New regulations mean that the public will not be able to have a say on applications to explore for oil and gas in the country's exclusive economic zone.
The exploratory activities will be classified as non-notified discretionary under the new regulations which take effect on Friday.
Amy Adams. Photo: SUPPLIED
The Environment Minister, Amy Adams, says the Environmental Protection Authority will fully assess any application.
She says it will save the industry money and time.
Ms Adams says the public would have the opportunity to make submissions on consents to produce oil or gas from those sites.
