Geothermal Operating Requirements
Operation Plan
An Operation Plan is required for all on site exploration and extraction activities. It is an all encompassing document which outlines environment, resource and safety management issues. The Geothermal Energy Resources Regulations 2006 sets out the requirements of an Operation Plan. Contact Departmental officers about the requirements.
Submission requirements
All statutory documents must be submitted as early as possible, but at least 30 days before commencement of activities, to allow sufficient time for regulators to assess and resubmission of inadequate documents. All documents must be submitted electronically and in hard copy to:
Aaron DeFina
General Manager, Technical Services
GPO Box 4440 Melbourne 3001
aaron.defina@dpi.vic.gov.au
Other statutory requirements
| Planning permit exemption |
Clause 62.01 of the Victorian Planning Provisions states that a planning permit is not required for geothermal exploration activities carried out in accordance with the Geothermal Energy Resources Act 2005 (GERA). Further, Clause 52.17-6 states no planning permit is required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation for geothermal exploration and extraction activities carried out in accordance with the GERA. |
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| Consent to carry out operations |
The written consent of the Minister is required before commencement of any petroleum operations on any land. |
| Land owners and occupiers consent | Land owner and occupier consent or evidence of a compensation agreement is required on private land. |
| Rehabilitation bond | A rehabilitation bond, in the form of a bank guarantee and in an amount determined by DPI is required. |
| Notification of incidents |
All incidents must be notified to DPI in accordance with the relevant Regulations, on a dedicated incident mobile number 0419 597 010. |
Useful websites
- Australian Geothermal Energy Association Inc
for current information about the geothermal industry - Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts
for information about the requirements of the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 - Environment Protection Authority
for information about the application of the Environment Protection Act 1970 - Department of Sustainability and Environment
for information about biodiversity and conservation issues - Worksafe Victoria
for information about occupational health and safety
