18.]

Part 10  Transitional provisions

99.Terms used

In this Part —

commencement day means the day on which this Part comes into operation;

existing recovery operation means the recovery of petroleum from a petroleum pool in a licence area undertaken by a petroleum licensee before commencement day that continues on or after that day;

existing well activity means a well activity undertaken by a title holder before commencement day that continues on or after that day;

transitional period means the period of 12 months beginning on commencement day.

100.Existing surveys

Regulation 5 does not apply in relation to a survey undertaken by an instrument holder before commencement day that continues on or after that day.

101.Existing well activities

Regulation 10(1) does not apply in relation to an existing well activity until —

(a)in a case where, before the end of the transitional period, the title holder undertaking the well activity makes an application under regulation 12(1) for approval of a well management plan in respect of the well activity — the day after the day on which the title holder is given notice under regulation 14 of the decision on the application; or

(b)in any other case — the day after the end of the transitional period.

102.Existing recovery operations

Regulation 41 does not apply in relation to an existing recovery operation until —

(a)in a case where, before the end of the transitional period, the petroleum licensee undertaking the recovery operation makes an application under regulation 43(1) for approval of a field management plan in respect of the field in which the recovery operation is being undertaken — the day after the day on which the licensee is given notice under regulation 45 of the decision on the application; or

(b)in a case where, before the end of the transitional period, the petroleum licensee undertaking the recovery operation makes an application under regulation 58(1) for permission to undertake the recovery operation — the day after the day on which the licensee is given notice under regulation 60 of the decision on the application; or

(c)in any other case — the day after the end of the transitional period.

 

Schedule 1  Well management plan

[r. 17(1)]

Item

Description of information

1.

The name and number of the well.

2.

The location of the well, in the form of —

(a)the elevation, latitude and longitude of the well; and

(b)the basin and sub‑basin (if applicable) in which the well is located; and

(c)the map sheet name and graticular block number.

3.

A description of each well activity.

4.

An explanation of —

(a)the philosophy of, and criteria for, the design, construction, operational activity and management of the well; and

(b)the possible production or injection activities of the well,

showing that each well activity will be carried out in accordance with sound engineering principles, codes, standards and specifications and, if the activity relates to the exploration for or recovery of petroleum or regulated substances, good oil‑field practice.

5.

The title holder’s proposed timetable for carrying out each well activity, including estimated commencement and cessation dates.

6.

Performance objectives against which the performance of each well activity is to be measured and measurement criteria that define those performance objectives.

7.

An explanation of how the title holder will identify, monitor, mitigate and otherwise deal with —

(a)a well integrity hazard; and

(b)a significant increase in an existing risk for the well,

including the possibility of continuing a well activity for the purpose of dealing with the well integrity hazard or the risk.

8.

Details of chemicals and other substances that may be —

(a)in, or added to, treatment materials to be used for the purposes of drilling or hydraulic fracturing undertaken in the course of each well activity; or

(b)otherwise introduced into a well or underground formation in the course of each well activity; or

(c)otherwise used in the course of each well activity.

9.

The proposed total volume and composition of fluids and other materials to be used in the course of each well activity.

10.

The estimated total volume and composition of returned fluids and other materials from the well and arrangements for the management of those fluids and materials.

11.

Arrangements for the management of any produced formation materials that result from drilling, well testing or production.

12.

Details of when and how the title holder will notify the Minister, and give the Minister reports and information, about —

(a)each well activity; and

(b)well integrity hazards; and

(c)significant increases in existing risks for the well; and

(d)other matters relevant to the conduct of each well activity.

13.

An explanation of the way that the title holder will keep information required by the well management plan.

14.

A list of the principal Australian and international standards that apply in relation to each well activity and plant used in connection with each well activity.

15.

If the well management plan relates to a drilling activity, the following —

(a)the programmed depth of the well;

(b)the proposed path of the well;

(c)the estimated start or spud date for the well;

(d)a description of the rig and any blow‑out prevention equipment and their method of operation;

(e)the casing programme, including design safety factors for burst, collapse or tension;

(f)the complete casing cementation programme;

(g)a description of downhole barriers and procedures for testing those barriers;

(h)the formation evaluation programme (including cutting and fluid sampling, coring, wireline logging and mud logging);

(i)the drilling fluids programme;

(j)the geological prognosis for the well;

(k)the name and address of the drilling contractor;

(l)the names and addresses of other contractors and subcontractors involved in the drilling activity and the nature of the services that they are to provide;

 

 

(m)the name and contact details of the person who will have responsibility for communications with the Minister regarding the drilling activity;

(n)details of the insurance held by the title holder in relation to the well and the drilling activity.

[Schedule 1 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 59.]

Schedule 2 — Annual assessment report

[r. 37(2)]

Division 1 — Required information: petroleum, geothermal or GHG permittee or holder of petroleum, geothermal or GHG drilling reservation

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 60.]

Item

Description of information

1.

A description of work and expenditure commitments as detailed in the permit or drilling reservation.

2.

For all work, evaluations and studies carried out in relation to the permit or drilling reservation —

(a)the total expenditure on the work, evaluations and studies; and

(b)the results of the work, evaluations and studies, including details about any leads and prospects identified or potential GHG storage formations that have been assessed.

3.

A list of the reports submitted to the Minister in accordance with these regulations during the year.

