Source: http://petroleum-acreage.gov.au/2016/2016-special-notices
Timestamp: 2017-04-23 12:07:52
Document Index: 453341911

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 10', 'art 4', 'art 9', 'art 10', 'art 7', 'art 8']

2016 Special Notices | Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release: Australia 2016
Home2016 Special NoticesHow to bidSupporting InformationAccess to DataOverview of Australia’s offshore petroleum regimeCommonwealth Marine ReservesExploring in areas covered by Treaties, MoUs and Native TitleForeign InvestmentPetroleum TaxationExplore AustraliaUseful Links2017 NominationsPast releases2015201420132012201120102009 Special release2009200820072006Disclaimers 2016 Release Areas
Bonaparte BasinBonaparte Basin Regional GeologyVulcan Sub-basinRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramAshmore PlatformRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramPetrel Sub-basinRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramSahul SynclineRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramBrowse BasinBrowse Basin Regional GeologyNorthwestern Caswell Sub-basinRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramSouthern Browse BasinRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramBarcoo Sub-basinRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramOffshore Canning BasinOffshore Canning Basin Regional GeologyOobagooma Sub-basinRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramRoebuck BasinRoebuck Basin Regional GeologyBedout Sub-basinRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramNorthern Carnarvon BasinNorthern Carnarvon Basin Regional GeologyEastern Exmouth PlateauRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramExmouth PlateauRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramDampier Sub-basinRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramBarrow Sub-basinRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock DiagramExmouth Sub-basinRelease Area MapBlock ListingBlock Diagram You are hereHome 2016 Special Notices 2016 Special Notices.docx DOCX 3.8 MB
This document sets out the general and special notices for the 2016 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release Areas (release areas). The information contained in this document has been identified through consultation with parties that have existing rights and interests in, and around, the 2016 release areas.
These notices are designed to assist successful applicants when planning a program of exploration. The identified requirements for a release area may result in the Joint Authority placing additional conditions on an exploration title at the time of award.
Although due care, diligence and skill has been exercised in the preparation and compilation of information contained in this document, the Australian Government does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate or complete. You should not rely solely on information contained in this document when making commercial decisions, and should check the accuracy of information prior to commencing any petroleum exploration operation.
General notices for all areas
Petroleum legislation requires that offshore operations be carried out in a manner that does not unduly interfere with the rights and interests of others. There is also a need to comply with other requirements and standards set by Australian law. Successful applicants for offshore titles need to have regard for matters such as:
navigation and maritime safety
submarine telecommunication cables
Australian Defence Force Airspace Cell: 1800 652 222
Australian Fisheries Management Authority: petroleum@afma.gov.au Australian Hydrographic Office: hydro.ntm@defence.gov.au
Australian Maritime Safety Authority: NauticalAdvice@amsa.gov.au
Maritime Border Command: mbcplanssupport@border.gov.au
Commonwealth Department of Defence: +61 2 6266 8650 Offshore.Petroleum@defence.gov.au
Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Indonesia Economic, Trade and Infrastructure Section/ Sea Law, Environment Law and Antarctic Section +61 2 6261 1111
Commonwealth Department of Industry, Innovation and Science: petroleum.exploration@industry.gov.au
Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (EPBC Act): ciu@environment.gov.au
Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy (Parks Australia): marinereserves@environment.gov.au
Defence Headquarters Air Command: william.kourelakos@defence.gov.au
National Native Title Tribunal: enquiries@nntt.gov.au
National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority: information@nopsema.gov.au
National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator: titles@nopta.gov.au
Nextgen Networks Pty Ltd: greg.neylan@nextgengroup.com.au Pearl Producers Australia: aaron.irving@pearlproducersaustralia.com
Telstra: steven.k.lay@team.telstra.com
Trident Subsea Cable: info@tridentsc.com.au International Treaties
Australia-Indonesia Maritime Boundaries
Australia and Indonesia have entered into a number of agreements and arrangements relating to the maritime area between Australia and Indonesia including the:
1971 Agreement Establishing Certain Seabed Boundaries (the 1971 Seabed Agreement).
1972 Agreement Establishing Certain Seabed Boundaries in the Area of the Timor and Arafura Seas, Supplementary to the Agreement of 18 May 1971 (the 1972 Seabed Agreement).
1997 Treaty Establishing an Exclusive Economic Zone and Certain Seabed Boundaries (the 1997 Perth Treaty) that has been signed but is not yet in force.
While the 1997 Perth Treaty is not yet in force, the Australian Government acts in accordance with its provisions, including in relation to notification (Article 7).
Under Article 7(d) of the 1997 Perth Treaty, Australia is required to notify Indonesia three months prior to the proposed grant of exploration or exploitation rights in an area of overlapping jurisdiction. While it is not a requirement of the 1997 Perth Treaty to advise Indonesia prior to the release of offshore acreage areas, in the interests of transparency and good bilateral relations, Australia does notify Indonesia at the time of the annual Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release and again three months prior to the grant of any exploration title in the relevant area.
Advice to Indonesia is coordinated through the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Embassy in Jakarta that delivers the third person notes to the Indonesian Government.
If exploration activity within an area of overlapping jurisdiction involves the construction of an installation or structure, the 1997 Perth Treaty requires Australia to give Indonesia ‘due notice’ of this. A permanent means of giving warning of the installation or structure’s presence must be maintained. An installation or structure generally would be a structure that rests on, or is fixed or connected to, the seabed.
For further information on the Perth Treaty please contact:
Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Indonesia Economic, Trade and Infrastructure Section/Sea Law, Environment Law and Antarctic Section
+61 2 6261 1111
Indonesian Traditional Fishing in the ‘MoU Box’
Located in the Browse Basin, offshore Western Australia is an area known as the ‘MoU Box’ and subject to the 1974 Australia-Indonesia Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Operations of Indonesian Traditional Fishermen in Areas of the Australian Exclusive Fishing Zone and Continental Shelf (the MoU).
The MoU provides a basis for traditional Indonesian fishing access to the MoU Box within Australia’s north-western exclusive economic zone. Specifically, Australia agrees to refrain from applying its fisheries laws against traditional Indonesian fishermen who conduct their operations in accordance with the MoU.
Traditional fishers can be found in any part of the dedicated MoU Box. Their vessels are likely to have ‘longlines’ of 1-2 km long and diving is also known to occur. The traditional fishermen do not carry communication equipment and they are not known to use navigation lights or radar reflectors. The vessels are not motorised, which limits their capacity to take evasive action. The hulls are timber and present poor radar targets.
Indonesian fishermen target some species that are sedentary which, at the harvestable stage, are either immobile on or under the seabed, or are unable to move except in constant physical contact with the seabed or the subsoil. This includes trochus, bêche-de-mer, abalone, green snail, sponges and molluscs.
Caution is recommended when operating in release areas overlapping or near to the MoU Box. As fishing activity may vary from year to year, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) recommends, for updated information, successful applicants liaise with AFMA’s MoU Box Manager by emailing: jim.prescott@afma.gov.au. Border Protection
Maritime Border Command (MBC) coordinates national awareness and response efforts to protect Australia’s interests in the Australian maritime jurisdiction. MBC is a multiagency taskforce that utilises assets assigned from the Australian Border Force and the Australian Defence Force to conduct civil maritime operations.
Titleholders and operators should note that MBC operates on behalf of government agencies and regulators. Titleholders and operators are to consult the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science for compliance with Australian legislation on security and safety matters in the conduct of petroleum development activities.
MBC adopts an intelligence-led threat based approach to conduct of maritime security operations in response to security threats in Australia’s maritime jurisdiction namely, illegal activity in protected areas, illegal exploitation of natural resources, marine pollution, prohibited imports and exports; unauthorised maritime arrivals’ compromise to biosecurity, piracy, robbery or violence at sea and maritime terrorism. Titleholders and operators can seek advice from MBC on preventive, preparedness and response measures. All requests seeking advice should be routed through the relevant regulator.
Titleholders and operators are encouraged to share all relevant information with MBC on their security and safety preventive, preparedness, and response measures including contact information for executive engagement, 24/7 POC and routine matters throughout the exploration, drilling, production and decommissioning phases of their petroleum development activities.
MBC should be notified of exploration, drilling and development activities including positions of associated infrastructure and assets that will be in the release area, preferably 14 days prior to commencement of the activity. MBC is to be kept apprised at all times of any change in details of the activity, assets deployed or infrastructure built in the release area. Failure to communicate information in a timely manner may compromise MBC’s ability to respond should an emerging situation require a response.
Further information regarding the Australian Government maritime security arrangements.
The contact point for communicating details of proposed activities in the release areas is mbcplanssupport@border.gov.au. Defence
Some 2016 release areas coincide with military restricted airspace. When activated by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), the restricted airspace can operate down to low altitudes including at times, to sea level. Non-Defence flying operations are required to be conducted in accordance with NOTAM restrictions.
