Frequently Asked Questions

QGC has contracted SunWater to build, own and operate a 20km buried pipeline to transport up to 100ML per day of treated coal seam gas (CSG) water from its Kenya water treatment plant.

The pipeline will mainly provide water for beneficial use by the agricultural community, but water will also be made available to supplement the Chinchilla town water supply though the Chinchilla Weir Water Supply Scheme. If approved, this project will be the first of its type in Queensland resulting in genuine community benefits.

The Kenya to Chinchilla Weir Pipeline project will provide the Chinchilla district with access to a significant water supply for the life of QGC’s central and southern coal seam gas activities (estimated at 20-30 years). Up to 100ML of water per day will be available to local farmers, the Chinchilla township and potential industrial users under a proposed beneficial use scheme.

As part of the beneficial use scheme, all treated CSG water discharged into the Chinchilla Weir will be extracted by SunWater customers to be used beneficially for agricultural and potential industrial use along the pipeline and within the boundaries of the Chinchilla Weir Water Supply Scheme. Some water will also be used to supplement the existing Chinchilla town water supply.

SunWater will be responsible for building, owning and operating the Kenya to Chinchilla Weir Pipeline. QGC is responsible for treating the water under strict quality guidelines set down by the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). QGC will be responsible for treating the CSG water before SunWater transports it through the pipeline. The water will be treated using reverse osmosis to remove salts or any other impurities. For more information about QGC's water treatment process, visit the QGC website.

SunWater will be responsible for building, owning, operating and maintaining the Kenya to Chinchilla Weir Pipeline.

QGC will be responsible for the water treatment and monitoring for quality, under strict guidelines set down by the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Resource Management before it is transported.

Pipeline construction commenced in August 2011 and it is expected that first water will flow in early 2012.

Water will be supplied to farmers and potential industry customers within the boundaries of the existing Chinchilla Weir Water Supply Scheme. Some water will be provided to supplement the town’s existing water supply from the river. Please contact the SunWater project team on 1800 038 866 or email chinchillapipeline@sunwater.com.au if you are interested in purchasing water.

Please contact the SunWater project team on 1800 038 866 or email chinchillapipeline@sunwater.com.au if you are interested in purchasing water.

Yes, the 20km pipeline route from Kenya to Chinchilla Weir has been finalised and can be viewed here.

SunWater has undertaken environmental and cultural heritage assessments and landholder consultation as part of the investigative process.

SunWater has a local industry participation policy for contractors and there has been some opportunity for local contractors to participate in the project.

The 20km Kenya to Chinchilla Weir Pipeline will pass through 14 properties.

SunWater will need a temporary 30m wide easement for construction of the pipeline reducing to a 20m wide easement over the pipeline for operations. There is no ongoing impact on the land; however, SunWater will require access to the pipeline route for operations and maintenance. Compensation will be negotiated with individual land owners.

SunWater will have a Construction Management Plan in place to address construction impacts such as dust, noise, weed control and truck movement. This has been finalised with the principal contractor.

SunWater has undertaken required environmental assessment as part of the approvals process.

SunWater and the Barunggam traditional owners have undertaken a cultural heritage survey of the area. A cultural heritage management plan was approved by DERM's Cultural Heritage Coordination Unit on 16 August 2011.