Feedback period closing soon for new onshore gas regulations

Victoria’s onshore conventional gas industry will be guided by new and enhanced regulations with stronger provisions for community engagement and project transparency.

Victoria’s onshore conventional gas industry will be guided by new and enhanced regulations with stronger provisions for community engagement and project transparency.

The draft Petroleum Regulations 2021, and the associated Regulatory Impact Statement, are available for comment on the  Engage Victoria website until 5pm on Friday, 3 September 2021.

An online information session was held on 12 August to help anyone interested to further understand the proposed changes, the feedback process and next steps. A recording of the session is available for anyone who missed the session.

Conventional gas extraction is a tried and tested method to access gas deep underground trapped by an impermeable rock layer and does not involve fracking, which has been outlawed and the ban added to Victoria’s Constitution.

The onshore conventional gas restart follows three years of detailed scientific investigations by the Victorian Gas Program. It found an onshore conventional gas industry would not compromise our environment or farming sector.

An independent Stakeholder Advisory Panel, chaired by Lead Scientist Dr Amanda Caples and including representatives from farming, environment, industry and local council bodies, recommended improvements to project transparency and community engagement that are contained in the draft regulations.

The draft regulations outline a new requirement for onshore conventional gas licence holders to provide a range of information to the community such as details about its operations including potential risks and proposed mitigations.

Under the draft regulations, the community will be closely engaged through the entire petroleum lifecycle, from initial tile grant right through to when operations are closed and rehabilitated.

Quotes attributable to Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions Head of Resources John Krbaleski

“We’ve met with local councils, industry and the community to ensure there is good understanding of the new regulations and how input can be made.”

“The new regulations will be in place later this year and will set minimum operating standards that industry will have to meet before any new projects are approved.”

“If you missed our information session earlier in the month, we have a recording available at earthresources.vic.gov.au/onshoregas to help get you across the detail and how to provide feedback on the draft Petroleum Regulations 2021.”

Contact: Mark Farrugia

Phone: (03) 8392 6913