Brisbane-based pipeliner Diversified will start work on the $3.4 million “Windibri” pipeline at the end of October. Under the 10-week construction program, the pipeline is due to be completed in early January 2006.

QGC managing director Richard Cottee said substantial progress had already been made on the pipeline since project go-ahead was announced in June.

“The approved pipeline route was cleared in August and Zektin Engineering completed the detailed engineering design earlier this month,” he said.

QCG said the development was on budget and on schedule to deliver first gas to CS Energy before 30 June 2006, with an April start expected.

“Construction on the Berwyndale South development is advancing rapidly,” Cottee said.

“A team of 46 is now operating from a fully-functional construction camp on site and the project office has moved to site from Chinchilla.”

QGC has long-term, unconditional contracts with CS Energy, Incitec Pivot and Braemar Power Project to supply a minimum of 154 PJ of coalbed methane over 10 years. The Windibri export pipeline has been designed with sufficient capacity to cater for all existing contracts, Cottee said.

QGC holds a 90% interest in PL201 (Berwyndale South) with Sentient Gas Australia Pty Ltd (10%).