Key Points:
The Land and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014 (Qld)
makes a range of changes affecting petroleum explorers and
producers.
Queensland petroleum explorers and producers are being afforded
greater flexibility with respect to work programs, knowledge
requirements for petroleum lease applications and production
commencement thanks to changes to the Petroleum and Gas (Production
and Safety) Act 2004 (Qld) (P&G Act) introduced by the Land and
Other Legislation Amendment Act 2014 (Qld) (LOLA), passed on 20 May
2014.
Work Programs for Authorities to Prospect
(ATPs)
Holders of ATPs are required under the P&G Act to have, and
comply with, an approved Work Program setting out the exploration
activities to be performed under the ATP. To date, the maximum term
of a Work Program has been four years, by which time the ATP holder
must lodge a later Work Program for approval. It is also at this
point that the ATP holder will generally be subject to
