crib-point to pakenham pipeline route

APA has entered into a development agreement with AGL to undertake investigations into the construction of a high pressure gas pipeline which will connect AGL's proposed Gas Import Jetty at Crib Point to the Victorian Transmission System, near Pakenham. The proposed AGL Gas Import Jetty Project will increase energy security and supply for AGL's customers in south eastern Australia. In addition, the pipeline will present other opportunities for the supply of gas to new and existing developments along the proposed pipeline route, with the pipeline being bi-directional to allow gas to flow from Pakenham and the design of the pipeline including an allowance for future offtake valves along the route of the pipeline.

The project will involve the construction of a buried pipeline approximately 55-60km in length with associated above-ground facilities at each terminal point and along the route of the pipeline. The pipeline is subject to a comprehensive program of regulatory approvals and landowner and community consultation, which will assist APA in finalising the pipeline alignment and managing the potential impacts of the construction and operation of the pipeline.

APA has a project information sheet relevant to the pipeline project and has developed a preliminary activity summary brochure for landowners and other relevant stakeholders.

Environmental assessment process

On 9 October 2018, the Victorian Minister for Planning announced that an Environment Effects Statement (EES) would be required for the Gas Import Jetty and Pipeline Project. Further information on the EES process is available on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website.

On 28 November 2018, the Australian Department of the Environment & Energy advised it had decided under Section 75 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) the proposal to construct the pipeline is a ‘controlled action’. As such, the project requires environmental assessment and a decision about whether approval for it should be given under the EPBC Act. The project will be assessed under the bilateral agreement with Victoria.  Further information about the assessment can be found on the Department’s website. 

APA has been engaging with directly affected landowners and other key stakeholders along the proposed pipeline route since late 2017 and will continue to consult with interested parties through the EES process.

APA and AGL have established an EES website, which will provide further information and updates through the assessment process.

On 10 September 2018, APA made an application for a pipeline licence under the Pipelines Act 2005 (Vic). The public submission period for the pipeline licence will be timed to occur with the submission period for the EES. Any regulatory approval decisions regarding the pipeline, including a pipeline licence under the Pipelines Act 2005, will occur following the Ministerial assessment of the EES. 

Landholder engagement video 

Further information

A range of frequently asked questions are addressed in our landowner reference guide.

Landowners and other stakeholders will be consulted throughout the assessment process to ensure the potential impacts of the project are properly understood and appropriately addressed in the project's development. If you wish to register any comments, find out more information or provide feedback about the project, please contact us by:

Further information on the AGL Gas Import Jetty Project is available from the AGL website.

If you have any media-related questions on this project, please email us at media@apa.com.au

Technical reports

These reports will be superseded by the information being prepared as part of the EES process and will be replaced by further technical assessment reports, which will be made available on the EES website. 

Upcoming events

APA has completed a number of community information sessions regarding the Project. The presentation from APA’s recent community information sessions held in July and August 2018 is available for download.

The EES website will be updated with planned events for consultation that forms part of this process. APA and AGL will undertake joint consultation through the EES process for both components of the Gas Import Jetty and Pipeline Project.