Offshore areas may coincide with a Military Exercise Area or a Defence Practice Area. Potential applicants are advised the Minister for Defence has the authority, under the Defence Force Regulations 1952, to declare and Gazette any area of sea or air space as a Defence Practice Area, for carrying out Defence operations or practices as specified in a NOTAM or a Notice to Mariners (NOTMAR). When a Defence Practice Area is activated, unauthorised access to the area will be prohibited and access to affected permit areas may also be restricted. Potential applicants should also be aware that all sea and aircraft can be ordered to evacuate the practice areas at short notice.
As there is potential for unexploded ordnance (UXO) on the sea floor in either a Military Exercise Area or a Defence Practice Area, applicants should be aware of the risks involved in conducting exploration activities. The potential presence of UXO on the sea floor carries with it an associated risk of detonation that will be borne by the applicants. Defence takes no responsibility for reporting the location and type of ordnance dropped in the areas, for identification of or removal of any UXO or for any damage sustained to equipment in the unlikely event of UXO detonation. As a consequence, the Australian Government provides no guarantee or indemnity to titleholders or others with regard to the safety or whereabouts of UXO in such areas.
In addition, as training exercises can take place at any time and often involve the use of live fire, permit holders must consult with Defence to minimise the applicant's own risk. Details of 2016 release areas that coincide with a Military Exercise Area or a Defence Practice Area are provided in the Notices for Specific Areas.
Locations of restricted and prohibited areas, including maps, are listed in Annual Australian NOTAM and NOTMAR publications that are available from the Royal Australian Air Force Aeronautical Information Service website (RAAF AIS - Designated Airspace Handbook) and the Australian Hydrographic Office website—available under 'Annual Notices'— respectively, refer to addresses below.
Successful applicants will need to liaise with Defence during the planning phase and to notify of any exploration activity. Defence requires notification, prior to commencement, of any exploration works, including positions and dimensions (lateral and vertical) of associated infrastructure and permanent infrastructure development, to be undertaken in areas that lie within Defence Restricted Airspace or Training Areas. Details of routes of any associated helicopter support operations are also requested. The appropriate contact details are below.
Details of routes of any associated helicopter support operations are also requested. The appropriate point of contact is the Australian Defence Force Airspace Cell that can be contacted by emailing ADF.Airspace@defence.gov.au or by telephone 1800 652 222.
For all release areas, successful applicants will be required to notify the Australian Hydrographic Service a minimum of three weeks prior to any exploration works to be undertaken, to enable assessment of the impact on the maritime industry. Further, the Australian Hydrographic Service requires details of any exploration activity including suspended well heads, including whether the well will be left suspended or plugged and abandoned, or proposed infrastructure developments. This will enable relevant navigational charts to be updated and the issue of appropriate navigational warnings. The appropriate contact details are below.
Successful applicants will need to liaise with Headquarters Air Command during the planning phase and to notify any exploration activity. Titleholders will need to provide positions and dimensions (lateral and vertical) of all associated fixed and mobile infrastructure including drilling rigs. Additionally, Headquarters Air Command requires advice within 48 hours of any change in position of exploration activities to avoid conflict with Australian Defence Force exercise activity.
The following Defence contacts will be able to advise of planned Defence activities in specific areas:
Australian Hydrographic Service Mr Peter Naumovski
Nautical Assessment Officer
Chart Production and Maintenance
Locked Bag 8801,
E-mail: hydro.ntm@defence.gov.au
Telephone: +61 2 4223 6680
Headquarters Air Command AIRCDRE William Kourelakos
Deputy Air Commander Australia
Great Western Highway, Glenbrook, NSW 2773
E-mail: william.kourelakos@defence.gov.au
Telephone: +61 2 4737 7010
Offshore Petroleum Enquiry
26 Brindabella Business Park
E-mail: Offshore.Petroleum@defence.gov.au
Facsimile: +61 2 4223 6599
Website: www.hydro.gov.au Environmental Protection
The Australian Government requires titleholders to conduct their activities in a manner that ensures a high standard of environmental protection. Of particular importance to offshore petroleum exploration are the requirements of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (OPGGS Act) and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Penalties may apply to any activities in breach of the OPGGS Act and EPBC Act.
The Australian Government’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) is the sole designated assessor for environmental management of offshore petroleum activities in Commonwealth waters.
On 27 February 2014, the then Australian Minister for the Environment issued an approval under Part 10 of the EPBC Act for ‘All actions which are petroleum and greenhouse gas activities taken in Commonwealth waters and in accordance with the endorsed program’.
The approved class of actions means titleholders seeking to undertake petroleum activities in Commonwealth waters are not required to refer those actions for assessment by the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy, provided they are undertaken in accordance with the program.
The program describes the requirements under the OPGGS Act and subordinate regulations, in particular the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 (environment regulations).
Further information on streamlining may be found at www.industry.gov.au/streamlining.
The approval does not cover activities that:
Have, will have or are likely to have a significant impact on the environment on Commonwealth land.
Are taken in any area of sea or seabed that is declared to be a part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975.
Have, will have or are likely to have a significant impact on the world heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage property or on the national heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef National Heritage place.
Are taken in the Antarctic.
Are injection and/or storage of greenhouse gas.
All petroleum activities in Commonwealth waters require an accepted Environment Plan under the OPGGS environment regulations before they can proceed.
New development activities require an accepted Offshore Project Proposal, prior to submission of any Environment Plans under the environment regulations.
Activities that are to be carried out within a declared Commonwealth Marine Reserve may also require approval from the Director of National Parks.
Activities excluded from streamlined arrangements (listed above) that are likely to have an impact on a matter of National Environmental Significance also require approval under Part 4 of the EPBC Act.
Further information on the environment regulations.
Further information on the EPBC Act.
OPGGS Act and associated regulations
The object of the OPGGS environment regulations is to ensure that any petroleum or greenhouse gas activity carried out in an offshore area is carried out in a manner:
consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development
by which the environmental impacts and risks of the activity will be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable
by which the environmental impacts and risks of the activity will be of an acceptable level.
Under the environment regulations, a titleholder must have an accepted Environment Plan in place for a ‘petroleum activity’ prior to undertaking that activity.
A ‘petroleum activity’ is defined in the environment regulations as operations or works carried out in an offshore area for the purpose of exercising a right conferred under a petroleum title under the OPGGS Act or discharging an obligation imposed on a titleholder by the OPGGS Act or subordinate regulation. The titleholder is responsible for determining if an activity meets the definition of ‘petroleum activity’ under the environment regulations and for preparation of the Environment Plan for NOPSEMA assessment.
An Environment Plan must demonstrate that impacts and risks to the environment are reduced to as low as reasonably practicable and managed to an acceptable level. The required content of an Environment Plan is detailed within the environment regulations - Division 2.3 refers. The content requirements include that titleholders consider, where relevant, impacts and risks on matters of National Environmental Significance. Matters of National Environmental Significance are defined in the EPBC Act and described below.
The Environment Plan must include an Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (OPEP) to ensure that the range of credible oil spill risks associated with the activity that have the potential for environmental impact have been detailed, evaluated and adequately prepared for and that adequately tested response measures are in place. The environment regulations also require titleholders to provide for monitoring of and impacts to the environment from oil pollution and response activities that are sufficient to inform any remediation activities - refer regulation 14 of the environment regulations.
The environment regulations also require titleholders to undertake consultation with ‘relevant persons’, defined as persons whose functions, interests or activities may be affected by the activities to be carried out.
In the Environment Plan, titleholders must include a report on all consultations, comprising a summary of consultation, an assessment of the merits of any objection or claim, a statement of the titleholder’s response to each and the full text of all correspondence and an assessment. The implementation strategy for an Environment Plan must also demonstrate adequate arrangements for ongoing stakeholder consultation.
NOPSEMA will assess the titleholder’s Environment Plan and decide to ‘accept’ or ‘refuse to accept’ the Environment Plan—refer to regulation 10A for the acceptance criteria—then subsequently monitor the titleholder’s continued compliance with the accepted Environment Plan. Applicants should note NOPSEMA cannot accept an Environment Plan where the activity, or part of the activity, would take place within the boundaries of a declared World Heritage property, other than arrangements for environmental monitoring or responding to an emergency.
The OPGGS Act also requires that titleholders have sufficient financial assurance to meet costs, expenses and liabilities associated with undertaking a petroleum activity. On 1 January 2015, legislative amendments came into effect requiring NOPSEMA to be reasonably satisfied that the titleholder is compliant with their financial assurance requirements prior to accepting an Environment Plan. As a result, titleholders must declare to NOPSEMA they have sufficient financial assurance to carry out the activity and submit a financial assurance confirmation at the time of making their Environment Plan submission.
