The community is invited to face-to-face information sessions and an online webinar to have your say on proposed changes to make it clearer and easier for landholders and companies to negotiate land access for pipeline projects.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is modernising the regulation of pipelines and creating new guidelines to clarify:
- the roles and responsibilities for seeking land access for surveys clearer so everyone understands what is involved; and
- what needs to be done to get agreements with landholders before compulsory acquisition can be considered by the Minister for Energy.
The government is also proposing to strengthen the requirements for operators under the Pipelines Act 1967 and Gas Supply Act 1996 including stronger penalties.
Consultation focuses on ensuring landowners and communities are fully informed and consulted on the authority to survey and compulsory acquisition procedures, so everyone is on the same page and knows what is required.
The NSW Government is committed to making the process for land surveys and compulsory acquisition respectful, open and transparent.
Putting clear steps in place will support better communication between parties and set minimum standards for what applicants must do.
It will also provide information on how the Minister for Energy and DCCEEW assess authority to survey and compulsory acquisition applications.
Face to face information sessions will be held at:
- Quirindi - Tuesday 19 August, 1-2:30pm
- Muswellbrook - Wednesday 20 August, 9:30-11am
- Maitland - Wednesday 20 August, 2-3:30pm
Registration is required at: www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/pipelines-and-gas-supply-regulations
A webinar will be held on Wednesday, 13 August from 6-8 pm for those who can't attend in person.
Quote attributable to Liam Ryan, Executive Director, Energy Infrastructure, DCCEEW:
"We have listened carefully to stakeholders who have said the processes around surveying land for pipeline routes and compulsory acquisition need to be clearer - which is why we are putting new guidelines in place to ensure landowners are fully informed and consulted.
"It is critical the community knows what steps need to be taken when the NSW Government is assessing applications for pipeline surveys and at what stage compulsory acquisition can be considered.
"I encourage landowners and interested parties in Quirindi, Muswellbrook, Maitland and surrounding areas to register and come along and meet the team in-person so we can discuss these important reforms together."