4.

For the work, evaluations and studies expected to be carried out in relation to the permit or drilling reservation during the next year of the permit or drilling reservation —

(a)a description of work commitments and expenditure estimates; and

(b)a description of the measures taken by the permittee or holder of the drilling reservation to prepare for the work mentioned in paragraph (a).

5.

Any other information that is required to be included in the annual assessment report by a condition of the permit or drilling reservation.

[Division 1 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 60.]

Division 2 — Required information: petroleum retention lessee or geothermal retention lessee

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 60.]

Item

Description of information

6.

A description of work and expenditure commitments as detailed in the lease.

7.

For all work, evaluations and studies carried out in relation to the lease —

(a)the total expenditure on the work, evaluations and studies; and

(b)the results of the work, evaluations and studies, including details about any leads and prospects identified.

8.

A list of the reports submitted to the Minister in accordance with these regulations during the year.

9.

Details of the lessee’s plans for further evaluation of discoveries, including work that is to be carried out in the lease area.

10.

For the work, evaluations and studies expected to be carried out in relation to the lease during the next year of the lease —

(a)a description of work commitments and expenditure estimates; and

(b)a description of the measures taken by the lessee to prepare for the work mentioned in paragraph (a).

11.

For a year after the first year of the lease, the following information about each resources pool or geothermal resources area situated in the lease area —

(a)a description of the pool or geothermal resources area;

(b)any new information relating to the evaluation of the pool or geothermal resources area;

(c)an estimate of the quantity of petroleum and regulated substances in the pool, or geothermal energy resources in the geothermal resources area, at the end of the previous year;

(d)an estimate of the quantity of recoverable petroleum and regulated substances in the pool, or recoverable geothermal energy in the geothermal resources area, at the end of the previous year;

(e)any new or revised data upon which the estimates in paragraphs (c) and (d) are based, including a report of any study carried out that has resulted in a revised estimate;

(f)a table summarising the quantities mentioned in paragraphs (c) and (d) by reference to resources and reserves.

12.

Any other information that is required to be included in the annual assessment report by a condition of the lease.

[Division 2 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 60.]

Division 2A — Required information: GHG retention lessee

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 60.]

Item

Description of information

13.

A description of work and expenditure commitments as detailed in the lease.

14.

For all work, evaluations and studies carried out in relation to the lease —

(a)the total expenditure on the work, evaluations and studies; and

(b)the results of the work, evaluations and studies, including details about any potential GHG storage formations that have been assessed.

15.

A list of the reports submitted to the Minister in accordance with these regulations during the year.

16.

Details of the lessee’s plans for further evaluation work, including work that is to be carried out in the lease area.

17.

For the work, evaluations and studies expected to be carried out in relation to the lease during the next year of the lease —

(a)a description of work commitments and expenditure estimates; and

(b)a description of the measures taken by the lessee to prepare for the work mentioned in paragraph (a).

18.

Any other information that is required to be included in the annual assessment report by a condition of the lease.

[Division 2A inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 60.]

Division 3 — Required information: petroleum licensee or geothermal licensee

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 60.]

Item

Description of information

19.

For all work, evaluations and studies carried out in relation to the licence —

(a)the total expenditure on the work, evaluations and studies; and

(b)the results of the work, evaluations and studies, including details about any leads and prospects identified.

20.

Details of any activities the licensee plans to undertake in the licence area in compliance with a condition of the licence.

21.

A list of the reports submitted to the Minister in accordance with these regulations during the year.

22.

Details of the licensee’s plans for further evaluation of the licence area, including work that is to be carried out in the licence area and is not covered by item 20.

23.

A production forecast for each producing or potential development project.

24.

For a year after the first year of the licence, the following information about each resources pool or geothermal resources area situated in the licence area —

(a)a description of the pool or geothermal resources area;

(b)any new information relating to the evaluation of the pool or geothermal resources area;

(c)an estimate of the quantity of petroleum or regulated substance in the pool, or geothermal energy resources in the geothermal resources area, at the end of the previous year;

(d)an estimate of the quantity of recoverable petroleum or regulated substance in the pool, or recoverable geothermal energy in the geothermal resources area, at the end of the previous year;

(e)any new or revised data upon which the estimates in paragraphs (c) and (d) are based, including a report of any study carried out that has resulted in a revised estimate;

(f)a table summarising the quantities mentioned in paragraphs (c) and (d) by reference to resources and reserves.

25.

The total amount of petroleum and regulated substances produced or geothermal energy recovered during the year.

26.

The amount of each substance injected into an underground formation during the year.

27.

The amount of each substance flared or vented during the year.

28.

Any other information that is required to be included in accordance with a condition of the licence.

[Division 3 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 60.]

Schedule 3  Field management plan

[r. 48(1)]

Item

Description of information

1.

Evidence and data showing that the field contains petroleum or a regulated substance, including details of the structure, extent and location of discovered resources pools.

2.

Estimates of the volume of petroleum or regulated substances in place and recoverable petroleum or regulated substances, including data supporting the estimates.

3.

A description of the following —

(a)the possible resources pools in the field;

(b)the applicant’s plans (if any) to explore for resources pools;

(c)how any resources pools of commercial quantity can be incorporated into the development of the licence area.

4.

A description of the following —

(a)an appropriate strategy for the development of the field, management of resources pools and optimum long‑term recovery;

(b)any proposed and alternative development scenarios.