Consideration of matters of National Environmental Significance
Both Environment Plans and Offshore Project Proposals require applicants to consider the potential impacts and risks to matters of National Environmental Significance.
The Department of the Environment and Energy has developed an interactive database to provide further information on matters of National Environmental Significance i.e. wetlands of international importance, endangered and vulnerable species and World and National Heritage areas. The database is available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/pmst/.
Information on matters of National Environmental Significance such as species location, timing and habitat importance may change over time as new information becomes available. Applicants are encouraged to consult the database with respect to a release area of interest before finalising a bid. Applicants should consider the range of impacts and risks to matters of National Environmental Significance throughout the exploration, production and decommissioning phases of a petroleum development activities and greenhouse gas storage activities.
Some of the release areas are in proximity to sensitive environments, including important habitat for threatened and migratory species, wetlands of international importance, World Heritage Areas, National Heritage Areas or areas of important ecological and heritage value in the Commonwealth marine environment. Activities proposed in these release areas will be subject to a high level of environmental scrutiny and further assessment, and EPBC Act approval may be required.
Detailed information on matters of National Environmental Significance and associated requirements under the environment regulations can be found in Chapter 7 of the 2014 Strategic Assessment Report of NOPSEMA’s environmental management authorisation.
Applicants are encouraged to consult with NOPSEMA early in the planning processes should there be a particular environmental sensitivity of concern.
Under the environment regulations, a proponent must have an accepted Offshore Project Proposal in place for a new development activity, or ‘offshore project’, before submission of an Environment Plan for that activity.
An ‘offshore project’ is defined in the environment regulations as one or more activities that are undertaken for the purpose of the recovery of petroleum, other than on an appraisal basis, including any conveyance of recovered petroleum by pipeline.
An Offshore Project Proposal is a high-level document that describes the ‘whole-of-lifecycle’ of a proposed new development and demonstrates that impacts and risks to the environment of the proposed project would be managed to an acceptable level. The required content of an Offshore Project Proposal is detailed within the environment regulations - refer Regulation 5A. The content requirements include that where relevant, titleholders consider impacts and risks on matters of National Environmental Significance.
Further information on NOPSEMA’s environmental management authorisation process.
Management arrangements for Commonwealth Marine Reserves
The Director of National Parks is responsible for the management of 59 Commonwealth Marine Reserves established under the EPBC Act in Commonwealth waters. Management arrangements for oil and gas activities in these reserves differ depending on when the reserve was first proclaimed. Some of the 2016 release areas overlap Commonwealth Marine Reserves. Areas of overlap are identified in the Notices for Specific Areas.
For the 14 reserves in the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network proclaimed in 2007, management requirements are prescribed by the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network Management Plan 2013-23. Under this plan the Director of National Parks has issued a class approval for mining operations, including oil and gas activities, to be carried on in accordance with the OPGGS Act where:
An approval is given under Part 9 of the EPBC Act that includes the NOPSEMA program accredited under Part 10 of the EPBC Act.
A notice has been issued under Part 7 of the EPBC Act setting out the manner in which the operations will be carried on.
Where a decision has been made under section 75 of the EPBC Act that the operation is not a controlled action.
The Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve in the sub-Antarctic was established in 2002 and is managed in accordance with the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve Management Plan 2014-24 that does not allow for oil and gas activities to be carried on.
Transitional management arrangements are in place for the 44 reserves in the South-west, North-west, North and Temperate East Commonwealth Marine Reserves Networks, and the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserves, first established in 2012, while an independent review of the Commonwealth Marine Reserves is finalised and new management plans are prepared. Under these arrangements:
A general approval has been issued by the Director of National Parks under section 359B of the EPBC Act for a range of activities in those reserve areas that had not been included in a Commonwealth Marine Reserves before 2012 and no further approval from the Director is required for individual activities.
For areas in a new reserve that had been in a Commonwealth Marine Reserves before 2012, such as parts of the Great Australian Bight Commonwealth Marine Reserves, separate approvals are required that are consistent with the pre-2012 reserve management requirements.
For the four pre-2012 reserves that have continued—Ningaloo, Mermaid Reef, Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island Commonwealth Marine Reserves—the previous prohibition on mining operations continues to apply.
Following the independent review, management plans will be prepared and implemented for the South-west, North-west, North and Temperate East Commonwealth Marine Reserves Networks and the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserves following two periods of statutory public consultation. The management plans may result in some changes to zoning, management arrangements and approval requirements.
It is important to note when a management plan is not in operation for a Commonwealth reserve, the Commonwealth and Commonwealth agencies must not perform functions and exercise powers in relation to the reserve in a manner that is inconsistent with the Australian IUCN reserve management principles for the IUCN category to which the reserve or zone within a reserve is assigned – refer section 357 (2) of the EPBC Act.
For further information on current management arrangements for Commonwealth Marine Reserves, it is recommended to contact Parks Australia by emailing marinereserves@environment.gov.au or visit the department’s website. EPBC Act environmental assessment process for matters of National Environmental Significance
All proposed activities must consider the impacts on the environment, including matters of National Environmental Significance and the EPBC Act environmental assessment process may apply to activities that are excluded from the streamlined arrangements such as activities that:
In planning activities that are excluded from streamlined arrangements, it is strongly recommended that sufficient time be allowed for the EPBC Act referral process, as well as any requests for further information that suspends the referral process and assessment and approval processes.
In these cases, additional time will be required for assessment of the action and for the Minister for the Environment to make a decision whether to approve the taking of the action. The timeframes for assessment processes are identified in the EPBC Act and vary depending upon the type of assessment required and the time taken to receive information from the applicants to complete the assessment. Production activities, exploration activities and greenhouse gas storage activities that may have a significant impact on environmentally sensitive areas are, in particular, more likely to require further assessment and an approval decision under the EPBC Act.
Applicants are reminded the awarding of a petroleum or greenhouse gas storage title under the OPGGS Act is not a guarantee of approval under the EPBC Act. A referral may result in a decision by the Minister for the Environment that the action is clearly unacceptable or an assessment and approval process may result in a decision to not approve the taking of the action.
Further information on the assessment process and statutory timeframes.
Further information on consideration of specific matters of National Environmental Significance under the EPBC Act assessment process is below, specifically in relation to:
Commonwealth marine areas and Commonwealth land
Indigenous heritage values
Other protected matters
The Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976
Cetaceans and the EPBC Act
Marine Bioregional Planning.
Listed heritage values are protected and managed under a range of Commonwealth powers.
World Heritage properties are sites that are recognised under the World Heritage Convention as being of international significance because of their outstanding universal natural and/or cultural values. The World Heritage Committee makes the final decision on whether a place is inscribed on the World Heritage List. Places on the World Heritage List are protected under the EPBC Act as matters of National Environmental Significance.
The National Heritage List has been established to include places of outstanding heritage significance to Australia. The National Heritage List comprises places with natural, historic and/or Indigenous values. A place entered in the National Heritage List is known as a National Heritage place. Each place in the National Heritage List has been assessed by an independent body, the Australian Heritage Council, to determine whether the place has national heritage values. The Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Energy makes the final decision on whether a place is listed. Places in the National Heritage List are protected under the EPBC Act as matters of National Environmental Significance.
The Commonwealth Heritage List established under the EPBC Act comprises natural, Indigenous and historic heritage places entirely within a Commonwealth area, or outside the Australian jurisdiction and owned or leased by the Commonwealth, which the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Energy is satisfied have one or more Commonwealth Heritage values. The minister makes the final decision on whether to include a place in the Commonwealth Heritage List.
In addition, Commonwealth Government agencies are required to develop:
heritage strategies
a heritage register
management plans for places on the Commonwealth Heritage List to protect the heritage values of the Commonwealth Heritage Places they own or lease.
The World Heritage List, National Heritage List and Commonwealth Heritage List are compiled and maintained by the Department of the Environment and Energy. As of March 2016, there are 104 places in the National Heritage List, 41 places on the World Heritage List and 397 places included in the Commonwealth Heritage List. These lists include some offshore areas.
New places are added to the lists on an ongoing basis so the database should be reviewed regularly. The values of Commonwealth Heritage List places are protected by the EPBC Act as part of the environment of Commonwealth lands and waters.
From 2012, all references to the Register of the National Estate (established in 1976 as a national inventory of places of significant natural and/or cultural heritage) were removed from the EPBC Act and the Australian Heritage Council Act 2003. The register now remains as an online archive of information about Australia’s heritage places. The EPBC Act continues to protect the heritage values of places in the register that are in Commonwealth areas or are otherwise the responsibility of the Australian Government, such as the heritage values of places in the National Heritage List.
