Preliminary
Part 1—Preliminary
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South Australia act
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Direct links to the current provisions in Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
Part 1—Preliminary
Division 1—Interpretation, application and construction of Act 1—Short title (1) This Act may be cited as the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982. 2—Transitional provisions (2) The scheme agreed on between the Governments of the Commonwealth, the States and the Northern Territory, being the scheme set out in Schedule 4, so far as that scheme relates to the operation of this Act has the force of law by virtue of this section. (3) For the purposes of the scheme set out in Schedule 4, as in force by virtue of this section, this Act is the State Act of South Australia and the Minister is the Designated Authority under this Act. (4) A reference to the Designated Authority in a new permit (within the meaning of the scheme set out in Schedule 4) or a new pipeline licence (within the meaning of that scheme) shall for the purposes of that permit or pipeline licence and this Act be read as a reference to the Minister. (5) The provisions set out in Schedule 5 have the force of law by virtue of this section. 4—Interpretation (1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears— access authority means an access authority under Part 3; application for a primary licence means an application under section 39(1) or (2) or under section 39A(1) or (2); application for a secondary licence means an application under section 39(3) or under section 39A(3); approved means approved by the Minister; block means a block constituted as provided by section 7A or 16; Commonwealth Act means, as the context requires: (a) the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 of the Commonwealth as amended from time to time; or (b) if the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 of the Commonwealth has been repealed and re‑enacted (with or without modifications)—the re‑enacted Act of the Commonwealth as amended from time to time; Commonwealth Minister means the Minister of the Crown in right of the Commonwealth for the time being administering the Commonwealth Act; construct includes "place" and construction has a corresponding meaning; corresponding law means an Act of another State or a law in force in a Territory of the Commonwealth giving effect to the agreement between the Commonwealth, the States and the Northern Territory referred to in the preamble to this Act; document includes any map, book, record or writing; good oil-field practice means all those things that are generally accepted as good and safe in the carrying on of exploration for petroleum, or in operations for the recovery of petroleum, as the case may be; graticular section means a section referred to in section 16; inspector means a person appointed under section 124; lease means a retention lease under Part 3; lease area means the area constituted by the blocks that are the subject of a lease; lessee means the registered holder of a lease; licence means a production licence for petroleum under Part 3; licence area means the area constituted by the blocks that are the subject of a licence; licensee means the registered holder of a licence; listed OHS laws has the meaning given by section 150C; location means a block or blocks in respect of which a declaration under section 36 is in force; natural resources has the same meaning as in the Convention; OHS inspector means an OHS inspector appointed under the Commonwealth Act; partly cancelled means— (a) in relation to a permit or licence—cancelled as to one or more but not all of the blocks the subject of the permit or licence; and (b) in relation to a pipeline licence—cancelled as to a part of the pipeline the subject of the licence; partly determined, in relation to a permit or lease, means determined as to one or more but not all of the blocks the subject of the permit or lease; permit means an exploration permit for petroleum under Part 3; permit area means the area constituted by the blocks that are the subject of a permit; permittee means the registered holder of a permit; petroleum means— (a) any naturally occurring hydrocarbon, whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state; or (b) any naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbons, whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state; or (c) any naturally occurring mixture of one or more hydrocarbons, whether in a gaseous, liquid or solid state, and one or more of the following, that is to say, hydrogen-sulphide, nitrogen, helium and carbon-dioxide, and includes any petroleum as defined by paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of this definition that has been returned to a natural reservoir in the adjacent area; petroleum pool means a naturally occurring discrete accumulation of petroleum; pipeline means a pipe or system of pipes in the adjacent area for conveying petroleum but does not include a pipe or system of pipes— (a) for returning petroleum to a natural reservoir; or (b) for conveying petroleum for use for the purposes of petroleum exploration operations or operations for the recovery of petroleum; or (c) for conveying petroleum that is to be flared or vented; or (d) for conveying petroleum from a well to a terminal station without passing through another terminal station, whether the terminal station to which the petroleum is conveyed is in the adjacent area or not; pipeline licence means a licence under Part 3 to construct and operate a pipeline; pipeline licensee means the registered holder of a pipeline licence; primary entitlement means— (a) in relation to a permittee—the number of blocks forming part of a location in the permit area in respect of which that permittee may make an application under section 39(1); and (b) in relation to a lessee—the number of blocks in the lease area in respect of which that lessee may make an application under section 39A(1); primary licence means a licence granted on an application under section 39(1) or (2) or under section 39A(1) or (2); pumping station means equipment for pumping petroleum or water and includes any structure associated with that equipment; register means the register kept in pursuance of Division 5 of Part 3; registered holder, in relation to a permit, lease, licence, pipeline licence, special prospecting authority or access authority, means the person whose name is for the time being shown in the register as being the holder of the permit, lease, licence, pipeline licence, special prospecting authority or access authority; royalty period, in relation to a permit or licence, means— (a) the period from and including the date from which the permit or licence has effect to the end of the month of the year during which that date occurs; and (b) each month thereafter; Safety Authority means the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority under the Commonwealth Act; secondary licence means a licence granted on an application under section 39(3) or under section 39A(3); secondary line means a pipe or system of pipes for any purpose referred to in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of the definition of pipeline; special prospecting authority means a special prospecting authority under Part 3; tank station means a tank or system of tanks for holding or storing petroleum and includes any structure associated with that tank or system of tanks; terminal station means a pumping station, a tank station or a valve station declared to be a terminal station under section 62 or under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law; the adjacent area means, subject to subsection (2), so much of the area the boundary of which is described in Schedule 3 as is part of the territorial sea of Australia, including the territorial sea adjacent to any island forming part of South Australia; the Convention means the Convention entitled Convention on the Continental Shelf signed at Geneva on 29 April 1958, being the Convention a copy of which in the English language is set out in Schedule 2; the Joint Authority means the Commonwealth-South Australia Offshore Petroleum Joint Authority established by the Commonwealth Act; the relinquished area means— (a) in relation to a permit, lease or licence that has expired—the area constituted by the blocks in respect of which the permit, lease or licence was in force but has not been renewed; and (b) in relation to a permit or lease that has been wholly determined or partly determined—the area constituted by the blocks as to which the permit or lease was so determined; and (c) in relation to a permit or licence that has been wholly cancelled or partly cancelled—the area constituted by the blocks as to which the permit or licence was so cancelled; and (ca) in relation to a lease that has been wholly cancelled—the area constituted by the blocks in respect of which the lease was in force; and (d) in relation to a pipeline licence that is no longer in force—the part of the adjacent area in which the pipeline was constructed; and (e) in relation to a pipeline licence that has been wholly cancelled or partly cancelled—the part of the adjacent area in which the pipeline or the part of the pipeline, as the case may be, was constructed; and (f) in relation to a special prospecting authority or access authority that has been surrendered or cancelled, or has expired—the area constituted by the blocks in respect of which that authority was in force; valve station means equipment for regulating the flow of petroleum and includes any structure associated with that equipment; vessel means a vessel used in navigation, other than air navigation, and includes a barge, lighter or other floating vessel; water line means a pipe or system of pipes for conveying water in connection with petroleum exploration operations or operations for the recovery of petroleum; well means a hole in the sea-bed or subsoil made by drilling, boring or any other means in connection with exploration for petroleum or operations for the recovery of petroleum but does not include a seismic shot hole; wholly cancelled, in relation to a permit, lease, licence or pipeline licence, means cancelled as to all the blocks, or as to the whole of the pipeline, the subject of the permit, lease, licence or pipeline licence; wholly determined, in relation to a permit or lease, means determined as to all the blocks the subject of the permit or lease. (2) If at any time the breadth of the territorial sea of Australia is determined or declared to be greater than three nautical miles, the definition of the adjacent area in subsection (1) continues to have effect as if the breadth of the territorial sea of Australia had continued to be three nautical miles. (4) In this Act, a reference to the term of a permit, lease, licence, pipeline licence, special prospecting authority or access authority is a reference to the period during which the permit, lease, licence, pipeline licence, special prospecting authority or access authority remains in force and a reference to the date of expiration of a permit, lease, licence, pipeline licence, special prospecting authority or access authority is a reference to the day on which the permit, lease, licence, pipeline licence, special prospecting authority or access authority ceases to be in force. (5) In this Act, a reference to a year of the term of a permit, lease, licence or pipeline licence is a reference to a period of one year commencing on the day on which the permit, lease, licence or pipeline licence, as the case may be, comes into force or on any anniversary of that day. (6) In this Act, a reference to the renewal, or to the grant of a renewal, of a permit is a reference to the grant of a permit in respect of all or some of the blocks specified in the firstmentioned permit to commence on the day after the date of expiration of the firstmentioned permit or on the day after the date of expiration of the permit granted upon a previous renewal of the firstmentioned permit. (6a) In this Act, a reference to the renewal, or the grant of a renewal, of a lease is a reference to the grant of a lease in respect of the blocks in respect of which the first mentioned lease was in force to commence on the day after the date of expiration of the firstmentioned lease or on the day after the date of expiration of the lease granted upon a previous renewal of the first mentioned lease. (7) In this Act, a reference to the renewal, or to the grant of a renewal, of a licence in respect of the blocks specified in the licence is a reference to the grant of a licence in respect of those blocks to commence on the day after the date of expiration of the firstmentioned licence or on the day after the date of expiration of the licence granted upon a previous renewal of the firstmentioned licence. (8) In this Act, a reference to the renewal, or to the grant of a renewal, of a pipeline licence in respect of a pipeline is a reference to the grant of a pipeline licence in respect of that pipeline to commence on the day after the date of expiration of the firstmentioned pipeline licence or on the day after the date of expiration of the pipeline licence granted upon a previous renewal of the firstmentioned pipeline licence. (9) In this Act, a reference to a pipeline includes a reference to a part of a pipeline. (10) In this Act, a reference to a permit, lease, licence, pipeline licence or access authority is reference to the permit, lease, licence, pipeline licence or access authority as varied for the time being under this Act. (11) The power conferred by this Act to make, grant or issue any instrument shall, unless the contrary intention appears, be construed as including a power exercisable in the like manner and subject to the like conditions, if any, to repeal, rescind, revoke, amend or vary any such instrument. (12) For the purposes of this Act— (a) the space above or below the adjacent area shall be deemed to be in that area; and (b) the space above or below an area that is part of the adjacent area shall be deemed to be in that part. 5—Application of Act This Act applies to all natural persons, whether Australian citizens or not and whether resident in South Australia or not, and to all corporations, whether incorporated or carrying on business in South Australia or not. 5A—Interaction with Marine Parks Act 2007 The Minister must, in the administration of this Act, take into account the objects of the Marine Parks Act 2007 (insofar as any operations or proposed operations relate to an area that forms part of a marine park under that Act). 5B—Licence or other right is not personal property for the purposes of Commonwealth Act A right, entitlement or authority that is granted by or under this Act is not personal property for the purposes of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 of the Commonwealth. 6—Petroleum pool extending into two licence areas (1) Where a well-head is situated in a licence area and the well from that well-head is inclined so as to enter a petroleum pool, being a pool that does not extend to that licence area, at a place within an adjoining licence area of the same licensee, any petroleum recovered through that well shall be deemed to have been recovered in that adjoining licence area under the licence in respect of that area. (2) Where a petroleum pool is partly in one licence area and partly in an adjoining licence area of the same licensee and petroleum is recovered from that pool through a well or wells in one or both of the licence areas, there shall be deemed to have been recovered in each of the licence areas, under the licence in respect of that area, such proportion of all petroleum so recovered as may reasonably be treated as being derived from that area, having regard to the nature and probable extent of the pool, and the respective proportions shall be determined in accordance with subsection (3). (3) The proportions to be determined for the purposes of subsection (2) may be determined by agreement between the licensee and the Minister or, in the absence of agreement, may be determined by the Supreme Court on the application of the licensee or the Minister. (4) Where a petroleum pool is partly in a licence area and partly in an area (in this subsection referred to as the Commonwealth licence area) in which the licensee has authority under the Commonwealth Act to explore for, or recover, petroleum, and petroleum is recovered from that pool through a well or wells in the licence area, the Commonwealth licence area or both, there shall be deemed to have been recovered in the licence area such proportion of all petroleum so recovered as may reasonably be treated as being derived from that area, having regard to the nature and probable extent of the pool, and that proportion shall be determined in accordance with subsection (5). (5) The proportion to be determined for the purposes of subsection (4) may be determined by agreement between the licensee, the Joint Authority and the Minister or, in the absence of agreement, may be determined by the Supreme Court on the application of the licensee, the Joint Authority or the Minister. (6) Where a petroleum pool is partly in a licence area and partly in an area (in this section called the other State licence area) in which the licensee has authority, under a corresponding law, to explore for or recover, petroleum, and petroleum is recovered from that pool through a well or wells in the licence area, the other State licence area or both, there shall be deemed to have been recovered in the licence area such proportion of all petroleum so recovered as may reasonably be treated as being derived from that area, having regard to the nature and probable extent of the pool, and that proportion shall be determined in accordance with subsection (7). (7) The proportion to be determined for the purposes of subsection (6) may be determined by agreement between the licensee, the Minister and the Minister of the other State administering the corresponding law or, in the absence of agreement, may be determined by the Supreme Court on the application of any of those persons. (a) a petroleum pool is partly in a licence area and partly in another area, being an area which is outside the adjacent area and in which the licensee has, under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law, authority to explore for, or recover, petroleum; (b) petroleum is recovered from that pool; and (c) the Supreme Court of another State makes a determination, under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law, of the proportion of the petroleum recovered from that pool that is, for the purposes of the Commonwealth Act or the corresponding law, to be deemed to have been recovered from the other area, the Supreme Court shall not make a determination under this section that is inconsistent with the determination of the Supreme Court of the other State. (9) Where— (a) a petroleum pool is partly in a licence area and partly in another area, whether in the adjacent area or not, in respect of which another person has authority, whether under this Act, the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law, to explore for or recover petroleum; and (b) a unit development agreement in accordance with section 58 is in force between the licensee and that other person; and (c) petroleum is recovered from that pool through a well or wells in the licence area, the other area or both, there shall be deemed to have been recovered in the licence area such proportion of all petroleum so recovered as is specified in, or determined in accordance with, the agreement. (10) In this section a reference to a licence, a licensee or a licence area shall be read as including a reference to a permit and a lease, a permittee and a lessee or a permit area and a lease area. 7—Points etc to be ascertained by reference to Australian Geodetic Datum (1) Where, for the purposes of this Act, or for the purposes of an instrument under this Act, it is necessary to determine the position on the surface of the Earth of a point, line or area, that position shall be determined by reference to a spheroid having its centre at the centre of the Earth and a major (equatorial) radius of 6 378 160 metres and a flattening of
and by reference to the position of the Johnston Geodetic Station in the Northern Territory of Australia. (2) That station shall be taken to be situated at 133 degrees, 12 minutes and 30.0771 seconds of East Longitude and at 25 degrees, 56 minutes and 54.5515 seconds of South Latitude and to have a ground level of 571.2 metres above the spheroid referred to in subsection (1). 7A—Certain portions of blocks to be blocks (1) Where the area in respect of which a permit, lease, licence or prescribed instrument is in force includes one or more portions of a block constituted as provided by section 16, then, for the purposes of this Part— (a) the area of that portion or those portions constitutes a block; and (b) the area of the remaining portion or portions of the firstmentioned block (but not including any part of that area in respect of which a permit, lease, licence or prescribed instrument is in force) constitutes a block. (2) Where a permit, lease, licence or prescribed instrument ceases to be in force in respect of an area that constitutes a block as provided by subsection (1)(a), the Minister may, by instrument in writing, if the Minister considers it desirable to do so, determine that that block shall be amalgamated with another block or blocks, being a block or blocks— (a) constituted as provided by this section; and (b) forming part of the graticular section of which that firstmentioned block forms part; and (c) in respect of which a permit, lease or licence is in force. (3) Where such a determination is made, then, for the purposes of this Part— (a) the blocks the subject of the determination cease to constitute blocks and the areas of those blocks together constitute a block; and (b) the block constituted by reason of the determination is, subject to this Part, for the remainder of the term of the permit, lease or licence concerned, a block in respect of which the permit, lease or licence is in force. (4) The Minister shall not make a determination under subsection (2) except with the consent of the permittee, lessee or licensee concerned. prescribed instrument means a special prospecting authority, an access authority and any other instrument prescribed by regulation.
