Canberra assesses block bids

摘要

THE Australia government is assessing 11 work programme bids for three offshore exploration blocks that were part of the 2018 licensing round. Seven of the bids were for release area W18-4 in the Beagle sub-basin of the Northern Carnarvon basin, while three bids were received for the neighbouring area W18-5. The clamour for both areas is due to their very close proximity to the Dorado, Phoenix and Roc oil and gas discoveries which have rejuvenated interest in the area. The third area, S18-1 in the Bight Basin off South Australia, received one bid. The government did not reveal the names of the bidders. The trio of permits were part of the second round of bidding in the 2018 acreage offer; there were four other permits in the second round that received no bids. The government said it is assessing the bids, and offers are expected to be made from August 2019. Offers are not guaranteed even when there is only one bidder.