(1) A resource tenure holder may apply in writing to the chief executive for
an amendment of the holder’s approved baseline assessment plan for the area
of the resource tenure.
(2) If—
(a) a resource tenure holder who is the
holder of a mining tenure becomes aware of a material change to the holder’s
program for carrying out activities for the mining tenure that may cause the
holder’s baseline assessment timetable in the baseline assessment plan not
to comply with section 398; or
(b) a resource tenure holder who is a
petroleum tenure holder becomes aware of a material change to the holder’s
program for production testing or production of petroleum that may cause the
holder’s baseline assessment timetable in the baseline assessment plan not
to comply with section 398;
the resource tenure holder must apply to the
chief executive for an amendment of the plan.
Penalty—
Maximum
penalty—50 penalty units.
(2A) The resource tenure holder must also apply
to the chief executive for an amendment of the plan if—
(a) for an area
excluded from a baseline assessment plan under section 397(5) (a) —there is
a material change in the holder’s program for production testing; or
(b)
for an area excluded from a baseline assessment plan under section 397(5) (b)
—the holder becomes aware a relevant aquifer is being, or is likely to be,
affected by the exercise of the holder’s underground water rights by more
than the bore trigger threshold for the aquifer.
Penalty—
Maximum
penalty—50 penalty units.
(3) The application must state the reasons for
the application and be accompanied by the fee prescribed by regulation.
(4)
The chief executive may—
(a) approve the amendment, with or without
conditions; or
(b) ask the holder to amend the application and submit the
amended application within a reasonable period.
(5) The chief executive must
give notice of the decision to the resource tenure holder within 10 business
days after making the decision.
(6) If the chief executive approves the
application, the amendment takes effect on the day stated in the notice.