Speaking at the Australian Gas Convention in Sydney, Mr King said the $250 million, 680 km gas pipeline project was "on time, on budget and would be delivering gas in late 2003." Origin Energy is a partner in the project together with Australian National Power.

"Origin Energy is extremely pleased with the project's progress. The project route is fully surveyed, the engineering procurement and construction contract is out to tender and the environment report has been completed and released for community consultation," Mr King said. "SEA Gas creates a corridor for major Origin Energy growth projects including the proposed development of the new Thylacine/Geographe gas discoveries in the offshore Otway Basin and the Quarantine Power Station.

"It will also provide a major stimulus for investment in other infrastructure and development in South Australia."