5.

A description of how the applicant intends to recover petroleum or regulated substances over time, including the following information —

(a)the estimated positions of wells;

(b)the potential timing of workover operations;

(c)possible tie‑ins.

6.

Details of the past performance (if any) of production wells in the field and a prediction of the future performance of those wells.

7.

The proposed maximum rate of recovery of petroleum or regulated substances from a resources pool in the field.

8.

Details of the following —

(a)any aquifers that could be affected by the development of the field;

(b)the applicant’s proposals for the management of such aquifers including proposals for baseline monitoring.

9.

The project schedule, including the following —

(a)an estimated development timetable for production facilities such as wells, platforms and pipelines;

(b)estimated dates for cessation of production and field closure.

10.

Details of the applicant’s operations or proposals for the following —

(a)the enhanced recovery or recycling of petroleum or regulated substances;

(b)the processing, storage or disposal of petroleum or regulated substances;

(c)the injection of water or treatment material into an underground formation.

11.

Arrangements for the following —

(a)monitoring, recording in writing and reporting on the applicant’s conduct of pool management;

(b)keeping records and other documents about the applicant’s conduct of pool management.

12.

Details of equipment and procedures used to determine the quantity and composition of petroleum or regulated substances and water.

13.

Details of the following —

(a)the surface connections and equipment to be used by the applicant;

(b)any petroleum or regulated substance production by a well that is from more than 1 resources pool;

(c)any petroleum or regulated substance production from a resources pool that is through more than 1 well.

 

14.

Arrangements for the management of the following —

(a)produced formation material;

(b)waste fluid and other waste material produced from wells;

(c)treatment material;

(d)waste petroleum or regulated substances;

(e)refuse from tanks and wells;

(f)naturally occurring radioactive materials;

(g)geological risk.

15.

Arrangements for the disposal or flaring of any produced petroleum or regulated substances.

16.

A description of the applicant’s plans for closure of the field, including plans for decommissioning and rehabilitation.

17.

A list of the principal Australian and international standards that apply in relation to the applicant’s operations and plant used in connection with those operations.

[Schedule 3 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 61.]

Schedule 4  Geothermal energy recovery development plan

[r. 63]

Item

Description of information

1.

Evidence and data showing that the licence area contains geothermal energy resources, including details of the structure, extent and location of discovered geothermal resources areas.

2.

Estimates of the volume of geothermal energy resources in place and recoverable geothermal energy, including data supporting the estimates.

3.

A description of the following —

(a)the possible geothermal energy resources in the licence area;

(b)the geothermal licensee’s plans (if any) to explore for geothermal resources areas;

(c)how any geothermal resources areas of commercial quantity can be incorporated into the development of the licence area.

4.

A description of the following —

(a)an appropriate strategy for the development of the licence area, management of geothermal resources areas and optimum long‑term recovery;

(b)any proposed and alternative development scenarios.

5.

A description of how the geothermal licensee intends to recover geothermal energy over time, including the following information —

(a)the estimated positions of wells;

(b)the potential timing of workover operations;

(c)possible tie‑ins.

6.

Details of the past performance (if any) of production wells in the licence area and a prediction of the future performance of those wells.

7.

The proposed maximum rate of recovery of geothermal energy from the licence area.

8.

Details of the following —

(a)any aquifers that could be affected by the development of the licence area;

(b)the geothermal licensee’s proposals for the management of such aquifers including proposals for baseline monitoring.

9.

The project schedule, including an estimated development timetable for production facilities such as wells and pipelines.

10.

Details of the geothermal licensee’s operations or proposals for the following —

(a)the enhanced recovery or recycling of produced formation material;

(b)the processing, storage or disposal of produced formation material;

(c)the injection of water or treatment material into an underground formation.

11.

Arrangements for the following —

(a)monitoring, recording in writing and reporting on the geothermal licensee’s management of geothermal resources areas;

(b)keeping records and other documents about the geothermal licensee’s management of geothermal resources areas.

12.

Details of the following —

(a)the surface connections and equipment to be used by the geothermal licensee;

(b)any geothermal energy recovery through a well that is from more than one geothermal resources area;

(c)any geothermal energy recovery from a geothermal resources area that is through more than one well.

13.

Arrangements for the management of the following —

(a)produced formation material;

(b)waste fluid and other waste material produced from wells;

(c)treatment material;

(d)waste heat;

(e)refuse from tanks and wells;

(f)naturally occurring radioactive materials;

(g)geological risk.

14.

Arrangements for the disposal or flaring of any produced petroleum or regulated substance.

15.

A description of the applicant’s plans for closure of the geothermal resources areas, including plans for decommissioning and rehabilitation.

16.

A list of the principal Australian and international standards that apply in relation to the geothermal licensee’s operations and plant used in connection with those operations.

[Schedule 4 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 62.]

Schedule 5  Daily well activity report

[r. 72(1)]

Item

Description of information

1.

The name and number of the well.

2.

The name of the instrument holder.

3.

The location, elevation, latitude and longitude of the well.

4.

The water depth at the well (if applicable).

5.

The drilled depth and, if the total depth was reached, the coordinates of the bottom of the well bore.

6.

A description of the well activity.

7.

A description of the work carried out.

8.

The lithology of underground formations penetrated.

