CONSTRUCTION has begun on a 187 kilometre, $400 million pipeline to carry crude oil and condensate from Longford’s Esso plants to its Long Island Point facilities.
The pipe, which will replace the existing infrastructure built in 1969, will create more then 500 jobs, and help drive the economies of towns along its route.
The beginning of construction was recognised in Rosedale on Wednesday morning, with Exxon Mobil Australia chair Richard Owen and Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio attending.
Mayor Darren McCubbin and deputy mayor Bob Wenger represented Wellington Shire, one of six municipalities the pipeline will run through.
Hundreds of landowners were consulted before work began, according to Mr Owen, who said there should be little disruption for locals.
“This pipeline’s being built alongside the existing pipeline in that same easement,” he said.
“Most of that is going through private property and private land, but we’ve had consultations with all the landholders.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said it was good to see Exxon Mobil’s long-term commitment to the region.
“It’s great news for Gippsland, a big boon for the local economy, and also local jobs,” she said.
“Traralgon, Moe, Koo Wee Rup, Pearcedale, Rosedale, Warragul, they’re all going to get the benefits of local spend by contractors.”
The pipeline is half the diameter of the existing pipe, which recognises the decline in production resources available as well as developments in technology, however the old pipe will stay in use until the project is completed before being cleaned.
“Seventy per cent of Victorian households and industries rely on this pipeline to supply their needs,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
The successful contract tenderer is NACAP Australia, and its project manager Peter Logan said it was one of the more complex projects he had worked on.
“We’re used to longer pipes, but usually in more remote areas,” he said.
“With this one we’ll have to stop and start, and put everything on trucks and float things across rivers,” he said.
“There’s 1100 fences, 80 roads and 160 waterways and hills to go through.
“It’ll be a challenge.”
Cr McCubbin said he appreciated everything Esso was doing in the area.
“They’re our biggest ratepayer,” he said.
“It’s great to see the consideration they’ve given to local landholders, and they’ve been sympathetic to their needs, plus the traditional owners — it’s nice to see them involved in the ceremony.
“It’s great for the community.”
The pipeline project is expected to be completed in the first half of next year.
