The Queensland link in APA Group’s North to East Australia Pipeline (NEAP) has secured coordinated project status to smooth the approvals path.

The 1580km NEAP will connect the newly producing Beetaloo sub-basin in the Northern Territory to east coast gas supplies via APA’s existing South West Queensland Pipeline (SWQP).

The co-ordinated project status applies to the potential $3 billion section of the pipeline running from the Queensland border to the SWQP about 90km east of Ballera. 

“The NEAP has the potential to be transformational for Australia’s energy market, unlocking the Beetaloo Basin to support energy security and transition for households, businesses and our key manufacturing sectors,” APA chief executive officer and managing director Adam Watson said. 

“The Queensland Government’s decision recognises the potential of this project to deliver significant benefits for Queensland and Queenslanders.”

The company estimates that construction of the NEAP would begin as soon as late 2029.

The State Government said the project was expected to deliver a significant economic boost to regional Queensland, creating up to 800 construction jobs and a number of ongoing operational roles. 

This is in addition to broader flow-on activity through construction, logistics, procurement, local business participation, as well as employment and training opportunities. 

Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last said the co-ordinated project declaration marked an important step towards delivering greater energy reliability and economic benefits for regional communities.  

“Gas is critical to our state’s energy mix and making sure we get it to where it is needed will help to power the industries that power regional economies,” he said. 

“Our position has always been that more gas supply will ultimately deliver lower prices and we’re focused on backing projects that deliver on this objective.” 

APA has submitted its referral of the NEAP to the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority for an environmental impact assessment and expects to submit the referral for Federal Government environmental assessment later this year.

Final development timelines will be informed by regulatory approvals and the success of ongoing gas appraisal activities across the Beetaloo.