Northern Goldfields Interconnect
Western Australia’s NGI is a 579 km buried pipeline, providing better access to natural gas production regions and gas storage infrastructure, especially in the emerging Perth Basin.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
APA holds current Native Title agreements with five Traditional Owner groups along this pipeline and maintains strong relationships and dialogue with them all. During the development of this project, these groups were instrumental, carrying out heritage monitors and land surveys to assist with planning processes.
Minimising the impact on heritage areas and land was always a top priority with this project. During the development phase, some threatened ecological areas were discovered that needed to be protected. By rerouting the path or drilling below ground to reduce any negative environmental impact, we ensured we could protect the delicate ecosystem.
The NGI project supported the Midwest Environmental and Land Management program with the Meekatharra Rangelands Biosecurity Association and the Murchison Regional Vermin Cell. This program focuses on the management of feral animals (including wild dogs) through fencing and the employment of two part-time Doggers.
The NGI project established a partnership with the Midwest Aboriginal Ranger Program, to provide new, sustainable career opportunities for Indigenous people from the region. Rangers undertake a range of on country activities, including fire and weed management; feral pest control; native flora and fauna monitoring and management; and documenting and protecting culturally significant sites.
Along its 579 km route in WA’s west to the east, the NGI project team asked local residents what mattered to them and where they could use some extra help. From the opportunities identified, APA’s NGI Project was able to support a range of initiatives, including:
- A boxing program for disadvantaged youth
- A local Australian Football League’s Indigenous Round
- An ‘astrofest’ evening with displays and night sky tours
- Kalgoorlie School of the Air
- Edmund Rice Camps for Kids WA
- A native wildlife rescue and rehabilitation park