Natural gas to be phased-in at Busselton and Capel

29/7/96

Busselton and Capel will have access to natural gas as a result of $8.6 million project announced by Energy Minister Colin Barnett today.

Mr Barnett said the project would be carried out in two phases with construction starting in November. Tenders for local contractors would be called by Alinta Gas in September.

"The first phase of the project, a 23-kilometre pressure steel pipeline from Boyanup to Capel, will supply gas to two mining companies in Capel by March next year," he said.

"Westralian Sands Limited and RGC Mineral Sands will use natural gas in their separation, drying and synthetic rutile plants.

"RGC is also planning to convert its heating and drying facilities from distillate and waste oil to natural gas.  While WSL second synthetic plant, currently under construction, will be fuelled by natural gas.

"Construction on the second phase of the project, Capel to Busselton, will start in September next year.  Gas will be progressively supplied to residential and commercial customers in the sea-side town in March 1998."

Mr Barnett said Alinta Gas would be conducting market analysis in Capel and Busselton to obtain a detailed understanding of the existing and potential need for gas in the towns.

The Minister congratulated Member for Vasse Barry Blaikie for his efforts in assisting to secure the supply of natural gas to Capel and Busselton.

"Barry has put in a tremendous effort into making sure Busselton residents and businesses have the same alternatives available in the metropolitan area," he said.

The Minister said increased demand for natural gas in the area and the Alinta Gas contract to supply the two companies in Capel had made extending the pipeline to Busselton commercially viable.

"I am confident that Busselton and the businesses in Capel will benefit from a competitive, plentiful, reliable and environmentally friendly fuel which has greater heating capacity," he said.

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 222 9595