Residents Concerns over Narrabri to Newcastle Gas Pipeline.

BY DANIELLE RIES

Plans for a 450-kilometre gas pipeline through the Hunter has been on the back burner for almost a decade until last week.

The proposed gas line will carry natural gas produced in Narrabri down to Newcastle to be used in the industrial and domestic market.

Although, it seems residents in the surrounding area are unhappy that project which will run just metres away from their properties is one step away from beginning construction.

Managing Director of Hunter Gas Garbis Simonian says the pipeline won't impact on these residents properties.

"Some people are basically not aware of the facts about the pipeline. This pipeline is underground, it'll be about 1 and a half metres underground so you won't see it, it won't impact people's use and enjoyment of their land.

"They can crop on the land, they can plant trees, the only thing is you won't be allowed to build on top of the pipeline".

Mr Simonian also says in the wake of a potential energy crisis, a decision should be decided on sooner rather than later.

"Also look at the need of the community. There's a gas crisis, there's an energy crisis, businesses need gas at a competitive price, otherwise, jobs will be lost and they'll continue to be lost.

"Australian industry domestic businesses in Newcastle and the Hunter need competitively priced gas as do households".

Narrabri to Newcastle Pipeline Plan.

Narrabri to Hunter gas project in the pipeline

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The construction of a $500 million Hunter Gas Pipeline is ready to begin, but it's all dependent on the approval of the Santos Narrabri Gas Project.

The Narrabri Gas Project will pave the way for a pipeline to run from Narrabri to Newcastle guaranteeing the domestic market with a continuous gas supply, cheaper.

Hunter Gas Pipeline Managing Director Garbis Simonian believes it is ridiculous gas users in NSW pay double what overseas buyers do, with customers in Japan, China, Malaysia, and Korea paying half the price of Australians.

"Isn't that a ridiculous situation? What we want to do is make sure the gas from Narrabri comes to Newcastle and Sydney and is not hijacked back to Queensland and the way to do that is to use this pipeline," said Garbis Simonian.

Hunter Gas Pipeline say Queensland LNG projects are "hoovering up gas to preserve their own capital" shifting the commercial risk of their investments onto Australian consumers.

The Narrabri Gas project has the potential to supply up to 50 per cent of NSW with natural gas and bring essential gas to Newcastle which can be fed out to the domestic market.

"The Narrabri gas project is before the state government for approval and finally that's moving and the faster the state government can approve it and the fields are developed then we're ready to build the pipeline with Jemena and we can do it in a matter of twelve months," said Garbis Simonian. 

Without the fast tracking of the project, Garbis Simonian warns 300, 000 jobs could be lost in gas-reliant manufacturing throughout the state.