Division 2—Administration of the Commonwealth adjacent area 8—Definitions In this Division, unless the contrary intention appears— Commonwealth Act means, as the context requires— (a) the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 of the Commonwealth as amended from time to time; or (b) if the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 of the Commonwealth has been repealed and re‑enacted (with or without modifications)—the re‑enacted Act of the Commonwealth as amended from time to time; or (c) the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Registration Fees Act 1967 of the Commonwealth as amended from time to time; or (d) if the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Registration Fees Act 1967 has been repealed and re‑enacted (with or without modifications)—the re‑enacted Act of the Commonwealth as amended from time to time; or (e) the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Fees Act 1994 of the Commonwealth as amended from time to time; or (f) if the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Fees Act 1994 has been repealed and re‑enacted (with or without modifications)—the re‑enacted Act of the Commonwealth as amended from time to time; Commonwealth adjacent area means— (a) if the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 of the Commonwealth is in force—the adjacent area in respect of South Australia determined in accordance with section 5A of that Act; or (b) if the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 of the Commonwealth has been repealed and been re‑enacted (with or without modifications)—the area that, under the re‑enacted Act of the Commonwealth, corresponds to the adjacent area in respect of South Australia determined in accordance with section 5A of the repealed Act. 9—Minister a member of Joint Authority (1) The Minister may exercise any power which the Commonwealth Act is expressed to authorise him to exercise as a member of the Joint Authority. (2) The Minister shall perform any function which the Commonwealth Act is expressed to require him to perform as a member of the Joint Authority. 10—Minister as Designated Authority The Minister is authorised to perform the functions and exercise the powers which the Commonwealth Act is expressed to require or empower the Designated Authority in respect of the Commonwealth adjacent area to perform or exercise. 11—Delegations under Commonwealth Act Where, in the exercise of a power which the Commonwealth Act is expressed to confer upon the Designated Authority in respect of the Commonwealth adjacent area, the Minister delegates a power to a person who is an officer in the public service or who holds any office in the service of the State of South Australia, the person may exercise the power. 12—Public servants performing functions under Commonwealth Act An officer in the public service of South Australia shall perform any function which the Minister, as the Designated Authority in respect of the Commonwealth adjacent area, or as a member of the Joint Authority, requires him to perform in relation to the Commonwealth Act.
Part 2—Application of laws 13—Modification of the applied provisions (1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Off-shore Waters (Application of Laws) Act 1976 the regulations may provide that such of the provisions which apply in the adjacent area by virtue of that Act as are specified in the regulations— (a) do not apply; or (b) apply with such modifications as are specified in the regulations, to or in relation to, acts, omissions, matters, circumstances or things touching, concerning, arising out of or connected with the exploration of the sea-bed or subsoil of the adjacent area for petroleum or the exploitation of the natural resources, being petroleum, of that sea-bed or subsoil. (2) Without limiting the operation of subsection (1) or of regulations under that subsection, the following shall, for the purposes of that subsection and of any such regulations, be deemed to be acts, omissions, matters, circumstances or things of the kind referred to in that subsection— (a) any— (i) act or omission that takes place in, on, above, below or in the vicinity of; or (ii) matter, circumstance or thing that exists or arises with respect to or in connection with, a vessel, aircraft, structure or installation, or equipment or other property, that is in the adjacent area for any reason touching, concerning, arising out of or connected with the exploration of the sea-bed or subsoil of the adjacent area for petroleum or the exploitation of the natural resources, being petroleum, of that sea-bed or subsoil; or (b) any act or omission of, or matter or circumstance concerning, a person who— (i) is in the adjacent area for a reason of the kind referred to in paragraph (a); or (ii) is in, on, above, below or in the vicinity of a vessel, aircraft, structure or installation, or equipment or other property, that is in the adjacent area for a reason of the kind referred to in paragraph (a); or (c) any act or omission of, or matter or circumstance concerning, a person in respect of his carrying on any operation or doing any work in the adjacent area for a reason of the kind referred to in paragraph (a). (3) For the purposes of this section, modification includes the omission or addition of a provision or the substitution of a provision for another provision. 14—Jurisdiction of State courts The jurisdiction with which the several courts of South Australia are invested by the Off-shore Waters (Application of Laws) Act 1976 extends to all matters arising under any modification of the provisions which apply in the adjacent area by virtue of that Act effected by regulations under section 13. 14A—Disapplication of State occupational health and safety laws (1) The prescribed occupational health and safety laws do not apply in relation to— (a) a facility; or (b) a person at a facility; or (c) a person near a facility, to the extent to which the person is affected by— (i) a facility; or (ii) activities that take place at a facility; or (d) activities that take place at a facility. (2) A reference in subsection (1) to the prescribed occupational health and safety laws is a reference to such of the provisions of those laws that, but for subsection (1), would apply in the adjacent area by virtue of the Off-shore Waters (Application of Laws) Act 1976 or the cooperative scheme within the meaning of the Crimes at Sea Act 1998. (3) In this section— facility has the same meaning as in Schedule 7; prescribed occupational heath and safety laws mean any laws of the State relating to occupational health and safety (whether or not they also relate to other matters) that are prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this section. (4) This section applies despite anything to the contrary in the Off-shore Waters (Application of Laws) Act 1976 or the Crimes at Sea Act 1998.
Part 3—Mining for petroleum Division 1—Preliminary 15—Delegation (1) The Minister may, either generally or as otherwise provided by the instrument of delegation, by writing signed by him delegate to a person any of his powers or functions under this Act other than this power of delegation. (2) A power or function so delegated, when exercised or performed by the delegate, shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to have been exercised or performed by the Minister. (3) A delegation under this section may be expressed as a delegation to the person for the time being holding, or performing the duties of, a specified office under the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory. (4) A delegation under this section made at any time by a person who is at that time the Minister continues in force notwithstanding that at some subsequent time a different person is the Minister or there is no person who is the Minister, but such a delegation may be revoked or varied by any person who is for the time being the Minister. (5) A delegation under this section of a power or function does not prevent the exercise of the power or performance of the function by the Minister. (6) A copy of each instrument making, varying or revoking a delegation shall be published in the Gazette. 16—Graticulation of Earth's surface (1) For the purposes of this Act, the surface of the Earth shall be deemed to be divided— (a) by the meridian of Greenwich and by meridians that are at a distance from that meridian of five minutes, or a multiple of five minutes, of longitude; and (b) by the equator and by parallels of latitude that are at a distance from the equator of five minutes, or a multiple of five minutes, of latitude, into sections, each of which is bounded— (c) by portions of two of those meridians that are at a distance from each other of five minutes of longitude; and (d) by portions of two of those parallels of latitude that are at a distance from each other of five minutes of latitude. (2) For the purposes of this Act— (a) a graticular section that is wholly within the adjacent area constitutes a block; and (b) if a part only of a graticular section is, or parts only of a graticular section are, within the adjacent area, the area of that part, or of those parts, constitutes a block. (3) In this Act— (a) a reference 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; and (b) a reference to a graticular section that constitutes a block includes a reference to a graticular section part only of which constitutes, or parts only of which constitute, a block. 17—Reservation of blocks (1) The Minister may, by instrument published in the Gazette, declare that a block specified in the instrument (not being a block in respect of which a permit, lease or licence is in force or over or in which there is a pipeline) shall not be the subject of a permit, lease, licence, special prospecting authority or access authority and that a pipeline licence shall not be granted in respect of a pipeline over or in that block. (2) While a declaration under subsection (1) remains in force in respect of a block, a permit, lease, licence, special prospecting authority or access authority shall not be granted in respect of that block and a pipeline licence shall not be granted in respect of a pipeline over or in that block. Division 2—Exploration permits for petroleum 18—Exploration for petroleum (1) A person shall not explore for petroleum in the adjacent area except— (a) under and in accordance with a permit; or (b) as otherwise permitted by this Part. Maximum penalty: $50 000 or imprisonment for five years, or both. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person who does anything preparatory to, or knowingly connected with, exploration for petroleum will be taken to be exploring for petroleum. 19—Advertisement of blocks (1) The Minister may, by instrument published in the Gazette— (a) invite applications for the grant of a permit in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument; and (b) specify a period within which applications may be made. (2) The Minister may, for reasons that he thinks sufficient, in an instrument under subsection (1), direct that section 20(2) or (3) does not apply, or that both of those subsections do not apply, to or in relation to the applications. 20—Application for permits (1) An application under section 19— (c) shall be in respect of not more than 400 blocks; and (d) shall be accompanied by particulars of— (i) the proposals of the applicant for work and expenditure in respect of the blocks specified in the application; and (ii) the technical qualifications of the applicant and of his employees; and (iii) the technical advice available to the applicant; and (iv) the financial resources available to the applicant; (e) may set out other matters that the applicant wishes the Minister to consider; and (f) shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (2) The number of blocks specified in the application— (a) if sixteen blocks or more are available—shall not be less than sixteen; or (b) if less than sixteen blocks are available—shall be the number available. (3) The blocks specified in the application shall be blocks that are constituted by graticular sections that— (a) constitute a single area; and (b) are such that each graticular section in that area has a side in common with at least one other graticular section in that area. (4) The Minister may, at any time, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, require him to furnish, within the time specified in the instrument, further information in writing in connection with his application. 21—Grant or refusal of permit in relation to application (1) Where an application has been made under section 19, the Minister may— (a) by instrument in writing served on the applicant, inform the applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant to the applicant a permit in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument; or (b) refuse to grant a permit to the applicant. (2) An instrument under subsection (1) shall contain— (a) a summary of the conditions subject to which the permit is to be granted; and (b) a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the applicant does not make a request under subsection (3) in respect of the grant of the permit. (3) An applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) may, within a period of one month after the date of service of the instrument on him, or within such further period, not exceeding one month, as the Minister, on application in writing served on him before the expiration of the firstmentioned period of one month, allows, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant to the applicant the permit referred to in the firstmentioned instrument. (4) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has made a request under subsection (3) within the period applicable under subsection (3), the Minister must grant to the applicant an exploration permit for petroleum in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument. (5) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has not made a request under subsection (3) within the period applicable under subsection (3), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period. 22—Application for permit in respect of surrendered etc blocks (a) a lease is surrendered, cancelled or determined as to a block or blocks; or (aa) a licence is surrendered or cancelled as to a block or blocks; or (b) a permit is surrendered, cancelled or determined as to a block or blocks and, at the time of the surrender, cancellation or determination, the block was, or was included in, or the blocks were, or were included in, a location, the Minister may, at any subsequent time, by instrument published in the Gazette, invite applications for the grant of a permit in respect of that block or such of those blocks as are specified in the instrument and specify a period within which applications may be made. (4) An application under this section— (c) shall be accompanied by the particulars referred to in section 20(1)(d); and (d) shall specify an amount that the applicant is prepared to pay to the Minister, in addition to the fee referred to in section 23(1)(a), in respect of the grant of a permit to him on the application; and (e) may set out any other matters that the applicant wishes the Minister to consider. (5) The Minister may, at any time, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, require him to furnish, within the time specified in the instrument, further information in writing in connection with his application. 23—Application fee etc (1) An application under section 22 shall be accompanied by— (a) the prescribed fee; and (b) a deposit of 10 per centum of the amount specified in the application under section 22(4)(d). (2) Where a permit is not granted on the application, the amount of the deposit must, subject to subsection (3), be refunded to the applicant. (3) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under section 24 does not request the Minister in accordance with section 25 to grant to him the permit referred to in the instrument, the deposit shall not, unless the Minister otherwise determines, be refunded to the applicant. 