To secure Australia energy supply requirements, the government has declared its largest area for offshore petroleum exploration in more than a decade.

As the world scramble for more energy requirements, the Australian Parliament saw it necessary to identify new areas for energy exploration targeting petroleum-rich sources within the continent.

Energy Minister Martin Ferguson said d the move is a critical step in maintaining energy sufficiency in Australia. They are located off the country's north, west and southern coasts and are ready to be tapped for the country's energy supply needs.

"The release of acreage is a critical step in maintaining Australia's energy security," Mr Ferguson said in a statement.

"With a trade deficit in crude oil (and) LPG and refined products expected to top Aus$30 billion (US$31.7 billion) by 2015, finding new reserves is a priority."

Ferguson said the release followed environmental, security and other reviews, and the exploration permits would allow companies an exclusive right to search for oil and gas in those areas.

However, companies will not be able to drill exploration wells or conduct seismic surveys without additional approval.

"The large areas are mostly located in frontier regions," said Ferguson.

Mr. Ferguson noted that the super-sizing of frontier opportunities also brings to fore the challenges to develop them.