279Reservation of blocks

279 Reservation of blocks

(1) If the following conditions are satisfied in relation to a particular block: (a) there is no petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence over the block; (b) there is no place in the block that is an infrastructure licence area; (c) there is no pipeline over or in the block; (d) there are no pending applications for the grant of a petroleum exploration permit or petroleum production licence over the block; (e) there are no pending applications for the grant of an infrastructure licence relating to a place in the block; (f) there are no pending applications for the grant of a pipeline licence relating to a pipeline or proposed pipeline over or in the block; the Joint Authority may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare that: (g) the block is not to be the subject of a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence, petroleum special prospecting authority or petroleum access authority; and (h) an infrastructure licence is not to be granted in relation to a place within the block; and (i) a pipeline licence is not to be granted in relation to a pipeline over or in the block. (2) If a declaration under subsection (1) is in force in relation to a block: (a) a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence, petroleum special prospecting authority or petroleum access authority must not be granted over that block; and (b) an infrastructure licence must not be granted in relation to a place within that block; and (c) a pipeline licence must not be granted in relation to a pipeline over or in that block. (3) Subsection (2) has effect despite any other provision of this Act.