Today, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) published its draft decision to classify the Atlas to Reedy Creek Pipeline (ARCP) as a transmission pipeline.
We consider that the pipeline’s characteristics are consistent with that of a transmission pipeline and that its primary function is to convey gas to a market.
In making this draft decision, we have had regard to stakeholder feedback, the national gas objective and the pipeline classification criterion set out in section 13 of the National Gas Law. The criterion requires us to consider the pipeline’s primary function and factors such as the pipeline’s diameter, pressure, injection points, area served, configuration and jurisdictional licence.
Invitation for submissions
We invite stakeholders to provide submissions on our draft decision by 18 July 2025. Written submissions or requests to make a submission via alternative methods should be emailed to AERgasreform
aer [dot] gov [dot] au (AERgasreform[at]aer[dot]gov[dot]au).
We will make our final decision within 20 business days after submissions close.
Background
The ARCP is a pipeline connecting the Atlas East Central Processing Facility to the Reedy Creek to Wallumbilla Pipeline north of Yuleba, Queensland. On 19 February 2025, commercial gas flowed through the ARCP for the first time. The ARCP is owned and operated by ARC Pipeline Pty Ltd.
At the time of the application, ARC Pipeline Pty Ltd was a wholly owned subsidiary of Senex CSG Assets Pty Ltd. On 18 June 2025, APA Group announced it will acquire 100% of ARC Pipeline Pty Ltd from Senex. The acquisition is expected to be finalised by the time we make our final decision on the ARCP’s classification. The change of ownership does not impact the draft or final decision.
All scheme and non-scheme pipelines must be either classified as a transmission or distribution pipeline.
Following gas pipeline regulatory reforms in March 2023, the AER is responsible for classifying pipelines which are not yet classified and making pipeline reclassification decisions.
More information on the AER’s classification and reclassification powers can be found in the AER’s Pipeline Regulatory Determinations and Elections Guide.