DRILLING at Beach Energy’s Haselgrove-4 site could start within a matter of weeks as setup nears completion.
Located south of Penola along the Riddoch Highway, the natural gas site has been under construction for more than six weeks with the next phase on track to start in just a few weeks time according to Beach Energy South East regional manager Jon Conti.
Mr Conti said providing all checks have been completed and the site is completely up to standard, drilling will get under way.
“We have been set up for a while now but we are continuing to assess all aspects of the project before things get moving,” he said.
“We need to ensure all equipment is optimal for the program and make sure conditions are favourable.
“Once we are satisfied with all elements we will proceed, hopefully by the end of the month.”
Drilling for up to six weeks, the site will see a flurry of workers converge on the region with up to 50 personnel on site.
This includes rig workers and support services that enable the operation to run according to plan.
According to Beach, the influx of people can bring more than $1m to the region from the procurement of goods and services.
“During the Haselgrove-3 drilling we spent approximately $1.4m in the region,” Mr Conti said.
“We believe we will mirror this amount with the Haselgrove-4 site and again once the Dombey-1 site gets under way later this year.
“We have already engaged with local businesses on these fronts for the operation and look forward to continuing the relationships.”
Once drilling is completed, the drill rig will be demobilised over a number of weeks before being transported to the Dombey-1 exploration site.
Around 20km west of Penola, the Dombey-1 site will again take more than six weeks to prepare.
As operations start in the region, community members have raised concerns about natural gas drilling and its implications on the environment.
Mr Conti said the newly opened Penola Beach Energy office has seen a number of residents through its doors raising concerns, something the company welcomes.
“We have had many interesting conversations about natural gas and have spoken to community members about their worries,” he said.
“There are always people who will oppose our drilling and we respect their views but we like to reassure them we adhere to all safety and environmental requirements.
“Natural gas has a critical role to play in reducing carbon emissions and I welcome everyone to join in the discussion.”
