The Australian Government has released proposed offshore areas for greenhouse gas (GHG) storage, with public consultation now open to inform areas that companies can apply for a permit to assess GHG storage potential.
The proposed acreage release areas are located three to 200 nautical miles off the Australian coastline. They include Bonaparte, Browse, Northern Carnarvon, Peth, Otway, Bass and Gippsland.
The purpose of the consultation is to uncover any unforeseen impacts of future exploration and appraisal activities on other marine users like fishing or transport; sites that affect the environment, tourism or local communities; and areas that affect First Nations cultural heritage.
The Minister for Resources will consider this feedback to inform final approval to release an area for industry to bid on for assessment permits. As a result of the consultation, areas may be re-shaped or excluded from the bidding round.
An area will not be included in the release if any issues cannot be managed through regulatory approvals. The bidding phase will begin later this year, with a bidding window of three months.
The government will provide information from the consultation, along with other information about each area, to companies applying for assessment permits and proposing to work in an area.
Permit holders must also meet a range of other environmental requirements before starting any offshore exploration activities in Australian Commonwealth waters.
Consultation is open until 30 June 2023.
Access information about nominated areas and have your say on the Consultation hub.