Applicants are encouraged to check each release area for any sites relating to Australian Government heritage lists.
In Commonwealth marine areas and on Commonwealth land, heritage values form part of the environment and are considered under the EPBC Act. An Indigenous heritage value does not need to be included on a list or register to be considered under the definition of the environment in the EPBC Act.
The Commonwealth heritage management principles include the principle that:
‘Indigenous people are the primary source of information on the value of their heritage and the active participation of Indigenous people in identification, assessment and management is integral to the effective protection of Indigenous heritage values’.
All future applicants should refer to Ask First: A guide to respecting Indigenous heritage places and values (Australian Heritage Commission 2002) and actively engage the relevant Indigenous people with rights or interests to ensure that Indigenous heritage values are given appropriate consideration.
Applicants should also be cognisant of matters of National Environmental Significance such as, but not limited to, wetlands of international importance (Ramsar) and heritage places, including Indigenous heritage values, even those considerable distances from the acreage but that could potentially be impacted in the event of a hydrocarbon spill.
The Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 protects all shipwrecks and associated relics that are 75 or more years old, regardless of whether their physical location is known. More recent shipwrecks may be declared as historic under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 by the Minister for the Environment. The Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 aims to ensure that historic shipwrecks are protected for their heritage values and maintained for recreational and educational purposes. It also regulates activities that may result in the damage, interference, removal or destruction of an historic shipwreck or associated relic.
The Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 also provides for protected zones to be declared in order to enhance the protection of historic shipwrecks and relics that are of special significance or sensitivity or at particular risk of interference. Permits are required to enter protected zones that can cover an area up to 200 hectares.
The jurisdiction of the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 is not limited to Commonwealth marine areas as defined by the EPBC Act, as it protects historic shipwrecks and associated relics found in Australian waters from the low water mark to the edge of the continental shelf, including the coastal waters of the Australian states and territories.
The requirements of the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 must be taken into consideration when applying for any state, territory or Commonwealth planning approval for actions or developments in these waters.
Any actions involving contact with the seabed or operations in close proximity to the seabed, have the potential to damage, destroy or interfere with historic shipwrecks and it is strongly recommended that applicants seek professional advice and develop risk mitigation strategies to prevent committing an offence under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
When undertaking actions in the marine environment, applicants and their contractors must conform to all requirements of the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 and must:
Not damage, destroy or interfere with any historic shipwrecks or relics that may be encountered during the course of a proposed action without a permit.
Not enter or conduct activities within a shipwreck protected zone without first obtaining a permit under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
Provide a written notification of the discovery of any suspected shipwreck or shipwreck relics identified during the course of the proposed action including a:
detailed description of the remains of the shipwreck or of the relic. This could include sonar images, electronic data and digital photographs
description of the place where the shipwreck remains or relic is located that is sufficiently detailed to allow it to be identified and re-located including navigation data and datum information.
It should be noted that although the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 does not currently provide for the protection of the natural environment associated with shipwrecks, these natural components form an integral part of historic shipwreck sites and are often critical to the long term preservation of shipwrecks and relics. Damage to these natural components can result in increased deterioration of shipwrecks and consequently affect the shipwrecks’ role as a marine habitat.
Further information about the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.
The 2016 release areas include areas that are in, or in proximity to, recognised cetacean migration corridors and areas listed as biologically important areas for feeding, breeding, calving and resting.
Species to pay particular attention to on Australia’s north-west coast include humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Humpback whales migrate north from around May each year, reaching the waters of the north-west in June. The southern migration occurs from late August-October. The exact timing of the migration period can vary from year to year and cow and calf migration can occur for up to four weeks before and after these migration periods. Blue whales migrate through the waters of Australia’s north-west from April-August before returning south from October-December.
Migratory inshore dolphin species are found all year round in the tropical waters of northern Australia.
A policy statement on the interaction between offshore seismic exploration and whales has been developed by the Department of the Environment and Energy in consultation with the petroleum industry, whale research scientists and conservation groups. The September 2008 EPBC Act Policy Statement 2.1 - Interaction between offshore seismic exploration and whales.
The document outlines standard management measures that should be used at all times when operating in Australian waters and outlines additional management measures that should be used in areas where there is a moderate to high likelihood of encountering whales. It should be noted that the intention of Policy Statement 2.1 is to reduce the likelihood that seismic surveys will result in acoustic injury to whales and does not cover potentially significant behavioural impacts to whales that may occur when whales are calving, feeding, breeding or resting.
The Policy Statement 2.1 states that seismic surveys should not be proposed in proximity to areas where and when cetaceans are likely to be breeding, calving, resting or feeding. Some proposed 2016 release areas are in proximity to areas where whales are expected to be engaged in critical lifecycle activities. Activities and associated mitigation measures will need careful consideration and may require mitigation measures to be implemented that are beyond the scope of Policy Statement 2.1.
The Biologically Important Areas for cetaceans in the five marine regions are detailed in a Conservation Values Atlas.
Part 8 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 outlines the requirements for all people interacting with cetaceans within Commonwealth waters. The regulations specify how vessels, aircraft and people must behave around these animals i.e. vessels must not deliberately approach whales closer than 100 m. Within 300 m vessels must use caution and travel at low speed. Touching or feeding whales and dolphins is prohibited.
Further information is contained within the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2005 that has also been adopted by all states and territories.
A Marine Bioregional Planning Program has been implemented under the EPBC Act. The two key outputs of the program are the development of four Marine Bioregional plans, to guide decisions under the EPBC Act and the identification and establishment of a network of marine reserves in Commonwealth waters that has seen more than 2.3 million square kilometres added to Australia’s national network of marine protected areas.
Marine Bioregional plans were released in August 2012 for the south-west, north-west, north and Temperate East Marine Regions. The Marine Bioregional plans contain detailed information in two schedules. These plans provide a comprehensive description of the conservation values, the pressures these values are under and priorities for further effort and investment. They include a description of key conservation and heritage priorities, as well as current and emerging pressures on the marine environment. The plans also provide advice to people wishing to undertake new activities within Commonwealth waters about the relative risk of significant impact that certain activities may represent for matters of National Environmental Significance.
Pressures on some of the conservation values relevant to the oil and gas industry include for:
Various cetaceans: chemical pollution/contaminants, nutrient pollution, marine debris, noise pollution, physical habitat modification, human presence at sensitive sites, collision/entanglement with infrastructure, collision with vessels and oil pollution.
Various marine turtles: marine debris, noise pollution, nutrient pollution, changes to turbidity, light pollution, invasive species, physical habitat modification and collision with vessels.
Sea snakes: physical habitat modification and oil pollution.
Various elasmobranches: chemical pollution/contaminants, and marine debris.
Various seabirds: chemical pollution/contaminants, changes to turbidity, marine debris, human presence at sensitive sites, physical habitat modification, invasive species, light pollution and oil pollution.
The Marine Bioregional plans provide further details on the pressures the conservation values.
Many of the 2016 release areas overlap key ecological features that have been identified as part of marine bioregional planning process. Key ecological features assist in defining the Commonwealth marine environment, a matter of National Environmental Significance under EPBC Act, and are elements of the ecosystem that are considered to be of regional importance for biodiversity or ecosystem function and integrity. They include habitats, specific benthic or pelagic features, species groups or ecological communities.
Further information about key ecological features.
Pressures on some of the key ecological features relevant to the oil and gas industry include:
Ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour: noise pollution.
Ancient coastline at 90-120 m depth contour: physical habitat modification.
Carbonate bank and terrace system of the Sahul Shelf: changes in sea temperature, marine debris and physical habitat modification.
Continental Slope demersal fish communities: physical habitat modification and changes in the sea temperature.
Exmouth Plateau: physical habitat modification.
Shelf break and slope of the Arafura Shelf: changes in the sea temperature, marine debris, oil pollution and physical habitat modification.
Biologically important areas spatially define areas where aggregations of individuals of a species are known to display biologically important behaviour.
All six species of marine turtle that are found in Australian waters are known or may occur in the waters off north and west Australia. These species include the vulnerable hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) vulnerable green turtle (Chelonia mydas), endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), endangered olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), endangered leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and vulnerable flatback turtle (Natator depressus).
The waters off north and west Australia support important nesting areas for green, hawksbill, loggerhead and flatback turtles. Olive ridley turtles are known to forage in the northern parts of the region but records indicate that they nest only occasionally in the region.
The vulnerable fairy tern as well as numerous migratory bird species are known to occur in the waters off north and west Australia including red-footed booby and wedge-tailed shearwater. Seabirds spend most of their lives at sea, ranging over large distances to forage over the open ocean. Many of these species also breed in and adjacent to the water of north Western Australia, including significant populations of terns, shearwaters and boobies.
