From Quayside to Final Disposal: Waste, Ports and State Regulation in Australian Oil and Gas Decommissioning

Understand the regulatory requirements, approval timelines and waste management challenges that shape offshore decommissioning in Australia, with a focused look at Western Australia.

What happens when decommissioned offshore infrastructure reaches shore? From hazardous waste classification and port permits to interstate transport and final disposal, every stage introduces new regulatory requirements that can affect project timelines, costs and execution.

This free industry report, adapted from the Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA)'s public regulatory mapping study, provides a focused briefing on the onshore regulations governing oil and gas decommissioning across Australia.

What You'll Discover

Navigate Australia's regulatory landscape: Understand the key Commonwealth, State and Territory requirements governing waste, transport, recycling and disposal.

Plan for Western Australia's approval timelines: Explore key permits, licensing requirements and lead times, including approvals that may need to be initiated 12 months or more before decommissioning begins.

Identify hazardous materials and disposal pathways: Learn how NORM, mercury, asbestos, PFAS and other materials can affect handling, transport and disposal options.

Understand port and logistics requirements: Review the permits and regulatory considerations involved in moving decommissioned structures and hazardous waste through Australian ports.

Compare waste destinations and transport requirements: Explore the regulatory considerations for interstate waste movements, overseas exports and Australia's hazardous waste disposal facilities.

Build a more effective decommissioning roadmap: Identify practical steps for planning waste strategies, coordinating regulators and accounting for long approval lead times.

Who Should Download This Report?

This report is designed for offshore operators and asset owners, decommissioning contractors, ports and fabrication yards, recyclers and waste processors, marine and heavy-lift providers, logistics companies, and regulatory stakeholders involved in Australia's oil and gas decommissioning sector.

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Prepare for the onshore regulatory challenges of offshore decommissioning. Download the report to understand the requirements from quayside to final disposal and support more informed project planning.

Adapted from Australia's Oil and Gas Decommissioning Regulatory Landscape, Public Report, Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA), April 2026. This report is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.