An application for an Exploration Licence can be lodged at any time over any area of the state which is not in a Competitive Tender Region.
More than one Exploration Licence or Production Licence can be granted over the same area provided the rights to explore for a particular regulated resource for each licence differs.
An application for a licence can be made by an individual or a company or a combination of individuals or companies. Where a foreign company makes application for, and is granted a licence under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000, such company may be subject to the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001.