Consultation open for guidance on subsisting petroleum and geothermal titles

Guiding title holders and applicants in managing overlapping titles
Date: Friday, 07 July 2023

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is inviting comment from stakeholders for a draft guide note on the management of subsisting petroleum and geothermal titles.

Under section 69A of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967 (the Act), petroleum titles and geothermal titles may exist in respect of the same blocks.

This draft guide note addresses the principles and considerations that will guide the department in the management of overlapping petroleum and geothermal titles. It will also assist in identifying the information considered relevant to the assessment of an application for subsisting tenure.

DMIRS’ Resource Tenure Division Executive Director Kristian Dawson said the guideline will provide overall clarity to title holders and applicants for managing the process if a title overlaps, from submitting an application to post grant of title.

“Our intention is to increase transparency on the assessment criteria for subsisting tiles, provide guidance on the level of detail required in an application, and clarify the general considerations for managing operations once the title is granted.

“It is important we hear from existing title holders or potential applicants so the department can meet the expected detail required to guide those affected.”  

More information on the draft discussion paper can be found on the open consultation page. Feedback submissions close 4.30pm Friday, 1 September.