The regular release of offshore acreage is a key part of the Australian Government's strategy to encourage investment in petroleum exploration.
Thirty five new exploration areas, located across five of Australia's offshore sedimentary basins are offered in the 2008 Acreage Release. The release areas range from frontier to mature status and offer opportunities for exploration companies of all sizes.
All the areas are available through a work program bidding system with closing dates for bids six and twelve months from the date of release.
The 2008 exploration areas are in Commonwealth waters offshore from Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and in the Territory of the Ashmore and Cartier Islands.
The release focuses on the North West Shelf, as well as offering two new exploration areas in the Vlaming Sub-basin in the offshore Perth Basin.
Tom Bernecker
Project Manager, Offshore Petroleum Acreage Release
Ph: +61 2 6249 9459
email: tom.bernecker@ga.gov.au