The eastern and onshore Australia region includes all of the offshore area east of continental Australia from Cape York in the north to Cape Howe in the south, including the Lord Howe Rise and several other submarine plateaux, plus all of onshore Australia. The offshore margin of eastern Australia is poorly known with few detailed seismic studies and many questions remaining regarding the nature and age of the sedimentary deposits and bedrock.
The State and NT Governments have primary responsibility for administration of the onshore petroleum exploration and production industry, although they cooperate with Geoscience Australia in several areas. There are also times when the Australian Government and other clients require Geoscience Australia to provide independent advice on onshore petroleum and other geological issues in the broad national interest.