This fact sheet provides general information about the process for expiry of petroleum titles.
Note: for information about the expiry of special prospecting authorities or access authorities, please contact NOPTA.
The expiry date of a petroleum exploration permit, retention lease or production licence is the day on which it ceases to be in force (s 10 of the Act).
Generally the expiry date is specified in the title instrument, but that date may be extended if, for example, the titleholders have applied for:
See also the Annual Titles Administration Levy—remittals and refunds policy (in relation to the annual levy).
Titleholders may wish to advise NOPTA in advance if they intend to let a title expire.
Prior to expiry, titleholders should ensure that:
NOPTA will conduct a compliance check of the title. If any of the matters set out above remain outstanding NOPTA will contact the titleholders.
After expiry, NOPTA will communicate the expiry by:
Important note: the permit, lease or licence ceases to be in force on the expiry date (s10 of the Act), not the date on which the notice of the expiry is gazetted or communicated.
Titleholders who are at risk of defaulting on a condition of their title, including work program commitments where applicable, should consider their options to apply to vary, suspend (and extend) or be exempted from a condition of the title (s 264 and s265).
Refer to s 4 of the Offshore Petroleum Exploration Guideline: Work-bid for further information.
If you have any questions regarding the expiry of petroleum titles, please contact titles@nopta.gov.au.
Please note: this fact sheet is intended as a guide only and should not be relied on as legal advice or regarded as a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.