9.

Details of any indication of petroleum, regulated substance or geothermal energy resources.

10.

Treatment material losses.

11.

A leak‑off test or formation integrity test summary.

12.

The geometry of the well bore.

13.

The results of surveys made in the well bore.

14.

The estimated daily and cumulative well costs.

15.

The total volume and properties of treatment material used.

16.

The total volume and properties of produced formation material.

17.

The name of the drilling contractor.

18.

The name of the rig drilling the well.

19.

An hourly operational breakdown of the work carried out.

20.

Relevant pressure data.

21.

Details of chemicals or other substances kept on site for use in the well activity.

22.

The name and contact details of the person responsible for the well activity.

23.

Drilling parameters (for example, rate of penetration, pump rate or pump pressure).

24.

Pressure tests undertaken.

[Schedule 5 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 63.]

Schedule 6  Final well activity data

[r. 73(1)]

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 64.]

Item

Type of data

Standard submission method

Standard formats

1.

Well index sheet

Online or portable hard drive

PDF

2.

If generated, raw data, edited field data and processed data from log runs (any results from measurements while drilling (MWD) and logging while drilling (LWD), wireline data)

Online or portable hard drive

DLIS or LAS with complete header information

3.

Log displays for all generated logs

Online or portable hard drive

PDF or TIFF

4.

If generated, edited field data and processed data for borehole deviation surveys

Online or portable hard drive

DLIS, ASCII, LAS or XLSX with complete header information

5.

If generated, petrophysical, geochemical or other sample analyses

Online or portable hard drive

ASCII or XLSX with complete header information

[Schedule 6 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 64.]

Schedule 7  Final well activity report

[r. 73(1)]

Item

Description of information

1.

The name and number of the well.

2.

The name of the instrument holder.

3.

The name of the instrument area in which the well is located.

4.

The purpose of the well activity (for example, testing or intervention).

5.

The status of the well (for example, producing, injecting, suspended or decommissioned).

6.

The location of the well, in the form of —

(a)the elevation, latitude and longitude of the well; and

(b)the basin and sub‑basin (if applicable) in which the well is located; and

(c)the map sheet name and graticular block number.

7.

The start date of the well activity.

8.

The end date of the well activity.

9.

What is being used as the depth reference for the well (for example, the Kelly bushing or the rig floor).

10.

The height of the depth reference above sea level or the Australian Height Datum.

11.

The water depth or ground depth at the well.

12.

The measured depth of the well.

13.

The true vertical depth of the well.

14.

If applicable, the depth of perforation in the resources pool or geothermal resources area.

15.

If applicable, the name of the drilling contractor.

16.

If applicable, the name of the rig drilling the well.

17.

If applicable, the rig’s make and model.

18.

If applicable, a list of log runs for wireline logging and velocity surveys.

19.

If applicable, the names of the contractors for —

(a)cementing; and

(b)wireline logging; and

(c)measurements while drilling (MWD); and

(d)logging while drilling (LWD); and

(e)mudlogging.

20.

If applicable, the names of MWD and LWD tools used.

21.

Details of equipment and casing installed on or in the well, including schematics.

22.

If applicable, information on cementing operations and schematics of decommissioning.

23.

Treatment materials used.

24.

Treatment material losses.

25.

If applicable, wireline formation analysis and processing results.

26.

If applicable, production test results.

27.

Details of any indication of petroleum, a regulated substance or geothermal energy resources.

28.

Raw pressure‑time listings for any formation fluid sample tests and production tests.

29.

Details of any produced formation materials.

[Schedule 7 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 65.]

Schedule 8 — Well completion data

[r. 74(1)]

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 66.]

Item

Type of data

Standard submission method

Standard formats

1.

Well index sheet

Online or portable hard drive

PDF

2.

Raw data, edited field data and processed data from any log runs (any results from measurements while drilling (MWD) and logging while drilling (LWD), wireline data)

Online or portable hard drive

DLIS or LAS with complete header information

3.

Log displays for all log runs

Online or portable hard drive

PDF or TIFF

4.

Mudlogging data

Online or portable hard drive

ASCII or LAS with complete header information

5.

Mudlog displays

Online or portable hard drive

PDF or TIFF

6.

Edited field data and processed data for borehole deviation surveys

Online or portable hard drive

DLIS, ASCII, LAS or XLSX with complete header information

7.

If generated, data from velocity surveys including the following —

(a)raw data;

(b)processed data;

(c)checkshot and time/depth analysis

Online or portable hard drive

DLIS, SEG‑Y or ASCII with complete header information

8.

Velocity survey displays

Online or portable hard drive

TIFF, JPEG or PDF

9.

Interpretative log analysis

Online or portable hard drive

DLIS, ASCII, LAS or XLSX with complete header information

10.

Petrophysical, geochemical or other sample analyses

Online or portable hard drive

ASCII or XLSX with complete header information

11.

Composite well log

Online or portable hard drive

TIFF, JPEG or PDF

12.

Photography of the core and sidewall core, in both natural and UV light

Online or portable hard drive

JPEG, PNG or TIFF

[Schedule 8 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 66.]

Schedule 9  Well completion report

[r. 74(1)]

Item

Description of information

1.

The name and number of the well.

2.

The Authorisation For Expenditure (AFE) cost and the final cost of the well.

3.

The name of the instrument holder.

