BEACH Energy is inviting locals to have their say as it reviews its Environment Plan for the Bass Gas Offshore Operations in Bass Strait.
The five-year review looks at the ongoing operation of the Yolla-A offshore platform, which produces natural gas and condensate from the Yolla gas field. That gas is transported through a 147-kilometre subsea pipeline to the Victorian coastline near Kilcunda, then along a 32-kilometre onshore pipeline to the Lang Lang Gas Plant. From there, it is processed and distributed to homes, businesses and industry.
As part of the review, Beach Energy is asking for feedback from anyone who believes their interests, work or activities might be affected by the project. The consultation period officially opened on Monday, July 14 and will remain open until 5pm on Friday, October 10.
Information about the project is available online through Beach’s consultation hub at engage.beachenergy.com.au. The site includes maps, diagrams, photos, questions and answers, and detailed information sheets designed to help the public understand what the project involves and how they can provide input.
Community members are also welcome to attend in-person information sessions, which will be held at the Wonthaggi RSL on Tuesday, August 19 and Wednesday, August 20. On both days, a dedicated session for First Nations people will run from 11am to 3pm, followed by an open session for the broader public from 6pm to 8pm.
For those unable to attend in person, Beach Energy is also offering a series of online information sessions. Interested participants are encouraged to email community@beachenergy.com.au to register.
The first round of webinars will be held on Tuesday, September 9, with an open session from 2.15pm to 3pm and a dedicated First Nations session from 7pm to 7.45pm. The second round will take place on Wednesday, September 10, with a dedicated First Nations session from 2.15pm to 3pm and an open session from 7pm to 7.45pm.
Beach Energy says the revised Environment Plan focuses on the safe and ongoing operation of its offshore infrastructure, including regular maintenance and inspections. Under state and federal regulations, the plan must also demonstrate meaningful consultation with relevant people and show how any concerns have been addressed: that’s where these information sessions come in.
The Sentinel-Times contacted Beach Energy with several questions about the review. These included how the company plans to manage ageing infrastructure, whether any concerns have been raised during the consultation process so far, what the revised operational timeline looks like, and whether the continuation of the project may bring any economic benefits
locally. Beach Energy declined to respond to those specific questions but stated that the review is occurring in the context of forecast gas shortages in Victoria. A spokesperson added that the Federal Government’s Future Gas Strategy has emphasised the importance of ongoing domestic gas exploration and development.
Before operations can continue, the updated Environment Plan must be accepted by both the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority and the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
To learn more about the project or provide feedback, visit engage.beachenergy.com.au or consultation.nopsema.gov.au.