24—Consideration of applications (1) Where, at the expiration of the period specified in an instrument under section 22(1), only one application has been made under that subsection in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument, the Minister may reject the application or may, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, inform the applicant that he is prepared to grant to him a permit in respect of that block or those blocks. (2) Where, at the expiration of the period specified in an instrument under section 22(1), two or more applications have been made under that subsection in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument, the Minister may reject any or all of the applications and, if he does not reject all of the applications, may— (a) if only one application remains unrejected—by instrument in writing served on the applicant; or (b) if two or more applications remain unrejected—by instrument in writing served on the applicant, or on one of the applicants, whose application has not been rejected and who has specified as the amount that he is prepared to pay in respect of the grant of a permit to him an amount that is not less than the amount specified by any other applicant whose application has not been rejected, inform him that he is prepared to grant to him a permit in respect of that block or those blocks. (5) An instrument under this section shall contain— (a) a summary of the conditions subject to which the permit is to be granted; and (b) a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the applicant does not— (i) make a request under section 25(1); and (ii) pay the balance of the amount to be paid in respect of the grant of the permit to him or enter into an agreement under section 108 in respect of that balance. 25—Request by applicant for grant of permit in respect of advertised blocks (1) An applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under section 24 may, within a period of three months after the date of service of the instrument on him, or within such further period, not exceeding three months, as the Minister, on application in writing served on him before the expiration of the firstmentioned period of three months, allows— (a) by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant to him the permit referred to in the firstmentioned instrument; and (b) pay the balance of the amount to be paid in respect of the grant of the permit to him or enter into an agreement under section 108 in respect of that balance. (2) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under section 24— (a) has not made a request under subsection (1); or (b) has not paid the balance of the amount to be paid in respect of the grant of the permit to him or entered into an agreement under section 108 in respect of that balance, within the period applicable under subsection (1), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period. (3) Where the application of an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under section 24(2) lapses as provided by subsection (2), section 24(2) applies in respect of the application or applications, if any, then remaining unrejected. 26—Grant of permit on request Where a person on whom there has been served an instrument under section 24— (a) has made a request under section 25(1); and (b) has paid the balance of the amount to be paid in respect of the grant of a permit to him or has entered into an agreement under section 108 in respect of that balance, within the period applicable under section 24(1), the Minister shall grant to that person an exploration permit for petroleum in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument. 27—Rights conferred by permit A permit, while it remains in force, authorises the permittee subject to this Act and in accordance with the conditions to which the permit is subject, to explore for petroleum and to carry on such operations and execute such works as are necessary for that purpose in the permit area. 28—Term of permit Subject to this Part, a permit remains in force— (a) in the case of a permit granted otherwise than by way of the renewal of a permit—for a period of six years commencing on the day on which the permit is granted or, if a later day is specified in the permit as being the day on which the permit is to come into force, on that later day; and (b) in the case of a permit granted by way of the renewal of a permit—for a period of five years commencing on the day on which the permit is granted or, if a later day is specified in the permit as being the day on which the permit is to come into force, on that later day. 29—Application for renewal of permit (1) Subject to sections 30 and 30A, a permittee may, from time to time, make an application to the Minister for the renewal of the permit in respect of such of the blocks the subject of the permit as are specified in the application. (2) An application for the renewal of the permit— (b) subject to subsection (3) shall be made in an approved manner not less than three months before the date of expiration of the permit; and (c) shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (3) The Minister may, for reasons that he thinks sufficient, receive an application for the renewal of the permit less than three months before, but not in any case after, the date of expiration of the permit. 30—Application for renewal of permit to be in respect of reduced area (1) Subject to subsection (3), the number of blocks in respect of which an application for the renewal of a permit may be made shall not exceed the number calculated as follows: (a) where the number of blocks in respect of which the permit is in force is a number that is divisible by two without remainder—one-half of that number; or (b) where the number of blocks in respect of which the permit is in force is a number that is one less or one more than a number that is divisible by four without remainder—one-half of that lastmentioned number. (2) A block that is, or is included in, a location and in respect of which the permit is in force shall not be regarded as a block in respect of which the permit is in force for the purpose of making a calculation under subsection (1). (3) An application for the renewal of a permit may include, in addition to the blocks referred to in subsection (1), a block that is, or is included in, a location and in respect of which the permit is in force, or two or more such blocks. (4) The blocks specified in an application for the renewal of a permit shall be blocks that are constituted by, or are within, graticular sections that— (a) constitute a single area or a number of discrete areas; and (b) are such that each graticular section in the area, or in each area, has a side in common with at least one other graticular section in that area. (5) Where the number of blocks in respect of which an application for the renewal of a permit may be made is sixteen or more, each area constituted by blocks in respect of which the application is made shall be constituted by not less than sixteen blocks. (6) Where the maximum number of blocks in respect of which an application for the renewal of a permit may be made in accordance with the preceding provisions of this section is less than sixteen, the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the permittee— (a) inform the permittee that the number of blocks in respect of which the application may be made is such number, not exceeding sixteen, as is specified in the instrument; and (b) give such directions as he thinks fit concerning the blocks in respect of which the application may be made. (7) The Minister may, for reasons that he thinks sufficient— (a) direct that subsections (4) and (5) do not apply to or in relation to a proposed application for the renewal of a permit; and (b) give such directions as he thinks fit concerning the blocks in respect of which that application may be made. 30A—Certain permits cannot be renewed more than twice (1) This section applies to an application for the renewal of a permit where— (a) the original permit was granted under section 21— (i) on or after 1 January 2005; and (ii) as a result of an application made in response to an invitation in an instrument that was published under section 19(1) on or after 1 January 2005; or (b) the original permit was granted under section 26 on or after 1 January 2005. (2) A permittee must not make the application if it could result in the original permit being renewed more than twice. 31—Grant or refusal of renewal of permit (1) Where an application has been made under section 29 for the renewal of a permit, the Minister— (a) must, if the conditions to which the permit is, or has from time to time been, subject and the provisions of this Part and of the regulations have been complied with; or (i) any of the conditions to which the permit is, or has from time to time been, subject or any of the provisions of this Part or of the regulations has not been complied with; and (ii) the Minister is, nevertheless, satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of the renewal of the permit, by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the permittee, inform the person that the Minister is prepared to grant to the person the renewal of the permit. (2) If any of the conditions to which the permit is, or has from time to time been, subject or any of the provisions of this Part or of the regulations has not been complied with, and if the Minister is not satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of the renewal of the permit, the Minister must, subject to subsection (3), by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the permittee, refuse to grant the renewal of the permit. (3) The Minister shall not refuse to grant the renewal of the permit unless— (a) he has, by instrument in writing served on the permittee, given not less than one month's notice of his intention to refuse to grant the renewal of the permit; and (ii) specified a date on or before which the permittee or a person on whom a copy of the instrument is served may, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, submit any matters that he wishes the Minister to consider; and (d) he has taken into account any matters so submitted to him on or before the specified date by the permittee or by a person on whom a copy of the firstmentioned instrument has been served. (4) An instrument referred to in subsection (1) shall contain— (a) a summary of the conditions to which the permit, on the grant of the renewal, is to be subject; and (b) a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the permittee does not make a request under subsection (5). (5) A permittee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) may, within a period of one month after the date of service of the instrument on the permittee, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant to the permittee the renewal of the permit. (6) Where a permittee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has made a request under subsection (5) within the period referred to in subsection (5), the Minister must grant to the permittee the renewal of the permit. (7) Where a permittee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has not made a request under subsection (5) within the period referred to in subsection (5), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period. (a) an application for the renewal of a permit has been made; and (b) the permit expires— (i) before the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the renewal of the permit; or (ii) before the application lapses as provided by subsection (7), the permit shall be deemed to continue in force in all respects— (c) until the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the renewal of the permit; or 32—Conditions of permit (1) A permit may be granted subject to such conditions as the Minister thinks fit and specifies in the permit. (2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1) may include conditions with respect to— (a) work to be carried out by the permittee in or in relation to the permit area during the term of the permit; or (b) amounts to be expended by the permittee in the carrying out of such work; or (c) both those matters, and the conditions may require the permittee to comply with directions given in accordance with the permit concerning the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b). 33—Discovery of petroleum to be notified (1) Where petroleum is discovered in a permit area, the permittee— (a) shall forthwith inform the Minister of the discovery; and (b) shall, within a period of three days after the date of the discovery, furnish to the Minister particulars in writing of the discovery. (2) Where petroleum is discovered in a permit area, the Minister may, from time to time, by instrument in writing served on the permittee, direct the permittee to furnish to him, within the period specified in the instrument, particulars in writing of any one or more of the following: (a) the chemical composition and physical properties of the petroleum; and (b) the nature of the subsoil in which the petroleum occurs; and (c) any other matters relating to the discovery that are specified by the Minister in the instrument. 34—Directions by Minister on discovery of petroleum (1) Where petroleum is discovered in a permit area, the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the permittee, direct the permittee to do, within the period specified in the instrument, such things as the Minister thinks necessary and specifies in the instrument to determine the chemical composition and physical properties of that petroleum and to determine the quantity of petroleum in the petroleum pool to which the discovery relates or, if part only of that petroleum pool is within the permit area, in such part of that petroleum pool as is within the permit area. 35—Nomination of blocks as location (1) Where a petroleum pool is identified in a permit area, the permittee may nominate the block in which the pool is situated, or the blocks (being blocks within the permit area) to which the pool extends, for declaration as a location. (2) Where two or more petroleum pools are identified in a permit area, the permittee may, instead of making a nomination under subsection (1) in relation to each pool, nominate all of the blocks to which the pools extend, or to which any two or more of the pools extend, for declaration as a single location. (3) A nomination may not be made under subsection (2) unless, in the case of each of the pools to which the nomination relates, at least one of the blocks to which the pool extends immediately adjoins a block to which the other, or another, of those pools extends. (4) A nomination by a permittee must be in writing and served on the Minister. (5) A nomination may not be made by a permittee unless the permittee or another person has, whether within or outside the permit area, recovered petroleum from the petroleum pool to which the nomination relates or, if the nomination relates to more than one pool, from each of those pools. (a) the Minister is of the opinion that a permittee is entitled to nominate a block or blocks under subsection (1) or (2); and (b) the permittee has not done so, the Minister may require the permittee to exercise the permittee's right to nominate the block or blocks within three months after the date of the making of the requirement. (7) A requirement by the Minister under subsection (6) must be by written notice served on the permittee. (8) On written request by a permittee within the period fixed by subsection (6), the Minister may extend the time for compliance with a requirement under that subsection by not more than three months. (9) If a permittee fails to comply with a requirement under subsection (6), the Minister may, by written notice served on the permittee, nominate the block or blocks for declaration as a location. 36—Declaration of location (a) a permittee has made a nomination under section 35; and (b) the Minister is of the opinion that the permittee is entitled under that section to nominate the block or blocks specified in the nomination, the Minister must, by notice published in the Gazette, declare the block or blocks to which the nomination relates to be a location. (2) Where the Minister has made a nomination under section 35(9), the Minister must, by notice published in the Gazette, declare the block or blocks to which the nomination relates to be a location. (3) The Minister may, at the request of the permittee, revoke a declaration. (4) The Minister may vary a declaration— (a) by adding to the location a block in the permit area 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. (5) The Minister may not vary a declaration unless— (a) the Minister has caused to be served on the permittee notice in writing of the proposed variation, identifying the block to be added to, or deleted from, the location; and (b) a period of 30 days after the date of service of the notice has expired; and (c) the Minister has considered any matters submitted to the Minister by the permittee in relation to the proposed variation. (6) Subsection (5) does not apply where a variation is made at the request of the permittee. 37—Immediately adjoining blocks For the purposes of section 35, a block immediately adjoins another block if the graticular section that constitutes or includes that block and the graticular section that constitutes or includes that other block— (a) have a side in common; or (b) are joined together at one point only.
