There are 3 release areas in the Bonaparte Basin, offshore northern Australia.
They are in:
- Malita Graben Sub-basin
- Vulcan Sub-basin.
See all block listings [129 KB PDF] [40 KB DOCX] for graticular block numbers and 1:1,000,000 map sheet references that identify each release area.
Download shapefiles of all acreage release areas [38 KB ZIP]. Shapefiles show the areas in vector format for geographic information system (GIS) software.
Malita Graben Sub-basin
There are 2 release areas in the Malita Graben Sub-basin:
- NT22–1
- W22–1.
The Malita Graben Sub-basin release area map [2.5 MB PDF] [2 MB JPG] shows the release areas in bathymetric detail. It also includes other permit locations, known petroleum accumulations and wells.
![[2 MB JPG]](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-offshore-petroleum-exploration-acreage-release-map-malita-graben-sub-basin.jpg){kind=link}
NT22–1
The NT22–1 block diagram [133 KB PDF] [108 KB PNG] shows the coordinates of release area boundaries.
![[108 KB PNG]](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-offshore-petroleum-exploration-acreage-release-block-diagram-malita-graben-sub-basin-nt22-1.png){kind=link}
Marine environment
NT22–1:
- intersects Montebello Marine Park multiple use zone
- intersects North Oceanic Shoals
- is a special purpose zone (trawl)
- intersects the foraging grounds of the olive ridley turtle
- overlaps with the pinnacles of the Bonaparte Basin
- intersects the carbonate bank and terrace system of the Sahul Shelf.
International jurisdictions
NT22-1 directly abuts the Timor Leste boundary. Permit holders will be required to negotiate with a foreign government if there is a straddling discovery.
Defence restricted areas
NT22-1 slightly overlaps part of the North Western Australia Exercise Area (NAXA). You should liaise with Defence early in the project planning phase to coordinate with Defence activities.
W22–1
The W22-1 block diagram [132 KB PDF] [83 KB PNG] shows the coordinates of release area boundaries.
![[83 KB PNG]](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-offshore-petroleum-exploration-acreage-release-block-diagram-malita-graben-sub-basin-w22-1.png){kind=link}
Marine environment
W22-1:
- intersects Montebello Marine Park multiple use zone
- intersects North-West Oceanic Shoals
- intersects the foraging grounds of the flatback turtle
- overlaps the pinnacles of the Bonaparte Basin
- intersects the carbonate bank and terrace system of the Sahul Shelf.
International jurisdictions
W22-1 directly abuts the Timor Leste boundary. Permit holders will be required to negotiate with a foreign government if there is a straddling discovery.
Vulcan Sub-basin
There is one release area in the Vulcan Sub-basin. This is AC22–1.
The Vulcan Sub-basin release area map [1.7 MB PDF] [935 KB JPG] shows the release area in bathymetric detail. It also includes other permit locations, known petroleum accumulations and wells.
![[935 KB JPG]](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-offshore-petroleum-exploration-acreage-release-map-vulcan-sub-basin.jpg){kind=link}
AC22–1
The AC22-1 block diagram [90 KB PDF] [108 KB PNG] shows the coordinates of release area boundaries.
![[108 KB PNG]](/sites/default/files/2022-08/2022-offshore-petroleum-exploration-acreage-release-block-diagram-vulcan-sub-basin-ac22-1.png){kind=link}
Marine environment
AC22–1 is a pygmy blue whale distribution area. Whale shark foraging also occurs across AC22–1.
International jurisdictions
AC22-1 overlaps the 1997 Perth Treaty area.
Bidding information
You can submit a work-bid application to NOPTA until 4:00 pm on Thursday 2 March 2023.
Find out how to file your application.
See important information for planning your bid.
The gazette notice inviting applications outlines matters that you should be aware of before submitting your application.
About these files
If you have difficulty accessing this information, please email petroleum.exploration@industry.gov.au.