(1) If the following conditions are satisfied in relation to a particular block:
(a) there is no petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease or petroleum production licence over the block;
(b) there is no place in the block that is an infrastructure licence area;
(c) there is no pipeline over or in the block;
(d) there are no pending applications for the grant of a petroleum exploration permit or petroleum production licence over the block;
(e) there are no pending applications for the grant of an infrastructure licence relating to a place in the block;
(f) there are no pending applications for the grant of a pipeline licence relating to a pipeline or proposed pipeline over or in the block;
the Joint Authority may, by notice published in the Gazette , declare that:
(g) the block is not to be the subject of a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence, petroleum special prospecting authority or petroleum access authority; and
(h) an infrastructure licence is not to be granted in relation to a place within the block; and
(i) a pipeline licence is not to be granted in relation to a pipeline over or in the block.
(2) If a declaration under subsection (1) is in force in relation to a block:
(a) a petroleum exploration permit, petroleum retention lease, petroleum production licence, petroleum special prospecting authority or petroleum access authority must not be granted over that block; and
(b) an infrastructure licence must not be granted in relation to a place within that block; and
(c) a pipeline licence must not be granted in relation to a pipeline over or in that block.
(3) Subsection (2) has effect despite any other provision
of this Act.