Division 2A—Retention leases for petroleum 37A—Application by permittee for lease (1) A permittee whose permit is in force in respect of a block that constitutes, or the blocks that constitute, a location may, within the application period, make an application to the Minister for the grant of a lease in respect of that block, or in respect of one or more of those blocks, as the case may be. (2) An application under subsection (1)— (i) the proposals of the applicant for work and expenditure in respect of the area comprised in the blocks specified in the application; and (ii) the commercial viability of the recovery of petroleum from the area comprised in the blocks specified in the application at the time of the application, and particulars of the possible future commercial viability of the recovery of petroleum from that area; and (d) may set out any other matters that the applicant wishes to be considered; and (3) The Minister may, at any time, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, require the applicant to furnish, within the time specified in the instrument, further information in writing in connection with the application. (4) The application period in respect of an application under this section by a permittee is— (a) the period of 2 years after the date on which the block that constitutes the location concerned was, or the blocks that constitute the location concerned were, declared to be a location; or (b) such other period, not less than 2 years or more than 4 years after that date, as the Minister, on application in writing by the permittee, served on the Minister before the end of the firstmentioned period of 2 years, allows. 37B—Grant or refusal of lease in relation to application (a) an application has been made under section 37A; and (b) the applicant has furnished any further information as and when required by the Minister under section 37A(3); and (c) the Minister is satisfied that recovery of petroleum from the area comprised in the blocks specified in the application— (i) is not, at the time of the application, commercially viable; and (ii) is likely to become commercially viable within the period of 15 years after that time, the Minister shall, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, inform the applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant to the applicant a lease in respect of the block or blocks specified in the application. (2) Where an application has been made under section 37A and— (a) the applicant has not furnished any further information as and when required by the Minister under section 37A(3); or (b) the Minister is not satisfied as to the matters referred to in subsection (1)(c) in relation to the blocks specified in the application, the Minister shall, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, refuse to grant a lease to the applicant. (3) An instrument under subsection (1) shall contain— (a) a summary of the conditions subject to which the lease is to be granted; and (b) a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the applicant does not make a request under subsection (4) in respect of the grant of the lease. (4) An applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) may, within a period of one month after the date of service of the instrument, or within such further period, not exceeding one month, as the Minister, on application in writing served on the Minister before the end of the firstmentioned period of one month, allows, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant the lease to the applicant. (5) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has made a request under subsection (4) within the period applicable under subsection (4), the Minister must grant to the applicant a retention lease in respect of the block or blocks specified in the instrument. (6) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has not made a request under subsection (4) within the period applicable under subsection (4), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period. (7) On the day on which a lease granted under this section in respect of a block or blocks comes into force, the permit in respect of the block or blocks ceases to be in force in respect of those blocks. 37BA—Application of sections 37A and 37B where permit is transferred (a) after an application has been made under section 37A(1) in relation to a block or blocks in respect of which a permit is in force; and (b) before a decision has been made by the Minister under section 37B(1) or (2) in relation to the application, a transfer of the permit is registered under section 77, sections 37A and 37B have effect, after the time of the transfer, as if a reference in those sections to the applicant were a reference to the transferee. 37C—Rights conferred by lease A lease, while it remains in force, authorises the lessee, subject to this Act and in accordance with the conditions to which the lease is subject, to explore for petroleum, and to carry on such operations and execute such works as are necessary for that purpose, in the lease area. 37D—Term of lease Subject to this Part, a lease (whether granted by way of renewal of a lease or otherwise) remains in force for a period of 5 years commencing on the day on which the lease was granted or, if a later day is specified in the lease as being the day on which the lease is to come into force, on that later day. 37E—Notice of intention to cancel lease (a) a lessee has been given a notice of the kind referred to section 37H(3)(b) during the term of the lease and has carried out, and has informed the Minister of the results of, the re-evaluation required by the notice; and (b) the lessee has not made an application for the renewal of the lease; and (c) after consideration of the results of the re-evaluation referred to in paragraph (a) and such other matters as the Minister thinks fit, the Minister is of the opinion that recovery of petroleum from the lease area is commercially viable, the Minister may serve on the lessee and on such other persons as the Minister thinks appropriate an instrument in writing— (d) informing the lessee or the other person that the Minister has formed that opinion and that the Minister intends to cancel the lease; and (e) stating that the lessee or the other person may serve an instrument in writing on the Minister within the period specified in the firstmentioned instrument, not being a period ending earlier than one month after the date of service of the firstmentioned instrument, setting out any matters that the lessee or the other person, as the case may be, wishes to be considered. (a) an instrument under subsection (1) is served on a lessee; and (b) the lessee does not, within the period referred to in subsection (1)(e), serve on the Minister an instrument setting out matters that the lessee wishes to be considered or the Minister, after consideration of matters set out in an instrument served on the Minister by the lessee within that period, determines that the lease should be cancelled, the Minister shall, by instrument in writing served on the lessee, cancel the lease. (3) The cancellation of a lease under subsection (2) has effect— (a) in a case to which paragraph (b) does not apply—at the end of the period of 12 months commencing on the date of service of the instrument of cancellation; or (b) in a case where the lessee makes an application for a licence in respect of one or more of the blocks comprised in the lease within the period referred to in paragraph (a)—when the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the licence or when the application lapses, whichever first happens. (4) Where a lease is cancelled under subsection (2), the lease shall be deemed to continue in force in all respects until the cancellation has effect in accordance with subsection (3). 37F—Application for renewal of lease (1) A lessee may, from time to time, make an application to the Minister for the renewal of the lease. (2) An application for the renewal of a lease— (b) subject to subsection (3), shall be made in an approved manner not less than 6 months or more than 12 months before the day on which the lease ceases to be in force; and (i) the proposals of the applicant for work and expenditure in respect of the lease area; and (ii) particulars of the commercial viability of recovery of petroleum from the lease at the time of the application and particulars of the possible future commercial viability of recovery of petroleum from the lease area; and (d) shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (3) The Minister may, for reasons that the Minister thinks sufficient, receive an application for the renewal of the lease less than 6 months before, but not in any case after, the day on which the lease ceases to be in force. (4) Where an application has been made for the renewal of a lease, the Minister may, at any time, by instrument in writing served on the lessee, require the lessee to furnish, within the time specified in the instrument, further information in writing in connection with the application. 37G—Grant or refusal of renewal of lease (a) an application for the renewal of a lease has been made under section 37F; and (b) any further information required by the Minister under section 37F(4) has been furnished in accordance with that section; and (c) the Minister is satisfied that recovery of petroleum from the lease area— (i) is not, at the time of the application, commercially viable; and (ii) is likely to become commercially viable within the period of 15 years after that time, the Minister— (d) must, if the conditions to which the lease is, or has from time to time been, subject and the provisions of this Part and of the regulations have been complied with; or (e) may, if— (i) any of the conditions to which the lease is, or has from time to time been, subject or any of the provisions of this Part or of the regulations has not been complied with; and (ii) the Minister is, nevertheless, satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of the renewal of the lease, by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the lessee, inform the person that the Minister is prepared to grant to the person the renewal of the lease. (2) Subject to subsection (3), where an application for the renewal of a lease has been made under section 37F and— (a) any further information required by the Minister under section 37F(4) has not been furnished in accordance with that section; or (b) the Minister is not satisfied as to the matters referred to in subsection (1)(c); or (c) any of the conditions to which the permit is, or has from time to time been, subject or any of the provisions of this Part or of the regulations has not been complied with and the Minister is not satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of the renewal of the lease, the Minister must, by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the lessee, refuse to grant the renewal of the lease. (3) The Minister shall not refuse to grant the renewal of the lease unless— (a) the Minister has, by instrument in writing served on the lessee, given not less than one month's notice of his or her intention to refuse to grant the renewal of the lease; and (b) the Minister has served a copy of the instrument on such other persons, if any, as he or she thinks fit; and (c) the Minister has, in the instrument— (ii) specified a date on or before which the lessee or a person on whom a copy of the instrument is served may, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, submit any matters that the lessee wishes to be considered; and (d) the Minister has taken into account any matters so submitted on or before the specified date by the lessee or by a person on whom a copy of the firstmentioned instrument has been served. (4) An instrument referred to in subsection (1) shall contain— (a) a summary of the conditions to which the lease, on the grant of the renewal, is to be subject; and (b) a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the lessee does not make a request under subsection (6). (5) An instrument under subsection (2) shall, where the Minister refuses to grant the renewal of a lease by reason only that he or she is not satisfied as to the matter referred to in subsection (1)(c)(i), contain a statement to the effect that the lessee may, within the period of 12 months after the date of service of the instrument, make an application for a licence in respect of one or more of the blocks comprised in the lease. (6) A lessee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) may, within a period of one month after the date of service of the instrument on the lessee, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant to the lessee the renewal of the lease. (7) Where a lessee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has made a request under subsection (6) within the period referred to in subsection (6), the Minister must grant to the lessee the renewal of the lease. (8) Where a lessee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has not made a request under subsection (6) within the period referred to in subsection (6), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period. (9) Where— (a) an application for the renewal of a lease has been made; and (b) the lease expires— (i) before the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the renewal of the lease; or (ii) before the application lapses as provided by subsection (8), the lease shall be deemed to continue in force in all respects— (c) until the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the renewal of the lease; or (10) Where the Minister refuses to grant the renewal of a lease by reason only that the Minister is not satisfied as to the matter referred to in subsection (1)(c)(i), the lease shall be deemed to continue in force in all respects— (a) in a case to which paragraph (b) does not apply—until 12 months after the date of service of the instrument under subsection (2); or (b) in a case where the lessee makes an application for a licence in respect of one or more of the blocks comprised in the lease within the period of 12 months after the date referred to in paragraph (a)—until the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the licence or until the application lapses, whichever first happens. 37H—Conditions of lease (1) A lease may be granted subject to such conditions as the Minister thinks fit and are specified in the lease. (2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1) may include conditions with respect to work to be carried out by the lessee in or in relation to the lease area during the term of the lease, or amounts to be expended by the lessee in the carrying out of such work, or conditions with respect to both of those matters, including conditions requiring the lessee to comply with directions given in accordance with the lease concerning those matters. (3) A lease shall be deemed to contain— (a) a condition that the lessee will comply with the provisions of this Act; and (b) a condition that the lessee will, within the period of 3 months after the receipt of a written notice from the Minister requesting the lessee to do so or within such further period as the Minister, on application in writing served on the Minister before the end of the firstmentioned period, allows, re-evaluate the commercial viability of petroleum production in the lease area (otherwise than by the drilling of wells) and inform the Minister in writing of the results of the re-evaluation (4) Where a lessee has complied with a notice of the kind referred to in paragraph (3)(b) during the term of the lease, the Minister shall not give to the lessee during that term a further notice of that kind 37J—Discovery of petroleum to be notified (1) Where petroleum is discovered in a lease area, the lessee— (a) shall forthwith inform the Minister of the discovery; and (b) shall, within a period of 3 days after the date of the discovery, furnish to the Minister particulars in writing of the discovery. (2) Where petroleum is discovered in a lease area, the Minister may, from time to time, by instrument in writing served on the lessee, direct the lessee to furnish to the Minister, within the period specified in the instrument, particulars in writing of any one or more of the following: (a) the chemical composition and physical properties of the petroleum; (b) the nature of the subsoil in which the petroleum occurs; (c) any other matters relating to the discovery that are specified by the Minister in the instrument. 37K—Directions by Minister on discovery of petroleum (1) Where petroleum is discovered in a lease area, the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the lessee, direct the lessee to do, within the period specified in the instrument, such things as the Minister thinks necessary and specifies in the instrument to determine the chemical composition and physical properties of that petroleum and to determine the quantity of petroleum in the petroleum pool to which the discovery relates or, if part only of that petroleum pool is within the lease area, in such part of that petroleum pool as is within the lease area.
