https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/pipeline-review-puts-apa-queensland-gas-expansion-on-hold/news-story/89df761e57df23a4d6bbadf50bc82d1c

Pipeline review puts APA Queensland gas expansion on hold

A major gas expansion seen as vital for Australia’s southern states to avoid shortages in the next two years has been put on hold due to a tough regulatory clampdown, with the fresh supply shock landing just days after the Albanese government warned of shortfall risks this decade.

APA had planned to sign off on investment on a major expansion of its South West Queensland Pipeline this year, with construction to start in the second half of 2024.

However, the gas giant said regulatory uncertainty due to a new probe into the pipeline sector had forced it to delay an investment decision until it received further clarity.

”We have had to put a pause on the investment in stage 3 of the east coast grid,” APA chief executive Adam Watson told investors at the Macquarie Australia conference on Thursday.

The pipeline, which links Wallumbilla in southeast Queensland to Moomba in South Australia, is a key supply link in the transmission network connecting Queensland with the southern states.

The expansion had been seen as critical to ensure heavy industry and manufacturing in Victoria and NSW receive enough gas to keep their operations going.