15Public notice of application

15 Public notice of application (1) This section applies if, after considering an application for the grant of a geothermal exploration permit, the Minister is satisfied the applicant: (a) has met the necessary criteria for the application; and (b) has paid the advertising costs of giving public notice of the application, as required by the Minister. (2) The Minister must publish, in a newspaper circulating throughout the Territory, a notice stating that the application for a permit has been made. (3) The notice must include the following information: (a) the name of the applicant; (b) a description or map of the application area clearly indicating its location and boundaries; (c) a statement that an owner or occupier of land within or adjoining the application area may, in writing and within a specified period, object to the grant of a permit; (d) a statement that any other person may, in writing and within a specified period, make written submissions about the application; (e) details of the address where objections and submissions may be given to the Minister; (f) other details about the application that the Minister considers will allow a person to make proper objections or submissions.

Geothermal Energy Act 2009 11 (4) The period stated under subsection (3)(c) or (d) must be at least 30 days after the date the notice is published. (5) The Minister may require the applicant to give a copy of the notice to a particular owner (except a native title holder or registered native title claimant) or occupier of land within or adjoining the application area. Note for subsection (5) Under the NTA, the Minister is responsible for giving notice of the application to native title holders or registered native title claimants. (6) If the Minister is satisfied granting the permit will be a future act in relation to any of the application area, the Minister must ensure the relevant procedures under the NTA for giving notice of the application, and allowing comments or objections, are followed.