Australian Gas Networks has constructed a new $4 million, 10km natural gas pipeline that will play a crucial role in one of the largest residential developments ever undertaken in South Australia.
The construction is part of a new $1.2 billion development being built in one of SA’s fastest growing regions by the Hickinbotham Group.
The Eden and Liberty project at Two Wells – about 50km north of Adelaide – includes the construction of more than 3000 homes, a range of community facilities, a “birth to Year 12” school, and more than 50 hectares of landscaped open space reserves.
And in a history-making boon for the area, it is the first time natural gas will be available in the region.
“AGN is delighted to be delivering such a crucial piece of infrastructure to this exciting new residential development,” said Australian Gas Networks Chief Operating Officer Mr Andrew Staniford.
“This new pipeline will cater for the forecast strong growth in the area with over 3000 homes, together with supporting retail and general industry infrastructure, expected to be built as part of the development over the next 20 years.
“This project is just one of the recent major investments we have undertaken in South Australia and continues the significant investment AGN makes in its gas mains system
“It is part of the continual improvement program being rolled out across all the jurisdictions in which we operate.
“Never has natural gas played such an important role in both domestic and commercial developments, not only because it is cheaper to use than other energy alternatives, but also due to its ‘clean and green’ reputation.”
The Hickinbotham Group’s Eden and Liberty project is one of the biggest residential developments undertaken in South Australia in recent times.
AGN is building the new pipeline from Angle Vale Road, Virginia, to the new development on the northern side of the Two Wells township.
The gas supply main and reticulation to Stage 1 of the project was commissioned in February 2017.
As part of the overall development, about 30km of pipe supplying individual houses and commercial properties will also be laid.
“This state of the art development is one of the largest projects the Hickinbotham Group has undertaken in its 63-year history,” Eden Project Manager Ruth Vagnarelli.
“It is also expected to be a significant economic boon for the state creating more than 3000 jobs in the region in industries that include retail, manufacturing and agriculture and more than 450 jobs a year in the construction industry over the next 20 years.
“Eden is the first precinct of the development and is setting a new benchmark for contemporary residential developments, and as such is already proving extremely popular with homeowners looking to build their family homes on larger than normal blocks. The Eden blocks range from 900 square metres to over two hectares.”
Mr Staniford said the new pipeline is the latest of several major infrastructure projects in which AGN has been recently involved in South Australia.
The company recently built a $6 million gas pipeline to South Australia’s internationally-renowned McLaren Vale wine and tourism region, including the construction of about 18km of gas mains to make natural gas available to the majority of commercial and residential properties within the township.
AGN also constructed a $5.5 million supply main from Nuriootpa to Tanunda – in SA’s Barossa Valley – to bring gas to that region for the first time.
“It’s a well-known fact that natural gas is a clean, safe, instant and cost effective energy source,” Mr Staniford said.
“As a result, we believe the availability of natural gas to property owners in the new Eden Gardens development will prove extremely popular as homeowners will now be able to choose the way they want to fuel their appliances – and not be forced into a decision purely due to a lack of options.
“Our new pipeline will provide a wonderful opportunity for people investing in this new development to connect to the network, and enjoy the many advantages of natural gas being supplied to their properties.”
