Gas mains renewal project
The Ballarat and Colac gas mains renewal project is now complete.
We replaced over 70 kms of low-pressure cast iron, PVC and galvanised low-pressure mains with new high-pressure polyethylene pipes (poly pipes).
We used the insertion method where the new poly pipes were inserted inside the existing carrier pipes. This method means we don’t need to excavate footpaths, roads and vegetation when future maintenance and repairs are carried out.
These high-pressure poly pipes are also future proof as they’re able to distribute future fuels, like hydrogen.
Colac
Over a period of four years, we replaced 44 kms of existing low-pressure gas mains with high-pressure mains in the Colac CBD and surrounding suburbs. Some of the wrought iron galvanized low-pressure mains were originally installed in 1949.
We replaced:
- 15 kms of mains along Pound Street (2019-2020)
- 9 kms of mains along Calvert Street (2020-2021)
- 9 kms of mains along Sinclair Street (2021-2022)
- 11 kms of mains along Moore Street (2021-2022)
Ballarat
Over a period of two years, we replaced around 30 kms of existing low-pressure gas mains with high-pressure mains in the Ballarat CBD and surrounding suburbs. Some of the cast iron mains (along Sturt Street) were originally installed as far back as 1880, when coal gas was the main fuel source.
We replaced:
- 11kms of low pressure cast iron and PVC mains along Mair Street (2021 – 2022)
- 14.5km of low pressure cast iron, steel and PVC mains along Sturt Street (2022 – 2023
This is a major project for Ausnet that both increased the reliability of our gas supply and extended the life of the network. Despite major delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic this project was completed on time and within budget.
Lovely Banks city gate
Location: Lara
Timeframe: March 2021 - October 2021
Project type: Gas augmentation (gas line extension)
Overview
The Department of Justice built the Chisholm Road Prison in Lara. We supported this project by:
- building a new gas main
- extending the supply main with 1.8km of 180mm polyethylene gas mains and 200m of 150mm steel gas mains
- constructing a City Gate – this is a measuring station where a distribution company receives gas from a pipeline company or transmission system
- supplying and installing a new gas meter.
Mair St gas renewal
Location: Mair Street, Central Ballarat and Lake Wendouree
Timeframe: April 2021 - March 2022
Project type: Upgrading existing gas mains from low-pressure to high-pressure
Overview
We upgraded over 10kms of ageing gas infrastructure in Ballarat - replacing and updating low-pressure gas mains to high-pressure gas mains. We also completed a range of service upgrades.
The project required in-depth stakeholder engagement due to the many heritage-listed buildings and heritage-listed flora in the area.
Waurn Ponds network augmentation
Location: Waurn Ponds
Timeframe: October 2020 - June/July 2021
Project type: Gas augmentation (new gas line)
Overview
Steady population growth in Torquay and Jan Juc meant the gas network needed to be further developed to maintain a reliable supply of gas.
We installed over 4kms of gas transmission pipelines and two pressure regulators
Sunbury augmentation
Location: Sunbury
Timeframe: January 2022 – August 2022
Project type: Gas augmentation (gas main renewal)
Overview
To continue supplying reliable gas in the growing region of Sunbury, we’re reinforcing the network and replacing 3.6km of gas mains.