116Variation of declaration

116 Variation of declaration

(1) If a petroleum exploration permit is in force over a block that constitutes, or blocks that constitute, a location, the Minister may, by writing, vary the declaration of the location—

(a) by adding to the location a block—

(i) that is in the permit area; and

(ii) to which, in the opinion of the Minister, a petroleum pool within the location extends; or

(b) by deleting from the location a block to which, in the opinion of the Minister, no petroleum pool within the location extends.

(2) A copy of a variation under subsection (1) is to be published in the Government Gazette.

(3) The Minister may vary a declaration only if—

(a) the permittee requests the variation; or

(b) all of the following conditions are satisfied—

(i) the Minister gives the permittee written notice of the proposed variation, identifying the block to be added to, or deleted from, the location;

(ii) the notice invites the permittee to give the Minister a submission about the proposed variation;

(iii) the notice specifies a time limit for making the submission;

(iv) the Minister has considered any submission made in accordance with the notice.

(4) The time limit must be at least 30 days after the notice is given.

(5) The Minister may form an opinion for the purposes of this section if the Minister considers that there are reasonable grounds for doing so having regard to any information the Minister has, whether given by the permittee or otherwise.

Part 2.3—Petroleum retention leases