In New South Wales, a title must be granted by the Minister under the Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991 or Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982 before anyone can prospect, explore for or produce publicly owned petroleum, whether on Crown or private land. Before a petroleum production title can be granted, development consent/project approval must be obtained under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Process (REMP)

NSW DPI Mineral Resources condition petroleum production titles. Conditions include requirements to submit a Petroleum Operations Plan (POP) prior to the commencement of any operations, and subsequent Annual Environmental Management Reports (AEMRs). Collectively, the POP and AEMR make up the Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Process (REMP).

The REMP provides:

• a management tool for all operations within the title; 
• a means of identifying and managing the significant production, rehabilitation and environmental aspects of the production operation; 
• a means of assessing environmental and rehabilitation performance; 
• a basis for estimating rehabilitation requirements and the amount of security required by the Department;
• an efficient and systematic framework for interaction between government agencies.

The REMP facilitates a flexible response to changing circumstances. The descriptions and plans should be consistent with the POP format and guidelines. Any significant changes onsite will need to be addressed in a POP amendment.

Site inspections and audits

NSW DPI Mineral Resources monitors mine sites through inspections and audits to ensure compliance with title conditions, POPs and AEMRs. These may be carried out in conjunction and cooperation with other regulatory agencies.