Division 3—Production licences for petroleum 38—Recovery of petroleum in adjacent area A person shall not carry on operations for the recovery of petroleum in the adjacent area except— (a) under and in accordance with a licence; or (b) as otherwise permitted by this Part. Maximum penalty: $50 000 or imprisonment for five years, or both. 39—Application by permittee for licence (1) A permittee whose permit is in force in respect of a block that constitutes, or the blocks that constitute, a location may, within the application period, make an application to the Minister for the grant of a licence— (a) where nine or more blocks constitute the location concerned—in respect of five of those blocks; or (b) where eight or seven blocks constitute the location concerned—in respect of four of those blocks; or (c) where six or five blocks constitute the location concerned—in respect of three of those blocks; or (d) where four or three blocks constitute the location concerned—in respect of two of those blocks; or (e) where two blocks constitute the location concerned—in respect of one of those blocks; or (f) where one block constitutes the location concerned—in respect of that block. (2) A permittee whose permit is in force in respect of blocks that constitute a location— (a) instead of making an application under subsection (1) in respect of his primary entitlement, may, within the application period, make an application to the Minister for the grant of a licence in respect of a number of those blocks that is less than his primary entitlement; and (b) being the holder of a licence referred to in paragraph (a), may, from time to time within that period, make an application to the Minister for the variation of that licence to include in the licence area a number of those blocks that does not exceed the number, if any, by which his primary entitlement exceeds the number of blocks in respect of which that licence was granted and the number of blocks, if any, included in that licence by reason of any previous variations of that licence. (a) a permittee makes an application under subsection (1) in respect of his primary entitlement; or (b) a permittee who is the holder of a licence in respect of a number of blocks that is less than his primary entitlement makes an application under subsection (2) for a variation of that licence, and the number of blocks in respect of which that licence was granted, together with the number of blocks included, and sought to be included, in the licence area by reason of applications under that subsection, is his primary entitlement, the permittee may, within the application period, make an application to the Minister for the grant of a licence in respect of any of the other blocks forming part of the location concerned. (4) Subject to subsection (5), the application period in respect of an application under this section by a permittee is— (a) the period of two years after the date on which the block that constitutes the location concerned was, or the blocks that constitute the location concerned were, declared to be a location; or (b) such other period, not less than two years or more than four years after that date, as the Minister, on application by the permittee, in writing, served on the Minister before the expiration of the period of two years referred to in paragraph (a), allows. (a) a permittee applies for the grant by the Minister of a licence in respect of a block or blocks in respect of which the permittee has applied for a lease under section 37A; and (b) an instrument refusing to grant the lease is served on the permittee pursuant to section 37B(2), the application period is whichever of the following periods last expires: (c) the period that is applicable under subsection (4); (d) the period of 12 months after the day of service of the instrument. 39A—Application for licence by lessee (1) A lessee whose lease is in force may make an application to the Minister for the grant of a licence— (a) where the lease is in respect of 9 or more blocks—in respect of 5 of those blocks; or (b) where the lease is in respect of 8 or 7 blocks—in respect of 4 of those blocks; or (c) where the lease is in respect of 6 or 5 blocks—in respect of 3 of those blocks; or (d) where the lease is in respect of 4 or 3 blocks—in respect of 2 of those blocks; or (e) where the lease is in respect of 2 blocks—in respect of one of those blocks; or (f) where the lease is in respect of one block—in respect of that block. (2) At any time while a lease is in force, the lessee may, instead of making an application under subsection (1) in respect of the lessee's primary entitlement, make an application to the Minister for the grant of a licence in respect of a number of blocks that is less than the lessee's primary entitlement. (3) Where an application has been made under subsection (1) in respect of the lessee's primary entitlement, the lessee may, at any time while the lease concerned is in force, make an application to the Minister for the grant of a licence in respect of any of the other blocks forming part of the lease. 40—Application for licence (1) An application under section 39 or 39A— (c) shall be accompanied by particulars of the proposals of the applicant for work and expenditure in respect of the area comprised in the blocks specified in the application; and (d) may set out any other matters that the applicant wishes the Minister to consider; and (e) shall in the case of an application for the grant of a licence be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (2) The Minister may, at any time, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, require him to furnish, within the period specified in the instrument, further information in writing in connection with his application. 41—Determination of rate of royalty (1) Where an application for a primary licence has been made and, before or after the grant of the primary licence, the applicant makes an application for a secondary licence, the Minister shall determine a rate at which royalty is to be payable in respect of petroleum recovered, whether under the primary licence or under the secondary licence, being a rate that is not less than 11 per centum or more than 12½ per centum of the value at the well-head of that petroleum. (2) The Minister shall not, under subsection (1), determine the rate at which royalty is to be payable unless he has given to the applicant an opportunity to confer with him concerning that rate. 42—Notification as to grant of licence (1) Where an application for the grant of a licence has been made under section 39 or 39A and the applicant has furnished any further information as and when required by the Minister under section 40(2), the Minister, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, must inform the applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant to the applicant a licence in respect of the blocks specified in the application. (2) An instrument under subsection (1) shall— (a) contain a summary of the conditions subject to which the licence is to be granted; and (b) if the instrument relates to an application for a secondary licence—specify the rate of royalty determined by the Minister in pursuance of section 41(1); and (c) contain a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the applicant does not make a request under section 43(1) in respect of the grant of the licence. 43—Grant of licence (1) An applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under section 42(1) may, within a period of three months after the date of service of the instrument on him, or within such further period, not exceeding three months, as the Minister, on application in writing served on him before the expiration of the firstmentioned period of three months, allows, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant to the applicant the licence referred to in the firstmentioned instrument. (2) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under section 42(1) has made a request under subsection (1) within the period applicable under subsection (1), the Minister must grant to the applicant a production licence for petroleum in respect of the blocks specified in the application. (3) A secondary licence shall not be granted to a permittee or lessee in respect of any one or more of the blocks that constitute a location unless— (a) a primary licence has been granted in respect of a block or blocks forming part of that location; and (b) the number of blocks in respect of which the primary licence was granted, together with the number of blocks included in that licence by reason of variations of the licence under section 44, is the permittee's or lessee's primary entitlement. (4) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under section 42(1) has not made a request under subsection (1) within the period applicable under subsection (1), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period. (5) On the day on which a licence granted under this section comes into force, the permit or lease in respect of the blocks in respect of which the licence was granted ceases to be in force in respect of those blocks. 43A—Application of sections 40 to 43 where permit etc transferred (a) after an application has been made— (i) under section 39 for the grant of a licence in respect of a block in respect of which a permit is in force; or (ii) under section 39A for the grant of a licence in respect of a block in respect of which a lease is in force; and (b) before a decision has been made by the Minister under section 42(1) in relation to the application, a transfer of the permit or lease (as the case may be) is registered under section 77, then, after the time of the transfer, sections 40 to 43 (inclusive) have effect in relation to the application as if a reference in those sections to the applicant were a reference to the transferee. 44—Variation of licence area (1) Where an application is made under section 39(2) for a variation of a licence, the Minister shall, by instrument in writing served on the licensee, vary the licence to include in the licence area the blocks specified in the application. (2) On and from the day on and from which a variation of a licence under this section has effect— (a) the blocks included in the licence area by reason of the variation are, subject to this Part, for the remainder of the term of the licence, blocks in respect of which the licence is in force; and (b) the permit that is in force in respect of the blocks so included ceases to be in force in respect of those blocks. 45—Determination of permit or lease as to block not taken up (1) Subject to subsection (2), where— (a) a permittee who may make an application under section 39 in respect of a block does not, within the application period, make the application; or (b) all applications made by a permittee under that section in respect of a block have lapsed, the permit is determined as to that block and the determination has effect— (c) in a case referred to in paragraph (a)—upon the expiration of the application period; and (d) in a case referred to in paragraph (b)— (i) upon the expiration of the application period; or (ii) upon the lapsing of the last of the applications referred to in that paragraph, whichever is the later. (1a) Subject to subsection (2), where all applications made by a lessee under section 39A in respect of a block have lapsed, the lease is determined as to that block and the determination has effect upon the lapsing of the last of those applications. (2) Where a permittee or lessee makes an application for a secondary licence— (a) the permit or lease is determined as to any blocks forming part of the location concerned that are not the subject of that application or of any application for a primary licence or for the variation of such a licence; and (b) the determination has effect upon the making of the application. (3) Subject to subsection (4), where a block or blocks constituting or forming part of a location is or are no longer the subject of a permit or lease, the Minister shall, by instrument published in the Gazette— (a) in a case where that block or those blocks constitutes or constitute that location—revoke the declaration made under section 36 in respect of that location; or (b) in a case where that block or those blocks form part of that location—revoke the declaration made under section 36 in respect of that location to the extent that it relates to that block or those blocks. (4) Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to a block— (a) in respect of which an application for the grant of a lease or licence has been made, being an application that has not lapsed and in relation to which a decision has not been made by the Minister; or (b) in respect of which a lease or licence is in force. (5) Where a lease is granted in respect of a block or blocks forming part of a location, the Minister shall, by instrument published in the Gazette, revoke the declaration made under section 36 to the extent that it relates to the block or blocks that is or are not within the lease area. (a) the Minister refuses to grant a lease in respect of a block or blocks constituting or forming part of a location; and (b) the reason, or one of the reasons, for the refusal is that the Minister is not satisfied as to the matter referred to in section 37B(1)(c)(ii), the Minister shall, by instrument published in the Gazette, revoke the declaration made under section 36 in respect of that location. 46—Application for licence in respect of surrendered etc blocks (a) a licence is surrendered or cancelled as to a block; or (b) a permit or lease is surrendered, cancelled or determined as to a block— (i) that, at the time of the surrender, cancellation or determination, was, or was included in, a location; and (ii) in which, in the opinion of the Minister, there is petroleum, the Minister may, at any subsequent time, by instrument published in the Gazette— (c) invite applications for the grant of a licence in respect of that block; and (d) specify a period within which applications may be made. (2) The Minister shall, in an instrument under subsection (1), state— (a) that an applicant is required to specify an amount that he would be prepared to pay in respect of the grant of a licence to him on his application; or (b) that an applicant is required to specify a rate of royalty that he would be prepared to pay, if a licence were granted to him on his application, in respect of petroleum recovered under the licence, being a rate that exceeds 10 per centum of the value at the well-head of that petroleum. (3) Where the Minister, in an instrument under subsection (1), states that an applicant is required to specify a rate of royalty as mentioned in paragraph (b) of subsection (2), the Minister may, in that instrument, state that an applicant on whose application he is prepared to grant a licence will also be required to pay to him, in respect of the grant of the licence to the applicant, the amount specified in that behalf in that instrument. (6) An application under this section— (c) shall be accompanied by the particulars referred to in section 40(1)(c); and (d) shall specify, in accordance with the requirement in the instrument by which applications were invited, the amount or the rate of royalty that the applicant would be prepared to pay; and (f) may set out any other matters that the applicant wishes the Minister to consider. (7) The Minister may, at any time, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, require him to furnish, within the period specified in the instrument, further information in connection with his application. 47—Application fee etc (1) An application under section 46 shall be accompanied by— (a) the prescribed fee; and (b) a deposit— (i) if the applicant has specified an amount that he would be prepared to pay in respect of the grant of a licence to him on the application—of 10 per centum of that amount; or (ii) if the Minister has, in the instrument by which applications were invited, stated an amount that the applicant will be required to pay in respect of the grant of a licence—of 10 per centum of that amount. (2) Where a licence is not granted on the application, the amount of the deposit must, subject to subsection (3), be refunded to the applicant. (3) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under section 48(1) does not request the Minister, under section 48(6), to grant to him the licence referred to in the instrument, the deposit shall not, unless the Minister otherwise determines, be refunded to the applicant. 