During their migration, shorebirds use a number of staging areas as intermediate feeding sites to rest and restore energy reserves. Within and adjacent to the region, there are a number of sites that are of international or national significance to shorebirds. Maps of biologically important areas, for species including cetaceans, marine turtles and migratory birds are available in the Conservation Values Atlas online. Navigation
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is a Commonwealth agency responsible for maritime safety, protection of the marine environment and maritime and aviation search and rescue.
Applicants should note that significant commercial shipping may be encountered in some release areas and measures to mitigate the risk of collision with transiting ships must be taken in all cases. The Notices for Specific Areas provide more information on this matter.
Information on AMSA’s role in the consultation process required by the environment regulations for offshore petroleum activities.
Applicants are advised to initially examine historic vessel traffic patterns and density in their area/s of interest, with a view to evaluating and implementing adequate anti-collision measures. To assist in this regard, digital data, map products and historical vessel traffic data.
Before submitting a draft Environmental Plan to NOPSEMA for acceptance, commencing any exploration, drilling or development operation or embarking upon any non-drilling exploration activity, including hydrographic surveys, 2D, 3D and 4D seismic surveys and/or bottom sampling, applicants are requested to liaise closely with AMSA’s Nautical and Regulation Section at NauticalAdvice@amsa.gov.au for nautical advice regarding the adequacy of collision prevention measures for the intended activity.
Such collision prevention measures may include, but not be limited to, additional warning and/or lights to attract attention, Automatic Identification System (AIS) beacons and/or offshore guard vessel/s that can monitor traffic and ensure early action is taken to alert a vessel approaching the area of operations. In addition to collision prevention measures, AMSA may recommend proposed changes to survey run lines and/or modifications to proposed operational areas within a title.
If the exploration vessel, such as a seismic survey vessel, is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, it must display appropriate lights and shapes to indicate that the vessel is towing and is therefore restricted in her ability to manoeuvre. A proper look out must be maintained by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions. These are in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972.
For exploratory drilling, including drilling conducted by Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs), applicants should take all practicable action to avoid any vertical stationary/dynamic positioning drilling activities within, or near the termini of, charted Shipping Fairways. This includes any drilling in any related exclusion zone/s.
Exploration, vertical drilling and/or development activities are not permitted within any charted International Maritime Organization-adopted Traffic Separation Scheme(s).
Further information regarding the safety of navigation. Fishing Activities
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) represents the interests of the Australian community in the management of fisheries resources in Commonwealth waters. As such, AFMA is committed to the sustainable and economically efficient use of fisheries resources and would like to minimise the impact of offshore petroleum exploration on the sustainability and productivity of fish stocks and any operational conflicts between fishing and petroleum exploration activities.
Consultation with AFMA
In 2012, AFMA reviewed and developed new guidelines for the petroleum industry to provide clarity about AFMA’s role and expectations in relation to consultation. The guidelines are provided as part of a ‘one stop shop’ for the petroleum industry on AFMA’s website. It contains information about fisheries and how to consult the fishing industry, as required for the preparation of Environment Plans under the environment regulations.
AFMA’s expectation of the level of consultation with the petroleum industry is dependent on the type and scale of the activity and subsequent likelihood of the impact on fishing. Economic sustainability of a fishery, amongst other things, broadly depends on access to fishery areas, the use of particular fishing gear, and of course, fish. Impacts on fishing can be through direct impacts on fish species and fish habitat i.e. the effect of infrastructure construction on reef substrate that may impact on fish breeding, but can also be indirectly through impacts on data collection for science i.e. impacts on long term surveys used to build fish population models that underpin management. Any type of activity that could cause spatial or temporal disturbance to fishing or scientific management should be the subject of consultation. However, due to the large number of petroleum projects, AFMA requires the petroleum industry to consult directly only in relation to activities that might have impacts at a large scale i.e. pipelines and seismic surveys.
In order for AFMA to consider the impact of large scale proposals, clear maps with locations of proposed developments (in latitude and longitude in datum WGS 1984) and associated petroleum title references should be sent to AFMA via email at petroleum@afma.gov.au. Where proposals are received and deemed not to be large scale, AFMA will consider these to be notifications and will not necessarily respond.
Consultation with the fishing industry
AFMA fully expects the petroleum industry to consult with fishing operators about all activities – both large and small scale. This is because the spatial distribution and intensity of fishing operations can be highly variable over time and the only way to reliably determine future activity is by consulting relevant fishing operators. It should be noted that although some of the 2016 release areas experienced only a low level or, in some cases, no fishing activity over recent years, this may not be the case in the future. Fishing may resume in areas where it was not cost effective to do so in the past or in areas that were previously closed to enable stocks to recover.
Consultation with the fishing industry should be undertaken early in the planning stages of any exploration activity and well prior to commencing operations. AFMA’s ‘one stop shop’ for the petroleum industry contains a fishing consultation directory of contacts for fishing industry associations in each fishery, where they exist. In some Commonwealth fisheries there are no associations other than the Commonwealth Fisheries Association. However, another option for petroleum operators is to access the names and addresses of individual Commonwealth Statutory Fishing Rights, Fishing Permit and High Seas Permit holders from the Public Register that can be obtained from AFMA Licensing for a prescribed fee of $30/per register.
As the area of the Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery extends throughout the entirety of Australian waters, AFMA recommends the petroleum industry consult with the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association.
Consultation with the recreational fishing sector AFMA recommends the petroleum industry consult with the recreational fishing sector about all activities – both large and small scale. Consultation with the recreational fishing sector should be undertaken early in the planning stages of any exploration activity, well prior to commencing operations. AFMA recommends liaison with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation.
Current fishery management issues
Management Advisory Committees provide AFMA with advice regarding the management of individual fisheries. For the Western Deepwater Trawl and North West Slope Trawl Fisheries, there are no Management Advisory Committees. However, a Western Trawl Consultative Panel does exist and meets when necessary to discuss fishery wide issues. AFMA, Management Advisory Committees and the broader fishing industry are concerned about some of the impacts of petroleum exploration on the marine environment.
Concerns continue to be expressed about the impact of seismic surveys on the movements of migratory species, as well as on schools of fish which may disperse for prolonged periods following surveys. There are also specific concerns relating to the potential impact of seismic surveys on fish populations, particularly when conducted over large areas or entire reefs. AFMA encourages thorough consultation with industry in relation to this issue. This is reflected in the concerns and recommendations below in the specific notices for area.
AFMA wishes to stress the importance of removing debris and requests that the proponents make every attempt to leave exploration areas free of obstruction. In circumstances where this is not practicable, any remaining debris should be promptly reported to the relevant peak fishing industry bodies. This is particularly important in the trawl fisheries: Commonwealth Trawl Fishery sector of the South Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery, Great Australian Bight Trawl Fishery, Northern Prawn Fishery, North West Slope Trawl Fishery and Western Deepwater Trawl Fishery. Native Title
The native title rights and interests held by particular Indigenous people will depend on both their traditional laws and customs and what interests are held by others in the area concerned. Generally, native title must give way to the rights held by others. The capacity of Australian law to recognise the rights and interests held under traditional law and custom will also be a factor.
In some cases, native title includes the right to possess and occupy an area to the exclusion of all others, often called ‘exclusive possession’. This includes the right to control access to, and use of, the area concerned. However, this right can only be recognised over certain parts of Australia, such as unallocated or vacant Crown land and some areas already held by or for Indigenous people.
Native title rights and interests differ from Indigenous land rights in that the source of land rights is a grant of title from government. The source of native title rights and interests is the system of traditional laws and customs of the native title holders themselves.
For further information or queries, please contact the National Native Title Tribunal at enquiries@nntt.gov.au. Telecommunication (submarine) cables
Submarine telecommunication cables carry the bulk of Australia’s international voice and data traffic and are a vital component of our national infrastructure linking Australia with other countries. Submarine cables are vulnerable to damage and breakage that can have serious consequences for the flow of information to and from Australia.
The Department of Communications and the Arts has responsibility for Schedule 3A of the Telecommunications Act 1997 that is administered by the Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA).
The Telecommunications Act 1997 provides for submarine cable protection zones to be declared around international submarine cables that are considered to be of national significance. Certain activities, including exploring for resources and mining, are prohibited or restricted in protection zones. There are currently three protection zones: the North and South Sydney Protection Zones and the Perth Protection Zone.
The 2016 release areas do not appear to be in the vicinity of existing protection zones. However, the protection zone regime does not cover domestic cables or all international cables. Therefore, applicants are urged to contact submarine cable providers early in the planning processes to ensure they do not inadvertently damage telecommunications cables.
