Low Pressure Mains Program

We're upgrading older gas mains across western Victoria so we can continue to provide a safe and reliable gas network to keep our customersgas ready during peak periods.

Where are we upgrading gas mains?

Over the next 12 months, we’ll be replacing dozens of kilometres of older cast iron, PVC and galvanised low-pressure mains with new high-pressure polyethylene pipes (poly pipes).

From winter 2024, our crews will be replacing mains in:

  • Blake Street and Banfield Street, Ararat – 18.1 kilometres
  • Napier Street and Seaby Street, Stawell – 16.8 kilometres
  • Cramer Street and Laverock Road, Warrnambool – 42.7 kilometres

Why are we doing this?

At AusNet, we take safety seriously. Upgrading outdated sections of the gas network helps us manage any safety risks associated with older low-pressure networks. See Our safety commitment

Gas leaks and blockages, although rare, can also cause outages. High-pressure gas means better supply reliability and less chance of interruptions, especially during those chilly winter days!

We prioritise works in regions and towns with higher gas leakage rates.


A pair of hands working on a gas pipeline

How does it work?

We use a specific insertion method where the new poly pipes get inserted into 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.

We’re on track to convert all of our low-pressure mains network to high pressure by 2028, you can follow our progress on our Completed Projects page.