Successful bidders for new petroleum exploration permits named

7/5/97

Federal Resources and Energy Minister Senator Warwick Parer and Western Australian Mines Minister Norman Moore today announced the successful bidders for eight new petroleum exploration permits off the coast of WA.

The new permits have been offered to:

a consortia led by Shell Development (Aust) Pty Ltd for areas W96-4 and

W96-5;

a consortia led by Mobil Exploration and Producing Aust. Pty Ltd for area

W96-11.

a consortia led by Woodside Oil Ltd for area W96-13;

a consortia managed by West Australian Petroleum Pty Ltd for area W96-14;

Woodside Oil Ltd for area W96-20;

a consortia led by Woodside Oil Ltd for area W96-21; and -

a consortia led by Gulliver Productions Pty Ltd for area W96-22.

Two areas lie off the Kimberley coast north of Koolan Island, four lie north-west of Barrow Island, one is west of North West Cape and the other is parallel to the coast west of Rottnest Island.

"During the next six years, an estimated $540 million will be spent on exploration in these areas," Senator Parer said.

"This includes 78 exploration wells and a significant amount of marine seismic surveying, all playing an important role in Australia's economic future.

"Seven of the eight areas are in the general vicinity of oil and gas discoveries made in recent years, highlighting the potential of the new permits."

Mr Moore said that two of the permit areas were near marine parks.

"One lies to the west of the Ningaloo Marine Park and the other is seaward of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park," he said.

"Although neither of the new permits encroach on the marine parks, strict measures will be put in place to ensure the areas are protected.

"I emphasise that separate approval will be required for each particular exploration activity (eg a seismic survey), and that no approval will be given to a proposed exploration operation in the permit areas until it has been considered in consultation with the environmental agencies."

Mr Moore also reiterated Cabinet's decision in 1994 that no petroleum drilling or production would be allowed in the Ningaloo Marine Park.

He said the State and Commonwealth waters of the marine park contained an extensive area of deeper offshore waters which protected the areas of highest conservation value and sensitivity, namely the inshore coral reef and lagoons.

Background notes and a location map can be obtained from DPIE or the WA Department of Minerals and Energy.

Further information:

Senator Parer's office: Adam Schofield (06) 277 7440

Mr Moore's office: Hartley Joynt (09) 321 1444

DPIE: David Barnes (06) 272 4595

WA Department of Minerals and Energy: Lisa Holland-McNair (09) 222 3572.

Internet: http://www.dpie.gov.au/dpie/pr/media releases/parer/index.html