MEDIA RELEASE

First customer connected to Natural Gas in Yarra Ranges (1 SEPTEMBER 2005)

Multinet Gas is pleased to announce the Woori Yallock Hotel as the first customer connected to the $24 million Yarra Ranges Natural Gas Extension Project. The Minister for State and Regional Development, the Hon John Brumby, attended the connection ceremony at the hotel today.

The first customer connection is a major milestone in the project to bring natural gas to the Yarra Ranges as part of the State Government's $70 million Natural Gas Extension Project.

"The Woori Yallock Hotel is the first customer in the Yarra Ranges to experience the benefits of safe, reliable and affordable reticulated natural gas," said Multinet CEO Mr Hugh Gleeson. "We look forward to many more customers in the region connecting to natural gas as this project rolls-out over the through until 2008.

"We are approximately six months ahead of schedule in Yarra Glen with our first customers connecting up this week," said Mr Gleeson. "We're now rolling out along the Warburton Highway, and are pleased to be connecting the Woori Yallock Hotel to our network this morning."

Project Manager, Jemena Network Services, advises it has rolled-out approximately 15km of distribution mains in the township of Yarra Glen, passing more than 450 properties. A further 12km of supply mains have been laid as part of the Warburton Highway Project.

"We are very pleased with the progress Jemena is making on this project," said Mr Gleeson. "By the end of 2005 we will have rolled-out more than 49km of pipeline passing over 1200 homes."

Multinet's move into the Yarra Valley is a logical extension of its gas network, which already delivers natural gas to 634,000 consumers in Melbourne's south-eastern and eastern suburbs.

By the end of 2008, the $24 million Yarra Ranges Natural Gas Project will make natural gas available to more than 6,000 homes and businesses in Yarra Glen, Wandin, Seville, Seville East, Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Wesburn and Millgrove.

To make a connection, residents and business owners are encouraged to contact their gas retailers. An early connection incentive to residents and businesses, saving up to $1000 per property connected, is available. For more information, customers should contact Jemena on 1300 131 689, or call their gas retailer.

Further information, please contact: Travis Beasley 0407 770 318.

Multinet Gas has contracted Jemena Network Services to be the project manager responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of the new gas network