186Consultation

186 Consultation

(1) If a petroleum pool extends, or is reasonably believed by the Minister to extend, from the offshore area into—

(a) lands to which the laws of the State, or of another State, relating to exploiting petroleum resources apply; or

(b) the offshore area of an adjoining State—

the Minister must consult about exploiting the petroleum pool with—

(c) the appropriate authority of the State referred to in paragraph (a); or

(d) the Designated Authority (as defined under the Commonwealth Act) of the adjoining State referred to in paragraph (b).

The offshore area of a State other than Victoria is defined by section 8 of the Commonwealth Act.

(2) If subsection (1) applies in relation to a petroleum pool, the Minister must not—

(a) approve an agreement under this section; or

(b) give a direction under this section—

in relation to that petroleum pool except with the approval of the appropriate authority and any other State concerned.

Part 2.5—Infrastructure licences