The draft is a significant review of the outdated 1967 Pipelines Act and follows an extensive public consultation process that began in 2002.

"There is increasing gas production and demand for natural gas across Victoria with major gas pipelines now connecting Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania,” Theophanous said.

"As the demand for gas grows, it is timely that we update the 1967 Pipelines Act, which has become outdated. It does not provide efficient modern processes for the planning and development of this important infrastructure.”

The reforms proposed in the Exposure Draft are intended to give pipeline developers a more certain and efficient approval process, while also mandating early and ongoing consultation with all affected parties, particularly landholders, Theophanous said.

They would also provide for the effective management of environmental impacts over the life of the pipeline and ensure the rehabilitation of affected land, while also updating inspection and enforcement powers.

"By releasing an Exposure Draft for public comment, we are providing an opportunity for the petroleum and pipeline industries and other interested stakeholders to comment before the Bill is finalised and introduced to Parliament later this year," he said.

Public comments are invited until Friday, 3 June 2005.

The Exposure Draft of the Pipelines Bill and details of how to make comments can be viewed at the Minerals and Petroleum page at http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au.