Leonora to have natural gas

8/12/97

Natural gas is to be delivered to residents in the northern Goldfields town of Leonora - yet another benefit from the $450 million Goldfields Gas Pipeline.

Western Australian Resources Development and Energy Minister Colin Barnett said he was delighted to confirm today that residents of Leonora would be able to enjoy the benefits of natural gas, distributed by Boral Energy, following approval given to the company to reticulate the town.

Mr Barnett said gas reticulation of Leonora would occur in two stages, with an aim to supply 95 per cent of the town with natural gas within two years.

"There is the potential for Boral Energy to supply natural gas to 240 customers in Leonora, including residential and commercial customers," he said.

"It is expected gas will be available to the first customers in Leonora within 12 months.

"I am very pleased that Boral Energy has taken the initiative, with its involvement in the Murrin Murrin project, to consider other ways it can provide benefits to the Goldfields. The Goldfields Gas Pipeline also provides the incentive for larger mining operations in the Leonora-Laverton area to build gas-fired power stations to replace existing diesel units."

Construction of an 85km gas pipeline from the Goldfields Gas Pipeline is due for completion in late February. This pipeline will pass through Leonora, to the Murrin Murrin nickel project, 50km east of Leonora. The pipeline will provide 13 terajoules of gas per day as feedstock for the Murrin Murrin benefication process and as fuel for the project's power station.

The Murrin Murrin project, owned by Anaconda Nickel and Glencore International, will be the largest third party user of gas transported through the Goldfields Gas Pipeline once commissioning of the project begins at the end of next year. The project will account for up to 15 per cent of the Goldfields Gas Pipeline's capacity.

"This is yet another benefit from the Goldfields Gas Pipeline to the people of WA," Mr Barnett said.

"The State Government was always confident that benefits from such a significant project would be realised for all sectors of the community, small business and households included.

"This new project confirms the Government's belief and the ongoing success of the Goldfields Gas Pipeline."

Media contacts:

Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699

Yvette Reade, Manager Public Relations Boral Energy, 0419 043 042