33Graticulation of Earth’s surface and constitution of blocks

33 Graticulation of Earth’s surface and constitution of blocks

Graticular sections (1) For the purposes of this Act, the surface of the Earth is taken to be divided: (a) by the meridian of Greenwich and by meridians that are at an angular distance from that meridian of 5 minutes, or a multiple of 5 minutes, of longitude; and (b) by the equator and by parallels of latitude that are at an angular distance from the equator of 5 minutes, or a multiple of 5 minutes, of latitude; into sections called graticular sections, each of which is bounded: (c) by portions of 2 of those meridians that are at an angular distance from each other of 5 minutes of longitude; and (d) by portions of 2 of those parallels of latitude that are at an angular distance from each other of 5 minutes of latitude. Simplified map (2) This subsection sets out a simplified map illustrating graticular sections off the coast of Western Australia in the vicinity of Barrow Island:

Map showing graticular sections off the coast of Western Australia in the vicinity of Barrow Island

Blocks (3) For the purposes of this Act: (a) a graticular section that is wholly within an offshore area constitutes a block; and (b) if a part only of a graticular section is, or parts only of a graticular section are, within an offshore area, the area of that part, or of those parts, constitutes a block.

Note 1: See also section 282 (certain portions of blocks to be blocks).

Note 2: See also section 461A (certain State/Territory blocks to be blocks).

Note 3: See also section 462 (certain portions of blocks to be blocks).

Block that is constituted by a graticular section (4) A reference in this Act to a block that is constituted by a graticular section includes a reference to a block that is constituted by the area of a part only, or by the areas of parts only, of a graticular section. Graticular section that constitutes a block (5) A reference in this Act to a graticular section that constitutes a block includes a reference to: (a) a graticular section only part of which constitutes a block; or (b) a graticular section only parts of which constitute a block.

Note: For datum, see section 39.