Today, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has published its draft decision to classify the Sturt Plateau Pipeline (SPP) 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 5 pm AEST 17 August 2026. 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 SPP will connect Tamboran Resources’ Gas Production Facility to APA’s Amadeus Gas Pipeline, in the Northern Territory. The SPP is owned and operated by APA SPP Pty Ltd (APA Group).
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.