crib point pakenham pipeline

The proposed Gas Import Jetty and Pipeline Project would increase energy security and supply for AGL’s customers in south-eastern Australia. The Project includes the construction of a buried pipeline approximately 57 kilometres long, with associated aboveground facilities at Crib Point and east of Pakenham.

Proposed Pipeline Alignment

APA is continuing to refine the alignment in consultation with landholders, businesses, government authorities and the community as part of our statutory requirements. In determining an efficient and suitable alignment, one of the key objectives is to ensure adverse environmental impacts are minimised during construction and operation. A range of guiding factors were considered for this purpose, including co-location with existing linear infrastructure, environmental values, the number of land parcels and landholders along the proposed pipeline alignment, and current and future land use considerations.

A map-book of the alignment released as part of the EES can be found here.

Environmental approvals

Environment Effects Statement (EES)

Exhibition of the Environment Effects Statement for the Gas Import Jetty and Pipeline Project concluded on 26 August 2020. The EES remains available to download and read at www.gasimportprojectvictoria.com.au

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.

The pipeline referral for the EES can be found here.

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.

Inquiry and Advisory Committee process

The Minister for Planning has appointed an Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) to consider submissions to the Environment Effects Statement and exhibited documents. The IAC process includes the opportunity for those who made written submissions on the EES the chance to present to the IAC. The IAC hearings can be viewed by all members of the public.

Full details about the IAC process can be found on the Engage Victoria website

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act

On 28 November 2018, the Australian Department of the Environment & Energy advised the Minister 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 of the Environment and Energy (DoEE)’s website. 

Pipeline approvals

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. 

The pipeline licence application is Attachment IX to the EES and can be found here.

APA has prepared a pipeline Consultation Plan, which proposes how APA will consult and interact with stakeholders, particularly landowners and occupiers, who are likely to be affected by the Pipeline Project. The Pipeline Consultation Plan identifies key objectives, tools and desired outcomes from the engagement with the relevant stakeholders.

Pipeline construction

The below videos provide a visual description of the types of construction methodology that would be used on the proposed Crib Point Pakenham Pipeline project. 

Open-Trench Construction

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Construction

Further information

Landholders 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 find out more information or provide feedback about the project, please contact us by:

• Telephoning 1800 531 811.
• Emailing us at [email protected].

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 [email protected].

APA and AGL will continue to undertake joint consultation through the EES process for both components of the Gas Import Jetty and Pipeline Project.