Georges River Council is progressing updated planning controls along the Moomba-Sydney gas pipeline. It reflects the newly identified lower risk profile following a change of use.
The new Planning Proposal will formally include the reduced risk into local planning controls, easing previous restrictions and providing greater certainty for future development. It is now before Council and if approved, will progress to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for Gateway Determination.
The proposal lowers the control measures that were previously in place when the pipe carried ethane. As it now only carries Natural Gas, Council has been proactive in completing a new risk assessment on the use.
The proposed controls do not prohibit development within 200m of the pipeline. Homes can still be built, as there are no restrictions on residential development in this area. However, some more sensitive land uses, such as childcare centres and aged care facilities, must be referred to the NSW Planning Secretary for review before a development application can be determined. These developments may still be approved following this referral process.
Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg said, "Council is acting in response to the updated lower risk profile for the gas pipeline.
"By updating these controls to match the pipeline's significantly reduced risk profile, we are helping remove unnecessary barriers for development while still ensuring our community's safety remains paramount."
This matter will be decided at the next meeting of Council on Monday 23 March 2026. The community can choose to speak on it at the Public Forum on Monday 16 March 2026, and can attend or dial in to watch the discussion on the night from the Meetings of Council webpage.
