495Reservation of blocks

495 Reservation of blocks

(1) If the following conditions are satisfied in relation to a particular block—

(a) there is no greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding lease or greenhouse gas injection 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 greenhouse gas assessment permit or greenhouse gas injection 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 Minister may, by notice published in the Government Gazette, declare that—

(g) the block is not to be the subject of a greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding lease, greenhouse gas injection licence, greenhouse gas search authority or greenhouse gas special 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 greenhouse gas assessment permit, greenhouse gas holding lease, greenhouse gas injection licence, greenhouse gas search authority or greenhouse gas special 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.