PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Public consultation has opened on ten potential areas to be released for offshore petroleum exploration.
Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said ongoing petroleum exploration is critical to ensure Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.
“The oil and gas sector will play a pivotal role in our domestic energy needs as well as being a key export industry generating billions of dollars in investment and providing thousands of jobs,” Pitt said.
The ten areas to be potentially included in the 2022 offshore petroleum exploration acreage release are located offshore Western Australia, Victoria, the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands, and the Northern Territory.
Pitt said consultation would inform a decision to release an area for bidding. Submissions will also assist potential explorers understand factors they may need to consider when applying for an area or when planning exploration.
“Offshore petroleum acreage release remains a key mechanism to attract investment in our petroleum industry.”
Submissions can be made until December 14.