WA petroleum acreage released for exploration

Seven onshore blocks and one offshore block are on offer in WA waters
Date: Friday, 18 March 2022
  • WA is Australia’s largest hydrocarbon producer

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston is inviting applicants to bid on eight areas for petroleum exploration in Western Australia.

The blocks are based in the Northern Carnarvon Basin and Amadeus Basin, and vary in size from 390 to 10,282 square kilometres. Seven of the blocks are onshore and one is offshore in State waters.

WA releases acreage for petroleum exploration through a competitive bidding system.

Successful bidders may apply for a petroleum exploration permit that allows the company to conduct exploration activities within the specified title for six years.

All petroleum activities are rigorously assessed and approved by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety before work can begin. Other approvals related to environmental and Native Title considerations may also be required.

The application period for this acreage release closes at 4pm Thursday, June 16, 2022.

For more information, visit http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/acreage_release

Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

“The McGowan Government will continue to create opportunities within the State's natural resources industry, and exploration is the bedrock of ongoing success.

“The petroleum sector continues to be a key contributor to WA’s economic success with sales of more than $23 billion in the 2020-21 financial year.

“Any acreage awarded will be subject to the State Government's policy on hydraulic fracturing, which means this extraction process will not be permitted on these blocks.”