living near a gas transmission pipeline

Pipeline marker near houses The highest capacity pipelines - high-pressure transmission gas pipelines - transport gas over long distances at very high pressure, linking sources of gas supply with local gas distribution networks or major points of consumption.

We want to ensure the safety of anyone living or working near our natural gas pipelines. Because the pipelines are buried, it’s important that you find out what’s below before you dig – both to protect yourself and the essential services below.

The gas pipelines are identifiable by the warning signs located at regular intervals. These markers identify the gas pipeline route but do not indicate the exact location of the buried pipeline.

If a gas transmission pipeline traverses your property

If a gas pipeline easement is registered on your property title there are conditions associated with the easement including what you can and cannot do in the pipeline corridor area. This will include the requirement to seek prior written approval from APA for activities within the corridor such as:

replacing or installing fencing
any earthworks
land levelling or contouring
landscaping and planting trees
storing material or erecting structures
use of explosives
use of vibrating machinery
transporting heavy machinery or loads

When you want to undertake work we will visit to determine the exact location of the gas pipeline and may supervise the works on or near the gas pipeline corridor. This service is free of charge for all landholders. Penalties apply for undertaking work on the gas pipeline corridor without prior approval.

APA encourages all landholders to use the Before You Dig Australia service.

As part of our pipeline operations we will regularly access your property along the right of way or via agreed access routes. The purpose of our access is to conduct ground patrols, cathodic protection surveys and undertake maintenance work on the pipeline corridor. Should we be required to complete substantial maintenance then we will discuss this with you prior to the works taking place.

We are here to help so please contact us …

when planning work on or near the gas pipeline corridor.
when selling or subdividing your property.
to report unauthorised activity on or near the gas pipeline corridor (i.e. anyone working on or near the gas pipeline corridor who is not contracted by you or who is not an APA representative.)
if you notice soil erosion on or near the gas pipeline corridor
to report damaged or missing warning signs

FREECALL 1800 103 452

EMAIL [email protected]

Frequently asked questions

Information for landholders

What should I do if I suspect a pipeline leak?

A gas leak may be indicated by a circle of dead vegetation, an isolated area of frozen ground, a roaring sound from escaping gas or the ‘rotten egg’ odour commonly associated with natural gas. But note that not all of APA’s gas pipelines have odorant added so a gas leak may be odourless.

If a pipeline has been damaged, presume that it will leak. If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area to a location at least 300 metres upwind from the leak, without creating sparks by using vehicles, machinery or electronic devices including a mobile phone. The area that may be impacted by a gas leak varies depending on the size of the gas pipeline and you may be directed to evacuate up to 1100 metres away.

Once evacuated call emergency services on 000 as soon as possible to advise of the leak and request further direction. Then contact APA on the emergency phone number displayed on the gas pipeline marker to notify us of the leak.
Are the pipeline markers right on top of the gas pipeline?

No. Pipeline markers signify that there is a high pressure gas pipeline in the vicinity and mark its general alignment - they do not mark its exact location.
What do you charge for locating the APA gas pipeline on my property?

If an APA high pressure gas pipeline is on your property, we can locate the pipeline at no charge. We will send a Pipeline Technician to locate the pipeline using an electronic locator.
I have an easement registered on my property title – what does it mean?

An easement provides us the right to use the land to operate and maintain our assets even though we are not the landowner. The easement terms outline how we can use the land and what restrictions have been applied over the easement area – this includes restrictions to the type of activities that you can undertake. The location and terms of the easement are negotiated prior to the gas pipeline being built.
Can I plant trees, landscape, build a shed or store material on the easement?

No. We are required to maintain line of sight between pipeline markers and cannot permit items on the easement that will restrict the line of sight. Tree roots and heavy items can also cause direct damage to the gas pipeline. Items on the easement may restrict our access and our ability to effectively operate and maintain the gas pipeline.

If you are unsure of what you can or cannot do on the easement then please contact our Corridor Integrity team on 1800 103 452.
Who do I contact if I notice a fallen or damaged pipeline marker or erosion on the easement?

Please contact our Corridor Integrity team on 1800 103 452 or [email protected] .
When will APA access my property?

APA will access the property to undertake operational activities such as regular ground patrols (and in some instances aerial patrols), vegetation management and pipeline marker repairs. We do not usually provide prior notice that we are undertaking operational activities.

Occasionally we may need to undertake chemical vegetation control or excavate small sections of the gas pipeline. If this be required we will discuss it with you prior to the works taking place.

We aim to only use agreed routes to access the gas pipeline. If you have any concerns regarding the access routes please contact us on 1800 103 452.
How do I undertake works in the vicinity of the gas pipeline or within the pipeline corridor?

We strongly recommend that all landholders contact the free Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) service to identify all underground assets. Using BYDA ensures that all utilities such as gas, telecommunications, water and electricity are identified before you proceed with works.

If your works are identified as impacting a gas pipeline we will contact you to discuss the works in more detail and, if required, we will provide a free location service. We will also complete the necessary assessment to ensure that the works are undertaken without causing damage to the gas pipeline and then issue written approval for you to complete the works.

Damaging any underground utility can cause widespread disruption and in some cases isolate entire communities from essential services. If you are found to be negligent in causing damage to underground utilities you can face severe penalties.
What if I carry out earthworks and do not advise APA?

Unauthorised activity around high pressure gas pipelines is dangerous as it may cause damage to the gas pipeline leading to a leak or a rupture. Any unauthorised activity within the pipeline easement is a reportable offence to the Pipeline Regulator. Offences can incur substantial fines, which are issued by the regulatory authorities – not APA.