Total and joint venture partner Central Petroleum had been expected to restart operations this month in the remote Southern Georgina basin.
Central said it will retain 100% interest in the acreage, and believes the area remains prospective.
However, Central said the venture will not be a priority for the foreseeable future given it was ahead of the required permit expenditure.
Total and Central drilled two shale wells in the area in 2014, Whiteley-1 and Gaudi-1.
