Natural gas to bring financial windfall to area

The company that has built the natural gas pipeline between Dubbo and Tamworth said the building of a lateral to reach Dunedoo, Gulgong and Mudgee will create "tremendous opportunites" for local contractors and workers during the construction phase of the project from Dunedoo.
Industry leaders said that employment would also help existing service and retail businesses both during and after the rollout of the gas networks in Mudgee, Gulgong and Dunedoo.
Chairman of Central Ranges Pipeline Company (CRP), Jock Murray, said that in addition to 200 jobs at Mudgee Regional Abattoir (which when opened would have natural gas) additional community employment would be "considerable."
"CRP is delighted with the support in the Mudgee region for natural gas. We also congratulate Roger Fletcher for gaining substantial government funding to assist with the cost of installing natural gas at the abattoir", he said.
The Federal Government recently granted Fletcher International $660,000 to convert to natural gas.
Mr Murray said CRP had recently constructed and commissioned the $130million natural gas pipeline from Dubbo to Tamworth, with a view of also taking the much cheaper energy source to Mudgee, Gulgong, Dunedoo, Coolah, Binnaway, Gilgandra, Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Quirindi and Werris Creek.
"Our company is owned by four superannuation funds, either owned or managed by Colonial First State, which is turn is a fully-owned subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank".
Mr Murray said CRP was formed after an association of eight regional councils between Mudgee and Tamworth - including Mid-Western - went through a competitive tender process two years ago and was the first in Australia to succeed since introduction of the new gas code in 1996.
Association chairman Margaret Thomas of Mudgee Business Enterprise Centre, said provision of natural gas to other centres across the region is now being investigated, with CRP currently concentrating on the roll-out of the gas network at Tamworth.
"Energy retailers will market the sales of natural gas to customers and equipment sales will provide a boost for local businesses, with residential customers able to look forward to a more modern and efficient range of appliances", Mrs Thomas said.
CRP managing director, David Adam, says industrial and commercial users can halve their energy costs by using natural gas, which was also environmentally friendly by reducing greenhouse gases.
Mr Adam encouraged inquiries from business, industry and the community by contacting the company on 67-615522 or www.centralranges.com.au.