Repair works on a damaged portion of the Queensland Gas Pipeline (QGP) have been finalised.
QGP owner Jemena will go through the process of restarting operations the company said.
Resources Safety and Health Queensland first investigated a gas leak on the QGP near Bauhinia, 220km south-west of Rockhampton on 5 March.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services was initially called about 7.25am when flames alerted onlookers to the gas leak at the Dawson Highway.
“As a next step, Jemena will now commence to reintroduce gas into the QGP at reduced volumes in accordance with safety standards and procedures,” the company stated.
“This will increase the quantity of gas that is available to customers.”
Jemena said restoration activities for the return of the pipeline to service included safety and engineering assessments, excavation, installation, welding, and construction works.
Work will continue over the coming days to reinstate the site, located between the Rolleston Compressor Station and Oombabeer.
Jemena expects the volume of gas flows on the QGP will be increased progressively in accordance with safety requirements.
Industrial users of gas supplied via the pipeline include Queensland Nitrates, Boyne Smelters, Rio Tinto Yarwun refinery, Orica Yarwun, the Queensland Alumina Limited refinery and the Queensland Magnesia facility at Rockhampton.
The company said it would continue to engage with customers to coordinate gas deliveries while working towards restoration of normal operating conditions.
The 627km Queensland Gas Pipeline links the Wallumbilla gas hub in southern Central Queensland to large industrial gas users in Gladstone and Rockhampton.
