Warrnambool gas mains renewal program

Over the next 18 months, we’ll replace 25 kilometres of older low and medium-pressure gas mains in the Warrnambool CBD with new high-pressure poly pipes.

This work is part of our broader mains renewal program in Warrnambool, which began a few years ago in areas outside the CBD. By the end of the program, we’ll have invested $30 million to upgrade 68 kilometres of gas mains across Warrnambool.

What we’re doing

We’re replacing older cast iron, PVC and galvanised gas mains with new high-pressure polyethylene pipes (poly pipes).

Where possible, we’ll insert the new poly pipes into the existing gas pipes. This helps reduce the need to dig up footpaths, roads and vegetation during future maintenance works.

Our crews will complete the works in stages across the CBD to help manage impacts for residents, businesses and the broader community.

Why we’re upgrading the gas mains

Older gas mains can deteriorate over time. Replacing them helps reduce gas leaks and lowers the chance of disruptions to gas supply, especially during high gas usage periods such as winter.

The new poly pipes are non-corrosive and will help support a more reliable gas supply for Warrnambool homes and businesses. They can also support future fuels, including hydrogen.

Benefits for Warrnambool

These upgrades will help:

• improve the reliability of gas supply
• reduce gas leak volumes on an ageing network
• improve safety, with non-corrosive poly pipes
• increase network capacity
• extend the life of the gas network in Warrnambool
• support a more consistent gas supply for homes and businesses.

What to expect during works

• Delivery partner: We have contracted Emmitts Utilities to complete these works. You’ll see their vehicles and crews onsite.
• Gas outage: To complete these works safely, we may need to turn the gas off to parts of the network for short periods of time. Residents and businesses will get notified in advance of the planned outage. Life support customers should get ready to activate their emergency plan on the outage day.
• Access: Some works may affect local access, parking or traffic conditions for short periods. We’ll work to minimise disruption where possible and keep residents and businesses informed as works progress.

If your property or business is directly affected, you’ll receive more information before works start near you.

Keeping you updated

We’ll keep this webpage updated as the Warrnambool mains renewal program progresses.