Particular attention should be paid to the JASURAUS cable that connects Port Hedland and Indonesia, as well as other submarine telecommunication cables in the North West Shelf area. The relevant contact for the JASURAUS cable and North West Shelf is:
Mr Steven Lay
Telephone: +61 2 8576 9112
Email: steven.k.lay@team.telstra.com Nextgen Networks Pty Ltd North-West Cable System, connecting Port Hedland and Darwin, is being constructed in the first half of 2016, and is expected to be operational from July 2016. The oil and gas exploration industry and other corporates will be using this cable for mission critical activities. The relevant contact for the North-West Cable System is:
Mr Greg Neylan
Mobile: 0428 925 193
Email: greg.neylan@nextgengroup.com.au Trident Subsea Cable has proposed a new submarine cable to connect Perth, the Pilbara area, Jakarta and Singapore in the future. The proposed Trident cable construction area is in the Northern Carnarvon Basin, generally offshore Onslow, Karratha, and Port Hedland. Construction in the area offshore Onslow is due to commence in the second half of 2016 for the Onslow to Jakarta segment. The relevant contact for the Trident Subsea Cable is:
Trident Subsea Cable
Telephone: +61-2 8960 2335
Email: info@tridentsc.com.au Further Notices
Any further notices and related issues identified by the Australian Government will be advised in the Australian Petroleum News, a free occasional newsletter produced by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. Stakeholders are encouraged to register to receive this newsletter by emailing petroleum.exploration@industry.gov.au.
The mailing list is not used for any purposes other than disseminating the Australian Petroleum News and notifying registered parties of associated petroleum issues. There is no charge for this service. Notices for specific areas
Bonaparte – Vulcan Sub-basin – AC16-1, AC16-2, AC16-3 and AC16-4
Release area AC16-4 is located partially in an area known as the ‘MoU Box’ where traditional Indonesian fishing activity is currently permitted.
Further information can be found in the International Treaties section of the General Notices for all areas.
Release area AC16-1 and part of AC16-4 lie in areas where Indonesia’s water column jurisdiction overlaps with Australia’s seabed jurisdiction under the 1972 Seabed Agreement and the 1997 Perth Treaty (signed but not yet in force).
While the 1997 Perth Treaty is not yet in force, Australia’s policy and practice is to act consistently with its terms. The Australian Government, through the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will notify Indonesia three months prior to the proposed grant of exploration or exploitation rights in an area of overlapping jurisdiction. Applicants should factor this timing into their planning.
Further information can be found in the International Treaties section.
Release area AC16-4 at its closest margin, abuts the boundary of the Cartier Island Commonwealth Marine Reserve and its boundary is approximately 5 km from the Ashmore Reef Commonwealth Marine Reserve, at its nearest point.
The Cartier Island Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a Sanctuary zone (IUCN Category Ia). The Ashmore Reef Commonwealth Marine Reserve includes a Sanctuary zone (IUCN Category Ia) and a Recreational Use zone (IUCN Category II). Under Transitional management arrangements, all requirements under the prior plan of management for Ashmore and Cartier Commonwealth Marine Reserves remain in place until a new management plan is finalised for the North-west Commonwealth marine reserve network following the review. Mining operations are not permitted in sanctuary zones.
The values of the Ashmore Reef Commonwealth Marine Reserve and/or Cartier Island Commonwealth Marine Reserve include:
International significance for abundance and diversity of sea snakes.
Critical nesting and inter-nesting habitat for the vulnerable and migratory green turtle (Chelonia mydas), supporting one of three genetically distinct breeding populations in the North-west Marine Region.
Large and significant feeding populations of the green and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the endangered and migratory loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).
Support for a small migratory Dugong (Dugong dugon) population that breeds and feeds around the reef, a population that is thought to be genetically distinct from other Australian populations.
Some of the most important seabird rookeries on the North West Shelf including colonies of boobies, terns and egrets.
Important staging points/feeding areas for many migratory seabirds.
Ecosystems, habitats and communities associated with the North West Shelf, Timor Province and emergent oceanic reefs.
One key ecological feature is represented in these reserves: Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island and surrounding Commonwealth waters. The values of this feature include enhanced productivity and aggregations of marine life.
Further information is available at http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-reserves.
Release areas AC16-1 and AC16-2 will encounter light traffic. Release areas AC16-3 and AC16-4 will encounter commercial shipping traffic travelling on the charted preferred route, Osborn Passage.
Further information on historical shipping traffic data.
Release areas AC16-1, AC16-2, AC16-3 and AC16-4 are within the North West Slope Trawl Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery and Southern Bluefin Tuna Fisheries ranges.
Historical AFMA logbook data for 2009-14 indicates the North West Slope Trawl Fishery has been active in these areas. Additional information on the distribution of fishing effort in the Northwest Slope Trawl Fishery can be found in the:
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Fishery Status Reports 2013-14
The North West Slope Fishery Harvest Strategy Review 2011
As fishing activity may vary from year to year, AFMA recommends successful applicants liaise with representatives of the above fishing interests at an early stage in planning operational activities. Bonaparte – Petrel Sub-basin – W16-1
Release area W16-1 overlaps the multiple use portion of the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
The Joseph Bonaparte Gulf Commonwealth Marine Reserve includes a Multiple Use zone (IUCN Category VI) and a Special Purpose zone (IUCN Category VI). Mining operations are allowed under the General Approval – Transitional Management Arrangements, for reserves in the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network. Approval requirements may change once management plans come into effect.
The values of the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf Commonwealth Marine Reserve include:
Important foraging areas for the migratory Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni), the endangered and migratory olive ridley turtle and vulnerable and migratory green turtle.
Examples of the shallow water ecosystems and communities of the Northwest Shelf Transition Province.
One key ecological feature is represented in this reserve: the carbonate banks of the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. The values of this feature include enhanced productivity, high biodiversity, and unique seafloor features.
Further information about these and other Commonwealth Marine Reserves.
Release area W16-1 will encounter light traffic along the coast transiting to/from Wyndham. This release area crosses the Territorial Sea limit.
Further information on historical shipping traffic data can be found on AMSA’s website.
Release area W16-1 has minimal overlay on Restricted Airspace R264G.
When activated by a NOTAM, the restricted airspace can operate down to sea level. Successful applicants will need to liaise with Defence during the planning phase of operations and to provide information on the proposed location of any drilling rigs for inclusion in the register of structures database that is maintained by the RAAF Aeronautical Information Service (AIS).
Successful applicants should also note as the areas are used for live firings, UXO may exist on the sea floor. This carries with it an associated risk of detonation that will be borne by the applicants. Applicants should recognise that Defence takes no responsibility for reporting the location and type of ordnance dropped in the areas, for identification or removal of any UXO or for any damage sustained to equipment in the unlikely event of UXO detonation. As a consequence, the Australian Government provides no guarantee or indemnity to titleholders or others with regard to the safety or whereabouts of unexploded ordnance in such areas.
Successful applicants will need to liaise closely with the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy on timing and location of any proposed exploration activities or permanent structures during the planning phase.
Access to a Military Exercise Area or a Defence Practice Area may be restricted with all sea and aircraft possibly being ordered to evacuate the Defence Practice Area or the Military Exercise Area at short notice.
The point of contact for Defence activities is set out above in the general Defence section. Bonaparte – Sahul Syncline – W16-2
Release area W16-2 overlaps the Oceanic Shoals Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
The Oceanic Shoals Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a multiple use zone (IUCN Category VI). Mining operations are allowed under the General Approval – Transitional Management Arrangements, for reserves in the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network. Approval requirements may change once management plans come into effect.
The values of the Oceanic Shoals Commonwealth Marine Reserve include:
Important inter-nesting area for the vulnerable and migratory flatback (Natator depressus) and endangered and migratory olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtles.
Important foraging area for the endangered and migratory olive ridley and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles.
Examples of the ecosystems of the Northwest Shelf Transition Province and the Timor Transition Province.
Four key ecological features are represented in this reserve: Carbonate Bank and Terrace System of the Van Diemen Rise, Carbonate Bank and Terrace System of the Sahul Shelf, Pinnacles of the Bonaparte Basin and Shelf break and slope of the Arafura Shelf. The values of these features include enhanced productivity and unique sea-floor features with ecological properties of regional significance.
Release area W16-2 will encounter commercial traffic transiting to Darwin and Indonesia through the middle of this release area.
Further information on historical shipping traffic data can be found on AMSA’s website. Browse – Caswell Sub-basin – W16-3
Release area W16-3 is located in an area known as the ‘MoU Box’ where traditional Indonesian fishing activity is currently permitted.
Further information can be found in the International Treaties section above.
Browse – Southern Browse – W16-4
Release area W16-4 is located partially in an area known as the ‘MoU Box’ where traditional Indonesian fishing activity is currently permitted.
