2023 offshore greenhouse gas storage acreage release: nominated areas for comment

The proposed application area in the Bonaparte Basin, release area GHG23-1 is in proximity (<200km) to Western Australian State waters and State conservation reserves managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984, including but not limited to the North Kimberley Marine Park (M 20).

Early engagement and consultation with DBCA is encouraged where proposed activities have the potential to directly or indirectly impact conservation reserves. In this respect, access to conservation reserves for activities related to those occurring within nearby greenhouse gas storage exploration areas should not be presumed and specific impacts on reserve values may require DBCA guidance and advice to exploration area holders and regulators.

DBCA is also responsible for the conservation and protection of biodiversity in Western Australia under the provisions of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and recommends direct consultation with DBCA on proposals that have the potential to impact on conservation significant species (including their habitat) and / or ecological communities in Western Australia.

The proposed application area in the Browse Basin, release area GHG23-2 is in proximity (<100km) to Western Australian State waters and State conservation reserves managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984, including but not limited to the Scott Reef Nature Reserve (R 42749) and Adele Island Nature Reserve (R 44675).

Early engagement and consultation with DBCA is encouraged where proposed activities have the potential to directly or indirectly impact conservation reserves. In this respect, access to conservation reserves for activities related to those occurring within nearby greenhouse gas storage exploration areas should not be presumed and specific impacts on reserve values may require DBCA guidance and advice to exploration area holders and regulators.

DBCA is also responsible for the conservation and protection of biodiversity in Western Australia under the provisions of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and recommends direct consultation with DBCA on proposals that have the potential to impact on conservation significant species (including their habitat) and / or ecological communities in Western Australia.

The proposed application areas in the North Carnarvon Basin, release areas GHG23-3, GHG23-4 and GHG23-5 are directly adjacent to Western Australian State waters (i.e. GHG23-4 and GHG23-5) and / or in proximity (i.e. GHG23-3) to State conservation reserves managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984, including but not limited to the Barrow Island Marine Management Area (M 12), Barrow Island Marine Park (M 10), Montebello Islands Marine Park (M 9), Barrow Island Nature Reserve (R 11648), Montebello Islands Conservation Park (R 42196), Bessieries Island Nature Reserve (R 44666) and Lowendal Islands Nature Reserve (R 33902).

Early engagement and consultation with DBCA is encouraged where proposed activities have the potential to directly or indirectly impact conservation reserves. In this respect, access to conservation reserves for activities related to those occurring within nearby greenhouse gas storage exploration areas should not be presumed and specific impacts on reserve values may require DBCA guidance and advice to exploration area holders and regulators.

DBCA is also responsible for the conservation and protection of biodiversity in Western Australia under the provisions of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and recommends direct consultation with DBCA on proposals that have the potential to impact on conservation significant species (including their habitat) and / or ecological communities in Western Australia.

The proposed application area in the Perth Basin, release area GHG23-6 is directly adjacent to Western Australian State waters and is in close proximity to State conservation reserves managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984, including but not limited to the Beagle Islands Nature Reserve (R 26411), Beekeepers Nature Reserve (R 24496), Jurien Bay Marine Park (M 8) and the Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park (R 53379).

Early engagement and consultation with DBCA is encouraged where proposed activities have the potential to directly or indirectly impact conservation reserves. In this respect, access to conservation reserves for activities related to those occurring within nearby greenhouse gas storage exploration areas should not be presumed and specific impacts on reserve values may require DBCA guidance and advice to exploration area holders and regulators.

DBCA is also responsible for the conservation and protection of biodiversity in Western Australia under the provisions of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and recommends direct consultation with DBCA on proposals that have the potential to impact on conservation significant species (including their habitat) and / or ecological communities in Western Australia.

Early engagement and consultation with DBCA is encouraged where proposed activities have the potential to directly or indirectly impact conservation reserves. In this respect, access to conservation reserves for activities related to those occurring within nearby greenhouse gas storage exploration areas should not be presumed and specific impacts on reserve values may require DBCA guidance and advice to exploration area holders and regulators.

DBCA is also responsible for the conservation and protection of biodiversity in Western Australia under the provisions of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and recommends direct consultation with DBCA on proposals that have the potential to impact on conservation significant species (including their habitat) and / or ecological communities in Western Australia.