244Consultation—variation of petroleum access authority in the offshore area

244 Consultation—variation of petroleum access authority in the offshore area

(a) a petroleum access authority was granted as a result of an application under section 240 in relation to the offshore area; and

(b) the Minister 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 applicant is not the registered holder of the petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence or petroleum special prospecting authority; and

(e) the registered holder of the petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence or petroleum special prospecting authority has not given written consent to the variation of the petroleum access authority.

(2) Before varying the petroleum access authority, the Minister 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 Minister's intention to vary 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 Minister thinks fit.

(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 Minister about the proposal; and

(4) In deciding whether to vary the petroleum access authority, the Minister must take into account any submissions made in accordance with the notice.

Division 4—Reporting obligations of holders of petroleum access authorities