Scope
(1) This section applies if an application for the grant of a petroleum production licence (other than a Greater Sunrise unit reservoir petroleum production licence) has been made under section 168 or 170.
Note 1: Section 168 deals with applications by permittees.
Note 2: Section 170 deals with applications by lessees.
Time limit
(2) The Joint Authority must make a decision under section 171 or 173, in relation to the application, within the period that:
(a) begins when the application was made; and
(b) runs for:
(i) if a written agreement between the applicant and the Joint Authority in relation to the application specifies a number of days for the purposes of this subparagraph--that number of days; or
(ii) if no such agreement is in force--the prescribed number of days.
(3) If:
(a) section 174 applies in relation to the application; and
(b) the Joint Authority defers taking any action in relation to the application in accordance with that section;
the period referred to in subsection (2) of this section is extended by one day for each day during which the deferral continues.
(4) If the Titles Administrator, by written notice under subsection 258(2), requires the applicant to give further information in connection with the application, the period referred to in subsection (2) of this section is extended by one day for each day during the period:
(a) beginning on the day on which the notice is given; and
(b) ending when the applicant gives the Titles Administrator the information.
(5) The Joint Authority is not required to comply with subsection (2) unless a number of days is prescribed for the purposes of subparagraph (2)(b)(ii).
(6) The applicant and the Joint Authority may vary or terminate an agreement referred to in subparagraph (2)(b)(i).
(7) A failure to comply with subsection (2) in relation to a decision does not affect the validity of the decision.
Note: See also sections 286B and 286C.