Onshore

Onshore regulatory framework

Australian’s Constitution empowers state and territory governments to regulate onshore petroleum activities under relevant legislation.

While the regulatory frameworks for petroleum, exploration (link to exploration and access page) and production differ slightly across Australia, each state attempts to balance economic, environmental and social considerations relevant to the nature and scale of petroleum activities.

Onshore environmental regulation, in all jurisdictions where petroleum activities occur, is accomplished through a complex mix of petroleum, water, heritage and planning legislation.

Green and red tape imposes high costs, delay and uncertainty creates the real risk that exploration investment will go overseas

To encourage exploration, Australia needs a policy framework with stable, predictable, long-term rules.

Existing regulatory duplication, inefficiency and uncertainty are major deterrents to investment.

APPEA works with government, political leaders policymakers and regulators to remove unnecessary duplication, inefficiency and uncertainty for onshore exploration.

Australia’s onshore potential

Australia has vast potential to unlock more onshore oil and gas resources but the country largely remains underexplored.

To attract exploration and maximise benefits from oil and gas production, Australia needs an efficient and sustainable policy framework.

In some onshore jurisdictions, the regulatory frameworks for exploration and production are time-consuming and cumbersome to comply with.

Onshore moratoria and bans

Several Australian states, including Victoria and New South Wales, have moratoria and bans on onshore exploration.  The industry has continuously called for these exploration restrictions to be lifted to ensure more gas supply from more suppliers.