Chief Executive of the Australian Pipeline Trust, Mr Jim McDonald announced today that the Trust and its Joint Venture partner, Interstate Pipeline Pty Ltd has entered into a 15 year Gas Transportation Agreement with CS Energy Ltd containing principle terms and conditions for an expansion of the Roma to Brisbane pipeline system and the provision of gas haulage services through that system.
 
CS Energy is the major electricity generator in South East Queensland  and plans to develop a 385 MW gas fired combined cycle plant at Swanbank near Ipswich where it currently has a coal fired plant.
 
The Roma Brisbane pipeline is owned 85% by the Australian Pipeline Trust, and 15% by Interstate Pipelines.  The new transmission pipeline work will include completion of the looping of the existing 16 inch loop between Wallumbilla and Swanbank, construction of approximately 130 kilometres of new lateral pipelines and upgrading of compressor facilities. The new laterals will carry coal seam methane gas from the Scotia field into the expanded Roma to Brisbane system for transport to the new generator. 
 
It is anticipated that the new work will be completed by early 2002. A number of conditions precedent apply at this stage, relating mostly to licensing matters.
 
Mr McDonald said, "This project will have no effect on the current forecast yields for the Trust over the next two years.  This project will contribute positively to both cash flows and yields from its planned commencement date in early 2002.
 
It is very pleasing to be able to announce a new project so quickly after the establishment of the Trust."