The article reads "a formal declaration of commerciality for the...

The article reads "a formal declaration of commerciality for the project expected before February 2019".
For such articles it is safer to give a longer time frame, before one gets shot down for not achieving it.
For all we know DOC can be anytime and FAR only has a limited input into the timing. There would be few readers of the AFR or Sydney Morning Herald where the articles were published, who have such detailed knowledge as some posters here on HC. Its more important to understand the process than clinging to timelines, hoping the SP runs.
Happy with all we know (the known knowns and the unknown knowns) here on HC. Take away some of the trivia and one finds plenty of substance. No need to focus too much on dates which are at best oily and slippery.