The Australian and Victorian governments have approved a new Petroleum Production Licence to develop the Annie gas field off the Victorian coast, supporting additional gas supply to the domestic east coast market.

The Australian Government is also seeking nominations of new areas for offshore petroleum exploration in Victoria and Tasmania.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said the new production licence supports development of the Annie gas field by Amplitude Energy Ltd using existing infrastructure.

“The Annie production licence is an important step in bringing more gas to the east coast market, in line with the Albanese Government’s Future Gas Strategy,” Minister King said.

“Gas market reforms of the Australian Government show we're serious about making sure Australian households, industry and business can continue to access gas at a fair price.

“This licence is expected to deliver additional gas exclusively for domestic use, easing the risk of potential shortfalls for Australia’s east coast.”

The Annie gas field is in the Otway Basin in water depths of approximately 55 metres.

Gas from the Annie field will supply the Athena gas plant that has a capacity of 150 terajoules per day.

Minister King said new areas being offered up for exploration nominations were in the Gippsland and Bass Basins offshore Victoria and Tasmania.

Minister King said the basins were considered a priority in line with the objectives of the Future Gas Strategy.

“Ongoing investment in the nation's petroleum sector is vital for the economy and meeting the energy needs of Australians,” Minister King said.

“This is another step to securing future energy supplies for the nation.”

All projects will be required to meet strict environmental and emissions standards through established approval processes.

No exploration can occur without a mandatory 30-day environment plan public consultation.

This round of nominations will be open for six weeks, until 19 June 2026.

For more information, please visit the Department of Industry, Science and Resources website.