Ranges route still in pipeline

DESPITE heavy opposition, the construction of a pipeline from Casino in New South Wales to Ipswich has not been ruled out.

DESPITE heavy opposition, the construction of a pipeline from Casino in New South Wales to Ipswich has not been ruled out.

Metgasco is still considering the Lions Way Rd through the Border Ranges for the pipeline despite an ongoing campaign against it by Scenic Rim group Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic.

A spokesman for Metgasco said the route was one of a number of options being considered to transport gas from the wells to market.

"The Lions Way pipeline is one of a number of options being considered by Metgasco to get the gas from the Casino area to market.

"The proposed route of the Lions Way pipeline is to commence near Kyogle, travel under the Lions Way Rd and then to meet up with the existing Roma/Brisbane pipeline, near Ipswich."

Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic spokesperson Innes Larkin said the pipeline could open the region up to gas exploration they had fought against.

"It opens up the Scenic Rim to exploration," he said.

"Wherever a gas line goes, feeder lines are also needed, Metgasco needs a certain amount of gas and they're not going to get all of that from around Casino."

The spokesman denied there were any plans to expand Metgasco's production north of the border.

"Should the pipeline be built there will be no production or exploration of gas by Metgasco near Ipswich," he said.

Mr Larkin said while the possibility of the expansion line was a concern, the group was also concerned about the pipeline itself.

"The pipeline is bad enough on its own," he said.

"It's coming through the World Heritage listed border ranges."

However, a Metgasco spokesman said if the pipeline went ahead it would be safe.

"Gas pipeline technology is very safe," he said.

"There are thousands of kilometres of gas pipelines around Australia, some of which go through sensitive environmental areas, such as the Blue Mountains and Gippsland including Bass Strait, prime farmland and busy cities.

"These gas pipelines have very little impact on other operations, with few people even aware of their existence."

Originally published as Ranges route still in pipeline