The 2025 Otway Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release provides an opportunity for industry to competitively bid for an exploration permit over one or more of these areas.
The release includes:
- 3 areas offshore Tasmania
- 2 offshore Victoria.
The release areas have been informed by existing nominations that industry have submitted. We have also consulted with National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) and Geoscience Australia.
Public consultation will take place before new exploration permits are offered to applicants. Public stakeholders are welcome to have a say on the release areas.
Consultation submission will inform the Offshore Petroleum Joint Authorities' decision whether to offer petroleum exploration permits. It will also help companies understand factors they may need to consider when bidding for a permit and working in an area.
This release complements broader efforts under the Future Gas Strategy. The strategy states that new sources of gas supply are needed to meet demand during the economy-wide transition to net-zero...
Encouraging further exploration in the Otway Basin is a practical step toward unlocking new petroleum resources and avoiding future domestic gas shortages.
The release package includes info about each area, maps, shapefiles and bidding instructions. Geoscience Australia has provided detailed geological information on the proposed areas to support informed investment decisions.
Revised offshore guidelines are also for available for companies submitting work bids. These follow consultation earlier this year as part of our work to implement the Future Gas Strategy.
