Pipeline proposal on the backburner
Wednesday Decenber 2, 2009
Hopes for Cobar to be connected to a natural gas pipeline have been dealt a blow with a change in plans for a new major cross-country pipeline.
APA Group had met with Cobar Shire Council earlier this year to discuss their proposed project to build a gas pipeline from Wallumbilla in Queensland to connect to the Moomba-Sydney Pipeline at Bulla Park in the Cobar Shire.
Cobar Shire Council had hoped to lobby the company to consider building a branch pipeline into Cobar to hook the town up to natural gas.
APA Group asset management systems manager Geoff Callar notified Cobar Shire Council earlier this month that the project has now been suspended.
He said a competitor has announced a different option has progressed.
“EPIC Energy announced that they have agreed terms with Origin Energy to increase the capacity of their existing pipeline.
“At this stage we are still on hold while EPIC progresses through its final financial approval processes and the situation should be understood better before the end of the year,” Mr Callar said.
Council had hoped to speak with representatives from local mines and other industries to secure a commitment to using natural gas if it was brought to town.
At last week’s ordinary council meeting Cr Peter Yench said council should still push forward with a proposal.
“We need to talk about smelters and treatment plants.
“The more information we can obtain and put on the table the better chance we’ve got,” CrYench said.
Representatives from the APA Group met with council staff and councillors last week to discuss the company’s existing pipeline which runs through the Cobar shire.
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