Apply for consents to construct, test or operate a pipeline

Find out how to apply for consents to construct or test energy pipelines licensed under the Energy Pipelines Act 1981 below.

Consent to construct

A licensed pipeline may not be constructed without:

• a pipeline management plan for the design and construction of the pipeline accepted by the relevant minister
• the proposal to construct the pipeline validated by an independent pipeline expert as being: 
  • fit for purpose
  • consistent with the accepted pipeline management plan
  • compliant with required standards
• consent to construct.

Before applying for consent to construct

You must follow the following steps:

Step 1. Agree with the Minister about the:

• matters to be covered in a pipeline management plan for the design and construction of the pipeline
• scope of validation required for the proposed pipeline development activities.

Step 2. Develop a pipeline management plan for the design and construction of the pipeline. Read more about pipeline management plans.

Step 3. Submit the pipeline management plan for the design and construction of the pipeline to the relevant minister for acceptance.

Step 4. Receive validation from the independent validator.

Step 5. Apply for consent to construct (see below).

How to apply

Once the pipeline management plan has been accepted, and you have received the independent validation plan, you can apply for consent to construct.

Your application must be in writing and include the:

• name of the applicant
• address of the applicant including an Australian email address and fax number
• accepted pipeline management plan
• independent validation of the proposed design and construction plan.

Read about how to submit the application.

Consent to test

A pipeline must be pressure and leak tested before it can be commissioned. This work requires consent from the relevant minister under section 38 of the Act.

How to apply

Your application for consent to test must be in writing and include the:

• name of the applicant
• address of the applicant including an Australian email address and fax number
• proposed test procedures
• an independent validation of the proposal as regards to:
  • compliance with required standards
  • appropriateness of proposed testing procedures
  • overall safety of the pipeline for testing.

Read about how to submit the application.