Maintaining petroleum titles
Renew a petroleum title
Changes to petroleum laws
This content is currently under review.
On 22 June 2023, laws changed for onshore petroleum activities.
All petroleum titleholders must comply with the new laws.
Find out more about the changes.
You can only apply to renew a petroleum title before the original title expires.
You must apply between 3 and 6 months before the expiry date, although applications up to but no later than the expiry date may be accepted in some circumstances.
The title will expire if you don't submit a renewal application before the end of its term. You can't renew an expired title.
The type of title determines the number of times and length of time it can be renewed.
Read the table below.
Once you have applied to renew a title, the existing title remains valid until the minister makes a decision about the renewal.
Summary of title renewal terms
| Petroleum Act 1984 | Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1981 | |
|---|---|---|
| Title type | Exploration permit | Exploration permit |
| Reference | EP | NTC/P |
| Term | 5 years | 6 years - 50% relinquishment at end |
| Renewal term | 5 years - maximum of 2 renewals | 5 years - maximum of 2 renewals |
| Maximum blocks | 200 (5' block/s) | 400 (5' block/s) |
| Title type | Retention licence | Retention lease |
| Reference | RL | NTC/RL |
| Term | 5 years | 5 years |
| Maximum blocks | 200 (5' block/s) | Extent of petroleum pool/location (5' block/s) |
| Renewal term | Subsequent 5 year periods if discovery remains uncommercial | Subsequent 5 year periods if discovery remains uncommercial |
| Title type | Production licence | Production licence |
| Reference | L | NTC/L |
| Term | 21 or 25 years | 21 or 25 years |
| Renewal term | Up to 25 years | 21 years |
| Maximum blocks | 200 (5' block/s) | Extent of petroleum pool/location |
Reduction of title area on renewal of an exploration permit
The minister may require a reduction of the permit size on renewal.
For more information, read the Petroleum Act 1984.
How to apply for a renewal
To renew a petroleum title, you must apply in writing.
You must include all of the following information:
- work done during the previous title period
- proposed work and expenditure program for the following term - exploration and retention titles
- reasons for wanting a renewal
- a technical evaluation of the petroleum potential of the area
- information demonstrating that you, and any associated entity, is an appropriate person to hold the petroleum title.
You must pay a fee to renew a petroleum title. Read more about fees and rents.
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