The Northern Goldfields Interconnect project, a 580km pipeline to connect emerging gas fields in the Perth Basin to the Goldfields region, has been given the go-ahead with APA Group investing up to $460 million.
The Northern Goldfields Interconnect project will form an interconnected gas grid that could unlock hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in the region, and is expected to create 500 jobs through the construction phase.
Western Australian Premier, Mark McGowan, said, “This is a significant announcement for Western Australia and yet another sign that confidence is returning to the state economy, as we continue our recovery from COVID-19.
“I congratulate APA Group on its investment into this important project, which is expected to create 500 WA jobs throughout construction.
“The Northern Goldfields Interconnect project is likely to stimulate significant economic development along its route in the Mid West and throughout the Goldfields region.”
APPEA WA Director, Claire Wilkinson, said the proposed new pipeline highlighted the need for continuing development of oil and gas resources across WA to support the economy as it recovers from COVID-19.
“This new pipeline infrastructure is important as, once developed, it will help to open up new markets for gas developments in the Perth basin,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“WA is blessed with significant natural gas resources, and responsible development of these resources will provide lower emissions energy to the local economy and continue to form part of WA’s energy mix.
“In this case, once the pipeline commences operations it will in particular deliver reliable gas‑fired power to miners in the Goldfields wanting to complement their renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
“It’s another great example of how natural gas has flow-on benefits to other parts of the economy.”
Construction is expected to be completed by mid-2022, subject to government and environmental approvals.
