Public release of data

Detailed information regarding the release of offshore petroleum data can be found in Part 8 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Resource Management and Administration) Regulations 2011 (RMA Regulations).

Open information

NOPTA may make 'open information' about a well or survey publicly known at any time under Regulation 8.10 of the RMA Regulations. Open information about a well or survey is defined in Regulation 1.05. It includes the name, location, type or purpose, and other general information relating to the activity being undertaken.

NOPIMS is the register for new well and survey activity metadata captured by NOPTA since 1 January 2012. This information is updated periodically and is provided as a guide only. Any queries, corrections or details of omissions should be directed to data@nopta.gov.au.

The system also displays pre–2012 legacy metadata maintained by Geoscience Australia. Access to always open well and survey metadata and publically released downloadable data is available via NOPIMS.

Data release—'relevant day'

Under Part 8 of the RMA Regulations, NOPTA may make disclosable information publicly known after the relevant day has passed.

All information and data submitted to NOPTA in accordance with the relevant legislation shall remain confidential at least until the information is eligible for public release.

The National Offshore Petroleum Data and Core Repository (NOPDCR) maintains confidential information on behalf of NOPTA. Once the relevant day has passed and the Titles Administrator has authorised the data for release, it will be made publicly available through the NOPDCR.

The following information relates to the public release of petroleum data collected under the current provisions of the RMA Regulations.

Confidentiality periods and release for wells data

Release of basic disclosable information

  • The earliest possible release date for basic wells data and reports is two years after the end of the operation (Regulation 8.11(5)).
  • Where permits expire through surrender, cancellation, revocation or termination the basic data becomes releasable on the day of expiry.

Release of interpretative disclosable information

  • The earliest possible release date for interpretative wells data and reports is five years after the end of the operation (Regulation 8.12).

Confidentiality periods and release for survey data

Release of basic disclosable information

  • Release provisions for basic survey data are considerably more detailed, and can vary according to survey type, permit type, and commercial intent (exclusivity) (Regulations 8.11 (2–4)).
  • Confidentiality periods of up to 15 years may apply.
  • Titleholders are encouraged to become familiar with the provisions of Division 3 of the RMA Regulations, and contact NOPTA by email at data@nopta.gov.au should they have any questions.
  • Where permits expire through surrender, cancellation, revocation or termination the basic data becomes releasable on the day of expiry.

Release of interpretative disclosable information

  • The earliest possible release date for interpretative survey data and reports is five years after the end of the operation (Regulation 8.12).

Public release of petroleum data

Release dates for well and survey activities vary according to the information type and legislation under which the data was collected. A nominal release date is given to indicate an approximate timing for release. The relevant day does not necessarily reflect the actual day of release.

NOPTA authorises the release of data on the first business day of the week after the relevant day for particular well and survey activities has passed. Data will become available through the NOPIMS or via Geoscience Australia for public use as soon as possible, after release.

Queries regarding the release provisions for petroleum data submitted under older legislation should be directed to data@nopta.gov.au.

Petroleum data that NOPTA has publicly released since 1 January 2012:

Open file data since 1 January 2012

Open file data since 1 January 2012 XLSX 37 kB Open file data since 1 January 2012PDF 50 kB

Petroleum data that NOPTA intends to release in the coming months:

Preliminary data release schedule 2018

Preliminary data release schedule 2017 XLSX 27 kB Preliminary data release schedule 2017PDF 449 kB

Please note: this is a preliminary list based upon release and completion dates presently held by Geoscience Australia and NOPTA; and is provided as a guide only. The Titles Administrator will make a decision on the release of data once the relevant day has passed.

This information is updated periodically. Any queries, corrections or details of any omissions should be directed to data@nopta.gov.au.

Go to top Go to top icon