Policy Design Notifications

Overview

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Storage Act 2006 (OPGGS Act) provides the legal framework for the exploration and recovery of petroleum and for greenhouse gas storage, in offshore areas (i.e. Commonwealth Waters). The OPGGS Act is supported by the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Storage (Safety) Regulations 2024 (Safety Regulations) whose main purpose it so ensure that offshore petroleum and greenhouse gas activities are undertaken in a way that reduces the risks to health and safety of persons at or near facilities.

The Safety Regulations were subject of recent review, and as a result of the review, the Safety Regulations have been remade with a number of relevant amendments as follows:

• Updating operator notification and reporting requirements
• Enhancing psychosocial health and discrimination provisions
• Introducing a design notification scheme
• Introducing a vessel activity notification scheme.

This public comment process provides an opportunity for community members to have their say in respect to the Policy Design Notifications (new).

Why your views matter

We welcome feedback from our stakeholders on the Policy Design Notifications (new).

The consultation period will close 26 May 2025.