Good point. I haven't spent any time looking at the NOPSEMA...

Good point. I haven't spent any time looking at the NOPSEMA process.

From my quick look, there appears to be a 2 stage process (as summarised in the flow chart below)

1. OPP approval which requires public consultation

2. Environmental Plan
30 days minimum review, if there is an RFI then this can be extended.

I remember "chatter" about how there wont be any more public consultation, thus has the first stage already been completed in the last 10 years or even before? Also noting that the seismic testing has been completed without public consultation.

Appears only 5 projects have gone through public consultation since 2016.
https://www.nopsema.gov.au/offshore-industry/environmental-management/assessment-process/public-comment

The above kind of leads me to think the first stage has been completed.

If its just the second stage, then it seems achievable since the EIA is underway, no doubt they could ask NOPSEMA for early comment (not sure on the process here but worth asking the question). so say an early August approval from NOPTA, say 60 days for the EIA approval. Means you are approved for an October drill at the earliest.

@Flambeau you seem to be over the process better than most so your thoughts here would be appreciated.