Release area W16-4 overlaps the Kimberley Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
The Kimberley Commonwealth Marine Reserve includes a Multiple Use zone (IUCN Category VI), a Habitat Protection zone (IUCN Category IV) and a Marine National Park zone (IUCN Category II). Release area W16-4 intersects the Multiple Use Zone and also abuts the boundary of the Marine National Park Zone. Mining operations are allowed under the General Approval – Transitional Management Arrangements, for reserves in the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network. Approval requirements may change once management plans come into effect.
The values of the Kimberley Commonwealth Marine Reserve include:
Important foraging areas for migratory seabirds and dugongs (Dugong dugon), dolphins and threatened and migratory marine turtles.
Important migration pathway and nursery areas for the vulnerable and migratory humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Adjacent to important foraging and pupping areas for sawfish and important nesting sites for green (Chelonia mydas) turtle.
Protection for the communities and habitats of waters offshore of the Kimberley coastline ranging in depth from less than 15-800 m.
Continental shelf, slope, plateau, pinnacle, terrace, banks and shoals and deep hole/valley seafloor features represented in this reserve.
Examples of the communities and seafloor habitats of the Northwest Shelf Transition Province and Timor Provinceprovincial bioregions along with the Kimberley, Canning, Northwest Shelf and Oceanic Shoals meso-scale bioregions.
Two key ecological features are represented in this reserve: the ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour and the Continental Slope Demersal Fish Communities. The values of these features include a unique seafloor feature with ecological properties of regional significance, and high levels of endemism.
Further information available on the Department of Environment website.
Release area W16-4 will encounter commercial traffic transiting from/to Port Hedland and the Port of Broome. This release area crosses the Territorial Sea limit.
Further information on historical shipping traffic data can be found on AMSA’s website .
Release area W16-4 is within the North West Slope Trawl Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery and Southern Bluefin Tuna Fisheries ranges.
As fishing activity may vary from year to year, AFMA recommends successful applicants liaise with representatives of the above fishing interests at an early stage in planning operational activities.
Release area W16-4 is within Restricted Airspaces R809A/B, R810A/B and the Curtin AWR (Restricted Airspace R811).
Successful applicants should also note as the areas are used for live firings, UXO may exist on the sea floor. This carries with it an associated risk of detonation that will be borne by the applicants. Applicants should recognise that Defence takes no responsibility for reporting the location and type of ordnance dropped in the areas, for identification or removal of any UXO or for any damage sustained to equipment in the unlikely event of UXO detonation. As a consequence, the Australian Government provides no guarantee or indemnity to title holders or others with regard to the safety or whereabouts of unexploded ordnance in such areas.
The point of contact for Defence activities is providedabove in the general Defence section. Browse – Barcoo Sub-basin – W16-5
Release area W16-5 overlaps the Kimberley Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
The Kimberley Commonwealth Marine Reserve includes a Multiple Use zone (IUCN Category VI), a Habitat Protection zone (IUCN Category IV) and a Marine National Park zone (IUCN Category II). Release area W16-5 intersects the Multiple Use Zone. Mining operations are allowed under the General Approval – Transitional Management Arrangements, for reserves in the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network. Approval requirements may change once management plans come into effect.
Release area W16-5 will encounter light traffic.
Further information on historical shipping traffic data can be found on AMSA’s website. Offshore Canning – Oobagooma Sub-basin and Broome Platform – W16-6
Release area W16-6 overlaps the multiple use portion of the Kimberley Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
The Kimberley Commonwealth Marine Reserve includes a Multiple Use zone (IUCN Category VI), a Habitat Protection zone (IUCN Category IV) and a Marine National Park zone (IUCN Category II). Mining operations are allowed under the General Approval – Transitional Management Arrangements, for reserves in the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network. Approval requirements may change once management plans come into effect.
Examples of the communities and seafloor habitats of the Northwest Shelf Transition Province and Timor Province provincial bioregions along with the Kimberley, Canning, Northwest Shelf and Oceanic Shoals meso-scale bioregions.
Two key ecological features are represented in this reserve: the ancient coastline at 125 m depth contour and the Continental Slope Demersal Fish Communities. The values of these features include a unique seafloor feature with ecological properties of regional significance and high levels of endemism.
Release area W16-6 is within Restricted Airspaces R809A/B, R810A/B and the Curtin AWR (Restricted Airspace R811).
The point of contact for Defence activities is set out above under in the general Defence section.
Release area W16-6 will encounter light traffic. The release area includes charted NW Shipping Fairway and will encounter traffic entering/exiting the Port of Broome. A charted shipping fairway passes through the top north-western section of the release area, where significant heavy commercial shipping traffic will be encountered. The graticular block directly impinging on a charted shipping fairway includes SE51-0148.
Release area W16-6 is within the North West Slope Trawl Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery and Southern Bluefin Tuna Fisheries ranges.
Pearling Activities
The following information has been provided by the Pearl Producers Association.
Release area W16-6 contains Pinctada maxima pearl oyster broodstock and shell harvest beds at Eighty Mile Beach. P. maxima oysters are distributed at Eighty Mile Beach in waters of the littoral and sublittoral zones[1] reaching maximal depths of 100-120 m.[2]
The Eighty Mile Beach is the location of the ‘only remaining significant wild-stock fishery for pearl oysters in the world’.[3] Eighty Mile Beach provides a unique environment where combinations of bio-geographical variables combine to produce living conditions that are ideal for P. maxima oysters.
Oysters are collected by hand in water between 10-35 m and transported to farms to grow out and produce pearls. Broodstock oysters in water deeper than 35 m are not harvested. The broodstock oysters spawn and provide recruits every year that settle into the fishery in shallower waters. An unfished broodstock ensures there is a harvestable culture shell in the future.
Successful applicants should liaise with Pearl Producers Australia at an early stage in planning operational activities:
Aaron Irving - Executive Officer
Phone: 0452 379054
Email: aaron.irving@pearlproducersaustralia.com Roebuck – Bedout Sub-basin – W16-8
Release area W16-8 will encounter light traffic entering/exiting the Port of Broome.
Release area W16-8 is within the North West Slope Trawl Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery and Southern Bluefin Tuna Fisheries ranges.
Release area W16-8 contains Pinctada maxima pearl oyster broodstock and shell harvest beds at Eighty Mile Beach.
P. maxima oysters are distributed at Eighty Mile Beach in waters of the littoral and sublittoral zones[1] reaching maximal depths of 100-120 m.[2]
The Eighty Mile Beach is the location of the ‘only remaining significant wild-stock fishery for pearl oysters in the world’[3]. Eighty Mile Beach provides a unique environment where combinations of bio-geographical variables combine to produce living conditions that are ideal for P maxima oysters.
Email: aaron.irving@pearlproducersaustralia.com Northern Carnarvon – Eastern Exmouth Plateau – W16-9, W16-10 and W16-11
Release areas W16-9, W16-10 and W16-11 will encounter light traffic.
Release areas W16-9, W16-10 and W16-11 are within the North West Slope Trawl Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery and Southern Bluefin Tuna Fisheries ranges.
As fishing activity may vary from year to year, AFMA recommends successful applicants liaise with representatives of the above fishing interests at an early stage in planning operational activities. Northern Carnarvon – Exmouth Plateau – W16-12 to W16-21
Release area W16-12 includes a charted NW Shipping Fairway and a charted shipping fairway passes through the south-eastern section of the release area. Significant heavy commercial shipping traffic will be encountered travelling within the charted shipping fairway. Light traffic will also be encountered.
The graticular blocks directly impinging on a charted shipping fairway include:
SE50-2681, SE50-2682
SE50-2610
SE50-2538, SE50-2539
SE50-2467, SE50-2468
SE50-2396, SE50-2397
SE50-2325, SE50-2326
SE50-2254
SE50-2183.
Release area W16-13 includes a charted NW Shipping Fairway and a charted shipping fairway passes through the northern section of the release area. Significant heavy commercial shipping traffic will be encountered travelling within the charted shipping fairway. Light traffic will also be encountered.
SE50-2824
SE50-2825
SE50-2753.
Release area W16-14 includes a charted NW Shipping Fairway and a charted shipping fairway passes through the western section of the release area. Significant heavy commercial shipping traffic will be encountered travelling within the charted shipping fairway. Light traffic will also be encountered.
SE49-2376
SE49-2304
SE49-2232
SE50-2305
SE50-2233
SE50-2161.
Release area W16-15 straddles a charted NW Shipping Fairway and a charted shipping fairway passes through this release area. Significant heavy commercial shipping traffic will be encountered travelling within the charted shipping fairway.
SE50-3108
SE50-3109
SE50-3036
SE50-3037.
Release area W16-16 will encounter light traffic.
Release area W16-17 will encounter light traffic and support vessel traffic.
Release area W16-18 includes a charted NW Shipping Fairway and a charted shipping fairway runs through the central eastern section of the release area. Much of the commercial traffic, that enters and departs Australian waters travelling the western coast of Australia, travel through this release area. Significant heavy commercial shipping traffic will be encountered travelling through this release area.