4.

The name of the instrument area in which the well is located.

5.

The purpose of the well activity (for example, development, appraisal, exploration, stratigraphy or geothermal energy recovery).

6.

The status of the well (for example, producing, injecting, suspended or decommissioned).

7.

The location of the well, in the form of —

(a)the geodetic datum, elevation, latitude and longitude of the well; and

(b)the basin and sub‑basin (if applicable) in which the well is located; and

(c)the map sheet name and graticular block number; and

(d)the seismic line location and shotpoint number or other geophysical location identifier (for example, gravity survey station).

8.

The results of a check survey of the location of —

(a)for a subsea well — the well‑head; and

(b)in any other case — the top of the casing supporting the blow‑out preventer.

9.

Either —

(a)the spud date; or

(b)if the well is a sidetrack — the kick‑off date.

10.

The rig release date.

11.

What is being used as the depth reference for the well (for example, the rotary table or the rig floor).

12.

The height of the depth reference above sea level or the Australian Height Datum.

13.

The water depth or ground depth at the well.

14.

The measured depth of the well.

15.

The true vertical depth of the well.

16.

The measured depth and true vertical depth of marker horizons or formation tops.

17.

If applicable, the coordinates and true vertical depth of the intersection of the well with the underground formation horizon or the storage formation.

18.

If applicable, the depth of perforation in the resources pool, the geothermal resources area or the storage formation.

19.

The date on which the total depth was reached.

20.

The coordinates of the bottom of the well bore.

21.

The surveyed path of the well.

22.

If the well is a sidetrack — the name of the parent well.

23.

The name of the drilling contractor.

24.

The name of the rig drilling the well.

25.

The rig’s make and model.

26.

A list of log runs for wireline logging and velocity surveys.

27.

The names of the contractors for —

(a)cementing; and

(b)wireline logging; and

(c)measurements while drilling (MWD); and

(d)logging while drilling (LWD); and

(e)mudlogging.

28.

The names of MWD and LWD tools used.

29.

Details of equipment and casing installed on or in the well, including schematics.

30.

If applicable, information on cementing operations and schematics of decommissioning.

31.

Bit records.

32.

Drilling fluids used.

33.

Drilling fluid losses.

34.

A list of cores, cuttings and samples taken, and their depths and intervals.

35.

The results of any analysis of cores, cuttings or samples that has been carried out.

36.

Geological interpretations of the observations made as a result of drilling the well, including —

(a)structure; and

(b)lithology; and

(c)stratigraphy; and

(d)underground formation properties and quality; and

(e)geochemistry of source rocks if available; and

(f)environment of deposition if available.

37.

Palynology reports and results.

38.

Wireline formation analysis and processing results.

39.

Petrographic descriptions.

40.

Well test reporting and associated digital data.

41.

If the well is an exploration well — the relevance of the observations and interpretations to the evaluation of the petroleum, regulated substance, geothermal or GHG storage potential of the instrument area.

42.

Details of any indication of petroleum, a regulated substance or geothermal energy resources.

43.

Raw pressure‑time listings for any formation fluid sample tests and production tests.

[Schedule 9 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 67.]

Schedule 10  Weekly survey report

[r. 75(1)]

Item

Description of information

1.

The name of the survey.

2.

The title, authority or consent under which the survey is being conducted.

3.

The name of the instrument holder.

4.

The name of the contractor conducting the survey.

5.

The name of the vessel or aircraft being used to conduct the survey.

6.

A map showing where the survey was conducted during the week.

7.

The number of kilometres or square kilometres for which data was acquired during the week.

8.

The number of points at which data was acquired during the week.

9.

The number of lines of data acquired during the week.

10.

The amount of downtime during the week due to equipment problems, bad weather or other circumstances.

11.

The percentage of the survey completed at the end of the week.

Schedule 11 — Survey acquisition data

[r. 76(1)]

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 68.]

Division 1 — Seismic surveys

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 68.]

Item

Type of data

Standard submission method

Standard formats

1.

Navigation, elevation and bathymetry data

Online or portable hard drive

UKOOA with complete header information

2.

Spatial data for the survey, in the form of —

(a)for a 2‑dimensional seismic survey — line ends and bends; or

(b)for a 3‑dimensional seismic survey — a polygon outline of the acquisition area

Online or portable hard drive

For 2D — polyline shapefile

For 3D — polygon shapefile

 

3.

Seismic field data

Portable hard drive, LTO or 3592 cartridge

SEG‑D or SEG‑Y with complete header information

4.

Seismic support data, including observers’ logs

Online or portable hard drive

PDF or XLSX

5.

If acquired, uphole data

Online or portable hard drive

ASCII

[Division 1 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 68.]

Division 2 — Other surveys

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 68.]

Item

Type of data

Standard submission method

Standard formats

6.

Field data

Online or portable hard drive

ASCII or other industry‑recognised standard non‑proprietary binary format, with accompanying format description

7.

Field support and navigation data

Online or portable hard drive

ASCII

8.

Spatial data for the survey, in the form of —

(a)for other 2‑dimensional surveys — line ends and bends; or

(b)for other 3‑dimensional surveys — a polygon outline of the acquisition area

Online or portable hard drive

For 2D — polyline shapefile

For 3D — polygon shapefile

[Division 2 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 68.]

