Overview

The Australian Government’s Future Gas Strategy states that new sources of gas supply are needed to meet demand during the economy-wide transition to net-zero.

The Offshore Petroleum Joint Authorities have agreed to release acreage in the Otway Basin. The Otway Basin is close to existing discoveries and infrastructure, and southern demand centres.

This consultation process is an opportunity to submit feedback on release areas and how exploration activities may impact you.

Your feedback will help the government to identify and consider any potential impacts early. This includes impacts to cultural heritage, the environment, other marine users (like tourism and fishing industries) and communities.

Your submission will help us identify:

  • issues for the government to consider when determining whether to offer a petroleum exploration permit

  • other matters titleholders need to be aware of when preparing bids or planning exploration activities.

Your submission informs the Joint Authorities’ decision whether to offer petroleum exploration permits. It also helps companies understand factors they may need to consider when applying for and working in an area.

Areas for consultation

Five areas have been released for work-program bidding in the Otway Basin. These are offshore Victoria and Tasmania.

The release areas have been informed by:

  • existing nominations that industry have submitted

  • consultation with National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) and Geoscience Australia.

Buffer zones are included to safeguard surrounding marine park boundaries.

Maps and shapefiles

Download the shapefiles and maps for these areas below. If you experience any issues with downloading or accessing the files, contact us at petroleum.exploration@industry.gov.au.

2025 Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release A3 map [401KB PDF]

2025 Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release shapefiles [23KB ZIP]

Following this consultation

The Australian Government will assess the submissions. The Joint Authority will consider all consultation comments before making a final decision on whether to offer to grant petroleum exploration permits.

The National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) undertakes a robust bid assessment process. This ensures permits are awarded to people that are capable, competent and responsible in managing their activities and can meet all regulatory obligations.

The Joint Authority will consider the expert advice and decide whether to award a petroleum exploration permit. This permit lets the company apply to the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) for approval to undertake on-water exploration activities.

Companies take on the commercial risk and costs of any work or forward planning before the government officially announces release areas. You should make your own inquiries to confirm any information you intend to act on.

Future opportunities to have your say

Offshore exploration may involve a variety of activities including:

  • desktop analysis of existing information

  • acquiring a seismic survey

  • an exploration or appraisal well.

Applicants proposing on-water activity must consult further with stakeholders to develop detailed environment plans. They should show how they will mitigate potential adverse impacts on the environment and other users.

NOPSEMA must assess and accept these plans before any activity begins. NOPSEMA must be satisfied with the consultation the proponent has done.

Exploration may, or may not, be successful in discovering hydrocarbons.

If proponents are successful and find hydrocarbons, they must apply for further assessment and approvals to develop further infrastructure.

Subscribe for updates

We will communicate the final areas via the Australian Resources News. Subscribe to the newsletter to be kept updated.

More information

Timeline

  • Opened
    open
    10 December 2025
  • Closes
    pending
    6 February 2026