Ballarat and Colac gas mains renewal

We replaced over 70 kms of low-pressure cast iron, PVC and galvanised low-pressure mains in Ballarat and Colac 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.

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)

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.