Ban on Sea Bed Petroleum and Mineral Exploration in Coastal Waters
Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Sea Bed Mining and Exploration) Bill 2024
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
People cannot explore for or recover petroleum and minerals from the sea bed in coastal waters.
The ban does not apply to coastal protection works; it also does not apply to certain dredging.
Underground mining from land that reaches the sea bed remains legal if it follows the Mining Act 1992.
The Minister cannot grant or renew licences for these prohibited sea bed activities.
Sea bed exploration and recovery are now classified as prohibited developments under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Regulations can exempt specific sea bed activities from the ban.
The Minister must consult with the environment minister before recommending such exemptions.