Petroleum titles are awarded on a successive basis, beginning with an exploration permit. An exploration permit authorises the holder to explore for petroleum in the permit area.

If a discovery is made and a location is declared, the titleholder may apply for a production licence (if the discovery is commercial) or a retention lease (if the discovery is not commercial but is expected to become commercial within 15 years).

From a retention lease, the titleholder progresses to a production licence once the discovery becomes commercial. Prior to producing, approvals are required for an accepted field development plan, rate of recovery of petroleum, the equipment and procedures used to determine the quantity and composition of petroleum and water from the pool, and any relevant pipeline licences to convey petroleum or GHG substances and infrastructure licences.

In areas not covered by titles, companies may apply to the Titles Administrator for a Special Prospecting Authority (SPA) to undertake seismic or other geophysical or geochemical survey work (but not to drill a well) in a particular area for a period of up to 180 days. An SPA does not provide any rights in relation to the award of a future exploration permit.

Existing titleholders (including SPA holders) who wish to undertake petroleum exploration activities (other than drilling a well) in areas proximal to their existing title may apply to the Titles Administrator for an Access Authority. An Access Authority may provide access to a vacant area or an area covered by a title to enable the applicant to fully explore the area over which it is the titleholder.

A petroleum scientific investigation consent authorises the holder to carry on petroleum exploration operations in the course of a scientific investigation.

Further information on petroleum applications can be found here.