SE49-2950, SE49-2951
SE49-2519, SE49-2520
SE49-2447, SE49-2448.
Release area W16-19 will encounter much of the commercial traffic that enters and departs Australian waters travelling the western coast of Australia travel through this release area. Heavy commercial shipping traffic will be encountered.
Release areas W16-20 and W16-21 will encounter light traffic.
Release areas W16-12 and W16-14 are within the North West Slope Trawl Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery and Southern Bluefin Tuna Fisheries ranges.
Release areas W16-13, W16-15, W16-16, W16-17, W16-18, W16-19, W16-20 and W16-21 are within the Western Deepwater Trawl Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery, and Southern Bluefin Tuna Fisheries’ ranges.
Release area W16-17 is within Restricted Airspaces R852A/B, R853A/B and R854A/B.
Release areas W16-16, W16-19 and W16-21 is in the general vicinity of the proposed route for the Trident Subsea Cable submarine telecommunications cable between Onslow and international waters north-west of Onslow. The project is scheduled for construction to commence in the second half of 2016 - http://www.tridentsc.com.au.
It is recommended that potential explorers contact submarine cable providers early in the planning processes to prevent inadvertent damage to telecommunications cables and to coordinate/deconflict scheduled shipping, dredging, ploughing and cable-laying operations. Northern Carnarvon – Dampier Sub-basin – W16-22
Release area W16-22 abuts the eastern boundary of the Montebello Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
The Montebello Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a Multiple Use Zone (IUCN Category VI). Mining operations are allowed under the General Approval – Transitional Management Arrangements, for reserves in the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network. Approval requirements may change once management plans come into effect.
The values of the Montebello Commonwealth Marine Reserve include:
Foraging areas for the vulnerable and migratory whale shark (Rhincodon typus).
Foraging areas adjacent to important breeding areas for migratory seabirds and important nesting sites for marine turtles.
Part of the migratory pathway of the vulnerable and migratory humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Shallow shelf environments with depths ranging from 15-150 m and provides protection for shelf and slope habitats, as well as pinnacle and terrace seafloor features.
Examples of the seafloor habitats and communities of the Northwest Shelf Province.
Wreck of the ‘Trial’ heritage feature.
Provincial bioregions as well as the Pilbara (offshore) meso-scale bioregion.
The reserve contains one key ecological feature - ancient coastline at the 125 metre depth contour, an area valued as a unique seafloor feature with ecological properties of regional significance.
Further information about this and other Commonwealth Marine Reserves in the larger proximity is located at http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-reserves.
Release area W16-22 is situated between two charted shipping fairways. Vessel traffic will be encountered in the southern section of this release area due to the commencement/termination of the charted Montebello Tryal Rocks recommended track.
Release area W16-22 is within the Western Deepwater Trawl Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery, and Southern Bluefin Tuna Fisheries’ ranges.
Release area W16-22 is in the general vicinity of the proposed route for the Trident Subsea Cable submarine telecommunications cable between Onslow and international waters north-west of Onslow. Construction of the project is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2016 - http://www.tridentsc.com.au.
It is recommended potential explorers contact submarine cable providers early in the planning processes to prevent inadvertent damage to telecommunications cables and to coordinate/deconflict scheduled shipping, dredging, ploughing and cable-laying operations.
Northern Carnarvon – Barrow Sub-basin – W16-23
Release area W16-23 overlaps the Montebello Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
The reserve contains one key ecological feature - ancient coastline at the 125 m depth contour, an area valued as a unique seafloor feature with ecological properties of regional significance.
Release area W16-23 will encounter light traffic. The release area crosses the Territorial Sea.
Release area W16-23 is within Restricted Airspaces R852A/B, R853A/B and R854A/B.
Release area W16-23 is within the Western Deepwater Trawl Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery, and Southern Bluefin Tuna Fisheries’ ranges.
Historical AFMA logbook data for 2009-14 indicates that the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery have been active in the release areas. Additional information on the distribution of fishing effort in the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery can be found in the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Fishery Status Reports 2013-14.
As fishing activity may vary from year to year, AFMA recommends successful applicants liaise with representatives of the above fishing interests at an early stage in planning operational activities. Northern Carnarvon – Exmouth Sub-basin – W16-24 and W16-25
Release area W16-24 abuts Gascoyne Commonwealth Marine Reserve at its western-most boundary and is approximately 46 km from Ningaloo Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
Release area W16-25 is approximately 29 km from Ningaloo Commonwealth Marine Reserve and approximately 18 km from the Gascoyne Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
The Gascoyne Commonwealth Marine Reserve includes a Multiple Use zone (IUCN Category VI), a Habitat Protection zone (IUCN Category IV) and a Marine National Park zone (IUCN Category II). Release area W16-24 abuts the Multiple Use Zone. Mining operations are allowed under the General Approval – Transitional Management Arrangements, for reserves in the North-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network. Approval requirements may change once management plans come into effect.
The values of the Gascoyne Commonwealth Marine Reserve include:
Important foraging areas for migratory seabirds, the vulnerable and migratory whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and vulnerable and migratory hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and flatback (Natator depressus) turtles.
Examples of the ecosystems of the Central Western Shelf Transition, the Central Western Transition, the Northwest Province and the Ningaloo meso-scale bioregion.
Three key ecological features are represented in this reserve: canyons on the slope between Cuvier Abyssal Plain and the Cape Range Peninsula, Exmouth Plateau and continental slope demersal fish communities. The values of these features include enhanced productivity, aggregations of marine life, unique seafloor features and high biodiversity.
The Ningaloo Commonwealth Marine Reserve is a Marine National Park Zone (IUCN II). Under Transitional management arrangements, all requirements under the prior plan of management for Ningaloo remain in place until a new management plan is finalised for the north-west Commonwealth marine reserve network following the review. Mining operations are not permitted in the Marine National Park zone.
The values of the Ningaloo Commonwealth Marine Reserve include:
Important breeding areas for seabirds including the fairy tern and the migratory roseate tern and wedge-tailed shearwater.
Important interesting areas for the vulnerable and migratory hawksbill turtle, the vulnerable and migratory flatback turtle, the vulnerable and migratory green turtle and the endangered and migratory loggerhead turtle.
Includes the migratory pathway for the migratory humpback whale and the migratory pygmy blue whale.
Important breeding, calving, foraging and nursing areas for the migratory dugong.
Habitats, communities, and species representative of the Central Western Shelf Transition Provincial Bioregion, the Central Western Transition Provincial Bioregion, the Northwest Province Provincial Bioregion, and the Northwest Shelf Province Provincial Bioregion.
The reserve contains three key ecological features: the Canyons linking the Cuvier Abyssal Plain and the Cape Range Peninsula, an area valued for unique seafloor features with ecological properties of regional significance; Commonwealth waters adjacent to Ningaloo Reef, an area valued for high productivity and aggregations of marine life; and continental slope demersal fish communities, valued for high levels of endemism and diversity.
Release area W16-24 includes a charted NW Shipping Fairway and a charted shipping fairway runs through the western section of the release area. Much of the commercial traffic, that travels the western coast of Australia and heads north-east/east, passes through the charted shipping fairway. Significant heavy commercial shipping traffic will be encountered travelling through this release area.
SF49-0934
SF49-0935
SF49-0864
Release area W16-25 will encounter light traffic and support vessel traffic.
Release areas W16-24 and W16-25 are within the Western Deepwater Trawl Fishery, Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, Western Skipjack Tuna Fishery, and Southern Bluefin Tuna Fisheries’ ranges.
Release areas W16-24 and W16-25 are within Restricted Airspaces R852A/B, R853A/B and R854A/B. Release area W16-24 also has a minor overlay on the Learmonth Air Weapons Range (AWR) (Restricted Airspace R861A/B).
[1] Paul C. Southgate , Elisabeth Strack , Anthony Hart , Katsuhiko T. Wada , Mario Monteforte , Micheline Cariño , Sandra Langy ,Cedrik Lo, Hector Acosta-Salmón and Aimin Wang (2008) Exploitation and Culture of Major Commercial Species. In Southgate and Lucas (Eds) The Pearl Oyster. Elsevier. Oxford. UK. 2008:303-357. P 313.
[2] Katsuhiko T. Wada and Ilya Tëmkin (2008) Taxonomy and Phylogeny. In Southgate and Lucas (Eds) The Pearl Oyster. Elsevier. Oxford. UK. 2008:37-76. P 59.
[3] A. Hart, D. Murphy and R. Jones. (2015). Pearl Oyster Managed Fishery Status Report. In: Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Western Australia 2014/15: The State of the Fisheries eds. W.J. Fletcher and K. Santoro, Department of Fisheries, Western Australia, p211 Disclaimer