Geothermal Energy Resources Act 2005.

This Act, consisting of 15 Parts, aims to facilitate and regulate geothermal energy exploration and extraction by promoting sustainable, commercial exploration for and extraction of geothermal energy resources and geothermal energy; establishing that the Crown owns and may seek to gain a return for use of geothermal energy resources and geothermal energy; establishing transparent, fair and efficient land use and environment planning and land access processes for the exploration for, and extraction of, geothermal energy resources and geothermal energy; and by ensuring that public health and safety and environmental issues are considered in planning for, authorizing, operating and decommissioning geothermal energy operations.
The Act sets out procedures and requirements for obtaining exploration permits, extraction licences and retention leases, which enable the holder to carry out geothermal energy exploration in the lease area and to retain a right to apply for an extraction licence in respect of the lease area.