How to bid on acreage release areas

Preparing your application to bid

Applications must include details of the:

  • proposed exploration activities of the work program and indicative expenditure in relation to the release area
  • technical qualifications of the applicant and their employees
  • technical advice available to the applicant
  • financial resources available to the applicant

Before applying review the Offshore Petroleum Exploration Guideline: work-bid (effective 1 July 2019) and the invitation to apply in the Australian Government Gazette.

International investors may need to seek approval from the Australian Treasurer. See foreign investment for mining requirements on the Foreign Investment Review Board website.

Submitting your application

You must submit applications to the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) before 4.00 pm local standard time on the day bids close. NOPTA will not consider late or incomplete applications.

For fee and payment details refer to NOPTA's schedule of fees.

For each application you need to submit:

  • one bound copy
  • one electronic copy, in a text search supported format
  • application form
  • proof of payment for the application fee

The bound copy application should be:

  • clearly marked as ‘Application for release area (insert reference) - Commercial-in-Confidence’
  • sealed in a plain covering envelope or package
  • delivered to the NOPTA office in either Perth or Melbourne by the closing date and time

If you are not sending your application by courier, please call the NOPTA office to make an appointment to deliver it by hand.

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