Schedule 12  Survey acquisition report

[r. 76(1)]

Item

Description of information

1.

The name of the survey.

2.

The title, authority or consent under which the survey is being conducted.

3.

The name of the instrument holder.

4.

The name of the contractor that conducted the survey.

5.

The name of the vessel or aircraft that was used to conduct the survey.

6.

A map showing where the survey was conducted.

7.

The dates on which the survey started and ended.

8.

Details of all data acquisition equipment and systems used.

9.

Details of all positioning and navigation equipment and systems used.

10.

The number of lines of data acquired in the survey and the number of data acquisition points along each line.

11.

Navigation data for the survey, in the form of —

(a)for a 2‑dimensional seismic survey — x, y and z coordinates for each shotpoint; or

(b)for other 2‑dimensional surveys — line ends and bends; or

(c)for a 3‑dimensional seismic survey — a full fold polygon outline; or

(d)for other 3‑dimensional surveys — a polygon outline.

12.

The geometry of the acquisition parameters.

13.

The results of any onboard data processing.

14.

The results of any system tests, calibrations and diagnostics.

Schedule 13 — Processed survey data

[r. 77(1)]

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 69.]

Division 1 — 2D seismic surveys

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 69.]

Item

Type of data

Standard submission method

Standard formats

1.

All generated processed data including the following —

(a)raw and final stacked data;

(b)raw and final migrated data;

(c)data generated from any other processing

Online or portable hard drive

SEG‑Y with complete header information

2.

Final processed navigation, elevation and bathymetry data

Online or portable hard drive

UKOOA with complete header information

3.

Shotpoint to common depth point (CDP) relationship

Online or portable hard drive

ASCII

4.

Data for both stacked and migrated velocities, including the following —

(a)line number;

(b)shotpoint or CDP;

(c)time versus root mean square (RMS) pairs

Online or portable hard drive

ASCII or SEG‑Y with complete header information

[Division 1 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 69.]

Division 2 — 3D seismic surveys

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 69.]

Item

Type of data

Standard submission method

Standard formats

5.

All generated processed data including the following —

(a)raw and final stacked data;

(b)raw and final migrated data;

(c)data generated from any other processing

Online or portable hard drive

SEG‑Y with complete header information

6.

Final processed navigation, elevation and bathymetry data, including final processed (grid) bin coordinates

Online or portable hard drive

UKOOA with complete header information

7.

Final navigation data in the form of the following —

(a)final processed (grid) bin coordinates;

(b)polygon showing the outline of the full fold area

Online or portable hard drive

Shapefile

8.

Data for both stacked and migrated velocities, including the following —

(a)bin number;

(b)time versus root mean square (RMS) pairs

Online or portable hard drive

ASCII or SEG‑Y with complete header information

9.

2D data subset, if the 3‑dimensional survey collected data as non‑exclusive data

Online or portable hard drive

SEG‑Y with complete header information

[Division 2 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 69.]

Division 3 — Other surveys

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 69.]

Item

Type of data

Standard submission method

Standard formats

10.

All generated processed data

Online or portable hard drive

ASCII or other industry‑recognised standard non‑proprietary binary format, with accompanying format description

11.

Georeferenced final processed images

Online or portable hard drive

GeoPDF and GeoTIFF

12.

Polygon showing the outline of the processed area

Online or portable hard drive

Shapefile

[Division 3 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 69.]

Schedule 14  Survey processing report

[r. 77(1)]

Item

Description of information

1.

The name of the survey.

2.

The title, authority or consent under which the survey is being conducted.

3.

The name of the instrument holder.

4.

The dates on which processing of the survey started and ended.

5.

The name of the processing contractor.

6.

The purpose of the processing.

7.

A summary of the data acquisition parameters.

8.

Details of all processing sequences and techniques used.

9.

A sample Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC) header from the final data set.

10.

Listings of all processed data.

11.

For a 3‑dimensional survey —

(a)a description of the position of the survey polygon; and

(b)a calculation for the 3‑dimensional line numbering convention.

Schedule 15 — Interpretative survey data

[r. 78(1)]

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 70.]

Item

Type of data

Standard submission method

Standard formats

1.

Digital interpretation map displays

Online or portable hard drive

PDF, TIFF, JPEG or other standard picture format

[Schedule 15 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 70.]

Schedule 16  Survey interpretation report

[r. 78(1)]

Item

Description of information

1.

The name of the survey.

2.

The title, authority or consent under which the survey is being conducted.

3.

The name of the instrument holder.

4.

A description of the objectives of the interpretation.

5.

For a seismic survey —

(a)a list of the surfaces interpreted; and

(b)a justification of the surfaces interpreted, including synthetic seismograms if available; and

(c)a description of the velocity field used to convert time to depth (including ASCII data) and the basis for the velocity field (for example, wells and seismic surveys used); and

(d)if available, time slices to describe the environment of deposition.

6.

A bathymetric or elevation map of the survey area.

7.

An index of the maps created during the interpretation.

[Schedule 16 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 71.]

Schedule 17 — Production and GHG injection reports

[r. 79(1), 79A(1)]

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 72.]

Division 1 — Information for monthly production report for petroleum licensee

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 73(1).]

Item

Description of information

1.