48—Request by applicant for grant of licence (1) Where, at the expiration of the period specified in an instrument under section 46(1), only one application has been made under that subsection in respect of the block specified in the instrument, the Minister may reject the application or may, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, inform him that he is prepared to grant him a licence in respect of that block. (2) Where, at the expiration of the period specified in an instrument under section 46(1), two or more applications have been made under that subsection in respect of the block specified in the instrument, the Minister may reject any or all of the applications and, if he does not reject all of the applications, may— (a) if only one application remains unrejected—by instrument in writing served on the applicant; or (b) if two or more applications remain unrejected—by instrument in writing served on the applicant, or on one of the applicants, whose application has not been rejected and who has specified in his application an amount, or a rate of royalty, that he would be prepared to pay that is not less than the amount, or the rate of royalty, specified in the application of any other applicant whose application has not been rejected, inform the applicant— (c) that the Minister is prepared to grant to the applicant a licence in respect of that block; and (d) that the applicant will be required to pay— (i) the amount specified in the application; or (ii) royalty at the rate specified in the application; or (iii) royalty at the rate specified in the application and the amount specified in the instrument under section 46(1), as the case may be. (5) An instrument under any of the preceding provisions of this section shall contain— (a) a summary of the conditions subject to which the licence is to be granted; and (b) a statement of the balance of the amount, if any, that the applicant will be required to pay in respect of the grant of the licence to him; and (c) a statement to the effect that the application will lapse— (i) if the applicant does not make a request under subsection (6); or (ii) in a case where the instrument contains a statement referred to in paragraph (b)—if the applicant does not pay the balance of the amount referred to in that statement or enter into an agreement under section 108 in respect of that balance. (6) An applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under any of the preceding provisions of this section may, within a period of three months after the date of service of the instrument on him, or within such further period, not exceeding three months, as the Minister, on application in writing served on him before the expiration of the firstmentioned period of three months, allows— (a) by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant to him the licence; and (b) if the firstmentioned instrument contains a statement of the balance of an amount that the applicant will be required to pay in respect of the grant of the licence to him—pay that balance or enter into an agreement under section 108 in respect of that balance. (7) Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) or (2)— (a) has not made a request under subsection (6); or (b) if the instrument contains a statement of the balance of an amount that the applicant will be required to pay in respect of the grant of a licence to him—has not paid that balance or entered into an agreement under section 108 in respect of that balance, within the period applicable under subsection (6), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period. (8) Where the application of an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (2) lapses as provided by subsection (7), subsection (2) applies in respect of the application or applications, if any, then remaining unrejected. 49—Grant of licence on request Where an applicant on whom there has been served an instrument under section 48— (a) has made a request under section 48(6); and (b) if the instrument contains a statement of the balance of an amount that the applicant will be required to pay in respect of the grant of a licence to him—has paid that balance or entered into an agreement under section 108 in respect of that balance, within the period applicable under section 48(6), the Minister shall grant to him a production licence for petroleum in respect of the block specified in the instrument. 50—Grant of licences in respect of individual blocks (1) Where a licence (in this section called the original licence) is in force in respect of two or more blocks (not being blocks that form, or form part of, a location), the licensee may make an application to the Minister for the grant to him of two or more licences in respect of the blocks the subject of the original licence in exchange for the original licence. (2) An application under subsection (1)— (c) shall specify the number of licences required; and (d) shall specify the block or blocks the subject of the original licence in respect of which each licence is sought; and (4) Where a licensee has made an application under this section, the Minister must grant to the licensee production licences for petroleum in accordance with the application. (5) A licence granted on an application under this section— (a) remains in force, subject to this Part, but notwithstanding section 52, for the remainder of the term of the original licence; and (b) shall be granted subject to conditions corresponding as nearly as may be to the conditions to which the original licence was subject. (6) Where licences are granted on an application under this section— (a) the original licence is, by force of this subsection, determined; and (b) the determination has effect on and from the day on which those licences come into force. 51—Rights conferred by licence A licence, while it remains in force, authorises the licensee, subject to this Act and in accordance with the conditions to which the licence is subject— (a) to recover petroleum in the licence area and to recover petroleum from the licence area in another area to which he has lawful access for that purpose; and (b) to explore for petroleum in the licence area; and (c) to carry on such operations and execute such works in the licence area as are necessary for those purposes. 52—Term of licence Subject to this Part, a licence remains in force— (a) in the case of a licence granted otherwise than by way of renewal of a licence—for the period of 21 years commencing on the day on which the licence is granted or, if a later day is specified in the licence as being the day on which the licence is to come into force, on that later day; and (b) in the case of a licence granted by way of the first renewal of a licence—for the period of 21 years commencing on the day on which the licence is granted or, if a later day is specified in the licence as being the day on which the licence is to come into force, on that later day; and (c) in the case of a licence granted by way of the renewal, other than the first renewal, of a licence—for such period, commencing on the day on which the licence is granted (or, if a later day is specified in the licence as being the day on which the licence is to come into force, on that later day), as the Minister determines and specifies in the licence, being a period not exceeding 21 years. 53—Application for renewal of licence (1) A licensee may, from time to time, make an application to the Minister for the renewal of the licence. (2) An application for the renewal of the licence— (b) subject to subsection (3), shall be made in an approved manner not less than six months before the day on which the licence ceases to be in force; and (c) shall be accompanied by particulars of the proposals of the licensee for work and expenditure in respect of the licence area; and (d) shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (3) The Minister may, for reasons that he thinks sufficient, receive an application for the renewal of the licence less than six months before, but not in any case after, the day on which the licence ceases to be in force. 54—Grant or refusal of renewal of licence (a) an application for the renewal of a licence has been made under section 53; and (b) the conditions to which the licence is, or has from time to time been, subject and the provisions of this Part and of the regulations have been complied with, the Minister— (c) must, if the application is in respect of the first renewal of the licence; or (d) may, if the application is in respect of a renewal other than the first renewal of the licence, by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the licensee, inform the person that the Minister is prepared to grant to the person the renewal of the licence. (a) an application for the renewal of a licence has been made under section 53; and (b) any of the conditions to which the licence is, or has from time to time been, subject or any of the provisions of this Part or of the regulations has not been complied with, but the Minister is, nevertheless, satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of the renewal of the licence, the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the licensee, inform the person that the Minister is prepared to grant to the person the renewal of the licence. (3) If any of the conditions to which the licence is, or has from time to time been, subject or any of the provisions of this Part or of the regulations has not been complied with, and if the Minister is not satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of the renewal of the licence, the Minister must, subject to subsection (4), by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the licensee, refuse to grant the renewal of the licence. (4) The Minister shall not, under subsection (3), refuse to grant the renewal of a licence unless— (a) he has, by instrument in writing served on the licensee, given not less one month's notice of his intention to refuse to grant the renewal of the licence; and (ii) specified a date on or before which the licensee or a person on whom a copy of the instrument is served may, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, submit any matters that he wishes the Minister to consider; and (d) he has taken into account any matters so submitted to him on or before the specified date by the licensee or by a person on whom a copy of the firstmentioned instrument has been served. (5) Where an application has been made under section 53 in respect of a renewal other than the first renewal of the licence, the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the licensee, refuse to grant the renewal of the licence. (7) An instrument under subsection (1) or (2) shall contain— (a) a summary of the conditions to which the licence, on the grant of the renewal, is to be subject; and (b) a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the applicant does not make a request under subsection (8). (8) A licensee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) or (2) may, within a period of one month after the date of service of the instrument on the licensee, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant to the licensee the renewal of the licence. (9) Where a licensee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) or (2) has made a request under subsection (8) within the period referred to in subsection (8), the Minister must grant to the licensee the renewal of the licence. (10) Where a licensee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) or (2) has not made a request under subsection (8) within the period referred to in subsection (8), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period. (11) Where— (a) an application for the renewal of a licence is made under section 53; and (b) the licence expires— (i) before the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the renewal of the licence; or (ii) before the application lapses as provided by subsection (10), the licence shall be deemed to continue in force in all respects— (c) until the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the renewal of the licence; or 55—Conditions of licence A licence may be granted subject to such conditions as the Minister thinks fit and specifies in the licence. 57—Directions as to recovery of petroleum (1) Where petroleum is not being recovered in a licence area and the Minister is satisfied that there is recoverable petroleum in that area, he may, by instrument in writing served on the licensee, direct the licensee to take all necessary and practicable steps to recover that petroleum. (2) Where the Minister is not satisfied with the steps taken or being taken by a licensee to whom a direction has been given under subsection (1), the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the licensee, give to the licensee such directions as the Minister thinks necessary for or in relation to the recovery of petroleum in the licence area. (3) Where petroleum is being recovered in a licence area, the Minister may, for reasons that the Minister thinks sufficient, by instrument in writing served on the licensee, direct the licensee to take all necessary and practicable steps to increase or reduce the rate at which petroleum is being recovered in the licence area or from a petroleum pool in the licence area to such rate as the Minister specifies in the instrument. (4) Where the Minister is not satisfied with the steps taken or being taken by a licensee to whom a direction has been given under subsection (3), the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the licensee, give to the licensee such directions as the Minister thinks necessary for or in relation to the increase or reduction of the rate at which petroleum is being recovered in the licence area or from a petroleum pool in the licence area. (5) Without limiting the matters that may be taken into account by the Minister in determining whether to give a direction under subsection (3) or (4), the Minister may take into account matters relating to the effects on South Australian revenue of the proposed direction, but the Minister shall not give a direction under subsection (3) or (4) if the direction would require action to be taken that is contrary to good oil-field practice. 58—Unit development (1) In this section, the expression unit development— (a) applies in relation to a petroleum pool that is partly in a particular licence area of a licensee and partly in a licence area of another licensee or in an area that is not within the adjacent area but in which a person other than the firstmentioned licensee is lawfully entitled to carry on operations for the recovery of petroleum from the pool; and (b) means the carrying on of operations for the recovery of petroleum from that pool under co-operative arrangements between the persons entitled to carry on such operations in each of those areas. (2) A licensee may from time to time enter into an agreement in writing for or in relation to the unit development of a petroleum pool, but nothing in this subsection derogates from the operation of section 80(2). (3) The Minister of his own motion or on application made to him in writing by— (a) a licensee in whose licence area there is part of a particular petroleum pool; or (b) a person who is lawfully entitled to carry on operations for the recovery of petroleum in an area outside the adjacent area that includes part of a particular petroleum pool that extends into the adjacent area, may, for the purpose of securing the more effective recovery of petroleum from the petroleum pool, direct any licensee whose licence area includes part of the petroleum pool, by instrument in writing served on the licensee to enter into an agreement in writing, within the period specified in the instrument, for or in relation to the unit development of the petroleum pool and to lodge an application in accordance with section 80 for approval of any dealing to which the agreement relates. (a) a licensee who is directed, under subsection (3), to enter into an agreement for or in relation to the unit development of a petroleum pool does not enter into such an agreement within the specified period; or (b) the licensee enters into such an agreement but an application for approval of a dealing to which the agreement relates is not lodged with the Minister or, if an application is so lodged, the dealing is not approved under section 80, the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the licensee, direct the licensee to submit to him, within the period specified in the instrument, a scheme for or in relation to the unit development of the petroleum pool. (5) At any time after the expiration of the period within which a scheme for or in relation to the unit development of a petroleum pool is to be submitted by a licensee under subsection (4), the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the licensee, give to the licensee such directions as the Minister thinks necessary for the purpose of securing the more effective recovery of petroleum from the petroleum pool. (6) Where a person is the licensee in respect of two or more licence areas in each of which there is part of a particular petroleum pool, the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the licensee, give to the licensee such directions as the Minister thinks necessary for the purpose of securing the more effective recovery of petroleum from the petroleum pool. (7) Where an agreement under this section is in force or the Minister has given directions under subsection (5) or (6), the Minister may, having regard to additional information that has become available, by instrument in writing served on the licensee or licensees concerned, give to the licensee or licensees such directions, or further directions, as the case may be, as he thinks necessary for the purpose of securing the more effective recovery of petroleum from the petroleum pool. (8) The Minister shall not give a direction under subsection (6) or (7) unless he has given to the licensee or licensees concerned an opportunity to confer with him concerning the proposed direction. (9) Directions under subsection (5), (6) or (7) may include directions as to the rate at which petroleum is to be recovered. (10) In this section— dealing means a dealing to which section 80 applies. (11) The Minister shall— (a) if a petroleum pool extends, or is reasonably believed by him to extend, from the adjacent area into lands to which the laws of another State relating to the exploitation of petroleum resources apply, consult with the appropriate authority of that State concerning the exploitation of the petroleum pool; or (b) if a petroleum pool extends, or is reasonably believed by him to extend, from the adjacent area into the adjacent area in respect of a State other than South Australia, consult with the Designated Authority under the Commonwealth Act in respect of that State concerning the exploitation of the petroleum pool; or (c) if both paragraph (a) and paragraph (b) apply, comply with both of those paragraphs. (12) Where subsection (11) applies in relation to a petroleum pool, the Minister shall not approve an agreement under this section, or give a direction under this section, in relation to that petroleum pool except with the approval of— (a) where paragraph (a) of that subsection applies—the appropriate authority of the State concerned; or (b) where paragraph (b) of that subsection applies—the Joint Authority within the meaning of the Commonwealth Act in relation to the adjacent area concerned; or (c) where paragraph (c) of that subsection applies—each authority referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection. (13) For the purposes of subsection (11)(b), the adjacent area in respect of a State is— (a) if the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 of the Commonwealth is in force—the adjacent area in respect of a State within the meaning of that Act; or (b) if the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 of the Commonwealth has been repealed and been re‑enacted (with or without modifications)—the area that, under the re‑enacted Act of the Commonwealth, corresponds to the adjacent area in respect of a State within the meaning of the repealed Act.
