The construction of a new $8 million, 14km natural gas pipeline has meant that more than 1300 homes and businesses in regional Victoria are now able to benefit from the use of natural gas.
The country’s leading gas distribution company, Australian Gas Networks, has built the gas pipeline from Pakenham South to Koo Wee Rup, a region located about 65km south east of Melbourne.
The project involved a 14km gas supply pipeline and 10km of street reticulation, and was made possible by a $5.3 million funding commitment from the Victorian Government.
The street reticulation was commissioned during March – only a few days after the final piece of the supply pipeline was successfully installed under the Bunyip River to the north of the town.
The project – one of seven towns being newly connected to Victoria’s existing natural gas network – is a significant boon to the district.
Over the next 20 years, more than 1300 local homeowners and businesses are expected to benefit from the many advantages of having natural gas connected directly to their properties.
In a significant milestone, the first natural gas connection – to a new home in Diamond Drive in Tesoro Estate – recently occurred.
Owned by Kayla and Nick Wylie, the official hand-over of their new home closely coincided with AGN’s scheduled commissioning of its new pipeline.
AGN Chief Operating Officer, Mr Andrew Staniford, said, “The Wylie’s connection represents a significant milestone for Koo Wee Rup as it indicates natural gas is now available in the area – most timely given winter is looming large.
“Australian Gas Networks is delighted to be delivering such a key energy source to the region as residents and business owners at Koo Wee Rup now have access to what many people living in capital cities take for granted – clean, green, cost-effective natural gas.”