For each well in the licence area —

(a)the well’s identification name and number; and

(b)a summary of all work that has been performed on the well during the month; and

(c)the results of production tests for the well, including the parameters of the test; and

(d)the well’s operational status at the end of the month; and

(e)the number of days of production during the month; and

(f)the cumulative quantities of water and of liquid and gaseous petroleum or regulated substances produced or injected as at the end of the month.

2.

For the licence area —

(a)the total quantities of each of the following for the month —

(i)liquid and gaseous petroleum or regulated substances produced;

(ii)liquid and gaseous petroleum or regulated substances used;

(iii)liquid and gaseous petroleum or regulated substances injected;

(iv)gaseous petroleum or regulated substances flared or vented;

(v)liquid petroleum or regulated substances stored;

(vi)liquid and gaseous petroleum or regulated substances delivered from the area;

(vii)water produced;

(viii)water injected;

 

and

(b)the cumulative quantities of water and of liquid and gaseous petroleum or regulated substances produced or injected as at the end of the month.

[Division 1 amended: SL 2026/82 r. 73.]

Division 2 — Information for monthly production report for geothermal licensee

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 73(4).]

Item

Description of information

3.

For each well in the licence area —

(a)the well’s identification name and number; and

(b)a summary of all work that has been performed on the well during the month; and

(c)the results of production tests for the well, including the parameters of the test; and

(d)the well’s operational status at the end of the month; and

(e)the number of days of production during the month; and

(f)the cumulative quantities of water and of geothermal energy produced or injected as at the end of the month.

4.

For the licence area —

(a)the total quantities of each of the following for the month —

(i)fluid produced;

(ii)water or other fluid injected;

(iii)fluid rejected;

(iv)geothermal energy produced;

and

(b)the mean temperatures of each of the following for the month (averaged on a daily basis) —

(i)fluid produced;

(ii)fluid injected;

and

(c)the cumulative quantities of water and of geothermal energy produced or injected as at the end of the month.

Division 3 — Information for monthly GHG injection report

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 73(5).]

Item

Description of information

5.

For each well in the licence area —

(a)the well’s identification name and number; and

(b)a summary of all work performed on the well during the month; and

(c)the results of any tests conducted during the month; and

(d)the well’s operational status at the end of the month; and

(e)the daily values during the month for pressure and temperature, at both the wellhead and the bottom of the well bore, and the injection rate; and

(f)if the well was shut in at any time during the month — the shut‑in wellhead pressure and temperature; and

(g)the number of days of greenhouse gas injection during the month; and

(h)the cumulative quantities of greenhouse gas substance injected, or each other substance produced or injected, as at the end of the month.

6.

For the licence area —

(a)the total quantities of greenhouse gas substance, and each other substance produced or injected, during the month; and

(b)the average composition of each greenhouse gas substance injected during the month; and

(c)the sources of greenhouse gas substance injected; and

(d)the physical and chemical properties and amount of each other substance injected into or extracted from an underground formation during the month as part of any engineering enhancements.

[Division 3 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 73(5).]

Division 4 — Information for annual GHG injection report

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 73(5).]

Item

Description of information

7.

For all work, evaluations and studies carried out in relation to the licence —

(a)the total expenditure on the work, evaluations and studies; and

(b)the results of the work, evaluations and studies, including details about any potential GHG storage formations that have been assessed.

8.

Details of any activities the licensee plans to undertake in the licence area in compliance with a condition of the licence.

9.

A list of the reports submitted to the Minister in accordance with these regulations during the year.

10.

Details of the licensee’s plans for further evaluation of the licence area, including work that is to be carried out in the licence area and is not covered by item 8.

11.

For a year after the first year of the licence, the following information about each identified GHG storage formation situated in the licence area —

(a)information about the chemical composition and physical properties of the injected greenhouse gas substance and any incidental GHG‑related substances, including isotopic compositions;

(b)the amount of each greenhouse gas substance injected;

(c)information about the location and direction of movement of the GHG substances injected, including a comparison with the prediction set out in Part A of an approved site plan for that storage formation;

(d)the results of maintenance operations and well‑bore integrity tests;

(e)an estimate of the remaining storage capacity of the formation at the end of the year;

(f)an estimate of the pressure behaviour within the formation and, wherever available, information on pressure measurements, including the results of pressure transient tests.

12.

The physical and chemical properties and amount of each substance injected into or extracted from an underground formation during the year as part of any engineering enhancements.

13.

The amount of each substance flared or vented during the year.

14.

All monitoring reports and data relevant to an approved site plan available to the licensee at the end of the year.

15.

Any other information that is required to be included in accordance with a condition of the licence.

[Division 4 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 73(5).]

Division 5 — Information for monthly GHG accounting report

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 73(5).]

Item

Description of information

16.

A monthly GHG accounting report must contain —

(a)the quantity of greenhouse gas substance put into the system, as measured at —

(i)the source of the greenhouse gas substance; or

(ii)if the greenhouse gas substance becomes the responsibility of the licensee at a point other than its source, that point;

and

(b)the quantity of greenhouse gas substance measured at the last measuring point before injection; and

(c)the average composition of each greenhouse gas substance injected; and

(d)the maximum and minimum injection rates during the month; and

(e)the quantity of the greenhouse gas substance lost, and emissions of additional greenhouse gases generated, in each of the following processes —

(i)compression;

(ii)transportation;

(iii)injection;

and

(f)an explanation of how each of the quantities mentioned in paragraph (e) was worked out; and

(g)the quantity of greenhouse gas substance lost from the well bore; and

(h)the quantity of greenhouse gas substance lost from the storage formation; and

(i)the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted from the discharge of produced formation fluids.