Division 4—Pipeline licences 59—Construction etc of pipelines etc (1) A person shall not, in the adjacent area— (a) commence or continue the construction, or the alteration or reconstruction, of a pipeline; or (b) operate a pipeline, except under and in accordance with a pipeline licence. (2) A person shall not, in the adjacent area— (a) commence or continue the construction, or the alteration or reconstruction, of a secondary line or water line; or (b) operate a secondary line or water line, except with and in accordance with a consent in writing of the Minister. (3) A person shall not, in the adjacent area— (a) commence or continue the construction, or the alteration or reconstruction, of a pumping station, tank station or valve station; or (b) operate a pumping station, tank station or valve station, except under and in accordance with a pipeline licence or with and in accordance with a consent in writing of the Minister. (4) A person shall not, in the adjacent area, commence to operate a pipeline, a secondary line or a water line unless— (a) in the case of a pipeline, it has been constructed and tested in accordance with the pipeline licence; and (b) in the case of a secondary line or water line it has been constructed and tested in accordance with a consent in writing of the Minister; and (c) the Minister has certified in writing that he is satisfied that the pipeline, secondary line or water line, as the case may be, has been so constructed and tested and is fit to be operated. (5) A person shall not, in the adjacent area, recommence to operate a pipeline, a secondary line or a water line, the previous operation of which was discontinued, except with and in accordance with a consent in writing of the Minister. (6) The Minister may, for reasons that he thinks sufficient, refuse to give a consent or certificate for the purposes of this section and, where he gives a consent, may attach conditions to it. (7) A person who fails to comply with a provision of this section or with a condition referred to in subsection (6) is guilty of an offence. 60—Acts done in an emergency etc It is not an offence against section 59— (a) if, in an emergency in which there is a likelihood of loss or injury, or for the purpose of maintaining a pipeline, water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station or secondary line in good order or repair, a person does an act to avoid the loss or injury or to maintain the pipeline, water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station or secondary line in good order and repair and— (i) as soon as practicable notifies the Minister of the act done; and (ii) complies with any directions given to him by the Minister; or (b) if a person does an act in compliance with a direction under this Act. 61—Removal of pipeline etc constructed in contravention of Act (a) the construction of a pipeline, water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station or secondary line is commenced, continued or completed in contravention of this Act; or (b) a pipeline, water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station or secondary line is altered or reconstructed in contravention of this Act, the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the appropriate person, direct him— (c) to make such alterations to the pipeline, water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station or secondary line as are specified in the instrument; or (d) to move the pipeline, water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station or secondary line to a specified place in, or to remove it from, the adjacent area, within the period specified in the instrument. (2) For the purpose of subsection (1), the appropriate person is— (a) if the construction of the pipeline, water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station or secondary line has been completed—the owner of the pipeline, water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station of secondary line; or (b) if the construction of the pipeline, water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station or secondary line has not been completed—the person for whom the pipeline, water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station or secondary line is being constructed. (3) Where a person on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) does not, within the period specified in the instrument or within such further period, if any, as the Minister, on application in writing served on him before the expiration of the firstmentioned period, allows, comply with the direction, the Minister may do all or any of the things required by the direction to be done. (4) Costs and expenses incurred by the Minister under subsection (3) are a debt due by the person referred to in that subsection to the State and are recoverable in a court of competent jurisdiction. 62—Terminal station The Minister may, by instrument published in the Gazette, declare a pumping station, a tank station or a valve station in the adjacent area to be a terminal station. 63—Application for pipeline licence (1) An application for a pipeline licence— (i) the proposed design and construction of the pipeline; and (ii) the proposed size and capacity of the pipeline; and (iii) the proposals of the applicant for work and expenditure in respect of the construction of the pipeline; and (iv) the technical qualifications of the applicant and of his employees; and (v) the technical advice available to the applicant; and (vi) the financial resources available to the applicant; and (vii) any agreements entered into, or proposed to be entered into, by the applicant for or in relation to the supply or conveyance of petroleum by means of the pipeline; and (d) shall be accompanied by a plan, drawn to an approved scale, showing— (i) the route to be followed by the pipeline; and (ii) the sites of pumping stations, tank stations, and valve stations to be used in connection with the pipeline; and (iii) the site of any pumping station, tank station or valve station that the applicant desires to be declared under section 62 to be a terminal station in connection with the pipeline; and (e) may set out any other matters that the applicant wishes the Minister to consider; and (f) shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (2) Where a notice is published in the Gazette— (a) of an application by a person other than the licensee for a pipeline licence in respect of the construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of petroleum recovered in a licence area; or (b) of an application by a person other than the pipeline operator under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law for a pipeline licence in respect of the construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of petroleum recovered in a licence area of a production licence under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law, the licensee or, as the case may be, the pipeline operator under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law may, within a period of three months after the date of publication of the notice, or within such further period, not exceeding three months, as the Minister, on application in writing served on him before the expiration of the firstmentioned period of three months, allows, make an application for a pipeline licence referred to in paragraph (a) or (b), as the case requires, and in the application request that the application referred to in the notice be rejected. (a) a notice referred to in subsection (2) is published in the Gazette; and (b) a pipeline licence is granted to the licensee or to the pipeline operator under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law on an application under subsection (2), the Minister shall, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, reject the application referred to in the notice. (4) The Minister may, at any time, by instrument in writing served on a person who has made an application under this section, require him to furnish, within the time specified in the instrument, further information in writing in connection with his application. pipeline operator under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law has the same meaning as in section 64. 64—Grant or refusal of pipeline licence (1) Where an application for a pipeline licence in respect of the construction in the adjacent area of a pipeline, other than an application referred to in subsections (1a), (2) or (3), is made in accordance with section 63, and the application has not been rejected under section 63(3), the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, inform the applicant that the Minister is prepared to grant to the applicant a pipeline licence. (1a) Where an application for a pipeline licence in respect of the construction in the adjacent area of a pipeline is made in accordance with section 63 by a pipeline operator under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law, the Minister must, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, inform the pipeline operator that the Minister is prepared to grant to the pipeline operator a pipeline licence. (2) Where an application for a pipeline licence is made in accordance with section 63 in respect of the construction in the adjacent area of a pipeline for the conveyance of petroleum recovered in a licence area in respect of which the applicant is the licensee, the Minister— (a) must, if the conditions to which the licence is, or has from time to time been, subject and the provisions of this Part and of the regulations have been complied with; or (i) any of the conditions to which the licence is, or has from time to time been, subject or any of the provisions of this Part or of the regulations has not been complied with; and (ii) the Minister is, nevertheless, satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of a pipeline licence, by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the licensee, inform the person that the Minister is prepared to grant to the person a pipeline licence. (3) Subject to subsection (4), where an application for a pipeline licence is made in accordance with section 63 in respect of the construction in the adjacent area of a pipeline for the conveyance of petroleum recovered in a licence area in respect of which the applicant is the licensee, the Minister must, if— (a) any of the conditions to which the licence is, or has from time to time been, subject or any of the provisions of this Part or of the regulations has not been complied with; and (b) the Minister is not satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of a pipeline licence, by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the licensee, refuse to grant a pipeline licence. (4) The Minister shall not, under subsection (3), refuse to grant a pipeline licence to a licensee unless— (a) he has, by instrument in writing served on the licensee, given not less than one month's notice of his intention to refuse to grant the pipeline licence; and (ii) specified a date on or before which the licensee or a person on whom a copy of the instrument is served may, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, submit any matters that he wishes the Minister to consider; and (d) he has taken into account any matters so submitted to him on or before the specified date by the licensee or by a person on whom a copy of the firstmentioned instrument has been served. (5) Where a person other than the licensee or the pipeline operator under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law makes an application in accordance with section 63 for a pipeline licence in respect of the construction of a pipeline for the conveyance of petroleum recovered in a licence area or, as the case may be, a licence area of a production licence under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law, the Minister may, by instrument in writing served on the applicant, refuse to grant a pipeline licence. (7) An instrument under subsection (1), (1a) or (2)— (a) shall specify the route to be followed by the pipeline; and (b) shall contain a summary of the conditions subject to which the pipeline licence is to be granted; and (c) shall contain a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the applicant does not make a request under subsection (9). (8) The route to be specified in an instrument under subsection (1), (1a) or (2) shall be— (a) the route shown in the plan accompanying the application; or (b) if the Minister is of the opinion that, for any reason, that route is not appropriate—a route that, in the opinion of the Minister, is appropriate. (9) A person on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1), (1a) or (2) may, within a period of three months after the date of service of the instrument on him, or within such further period, not exceeding three months, as the Minister, on application in writing served on him before the expiration of the firstmentioned period of three months, allows, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant to the person the pipeline licence. (10) Where a person on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1), (1a) or (2) has made a request under subsection (9) within the period applicable under subsection (9), the Minister must grant to that person a licence to construct and operate a pipeline in respect of the pipeline specified in the instrument. (11) Where a person on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1), (1a) or (2) has not made a request under subsection (9) within the period applicable under subsection (9), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period. (13) In this section— pipeline operator under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law means a person who is entitled under the Commonwealth Act or a corresponding law to carry on operations for the recovery of petroleum in an area outside the adjacent area and who the Minister is satisfied is or will be entitled to construct a pipeline from the firstmentioned area to the boundary of the adjacent area. 65—Rights conferred by pipeline licence A pipeline licence, while it remains in force, authorises the pipeline licensee, subject to this Act and in accordance with the conditions to which the pipeline licence is subject— (a) to construct in the adjacent area— (i) a pipeline of the design, construction, size and capacity specified in the pipeline licence along the route, and in the position in relation to the sea-bed in the adjacent area, so specified; and (ii) the pumping stations, tank stations, and valve stations so specified in the positions so specified; and (b) to operate that pipeline and those pumping stations, tank stations and valve stations; and (c) to carry on such operations, to execute such works and to do all such other things in the adjacent area as are necessary for or incidental to the construction and operation of that pipeline and of those pumping stations, tank stations and valve stations. 66—Term of pipeline licence (1) Subject to this Part, a pipeline licence remains in force— (a) for a period of 21 years; or (b) where the Minister is of the opinion that having regard to the dates of expiration of the licences that relate to the licence areas from which petroleum is, or is to be, conveyed by means of the pipeline, it is not necessary for the pipeline licence to remain in force for a period of 21 years—for such period less than 21 years as the Minister determines and specifies in the pipeline licence. (2) A pipeline licence comes into force on the day on which the pipeline licence is granted or, if a later day is specified in the pipeline licence as being the day on which the pipeline licence is to come into force, on that later day. 67—Application for renewal of pipeline licence (1) A pipeline licensee may, from time to time, make an application to the Minister for the renewal of the pipeline licence. (2) An application for the renewal of the pipeline licence— (b) subject to subsection (3), shall be made in an approved manner not less than six months before the day on which the pipeline licence ceases to be in force; and (c) shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (3) The Minister may, for reasons that he thinks sufficient, receive an application for the renewal of the pipeline licence less than six months before, but not in any case after, the day on which the pipeline licence ceases to be in force. 68—Grant or refusal of renewal of pipeline licence (1) Where an application has been made under section 67 for the renewal of a pipeline licence, the Minister— (a) must, if the conditions to which the pipeline licence is, or has from time to time been, subject and the provisions of this Part and of the regulations have been complied with; or (i) any of the conditions to which the pipeline licence is, or has from time to time been, subject or any of the provisions of this Part or of the regulations has not been complied with; and (ii) the Minister is, nevertheless, satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of the renewal of the pipeline licence, by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the pipeline licensee, inform the person that the Minister is prepared to grant to the person the renewal of the pipeline licence. (2) Subject to subsection (3), where an application has been made under section 67 for the renewal of a pipeline licence, the Minister must, if— (a) any of the conditions to which the pipeline licence is, or has from time to time been, subject or any of the provisions of this Part or of the regulations has not been complied with; and (b) the Minister is not satisfied that special circumstances exist that justify the granting of the renewal of the pipeline licence, by instrument in writing served on the person who is then the pipeline licensee, refuse to grant the renewal of the pipeline licence. (3) The Minister shall not refuse to grant the renewal of the pipeline licence unless— (a) he has, by instrument in writing served on the pipeline licensee, given not less than one month's notice of his intention to refuse to grant the renewal of the pipeline licence; and (ii) specified a date on or before which the pipeline licensee or a person on whom a copy of the instrument is served may, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, submit any matters that he wishes the Minister to consider; and (d) he has taken into account any matters so submitted to him on or before the specified date by the pipeline licensee or by a person on whom a copy of the firstmentioned instrument has been served. (4) An instrument under subsection (1) shall contain— (a) a summary of the conditions to which the pipeline licence, on the grant of the renewal, is to be subject; and (b) a statement to the effect that the application will lapse if the pipeline licensee does not make a request under subsection (5). (5) A pipeline licensee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) may, within a period of one month after the date of service of the instrument on the pipeline licensee, by instrument in writing served on the Minister, request the Minister to grant to the pipeline licensee the renewal of the pipeline licence. (6) Where a pipeline licensee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has made a request under subsection (5) within the period referred to in subsection (5), the Minister must grant to the pipeline licensee the renewal of the pipeline licence. (7) Where a pipeline licensee on whom there has been served an instrument under subsection (1) has not made a request under subsection (5) within the period referred to in subsection (5), the application lapses upon the expiration of that period. (a) an application for the renewal of a pipeline licence is made under section 67; and (b) the pipeline licence expires— (i) before the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the renewal of the pipeline licence; or (ii) before the application lapses as provided by subsection (7), the pipeline licence shall be deemed to continue in force in all respects— (c) until the Minister grants, or refuses to grant, the renewal of the pipeline licence; or 69—Conditions of pipeline licence (1) A pipeline licence may be granted subject to such conditions as the Minister thinks fit and specifies in the pipeline licence. (2) The conditions referred to in subsection (1) may include a condition that the pipeline licensee shall complete the construction of the pipeline within the period specified in the pipeline licence. (3) This section extends to a pipeline licence granted by way of the renewal of a pipeline licence and, in the case of a pipeline licence so granted, the conditions may include conditions varying or adding to the conditions of the previous licence and conditions requiring reconstruction or modification of the pipeline or of associated works. 70—Variation of pipeline licence on application by pipeline licensee (1) A pipeline licensee may, at any time, make an application to the Minister for the variation of the pipeline licence. (c) shall be accompanied by particulars of the proposed variation; and (d) shall specify the reasons for the proposed variation; and (3) The Minister may, at any time, by instrument in writing served on a person who has made an application under this section require him to furnish, within the period specified in the instrument, further information in writing in connection with his application. (4) The Minister shall, in a notice published in the Gazette of an application under this section, specify a period within which a person may submit to the Minister, in writing, any matters that he wishes the Minister to consider in connection with the application. (5) After considering any matters submitted to him under subsection (4) the Minister may, by instrument in writing, vary the pipeline licence to such extent as he thinks necessary or may refuse to vary the pipeline licence. 71—Variation of pipeline licence by Minister (1) The Minister may— (a) at the request of— (i) a Minister or a Minister of State of the Commonwealth; or (ii) a body established by a law of the Commonwealth or of the State; and (b) if, in his opinion, it is in the public interest so to do, by instrument in writing served on a person who is a pipeline licensee or the holder of an instrument of consent under section 59 direct that person to make such changes in the design, construction, route or position of the pipeline, or of a water line, pumping station, tank station, valve station or secondary line to which the pipeline licence or instrument of consent relates, as are specified in the firstmentioned instrument, within the period specified in the firstmentioned instrument, and, if the person so directed is a pipeline licensee, shall vary the pipeline licence accordingly. (3) Where the Minister gives a direction under subsection (1), and the person to whom the direction was given has complied with the direction, that person may bring an action in the Supreme Court against the Minister or Minister of State of the Commonwealth or body making the request. (4) The Supreme Court shall hear the action, without a jury, and shall determine whether it is just that the whole or a portion of the reasonable cost of complying with the direction ought to be paid to the plaintiff by the defendant. (5) If the Supreme Court determines that it is just that such a payment ought to be made, the Supreme Court shall determine the amount of the payment and give judgment accordingly. 72—Common carrier The Minister may, by instrument in writing served on a pipeline licensee, direct the pipeline licensee to be a common carrier of petroleum in respect of the pipeline and thereupon the pipeline licensee is a common carrier of petroleum in respect of the pipeline. 73—Ceasing to operate pipeline (1) Except with the consent in writing of the Minister and subject to compliance with such conditions, if any, as are specified in the instrument of consent, a pipeline licensee shall not cease to operate the pipeline. (2) It is not an offence against subsection (1) if the failure of the pipeline licensee to operate the pipeline— (a) was in the ordinary course of operating the pipeline; or (b) was for the purpose of repairing or maintaining the pipeline; or (c) was in an emergency in which there was a likelihood of loss or injury.
Sourced from South Australian Legislation (legislation.sa.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
South Australia Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 An Act to make provision with respect to the exploration for and the exploitation of the petroleum resources, and certain other resources, of certain submerged lands adjacent to the coasts of South Australia, and for other purposes.
