 |
 |
|
|
2. The Department of Primary Industries and Resources (PIRSA) Annual Report was not very clear in reporting the circumstances of the "fast-tracking" process. In the 1997-98 year the operator gave less than 6 weeks notice of drilling 57 times, however, in all cases PIRSA approved the shorter notification period (as allowed under Regulation 109 (1) of the Petroleum Regulations). Thus, in no cases was the operator in breach of the Petroleum Act or Regulations.
3 and 4. The operator was notified by letter on 26 September, 1997 of the 43 per cent non compliance rate, with a request that the practice cease immediately. The operator agreed to review their management systems in regard to this matter. The operator was again notified verbally of the 38 per cent non compliance rate and PIRSA were given assurance that changes were being made to Santos management systems. The non-compliance rate has dropped to 0 per cent and 7 per cent in the subsequent first two quarters of the 1998-99 year. It must be stressed however, that these "non-compliances" are strictly technical, as the drilling operations conducted by Santos in the Cooper Basin are of a very routine nature, and PIRSA are satisfied that adequate management systems are in place to ensure that environmental and public safety aspects of drilling operations are appropriately addressed. This will be better reflected in the new Petroleum Bill to be debated in Parliament later this year. 5. The Regulations under the Petroleum Act allow PIRSA to approve a notification period less than 6 weeks. As outlined above, these drilling operations are of a routine nature, and Santos requests variation from this requirement due to operational considerations, and as a result PIRSA is satisfied that a shorter period of notification is justified.