248Consultation—approval of variation of petroleum access authority in adjoining offshore area

#### 248 Consultation—approval of variation of petroleum access authority in adjoining offshore area Scope (1) This section applies if: (a) a petroleum access authority was granted as a result of an application under section 242 in relation to an area that is part of an adjoining offshore area; and (b) the Titles Administrator proposes to vary the petroleum access authority; and (c) the authority area is, to any extent, the subject of a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence or petroleum special prospecting authority; and (d) the registered holder of the petroleum access authority is not the registered holder of the petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence or petroleum special prospecting authority. Consultation (2) Before approving the variation of the petroleum access authority, the Titles Administrator must: (a) by written notice given to the registered holder of the petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence or petroleum special prospecting authority, give at least 30 days notice of the Titles Administrator’s intention to approve the variation of the petroleum access authority; and (b) give a copy of the notice to: (i) the registered holder of the petroleum access authority; and (ii) such other persons (if any) as the Titles Administrator thinks fit. (3) The notice must: (a) set out details of the variation that is proposed to be made; and (b) invite a person to whom the notice, or a copy of the notice, has been given to make a written submission to the Titles Administrator about the proposal; and (c) specify a time limit for making that submission. (4) In deciding whether to approve the variation of the petroleum access authority, the Titles Administrator must take into account any submissions made in accordance with the notice.