In May 2024, the Petroleum Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (PLAA2024) received Royal Assent. This legislation, amongst other things:
- provides a legislative framework for pipeline transport and permanent underground storage of greenhouse gas (GHG) substances;
- enables the exploration and recovery of regulated substances (natural hydrogen and helium); and
- provides for electronic transactions and other operational amendments.
To support the commencement of PLAA2024, the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) is currently seeking public feedback on the draft Mines and Petroleum Regulations Amendment Regulations 2025 (Amendment Regulations), which primarily amends the 12 current petroleum regulations to facilitate and regulate GHG injection and storage operations and the introduction of regulated substances.
The department has also released the draft Annual Pipeline Performance Report Guideline and accompanying templates for public consultation, which supports the new requirement under the Amendment Regulations for pipeline licensees to submit annual performance reports to DMPE.
Information sheets have been developed to assist stakeholders with navigating both documents and are available on the Western Australian Government consultation page.
A response will be provided to each submission received. All submissions will be collectively published and made available to the public in dedicated response to submissions documents. Submissions will be published verbatim, with the submitter identified.
The closing date for both consultations is 30 January 2026.
All written submissions can be sent via email to Rec.Consultation@dmpe.wa.gov.au.