Have your say on changes to gas and pipeline regulations for NSW

INFORMATION sessions will be held in Maitland and Muswellbrook around proposed changes to the process of negotiating land access for pipeline projects.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) says it is modernising the regulation of pipelines and creating new guidelines to clarify:

• the roles and responsibilities for seeking land access for surveys;
• what needs to be done to get agreements with landholders before compulsory acquisition can be considered by the Minister for Energy.

The government is also proposing to strengthen the requirements for operators under the Pipelines Act 1967 and Gas Supply Act 1996 including stronger penalties.

Liam Ryan, Executive Director Energy Infrastructure at DCCEEW, said, “We have listened carefully to stakeholders who have said the processes around surveying land for pipeline routes and compulsory acquisition need to be clearer – which is why we are putting new guidelines in place to ensure landowners are fully informed and consulted.

“It is critical the community knows what steps need to be taken when the NSW Government is assessing applications for pipeline surveys and at what stage compulsory acquisition can be considered.

“I encourage landowners and interested parties in Quirindi, Muswellbrook, Maitland and surrounding areas to register and come along and meet the team in-person so we can discuss these important reforms together.”

Face to face information sessions will be held at:

• Quirindi – Tuesday 19 August, 1-2:30pm
• Muswellbrook – Wednesday 20 August, 9:30-11am
• Maitland – Wednesday 20 August, 2-3:30pm

Registration is required at: www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/pipelines-and-gas-supply-regulations

A webinar will be held on Wednesday, 13 August from 6-8pm for those who can’t attend in person.