Media Releases

APGA welcomes AER decision not to make a scheme pipeline determination on the South West Queensland Pipeline

Written by APGA | Dec 6, 2024 12:16:58 AM

The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) welcomes the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) final decision not to make a scheme pipeline determination on the South West Queensland Pipeline (SWQP).

The AER’s decision took into account:

  • The impact of moving to full regulation on future pipeline access and investment.
  • The countervailing market power of major users.
  • The potential for substitute gas transportation services to emerge in the future.

APGA chief executive Steve Davies says today’s decision is a sensible outcome that recognises the urgent need to secure investment in gas infrastructure.

“It is clear that significant gas infrastructure investment is needed in across the East Coast as quickly as possible to limit the potential for and impact of gas supply shortfalls,” Mr Davies said.

“There are no silver bullets or quick fixes to the East Coast gas supply challenge. That said, the more gas infrastructure investment we can deliver, the more affordable and reliable the energy system will be – securing benefits for all Australians at this critical stage of the energy transition.”

“We commend the AER’s recognition of the chilling effect regulation has on investment. At a time when more investment is needed, more regulation will lead to less investment.”

Public submissions to the AER’s scheme pipeline determination process demonstrate widespread support across gas market stakeholders to have the SWQP remain a non-scheme pipeline.

 

About

The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) represents the owners, operators, designers, constructors, and service providers of Australia’s pipeline infrastructure, connecting natural and renewable gas production to demand centres in cities and other locations across Australia. Our members offer a wide range of services to gas users, retailers and producers and ensure the safe and reliable delivery of 28 per cent of the end-use energy consumed in Australia.

 

Contact

Lawrence Shelton
Head of Operations and Communications

E LShelton@apga.org.au

M 0460 944 229