information, page-21

i thought this has similarities to GOT ambitious project.

this was releases today.



Shell welcomes the Government's non-controlled action, particular manner decision under the EPBC Act.

We will continue to work with Regulators and other stakeholders to demonstrate how we intend to operate this well safely and without any environmental impacts on the Ningaloo region.

We are mindful of the significant biodiversity and heritage values of the Ningaloo region and we continue to plan our operations accordingly.

The proposed Palta-1 exploration well is targeting gas and would be around 70 km from the Ningaloo Reef and 50km from the boundary of the Ningaloo Marine Park and World Heritage Area.

The Exmouth Sub-basin is an important region for oil and gas production in Australia with existing exploration and production facilities operating safely in the region for many years.

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another article


THE federal environment department has approved energy giant Shell's plan to drill for oil and gas close to the world heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park.

The department yesterday approved Shells application to drill an exploration well Palta-1 50km west of the boundary of the prized marine park.

The environment department has laid down some conditions for Shell, which include making sure no whales are present in the area 30 minutes before using visual seismic equipment.

However, it did not refer Shell's drilling proposal for an environmental review, with federal Environment Minister Tony Burke saying a departmental delegate determined the proposed action did not require further assessment under national environmental law.

``It is appropriate for the department to provide me with advice on whether environmental law is triggered by any proposal,'' the minister said.

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
Related Coverage

* Oil: 'No guarantee' Shell won't damage reef
* Reef fears: Shell keen to drill off Ningaloo

End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

``Not everything comes within the jurisdiction of my legal powers and when advice says it is beyond the legal jurisdiction of the federal government then I really do have to accept that advice.''

In its application for the well earlier this year, Shell said drilling could start as early as September, depending on the availability of a rig. The well is planned to take around 60 days to complete.

World Wildlife Fund WA director Paul Gamblin said the conservation group was very concerned by the Federal Government's decision.

It was particularly concerning considering the Commonwealth had identified the areas surrounding Ningaloo as prime candidates for being declared an extension to the existing marine park.

``It is very concerning that the government, as it is doing that, is also allowing any oil and gas activities so close to the reef, an area that is fully protected,'' Mr Gamblin.

``The development arm of government is very much outpacing the conversation arm.''

He said conservationists held grave concerns about the potential for an oil spill in the Ningaloo area.

``They should not allow high risk activities.

``This drilling operation will be one of the deepest ever in Australia at about 1,300 metres, which is very deep, and it's on a slope as well, so it's technically challenging.

``If there were to be a spill in that kind of environment, which is also very cyclone prone, it would be very difficult to deal with.''

In a statement on its website today, Shell welcomed the government's decision and said it intended to operate the well safely and without any environmental impacts on the Ningaloo region.

``We are mindful of the significant biodiversity and heritage values of the Ningaloo region and we continue to plan our operations accordingly,'' Shell said.

``The Exmouth Sub-basin is an important region for oil and gas production in Australia with existing exploration and production facilities operating safely in the region for many years.''

and lets not forget about the James price point storm that also is very similar.

so the way i look at it if GOT works within all the regulations local and federal the project will proceed meaning they will start exploration.

and how about the 30minute rule when it comes to the whales and seismic mapping, very interesting???