2021 offshore greenhouse gas storage acreage release: nominated areas for comment

2021 GHG Acreage Release – response from Director of National Parks

Thank you for providing the Director of National Parks (DNP) with the opportunity to comment on the 2021 GHG
Acreage Release. The following response relates to proposed acreage titles that are within proximity of Australian
Marine Parks and, as a result, could affect the values present.

We note that greenhouse gas storage (GHG) is a newly emerging industry and that it is one of the five priority areas for
investment under the Government’s Technology Investment Roadmap. We also note that CO2 must be stored in a
geologically secure location; that these target locations will typically be depleted oil or gas reservoirs and deep saline
formations; and, that monitoring pre and post-injection is required.

GHG exploration activities must be approved under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 by
NOPSEMA. In accordance with Australian Marine Park management plans, mining operations are allowed in Multiple
Use and Special Purpose Zones (category IUCN VI) in accordance with a Class Approval. Class approvals require an
Environment Plan accepted by the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority
(NOPSEMA) under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009.

We have undertaken a review of each proposed acreage consistent with the process for oil and gas, noting the
similarities between this activity and GHG storage. To support an understanding of the risks to the Australian Marine
Parks, we have endeavoured to provide greater detail on the values that may be present in the acreages, which may
need to be managed. Please note that an activity may impact values even when undertaken outside of a marine park
boundary. This can include, but is not limited to, activities that impact: species abundance or behaviour; key ecological
features; or, connectedness of the broader marine park network.

Note the table below uses the acreage code as per the Geoscience Australia Acreage Release Portal; not the 2021 GHG
Proposed Consultation PDF provided for the meeting 16 August 2021. We have specified where this is not the case.

Future offshore GHG activities

NOPSEMA’s assessment process explicitly takes into consideration impacts on matters protected under the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, including Australian Marine Parks. Environment Plans
must include relevant information and analysis that underpins a clear and well-founded case for why the titleholder
determines that: a) the Environment Plan is not inconsistent with the Australian Marine Park management plans; and b) the environmental impacts and risks of the activity are of an acceptable level and reduced to ALARP.

The Director of National Parks is a ‘relevant person’ under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage
(Environment) Regulations 2009. This means the Director of National Parks must be consulted by titleholders when
preparing Environment Plans for GHG activities proposed inside Australian Marine Parks or that may affect Australian
Marine Parks.

The Director of National Parks works closely with NOPSEMA to ensure Australian Marine Park values are appropriately
considered. The Director of National Parks and NOPSEMA developed the guidance note ‘Petroleum activities and
Australian marine parks’, available on the NOPSEMA website at https://www.nopsema.gov.au/environmental-
management/environment-resources/. The guidance note outlines what titleholders need to consider and evaluate
when preparing an Environment Plan. It provides guidance on the key management arrangements and requirements
that are relevant to petroleum and greenhouse gas activities that may affect Australian Marine Parks regardless if the
activity is inside or outside a park.

The most up to date information on mining activities and Australian Marine Parks can be found on the Parks
Australia website at https://parksaustralia.gov.au/marine/activities/do-i-need-an-approval/mining/.
Acreage Relationship with marine park (inc. values) Feedback from DNP
Code Overlapping Adjacent Within Proximity Park values to manage at proposed acreage
GHG21-1 Oceanic Shoals NA Oceanic Shoals HPZ Biologically Important Areas GHG21-1 and 2 encompass significant
MUZ (IUCN VI) (IUCN IV) – 33 km - Could impact upon species listed as threatened, migratory, marine and marine turtle foraging areas.
cetacean under the EPBC Act
Joseph Bonaparte Gulf - Identified foraging and internesting location for marine turtles, While we do not object to these three
SPZ (IUCN VI) – 90 km particularly encompassing large area of Olive Ridley Turtle foraging area proposed acreages, activities occurring
within the acreages could affect the
Key Ecological Features interconnectedness of the Oceanic
- Pinnacles of the Bonaparte Basin Shoals Marine Park, the North
- Carbonate bank and terrace system of the Sahul Shelf Network and impact upon species
listed as threatened, migratory, marine
Bioregions and cetacean under the EPBC Act.
- Northwest Shelf Transition
We also note the increased offshore
Cultural energy activities in this area, including
- Sea country values may be present current and proposed future titles and
mining activities. It is an expectation
Social and Economic that cumulative impacts are managed,
- Commercial fishing occurs within the marine park and it should be noted that potential
GHG21-2 Oceanic Shoals NA Oceanic Biologically Important Areas titleholders may need to undertake
MUZ (IUCN VI) Shoals SPZ - Could impact upon species listed as threatened, migratory, marine and further research, monitoring and
(IUCN IV) cetacean under the EPBC Act mitigation efforts.
- Identified foraging and internesting location for marine turtles,
Kimberley MUZ (IUCN particularly encompassing large area of Olive Ridley Turtle foraging area Noting this, any future activities within
VI) – 64 km these title areas would be scrutinised
Key Ecological Features by the Director of National Parks
Joseph - Pinnacles of the Bonaparte Basin through ‘relevant person’ consultation
Bonaparte - Carbonate bank and terrace system of the Sahul Shelf to ensure values are protected.
Gulf SPZ (IUCN
VI) – 105 km Bioregions
- Northwest Shelf Transition

