Scope
(1) This section applies if the area in relation to which a title is in force includes one or more portions of a section 33 block.
Note: This would be the case (for example) if the boundaries of a title area do not conform to the graticular system established by this Act.
Portion of a block to be a block
(2) For the purposes of this Act:
(a) the area of that portion or those portions constitutes a block (a type A block ); and
(b) the area of the remaining portion or portions of the section 33 block (but not including any part of that area in relation to which another title is in force) constitutes a block (a type B block ).
Amalgamation of portions of blocks
(3) If a title ceases to be in force in relation to a type A block (the first type A block ), the Titles Administrator may, by written instrument, if the Titles Administrator considers it desirable to do so, determine that the first type A block be amalgamated with:
(a) another type A block or blocks, so long as the following conditions are satisfied in relation to the other type A block or blocks:
(i) the other type A block or blocks form part of the graticular section of which the first type A block forms part;
(ii) a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence is in force in relation to the other type A block or blocks; or
(b) both:
(i) another type A block or blocks covered by paragraph (a); and
(ii) a type B block that forms part of the graticular section of which the first type A block forms part.
(4) If a determination is made under subsection (3), then, for the purposes of this Act:
(a) the blocks the subject of the determination cease to constitute blocks; and
(b) the areas of those blocks together constitute a block; and
(c) the block constituted as a result of the determination is, subject to this Act, for the remainder of the term of the permit, lease or licence concerned, a block in relation to which the permit, lease or licence is in force.
(5) The Titles Administrator must not make a determination under subsection (3) except with the consent of the permittee, lessee or licensee concerned.
(6) In this section:
" section 33 block" means a block constituted as provided by section 33.
"title" means:
(a) a petroleum exploration permit; or
(b) a petroleum retention lease; or
(c) a petroleum production licence; or
(d) a prescribed instrument.