Eastern Gas Pipeline

In November 2025, the Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for Environment and Heritage, requested the Chief Scientist & Engineer to provide expert independent advice in relation to the risk of pipeline failure due to weld undermatching, particularly in the Eastern Gas Pipeline (EGP) in NSW.
 

The independent advice (the Review) aims to evaluate the scientific and technical literature and professional opinions of subject matter experts on the risk of a full-bore rupture of the EGP from weld undermatching on the section of this pipeline that traverses the Illawarra Escarpment.

In assessing the risk, the Review will consider the design, construction and welding procedures, operational and environmental factors, and pipeline integrity management and monitoring.

Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference – Pipeline Weld Undermatching – Engineering Technical Risk Assessment