APA Group (ASX: APA) today announces progress with Stage 3 of its East Coast Gas Grid (ECGG) Expansion Plan, with the Commonwealth environmental assessment process for the Queensland and NSW sections of the Bulloo Interlink Pipeline (BIL) underway.

The referral of the Queensland and NSW sections of the BIL to the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) marks an important milestone for the critical east coast infrastructure project and supports its responsible delivery.

APA is now awaiting a decision on both referrals and continues to progress environmental assessments in close collaboration with key stakeholders. APA also continues to progress design and corridor assessment as it works towards an expected final investment decision on the project later this year.

The BIL is a proposed underground high-pressure natural gas transmission pipeline linking APA’s South West Queensland Pipeline in Queensland to the Moomba to Sydney Pipeline in New South Wales.

The BIL will provide a new, direct gas transportation route from the Bulloo Shire in south-west Queensland to NSW, reducing the north to south corridor by ~240 kilometres and supporting expanded capacity across APA's east coast gas grid.

The BIL is a key part of Stage 3 of APA’s ECGG Expansion Plan, which is expected to add approximately 30% additional gas transport capacity north to south to help address projected southern market gas shortfalls from 2028.

APA Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Adam Watson, said:

“Incremental investment in existing pipeline infrastructure is a reliable and cost-efficient way to deliver the gas needed along the east coast, with APA having already delivered a 25% increase in north to south transport capacity over the last five years.

“AEMO has been clear that unlocking northern gas supply and expanding existing pipelines will push out projected shortfalls in southern markets into the 2030s.  The BIL is an important part of that, helping to ensure the significant volumes of gas reserves available in Queensland and the Northern Territory can be delivered to power homes and businesses along the east coast.

“Investment in this project will be supported by a well-designed domestic gas reservation that delivers investment in new supply, lower and more stable gas prices and long-term certainty for the market.

“We look forward to working closely with government and all stakeholders, including landholders, Traditional Owners and communities as we progress towards a final investment decision.”

The BIL is part of APA’s Stage 3 ECGG Expansion Plan which was announced in February 2026.

This announcement included final investment decision on Stage 3A, with investment of $260 million in three new compressors to increase north to south capacity in time for 2028.  Work to deliver Stage 3A continues, with the procurement of key items and finalisation of contracts well progressed and site works underway. The project is on track for delivery in 2028.

The February announcement also included a $220 million investment in the BIL (stage 3B), funding early works and the procurement of long lead items.

Construction of the BIL is proposed to commence in 2027, subject to the receipt of relevant approvals and a final investment decision. The project is targeted for completion in 2028 and would have an 800 TJ/day maximum north to south transport capacity.

A final investment decision on BIL will be subject to certain considerations, including policy settings, progress with the Federal Government’s Gas Market Review and final Board approval.