The department is inviting comment from stakeholders on a draft guideline for the Criteria for Assessment: Petroleum and geothermal energy exploration permits.
The guideline will provide direction to applicants on how the department will assess and rank applications for exploration permits made under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967 and Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
The department's Resource Tenure Division Executive Director Jared Barnett said the guideline will provide overall clarity to title holders and applicants for how the department will assess and rank exploration permit applications.
“Our intention is to increase transparency on the assessment criteria for exploration permits, provide guidance on the level of detail required in an application to meet the minimum criteria, and clarify the general considerations for assessing applications received via a competitive bid process.
“It is important we hear from existing title holders or potential applicants so the department can meet the expected detail required to guide those affected.”
More information on the draft guideline can be found on the open consultations page. Feedback submissions close 4.30pm Friday, 26 June 2025.