Agility has been contracted to operate and maintain Central Ranges Pipeline’s (CRP) 297 km gas transmission pipeline between the rural cities of Dubbo and Tamworth as well as CRP’s Tamworth gas distribution network.

This contract win represents a logical extension for Agility, which also manages Australian Pipeline Trust’s Sydney to Moomba gas transmission pipeline and the Marsden to Dubbo Pipeline, an arterial pipeline that connects to CRP’s new pipeline and enables gas services to extend 297 km to Tamworth.

CRP’s project involves 247 km of 8 inch diameter pipeline, and 50 km of 6 inch diameter pipeline. Operation and maintenance will involve constant aerial survey and pipeline patrol along the entire route in addition to easement management, liaising with landowners and ongoing, preventative maintenance.

Agility also offers emergency response support around the clock in case of third party damage to the pipeline and distribution network, which is particularly important to the thousands of new Tamworth customers who are expected to connect to gas over the first few years of its operation.

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The newly built Tamworth gas distribution network services all businesses, factories and residents in the city of Tamworth. Agility’s contract to operate and maintain this network is indicative of its expertise; the company currently operates other gas networks in central western NSW. Agility also has significant experience in setting up new networks, from commissioning to maintenance in approximately 25 other NSW country centres.

Due to demand for gas supply, there is a strong likelihood that this infrastructure will grow, with the potential for new gas pipelines and networks extending to the towns of Mudgee and Gunnedah over the next two years.

Market Development Manager Richard Blagrove says this possible expansion will enable Agility the opportunity to grow with the client.

“Due to Agility’s unique set of experience in gas networks, together with the synergetic benefits of operating adjacent infrastructure, we were able to put a very competitive and quality offer to the client. We are confident our relationship with CRP will position both companies to grow well together,” Mr Blagrove said.

CRP’s Chief Executive Officer David Adam agrees. “Central Ranges welcomes Agility on-board as the operator of our pipeline and gas network. We look forward to a long and harmonious relationship,” he said.