Management plans
An Offshore Electricity Infrastructure (OEI) Act management plan is an integrated risk management document that describes operational aspects of offshore renewables projects.
Management plans should be developed in consultation with stakeholders and set out how a licence holder proposes to manage work health and safety, infrastructure integrity and environmental management risks associated with activities proposed to be carried out under an OEI Act licence.
A licence holder must have a management plan approved by the Offshore Infrastructure Regulator (OIR) before activities involving the construction, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance or decommissioning of offshore renewable energy infrastructure or offshore electricity transmission infrastructure can proceed.
To be approved, a management plan must appropriately address all of the requirements of the OEI Act and OEI Regulations, regardless of the nature and scale of the project.
A management plan is a legally enforceable document under the OEI Act framework and provides a basis for the OIR to monitor ongoing compliance. Where necessary, the OIR may take enforcement action to provide assurance that a licence holder:
- maintains compliance with relevant requirements and obligations as described in the management plan and in accordance with relevant legislation
- ensures activities are being carried out in a safe and responsible manner
- drives continuous improvement.
Once a management plan has been approved, licence holders must submit a management plan summary for publication on the OIR's website.
Assessment process overview
Simplified assessment process for OEI management plans
Financial security
The OEI Act requires all licence holders to provide appropriate financial security to the Commonwealth before any offshore renewable energy infrastructure or offshore electricity transmission infrastructure can be installed.
The amount of financial security must be sufficient for the Commonwealth to pay any costs, expenses and liabilities that may arise in relation to decommissioning, removal of equipment and property, remediation of areas affected by licence activities, emergencies and unexpected circumstances. Read our financial securities brochure for more information.
The OIR does not have a role in receiving or holding securities or entering into agreements on behalf of the Commonwealth. The licence holder must engage with the Commonwealth representative to provide securities to the satisfaction of the representative. For more information about financial security agreements with the Commonwealth visit dcceew.gov.au.