- Crisafulli Government declares North to East Australia Pipeline (Stage 2) a Coordinated Project.
- The potential $3 billion project will unlock a major new energy security source and supporting around 800 construction jobs.
- Queensland is open for business again after years of inaction under Labor with the Crisafulli Government supporting regional economic activity, domestic gas supply and energy reliability through the coordinated project process.
The Crisafulli Government is unlocking a major new energy security source, as well strengthening regional development and investment by streamlining assessments and approvals for a major gas pipeline connecting Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The Assistant Coordinator-General has declared potential $3 billion North to East Australia Pipeline (Stage 2) a Coordinated Project, paving the way for a whole-of-Government planning and environmental assessment of its potential benefits and impacts.
Proposed by APT Petroleum Pipelines Pty Limited, a subsidiary of APA Group, the project involves the construction and operation of an 899-kilometre pipeline from the Queensland border to the South West Queensland Pipeline, approximately 90 kilometres east of Ballera.
The pipeline would form part of the broader 1,561-kilometre North to East Australia Pipeline, designed to transport natural gas from the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo Sub-basin to Queensland’s gas network.
Once operational, the project could transport up to 600 terajoules of gas per day, with peak capacity reaching 1,000 terajoules per day depending on production levels, demand and future market requirements.
The project is expected to deliver a significant economic boost to regional Queensland, creating up to 800 construction jobs and a number of ongoing operational roles.
This is in addition to broader flow on activity through construction, logistics, procurement, local business participation, as well as employment and training opportunities.
Subject to approvals, construction could commence as early as 2029.
The project will undergo a comprehensive assessment of environmental, social and economic impacts, including community consultation, landholder impacts, native title and cultural heritage, biodiversity, water sourcing, traffic and transport, social impacts and cumulative construction impacts.
The Crisafulli Government is working to provide certainty for industry, support regional communities and facilitate projects that contribute to the State’s economy and long-term energy reliability.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said the declaration reflected the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to supporting major infrastructure projects that strengthen the economy and deliver benefits for regional communities.
“This project will help power two big priorities for Queensland – deliver jobs and investment as well as affordable, reliable and sustainable power for Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“Queensland is open for business again after years of inaction under Labor, with the Crisafulli Government supporting opportunities that drive security, investment and jobs.
“Our Energy Roadmap backs a pragmatic approach, with gas a key element in delivering an affordable and reliable energy system.
“The coordinated project process ensures this multi-billion-dollar project will be subject to a rigorous assessment of its environmental, social and economic impacts, while allowing a whole-of-government approach to approvals.”
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the declaration marked an important step towards delivering greater energy reliability and economic benefits for regional communities.
“This next stage of the North to East Australia Pipeline project has the potential to support regional jobs, strengthen domestic gas supply, improve energy reliability and enhance interstate connectivity,” Minister Last said.
“Gas is critical to our State’s energy mix and making sure we get it to where it is needed will help to power the industries that power regional economies.
“Our position has always been that more gas supply will ultimately deliver lower prices and we’re focused on backing projects that deliver on this objective.
Queensland’s Assistant Coordinator-General Kerry Smeltzer said the declaration would ensure the project was subject to a rigorous and transparent assessment process.
“The declaration ensures a rigorous assessment of the project’s impacts while streamlining approvals,” Ms Smeltzer said.
“The Office of the Coordinator-General coordinates the assessment of environmental, social and economic impacts, including community consultation, to ensure the project is properly considered.”
APA Group CEO and Managing Director Adam Watson welcomed the declaration as an important milestone for the project.
“This declaration is a significant step forward for the North to East Australia Pipeline and recognises the project’s potential to strengthen energy security and deliver economic opportunities for regional Queensland,” Mr Watson said.
“We are committed to working closely with the Crisafulli Government, local communities and landholders as the project moves through the approvals process.”
