NATURAL gas is expected to be extended beyond the initial proposed boundaries at Kerang following expressions of interest from residents on the outer northern and eastern parts of the town.
Negotiations to extend the network beyond the previous boundary to the other side of the railway line are continuing between the project developers, Gannawarra Shire Council and VicTrack.
Connection to businesses and homes is expected to commence in July.Construction works on a gas storage station are continuing at a Tate Drive site at the southern end of the town.
A backbone pipe will run from the station along Tate Drive, Airport Road and the southern section of Boundary Street, with smaller connection pipes to run off the main line to other parts of the town.
Gas will be delivered up to three times a week by truck from a proposed processing site at Bendigo, with initial compressing works to occur at Brookfield’s Derrimut facility.
Residents this week received an update on the project during a visit from TasGas, the retail company that will manage connections.
TasGas previously provided information at a community meeting in late February.
Residents at the initial meeting raised concerns that no properties east or north of the railway line had been considered to be connected to the network.
“Since that meeting we have been in discussions with Gannawarra Shire Council – which wants to connect some of its buildings on that side of the town – and VicTrack to look at our option,” TasGas retail manager, Kate Daley said.
“If we go across the railway line, we want to do it the first time.”
Kerang will be the second town in the State to be connected using a bulk “daughter” bulk gas storage station, following the south-western town of Terang.
More than 300 residents have signed on to be connected, with the experience team members are gaining from the inaugural project to benefit what occurs in Kerang.
“The majority of those who are connecting at Terang were not located on the initial proposed gas network,” Ms Daley said.
Expressions of interest to connect to the network will remain open until mid-May, with forms available from local plumbing retailers and from www.vic.tasgas.com.au/connection-enquiry
“This project will open up a huge potential for development in Kerang,” Ellis and St Clair manager, Chris Ellis said.
“With the station being located within the Tate Drive industrial estate, where there is cheap land, the main gas line will provide access to businesses right outside their front door.
“With the increasing number of houses being built that rely on central heating, this project opens up greater opportunities.”
