Proposed changes to the ERA standards for petroleum exploration and pipeline activities
Lower risk petroleum and gas activities can apply for an environmental authority (EA) using a standard application. This uses a pre-approved published document with eligibility criteria and standard conditions called an environmentally relevant activity (ERA) standard. The current ERA standards for petroleum exploration and pipeline activities are available on the department’s website. An ERA standard provides a streamlined approval process for lower risk activities. Further information about ERA standards is available on the department’s website.
Queenslanders are invited to make a submission about proposed updates to the two existing ERA standards for petroleum exploration and pipeline activities. These updates are being made to provide clarity about the activities that can use the standards and reduce regulatory burden.
- Draft updated ERA Standard for petroleum pipeline activities
- Draft updated ERA Standard for petroleum exploration activities
The proposed changes will allow the transport of alternative gases in approved pipelines and allow for necessary water monitoring bores in primary protection zones of environmentally sensitive areas. Updates have also been made to correct out of date legislation, document references and to streamline and clarify certain conditions. You can refer to the blue highlights in the draft updated ERA standards for the changes.
Public consultation on the proposed updates to the ERA standards is a requirement under section 318A of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act).
How to have your say
Written submissions should be emailed to RRS.Consultation@detsi.qld.gov.au by 5pm on 17 November 2025. When commenting on specific conditions, please identify the relevant ERA standard and refer to the condition number (e.g. Petroleum Exploration Activities Condition PESCB 6).
Next steps
The department is required to consider submissions before deciding whether to make the updates to the ERA standards. If the updated standards are made:
- the standards will not take effect until amendments are progressed to the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019.
the department will not be transitioning existing operators to the updated standards. However, operators will be able to apply to department if they would like to adopt the updated standards.