33Grant of a feasibility licence

33 Grant of a feasibility licence

(1) The Minister may, by written notice, grant a feasibility licence in respect of an area to an eligible person if: (a) the eligible person applies for the licence under the licensing scheme; and (b) the area is a declared area, or a part of a declared area, under a declaration at the time the licence is granted; and (c) the Minister is satisfied that granting the licence would be consistent with any conditions that apply to the declaration; and (d) the area meets the requirements in subsection (4); and (e) the Minister is satisfied that the licence meets the merit criteria; and (f) any other requirements prescribed by the licensing scheme are met. (2) The licence area of a feasibility licence is the area in respect of which the licence is granted (other than any part of that area that becomes a vacated area).

Note: See the definition of vacated area in section 8.

(3) The notice of grant of a feasibility licence must: (a) specify the licence area; and (b) state the day on which the licence comes into force; and (c) state the end day of the licence; and (d) specify the conditions that are to apply to the licence; and (e) include any other matters prescribed by the licensing scheme; and (f) be given in accordance with the licensing scheme. (4) The licence area: (a) must be continuous; and (b) must not include any part of the licence area of any other feasibility licence or commercial licence; and (c) must not exceed the maximum area prescribed by the licensing scheme; and (d) must be entirely within the Commonwealth offshore area at the time the licence is granted.