The $19.8million Bundaberg Port Gas Pipeline project in Queensland has reached a significant milestone.
The high pressure gas pipes that will form the 28.5km pipeline have started the 400km journey from Brisbane to the major Queensland regional centre.
The multi-million dollar project is part of a development agreement between the Queensland Government and Australian Gas Networks for the delivery and operation of the pipeline.
Initial pipeline construction will be undertaken by the Zinfra Group and overseen by AGN’s long term operator, APA Group.
The Queensland Government has estimated that the project’s construction is expected to create 45 jobs, including up to 15 local construction jobs.
About 1900 lengths of piping – each 15.3m in length, and bundled in packs of 10 – have now departed the Port of Brisbane bound for Bundaberg.
The pipes arrived in Australia in late January 2016 and have been thoroughly examined in preparation for transportation.
The pipeline will also support the development of the new $70million Knauf Plasterboard facility, which is expected to deliver 200 construction jobs and 40 operational jobs.
AGN’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Andrew Staniford, said, “This major infrastructure project – which is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the Bundaberg region – is progressing well.
“The natural gas pipeline will deliver a much-needed and welcomed economic boost for the broader Wide Bay Burnett area.”
Once completed, the pipeline will have the capacity to deliver a further 0.7 terajoules of gas per day above that required to meet Knauf’s needs of 925 terajoules of gas per day.
The Bundaberg Port Gas Pipeline is expected to commence construction in mid-March 2016 be operational in early 2017.