Contents Preamble Part 1—Preliminary Division 1—Interpretation, application and construction of Act 1 Short title 2 Transitional provisions 4 Interpretation 5 Application of Act 5A Interaction with Marine Parks Act 2007 5B Licence or other right is not personal property for the purposes of Commonwealth Act 6 Petroleum pool extending into two licence areas 7 Points etc to be ascertained by reference to Australian Geodetic Datum 7A Certain portions of blocks to be blocks Division 2—Administration of the Commonwealth adjacent area 8 Definitions 9 Minister a member of Joint Authority 10 Minister as Designated Authority 11 Delegations under Commonwealth Act 12 Public servants performing functions under Commonwealth Act Part 2—Application of laws 13 Modification of the applied provisions 14 Jurisdiction of State courts 14A Disapplication of State occupational health and safety laws Part 3—Mining for petroleum Division 1—Preliminary 15 Delegation 16 Graticulation of Earth's surface 17 Reservation of blocks Division 2—Exploration permits for petroleum 18 Exploration for petroleum 19 Advertisement of blocks 20 Application for permits 21 Grant or refusal of permit in relation to application 22 Application for permit in respect of surrendered etc blocks 23 Application fee etc 24 Consideration of applications 25 Request by applicant for grant of permit in respect of advertised blocks 26 Grant of permit on request 27 Rights conferred by permit 28 Term of permit 29 Application for renewal of permit 30 Application for renewal of permit to be in respect of reduced area 30A Certain permits cannot be renewed more than twice 31 Grant or refusal of renewal of permit 32 Conditions of permit 33 Discovery of petroleum to be notified 34 Directions by Minister on discovery of petroleum 35 Nomination of blocks as location 36 Declaration of location 37 Immediately adjoining blocks Division 2A—Retention leases for petroleum 37A Application by permittee for lease 37B Grant or refusal of lease in relation to application 37BA Application of sections 37A and 37B where permit is transferred 37C Rights conferred by lease 37D Term of lease 37E Notice of intention to cancel lease 37F Application for renewal of lease 37G Grant or refusal of renewal of lease 37H Conditions of lease 37J Discovery of petroleum to be notified 37K Directions by Minister on discovery of petroleum Division 3—Production licences for petroleum 38 Recovery of petroleum in adjacent area 39 Application by permittee for licence 39A Application for licence by lessee 40 Application for licence 41 Determination of rate of royalty 42 Notification as to grant of licence 43 Grant of licence 43A Application of sections 40 to 43 where permit etc transferred 44 Variation of licence area 45 Determination of permit or lease as to block not taken up 46 Application for licence in respect of surrendered etc blocks 47 Application fee etc 48 Request by applicant for grant of licence 49 Grant of licence on request 50 Grant of licences in respect of individual blocks 51 Rights conferred by licence 52 Term of licence 53 Application for renewal of licence 54 Grant or refusal of renewal of licence 55 Conditions of licence 57 Directions as to recovery of petroleum 58 Unit development Division 4—Pipeline licences 59 Construction etc of pipelines etc 60 Acts done in an emergency etc 61 Removal of pipeline etc constructed in contravention of Act 62 Terminal station 63 Application for pipeline licence 64 Grant or refusal of pipeline licence 65 Rights conferred by pipeline licence 66 Term of pipeline licence 67 Application for renewal of pipeline licence 68 Grant or refusal of renewal of pipeline licence 69 Conditions of pipeline licence 70 Variation of pipeline licence on application by pipeline licensee 71 Variation of pipeline licence by Minister 72 Common carrier 73 Ceasing to operate pipeline Division 5—Registration of instruments 73A Interpretation 74 Register of certain instruments to be kept 75 Particulars to be entered in register 76 Memorials to be entered of permits etc determined etc 77 Approval and registration of transfers 78 Entries in register on devolution of title etc 80 Approval of dealings creating etc interests etc in existing titles 80A Approval of dealings in future interests etc 81 True consideration to be shown 82 Minister not concerned with certain matters 83 Power of Minister to require information as to dealings 84 Production and inspection of documents 85 Inspection of register and documents 86 Evidentiary provision 86A Minister may make corrections to register 87 Appeals 88 Minister not liable to certain actions 89 Offences 90 Assessment of fee 91 Registration fees 92 Exemption from stamp duty Division 6—General 93 Notice of grants of permits etc to be published 94 Date of effect of surrender etc of permits etc 95 Commencement of works 96 Work practices 96A Conditions relating to insurance 97 Maintenance etc of property 98 Sections 96 and 97 to have effect subject to this Act etc 99 Drilling near boundaries 100 Directions 101 Compliance with directions 102 Exemption 103 Surrender of permits etc 104 Cancellation of permits etc 105 Cancellation of permit etc not affected by other provisions 106 Removal of property etc by permittee etc 107 Removal of property etc by Minister 108 Payment by instalments 109 Penalty for late payments of instalments etc 110 Special prospecting authorities 111 Access authorities 112 Sale of property 114 Minister etc may require information to be furnished etc 115 Power to examine on oath 116 Failing to furnish information etc 117 Release of information 118 Safety zones 119 Discovery and use of water 120 Survey of wells etc 121 Records etc to be kept 122 Scientific investigations 123 Interference with other rights 124 Inspectors 125 Powers of inspectors 126 Property in petroleum 127 Suspension of right conferred by permit 128 Certain payments to be made by State to Commonwealth 129 Determination to be disregarded in certain cases 130 Continuing offences 131 Persons concerned in commission of offences 133 Orders for forfeiture in respect of certain offences 134 Disposal of forfeited goods 135 Time for bringing proceedings for offences 136 Judicial notice 137 Service 137A Service of documents on two or more permittees etc Division 6A—Powers of authorised persons 137B Interpretation 137C Powers of authorised persons 137D Search warrants 137E Exercise of powers in serious circumstances Division 7—Fees and royalties 138 Fees 141 Time for payment of fees 142 Royalty 143 Reduction of royalty in certain cases 144 Royalty not payable in certain cases 145 Ascertainment of well-head 146 Ascertainment of value 147 Ascertainment of quantity of petroleum recovered 148 Payment of royalty 148A Provisional payment of royalty 148B Adjustment of payments of royalty 149 Penalty for late payment 150 Fees and penalties debts due to State Part 3A—Occupational health and safety Division 1—Introduction 150A Definitions 150B Occupational health and safety 150C Listed OHS laws 150D Regulations relating to occupational health and safety Division 2—Functions and powers of the Safety Authority 150E Safety Authority's functions 150F Safety Authority's ordinary powers 150G Judicial notice of seal Division 3—Safety Authority Board 150H Functions of the Board 150I Powers of the Board 150J Validity of decisions Division 4—CEO and staff of the Safety Authority 150K CEO acts for Safety Authority 150L Working with the Board 150M Delegation 150N Secondments to the Safety Authority Division 5—Other Safety Authority provisions 150O Minister may require the Safety Authority to prepare reports or give information 150P Directions to the Safety Authority 150Q Reviews of operations of Safety Authority 150R Liability for acts and omissions Part 4—Regulations 151 Regulations Schedule 2—Convention on the Continental Shelf Schedule 3—Area that includes the adjacent area Schedule 4—Scheme for transitional arrangements 1 Interpretation 2 Subsisting permits to be deemed to be 2 permits 3 Renewal of permits 4 Subsisting pipeline licences to be deemed to be two licences 5 Transfer of permits and pipeline licences 6 Preservation of existing interests and rights 7 Saving of approvals etc 8 Existing Register 9 Registration of, and of instruments relating to, subsisting permits and pipeline licences 10 Fees Schedule 6—Petroleum (Submerged Lands) (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 1994—Transitional provisions 1 Interpretation 2 Application of sections 35 and 36 3 Application of section 80(4)(b) 4 Discharge of security under section 96A on provision of insurance 5 Application of sections 148A and 148B Schedule 7—Occupational health and safety Part 1—Introduction 1 Objects 2 Simplified outline 3 Definitions 4 Facilities 5 Operator must ensure presence of operator's representative 6 Health and safety of persons using an accommodation facility 7 Contractor Part 2—Occupational health and safety Division 1—Duties relating to occupational health and safety 8 Duties of operator 9 Duties of persons in control of parts of facility or particular work 10 Duties of employers 11 Duties of manufacturers in relation to plant and substances 12 Duties of suppliers of facilities, plant and substances 13 Duties of persons erecting facilities or installing plant 14 Duties of persons in relation to occupational health and safety 15 Reliance on information supplied or results of research Division 2—Regulations relating to occupational health and safety 16 Regulations relating to occupational health and safety Part 3—Workplace arrangements Division 1—Introduction 17 Simplified outline Division 2—Designated work groups Subdivision A—Establishment of designated work groups 18 Establishment of designated work groups by request 19 Establishment of designated work groups at initiative of operator Subdivision B—Variation of designated work groups 20 Variation of designated work groups by request 21 Variation of designated work groups at initiative of operator Subdivision C—General 22 Referral of disagreement to reviewing authority 23 Manner of grouping members of the workforce Division 3—Health and safety representatives Subdivision A—Selection of health and safety representatives 24 Selection of health and safety representatives 25 Election of health and safety representatives 26 List of health and safety representatives 27 Members of designated work group must be notified of selection etc of health and safety representative 28 Term of office 29 Training of health and safety representatives 30 Resignation etc of health and safety representatives 31 Disqualification of health and safety representatives 32 Deputy health and safety representatives Subdivision B—Powers of health and safety representatives 33 Powers of health and safety representatives 34 Assistance by consultant 35 Information 36 Obligations and liabilities of health and safety representatives 37 Provisional improvement notices 38 Effect of provisional improvement notice Subdivision C—Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to health and safety representatives 39 Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to health and safety representatives Division 4—Health and safety committees 40 Health and safety committees 41 Functions of health and safety committees 42 Duties of the operator and other employers in relation to health and safety committees Division 5—Emergency procedures 43 Action by health and safety representatives 44 Directions to perform other work Division 6—Exemptions 45 Exemptions Part 4—Inspections Division 1—Introduction 46 Simplified outline 47 Powers, functions and duties of OHS inspectors Division 2—Inspections 48 Inspections Division 3—Powers of OHS inspectors in relation to the conduct of inspections Subdivision A—General powers of entry and search 49 Powers of entry and search—facilities 50 Powers of entry and search—regulated business premises (other than facilities) 51 Powers of entry and search—premises (other than regulated business premises) 52 Warrant to enter premises (other than regulated business premises) 53 Obstructing or hindering OHS inspector Subdivision B—Other powers 54 Power to require assistance and information 55 Power to require the answering of questions and the production of documents or articles 56 Privilege against self-incrimination 57 Power to take possession of plant, take samples of substances etc 58 Power to direct that workplace etc not be disturbed 59 Power to issue prohibition notices 60 Compliance with prohibition notice 61 Power to issue improvement notices 62 Compliance with improvement notice 63 Notices not to be tampered with or removed Division 4—Reports on inspections 64 Reports on inspections Division 5—Appeals 65 Appeals 66 Powers of reviewing authority on appeal Part 5—General 67 Notifying and reporting accidents and dangerous occurrences 68 Records of accidents and dangerous occurrences to be kept 69 Codes of practice 70 Use of codes of practice in proceedings 71 Interference etc with equipment etc 72 Members of workforce not to be levied 73 Victimisation 74 Institution of prosecutions 75 Role of Commonwealth DPP 76 Conduct of directors, employees and agents 77 Act not to give rise to other liabilities etc 78 Circumstances preventing compliance may be defence to prosecution 79 Regulations—general Legislative history
Who is affected
Why it matters (practical consequences)
Official purpose claim (as set out in the Act) and how that maps to costs, incentives and trade-offs
Who pays, who decides, and what behaviour changes
Implementation, compliance and unintended‑effects risks to note (mechanisms, not judgments)
Primary statutory citations (selective): ss 18, 27, 38, 42–44, 51–55, 59–66, 74–91, 96A, 100–108, 114–121, 118, 128, 138–149, 150A–150R, Schedule 7.
Bottom line in one sentence
Preamble WHEREAS in accordance with international law Australia as a coastal State has sovereign rights over the Continental Shelf beyond the limits of Australian territorial waters for the purpose of exploring it and exploiting its natural resources: AND WHEREAS Australia is a party to the Convention on the Continental Shelf signed at Geneva on 29 April 1958 in which those rights are defined: AND WHEREAS by the Seas and Submerged Lands Act 1973 of the Commonwealth it is declared and enacted that the sovereignty in respect of the territorial sea of Australia and in respect of the airspace over it and in respect of its sea-bed and subsoil, and the sovereignty in respect of certain internal waters of Australia and in respect of the airspace over those waters and in respect of the sea-bed and subsoil beneath those waters, is vested in and exercisable by the Crown in right of the Commonwealth: AND WHEREAS the Parliaments of the States and the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory have certain legislative powers in respect of the sea-bed and subsoil referred to in the last preceding recital and the Parliament of the Commonwealth has vested in the Crown in right of each of the States and the Crown in right of the Northern Territory certain proprietary rights in respect of that sea-bed and subsoil: AND WHEREAS it has been agreed between the Commonwealth, the States and the Northern Territory that, in place of the scheme provided for by an Agreement between the Commonwealth and the States dated 16 October 1967— (a) legislation of the Parliament of the Commonwealth in respect of the exploration for and the exploitation of the petroleum resources of submerged lands should be limited to the resources of lands beneath waters that are beyond the outer limits of the territorial sea adjacent to the States and the Northern Territory (being outer limits based, unless and until otherwise agreed, on the breadth of that sea being three nautical miles), and that the States and the Northern Territory should share in the administration of that legislation; and (b) legislation of the Parliament of each State should apply in respect of the exploration for and the exploitation of the petroleum resources of such part of the submerged lands in an are
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