Queensland’s coal seam gas (CSG) fields are contributing to the state’s economic growth by providing a clean energy source for industrial development, power generation and future projects such as LNG. One of those generation projects is Origin’s 630 MW combined cycle Darling Downs Power Station. The power station is under construction at Braemar, near Dalby, on the Darling Downs.
A DN450 gas pipeline is being built to transport gas from Origin’s Wallumbilla gas hub via the new Talinga CSG production facilities to the power station. The pipeline is 205 km long and is due for completion in May 2009.
Preparation
The contract was awarded to Nacap in October 2008 on the basis of a tender document which took regulatory, environmental, safety and quality constraints into consideration. Nacap was awarded the pipeline construction contract based upon submission of a technical package and construction methodology combined with a successful commercial strategy for performing the work.
After the contract was awarded, Ben Rees was appointed Nacap Project Manager, responsible for execution of the pipeline construction contract in accordance with Origin’s requirements. Ben’s responsibilities include:
- Delivery of Nacap’s commitment to safety and environmental excellence;
- Maintaining harmonious working relationships with affected stakeholders and employees/subcontractors; and,
- Ensuring the project is executed in accordance with the contract, free of deficiencies, completed on or before the contractual completion date and within the allocated budget.
Project logistics
Camp One is an existing permanent camp accommodating up to 150 people in Chinchilla. Camp Two is a temporary construction camp established by Nacap accommodating up to 200 people and located in Yuleba. Both camps are about
four hours’ drive west of Brisbane.
The project is drawing on the expertise of service providers in the local area such as mechanical and electrical tradespeople and machinery suppliers to support the project.
In addition, Nacap has recently opened offices in South Brisbane to service clients involved in the development and execution of gas, water and slurry pipelines including associated infrastructure in Queensland.
Safety first
A rigorous Construction Hazard Identification (HAZID) workshop was completed over a two day period involving the project management teams of both Nacap and Origin Energy. This consultative risk assessment process was encapsulated into a risk register and the findings translated to the activity based job hazard analysis for implementation by the crews on site.
An extensive list of stakeholders was identified at the outset of the contract. Origin and Nacap teams are working with individual landowners and local councils to discuss the potential impact of work, traffic movements and the progress of work along the pipeline route.
The Wallumbilla to Darling Downs pipeline project presents exciting opportunities for both Origin and Nacap.