MEDIA RELEASE

Multinet to bring natural gas to five South Gippsland towns (5 August 2005)

Multinet Gas has welcomed today's announcement by the State Government that it has been selected to deliver gas to the towns of Inverloch, Korumburra, Lang Lang, Leongatha and Wonthaggi in South Gippsland.

Multinet CEO, Mr Hugh Gleeson, joined the Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby and the Minister for Energy Industries and Resources, Theo Theophanous in Leongatha today to make the announcement.

"Multinet is absolutely delighted to be entering into an agreement with the State Government to deliver natural gas to customers in these South Gippsland towns," said Mr Gleeson.

"The South Gippsland towns identified will soon enjoy the benefits of a safe, reliable supply of natural gas, saving them money on their energy bills", he said.

Mr Gleeson acknowledged the State Government's $70 million Natural Gas Extension Program had provided a catalyst for the expansion into the South Gippsland towns.

The project to connect Inverloch, Korumburra, Lang Lang, Leongatha and Wonthaggi to natural gas is worth approximately $50 million.

Mr Gleeson said Multinet had selected Jemena Network Services (ANS) to manage the construction, maintenance and operation of the new distribution networks.

Jemena Network Services General Manager, Mr Peter Magarry said, "We look forward to working with the local communities and local Councils to ensure the project progresses smoothly and with a minimum of disruption."

The project will involve laying more than 20km of high-pressure transmission pipelines, 57km of supply mains and 182km of distribution mains, making gas available to approximately 10 000 dwellings in the nominated towns.

Jemena will now concentrate on securing the appropriate approvals and permits and consulting with the local communities before actual construction commences in early 2007.

Multinet's move into Inverloch, Korumburra, Lang Lang, Leongatha and Wonthaggi is in addition to its existing metropolitan gas network, which already delivers natural gas to 634,000 consumers in Melbourne's south-eastern and eastern suburbs.

Multinet and Jemena are currently constructing the Yarra Ranges Natural Gas Project to supply more than 6,000 homes and businesses in Yarra Glen, Wandin, Seville, Seville East, Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Wesburn and Millgrove.

"This week Multinet commissioned the first city gate in Yarra Glen as part of the Yarra Ranges Natural Gas Extension Project, " said Mr Gleeson. "We look forward to an equally successful project in the five South Gippsland towns."

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