Petroleum authorities

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 allows for limited petroleum exploration operations to be undertaken under a Special Prospecting Authority (SPA), Access Authority (AA) or Scientific Investigation Consent (SIC).

For further information on what a SPA, AA or SIC authorises and how to apply, refer to the Offshore Petroleum: Special Prospecting Authority, Access Authority and Scientific Investigation Consent Guideline.

Guidance

View the relevant legislation and regulations on our Legislation page.

Visit our Guidelines and Fact sheets pages for more information including:

  • Offshore Petroleum: Special prospecting authority, access authority and scientific investigation consents guideline
  • Updated licencing requirements for petroleum and greenhouse gas activities fact sheet
  • Title requirements for undertaking exploration operations and other activities outside of a title area FAQs.

View Application fees and annual levies.

Forms

Relevant forms and Forms Guidance are on our Forms page. These include:

  • Application for a petroleum special prospecting authority
  • Application for a petroleum access authority
  • Request for variation of a petroleum access authority
  • Request for extension of duration of a petroleum access authority
  • Request for a variation, suspension or exemption of conditions(s) of title – petroleum special prospecting authority or petroleum access authority
  • Application for a petroleum scientific investigation consent.
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