Project timeline
Since 2020, Hunter Gas Pipeline has engaged with many of the landholders, local councils and state government agencies to finalise the current pipeline alignment within the 200m approved corridor.
Santos will continue to engage with the directly affected landholders, local councils and state government agencies to finalise the current pipeline alignment within the 200m approved corridor.
The exact location of the pipeline and the permanent 30-metre construction right-of-way will continue to be refined, taking into consideration potential constructability issues, landholder feedback and preferences, and environmental considerations identified in the survey work. Early site survey work has commenced in some areas.
The Santos team will continue to meet with landholders seeking permission to gain property access to conduct these investigations over the coming months.
The pipeline is expected to commence construction once the route is finalised and all secondary approvals are completed.
Field survey
In order to determine the final alignment of the pipeline, Santos must undertake detailed investigations to address specific landholder feedback, resolve potential constructability issues, and environmental considerations.
Santos will undertake a range of survey activities along the length of the preliminary pipeline alignment and immediately adjacent land, with initial works focused on the Narrabri to Hexham section of the pipeline route.
The proposed survey activities will be undertaken by specialist consultants operating under Santos’ supervision. Before any survey works commence, Santos will meet with landholders to obtain consent on the areas of property to access and on what and when this will occur.
Each landholder will be provided suitable notice and specific details regarding the proposed activities, equipment to be used, areas of the property to be accessed and planned entry points.
What is proposed?
Santos will undertake a range of field survey activities to assist in the design and environmental assessment of the potential pipeline alignment.
Environmental field studies that are likely to require access to private land include the following surveys:
- Ecology – flora, fauna, and aquatic ecology
- Soils and geology
- Cultural heritage
Cadastral and feature surveys will also be undertaken along the preliminary alignment.
Field survey teams will use 4WD-vehicles to drive and inspect the route. Wherever possible, existing access roads and tracks will be used. Areas will be accessed on foot if they are not passable by vehicle or where a more detailed inspection is required (e.g. heavy vegetation).
Soils will be sampled at selected sites along the preliminary alignment using a hand auger. This sampling method has a tiny disturbance footprint. In some instances, Santos may seek to use truck-mounted augers depending on soil/rock conditions. Santos will reinstate the land to its pre-disturbance condition if this is required.
Survey work will be undertaken during business hours on Mondays to Fridays unless agreed otherwise with the landholder.
Landholder feedback
Santos recognises that landholders are uniquely placed to provide information regarding the features of their property. Santos welcomes feedback regarding the proposed alignment and any features or constraints that need to be considered during this project planning and assessment phase.
Landholders may also wish to accompany the survey team during the survey.