How to bid on acreage release areas

Work-program bidding for the 2021 acreage release closes on Thursday 3 March 2022.

Preparing your application to bid

Applications must include details of the:

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

Before applying, applicants must consider certain requirements and expectations. See the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) offshore petroleum exploration guideline for work-bids and the invitation to apply in the Australian Government Gazette.

Foreign investors

International investors may need to seek approval from the Australian Treasurer.

Applicants are to submit evidence of a Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) decision with their application. If their approval is pending, applicants can provide evidence after the submission. This must happen before NOPTA has made a decision on the application.

See foreign investment for mining requirements on the Foreign Investment Review Board website.

Submitting your application

You must submit a valid application to NOPTA before 4.00 pm local 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 and how to pay guidance.

For each application you need to submit:

  • one bound copy
  • one electronic copy, in a text search supported format (CD, DVD, USB)
  • application form
  • proof of payment for the application fee.

See NOPTA’s factsheet on executing and signing forms.

The bound copy and the electronic copy of the 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 4:00 pm (local) on Thursday 3 March 2021.

Please call the NOPTA office to make an appointment to deliver applications by hand. 

Read more

Download NOPTA's presentation about the application criteria and submission process for bids.

Contact

Phone the NOPTA titles hotline 08 6424 5317

Email titles@nopta.gov.au