May 28th saw WA Mines and Petroleum Minister, David Michael, open nominations for Western Australia’s 2026 acreage release, inviting industry to put forward areas for petroleum and greenhouse gas storage exploration.
For the first time, the program includes regulated substances such as hydrogen and helium, as well as potential greenhouse gas storage locations, expanding the acreage release to include these emerging industries. The changes take effect from 28 May 2026 under the Petroleum Legislation Amendment Act 2024, modernising the State’s regulatory framework and providing new titling pathways.
They also cover activities for the transport and permanent injection of carbon dioxide once a storage site is declared.