[Division 5 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 73(5).]

Division 6 — Information for annual GHG accounting report

[Heading inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 73(5).]

Item

Description of information

17.

An annual GHG accounting report must contain —

(a)the quantity of greenhouse gas substance injected into the storage formation during the year; and

(b)the cumulative quantity of greenhouse gas substance stored as at the end of the year; and

(c)the quantity of greenhouse gas substance lost, and emissions of additional greenhouse gases generated, in each of the following processes —

(i)compression;

(ii)transportation;

(iii)injection;

and

(d)the quantity of greenhouse gas substance lost from the well bore; and

(e)the quantity of greenhouse gas substance lost from the storage formation; and

(f)an explanation of how losses of the greenhouse gas substance were estimated or measured; and

(g)an assessment of the accuracy of the measurement or estimation of the quantities of the greenhouse gas substance; and

(h)a summary of the measurements made under the monitoring and verification plan contained in the approved site plan, including a summary of the interpretation of those measurements.

[Division 6 inserted: SL 2026/82 r. 73(5).]

 

Notes

This is a compilation of the Petroleum, Geothermal Energy and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2015 and includes amendments made by other written laws. For provisions that have come into operation see the compilation table.

Compilation table

Citation

Published

Commencement

Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2015 1

30 Jun 2015 p. 2405‑531

r. 1 and 2: 30 Jun 2015 (see r. 2(a));
Pt. 9: 1 Jul 2015 (see s. r. 2(b) and Gazette 30 Jun 2015 p. 2321);
Regulations other than r. 1, 2 and Pt. 9: 1 Jul 2015 (see r. 2(c))

Mines and Petroleum Regulations Amendment (Fees and Levies) Regulations 2016 Pt. 13

24 Jun 2016 p. 2325‑34

1 Jul 2016 (see r. 2(b))

Mines and Petroleum Regulations Amendment (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2017 Pt. 14

23 Jun 2017 p. 3279‑309

1 Jul 2017 (see r. 2(b))

Mines and Petroleum Regulations Amendment (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2018 Pt. 14

25 Jun 2018 p. 2297‑324

1 Jul 2018 (see r. 2(b))

Mines and Petroleum Regulations Amendment (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2019 Pt. 13

18 Jun 2019 p. 2040‑56

1 Jul 2019 (see r. 2(b))

Mines and Petroleum Regulations Amendment (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2020 Pt. 8

SL 2020/93 26 Jun 2020

1 Jul 2020 (see r. 2(b))

Mines and Petroleum Regulations Amendment (Royalty Information) Regulations 2022 Pt. 3

SL 2022/1 14 Jan 2022

15 Jan 2022 (see r. 2(b))

Mines and Petroleum Regulations Amendment (Transfer of Royalty Administration) Regulations 2025 Pt. 3

SL 2025/153 28 Aug 2025

1 Sep 2025 (see r. 2(b))

Mines and Petroleum Regulations Amendment Regulations 2026 Pt. 7

SL 2026/82 27 May 2026

28 May 2026 (see r. 2(b) and SL 2026/70 cl. 2)

Other notes

1Now known as the Petroleum, Geothermal Energy and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2015; citation changed (see note under r. 1).

 

 

Defined terms

 

[This is a list of terms defined and the provisions where they are defined. The list is not part of the law.]

Defined termProvision(s)

activity day72(2)

annual assessment report37(1)

annual GHG accounting report79A(1)

annual GHG injection report79A(1)

approved field management plan4(1)

approved well management plan4(1)

basic information81

CEO94A(1)

commencement day99

daily well activity report72(1)

Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration worker94A(1)

Department of Treasury and Finance94A(1)

Department of Treasury and Finance worker94A(1)

disclosable information81

discovery assessment report36(1)

documentary information81

drilling activity4(1)

each well activity4(1)

engineering enhancement4(1)

excluded information81

exclusive data81

existing recovery operation99

existing well activity99

field4(1)

final well activity data73(1)

final well activity report73(1)

gazettal day2

instrument4(1)

instrument area4(1)

instrument holder4(1)

integrity4(1)

interpretative information81

interpretative survey data78(1)

licence40, 62(1)

licence area40

major change50(1)

mining sample81

Minister for Finance94A(1)

monthly GHG accounting report79A(1)

monthly GHG injection report79A(1)

monthly production report79(1)

non-exclusive data81

open information about a survey81

open information about a well81

operation64, 81

permanently confidential information81

permitted period61(1)

processed survey data77(1)

produced formation material4(1)

requirement4(1)

royalties function94A(1)

seismic extracted data grid81

significant event62(1)

survey4(1)

survey acquisition data76(1)

survey acquisition report76(1)

survey applicant4(1)

survey interpretation report78(1)

survey processing report77(1)

title4(1)

title area4(1)

title holder4(1)

transitional period99

treatment material4(1)

underground formation4(1)

weekly survey report75(1)

week of survey75(1)

well activity4(1)

well completion data74(1)

well completion report74(1)

well information92(1)

well integrity hazard4(1)

workover operation4(1)

 

 

© State of Western Australia 2026.

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