Bidding is officially open for the 2020 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release, which comprises 42 areas in Commonwealth waters off Western Australia, Victoria, Northern Territory and the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands.

Approximately 100,000 square kilometres of acreage has been made available for exploration across five basins including Bonaparte, Browse, Northern Carnarvon, Otway and Gippsland basins.

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, the Hon. Keith Pitt MP, said the annual Acreage Release is a key component to promote and encourage investment in petroleum exploration.

“I acknowledge the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the oil and gas industry. The government strongly believes exploration will play a key role in helping our economy recover from the pandemic,” he said.

“This year’s release is dominated by areas in established oil and gas provinces with existing infrastructure. This is consistent with the drive to ensure major projects have and maintain steady supply into the future.”

“Most importantly, I want to make sure Australia remains an attractive destination for exploration investment and that we can continue to deliver long-term energy security for all Australians,” Minister Pitt commented.

All areas in the 2020 Acreage Release are based on industry nominations and were subject to a comprehensive public consultation process.

Additionally, areas are available for work-program bidding.

Companies have the opportunity to bid on release areas until 1 June 2021.

Maps for the 2020 Acreage Release and more information on the bidding process can be found here.