15/07/05
Final approval of the Goldfields Gas Pipeline access arrangement has been welcomed as great news for the Goldfields region by the Minister for Goldfields-Esperance, John Bowler.
Yesterday’s approval by the Economic Regulation Authority will provide substantial security for the Goldfields’ industries and ends a regulatory process that has been on-going since December 1999.
The new tariffs will result in savings estimated to be in excess of $5million for pipeline users across the Goldfields.
The effective tariff approved by the Economic Regulation Authority for a third party user of the pipeline is approximately 14 per cent lower than tariffs currently available.
“It is pleasing to see that a fair return has been secured for the pipeline owners and an even better deal for the consumers,” Mr Bowler said.
Australian Pipeline Trust (APA) owns 88.12 per cent of the pipeline, since acquiring a majority interest in August last year.
The 1,380km pipeline supplies natural gas from Western Australia’s North-West to mines in the Pilbara and Goldfields regions.
“The approval will result in some substantial savings that may also open the door to new opportunities for further development in the region,” the Minister said.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
