(1)  The Director is to consider an application for a licence.

(2)  If the Director intends to recommend to the Minister that the application be granted, the Director is to –

(a) notify that intention by notice in writing –

(i) to the applicant; and

(ii) as required by section 29 of the Native Title Act 1993 of the Commonwealth; and

(b) publish a notice of that intention in a newspaper circulating in the relevant area.

(3)  A notice under subsection (2) (b) is to specify –

(a) the name of the applicant; and

(b) the area of land in respect of which the application is made; and

(c) any other prescribed matter.

(4)  The Director may only recommend that the Minister grant an application for a licence if satisfied that the applicant–

(a) intends to do work in the specified region; and

(b) intends to comply with this Act; and

(c) has an appropriate program of work; and

(d) is likely to have sufficient financial and technical resources to carry out the proposed work; and

(e) has provided sufficient information relating to the likely impact on the environment of activities under the licence; and

(f) has provided a security deposit.