Cultural
- Sea country values may be present

Social and Economic
Commercial fishing occurs within the marine park
GHG21-3 NA NA Kimberley MUZ (IUCN Biologically Important Areas Future activities within these title
VI) – 40 km - Could impact upon species listed as threatened, migratory, marine and areas would be scrutinised by the
cetacean under the EPBC Act Director of National Parks through
- Identified migration area for the Whale Shark and Humpback Whale
‘relevant person’ consultation to
Key Ecological Features ensure values are protected.
- Ancient Coastline at 125 m depth contour
- Continental Slope Demersal Fish Communities

Bioregions
- Northwest Shelf Province
- Timor Province

Cultural and Heritage
- Sea country values may be present and National Heritage Listed values
present in Marine Park
- Shipwrecks present in Marine Park

Social and Economic
Commercial and recreational fishing, and tourism occur within the
marine park
GHG21-4 NA NA NA NA No specific feedback.
Nearest marine parks:
Dampier – 160 km
Montebello – 150 km
GHG21-5 NA Montebello Dampier HPZ (IUCN IV) Biologically Important Areas Future activities within these title
MUZ (IUCN VI) – 50 km - Could impact upon species listed as threatened, migratory, marine and areas would be scrutinised by the
cetacean under the EPBC Act Director of National Parks through
- Breeding area for marine birds and internesting area for marine turtles ‘relevant person’ consultation to
within acreage. ensure values are protected.
- Identified area for Whale Shark foraging, Humpback Whale migration
and Pygmy Blue Whale aggregation within acreage.

Bioregions
- Northwest Shelf Province

Cultural and Heritage
- Sea country values may be present
- Shipwrecks present in Marine Park

Social and Economic
Commercial fishing, tourism and recreation occur within the marine
park
Attachment A - Summary of Australian Marine Park zones

1. Special Purpose Zone (IUCN category VI)—managed to allow specific activities though special purpose
management arrangements while conserving ecosystems, habitats and native species. The zone allows or prohibits
specific activities.

2. Multiple Use Zone (IUCN category VI)—managed to allow ecologically sustainable use while conserving ecosystems,
habitats and native species. The zone allows for a range of sustainable uses, including commercial fishing and mining where
they are consistent with park values.

3. Habitat Protection Zone (IUCN category IV)—managed to allow activities that do not harm or cause destruction
to seafloor habitats, while conserving ecosystems, habitats and native species in as natural a state as possible.

4. Recreational Use Zone (IUCN category IV)—managed to allow recreational use, while conserving
ecosystems, habitats and native species in as natural a state as possible. The zone allows for recreational fishing, but
not commercial fishing.

5. National Park Zone (IUCN category II)—managed to protect and conserve ecosystems, habitats and native species in
as natural a state as possible. The zone only allows non-extractive activities unless authorised for research and monitoring.

6. Sanctuary Zone (IUCN category Ia)—managed to conserve ecosystems, habitats and native species in as
natural and undisturbed a state as possible. The zone allows only authorised scientific research and monitoring.