The Beach Energy-operated Otway Offshore Gas Victoria Project proposal has been released for 9 weeks of public comment.
The project, which aims to supply natural gas to the east coast domestic market, lies about 20 km south of the Victorian mainland and 40 km west of Tasmania (King Island) at its closest points. Beach plans an initial drilling campaign to start in 2025 with an operational life of up to 30 years if all required approvals are secured.
Subject to internal and external approvals, the project would operate in the offshore Otway and Bass basins (Commonwealth waters). Phased activities include seabed assessments, removal of up to five suspended wells, drilling 3-8 exploration and appraisal wells, and completing and connecting wells.
NOPSEMA has determined the offshore project proposal meets the regulatory requirements for it to be published for public comment but has not yet considered the acceptability of the project and associated environmental impacts.
Once the consultation is closed and Beach has considered and addressed any issues raised by the public, NOPSEMA will continue its assessments.
If the proposal meets all of the regulatory requirements and is accepted by NOPSEMA, further regulatory approvals from NOPSEMA will be required, including environment plans, safety cases, and well operations management plans before any activities can commence.