FAQs

The former Sale Gasworks located on McMillan Street in Sale, operated from 1881 to 1965, supplying gas to homes and businesses across the area. Australian Gas Networks (AGN) acquired the fully decommissioned site in 1999-2000, long after operations had ceased, and has never operated gasworks activities at this location. As the current owners, AGN is now planning to safely clean up and restore this land as part of our long-term environmental remediation program for the site. Our focus is on protecting the environment, ensuring community safety, and working transparently with local stakeholders and regulators throughout every stage of the project.

The site is located at 2–14 McMillan Street, Sale, Victoria.

Early preparation works begin July 2026. The full remediation program, including ISS, is expected to take around 9-12 months, depending on conditions.

The remediation involves:

• Tree removal to allow safe access
• Shallow soil excavation (removing contaminated soil less than 3m deep)
• Deep soil treatment using In-Situ Solidification (ISS)
• Backfilling and reinstatement of the site after works

Remediation is required to ensure the land meets current environmental standards. The works will involve: 

•  The targeted removal and disposal of affected soil at licensed facilities 

• In-situ treatment of deep affected soil 

• Measures to manage dust, odour, traffic and site safety during works

•  Ongoing oversight by the EPA and an independent Site Contamination Auditor

The site is vacant land. Parts of the former gasworks and some old infrastructure remain underground. No one lives or works on the site.

Works will be delivered in stages:

1. Vegetation removal
   • tree removal
2. Site setup

1. Fencing, signage, equipment delivery

3. Shallow excavation
   • Excavating tar-impacted soils
   • Trucking soil to licensed facilities
4. Deep soil treatment (ISS)
   • Mixing contaminated deep soil (3–13m) with a cement-like material to lock contaminants in place by producing a stable, solid block which reduces further contamination movement. Backfilling and reinstatement
   • Filling excavated areas with clean material
   • Leveling the site surface
5. Reporting and EPA sign-off
   • Confirmation that remediation objectives have been met
6. Ongoing monitoring

• Groundwater and vapour monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the remediation works

Standard construction hours will apply:

• Monday–Friday: 7am–5pm
• Occasional Saturday work may occur

• Letterbox updates
• Briefings with local schools and TAFE
• Website updates
• Direct contact options
• Meetings with council and local businesses

Please contact us directly:

• community.engagement@agig.com.au
• 1300 001 001

We understand that remediation works can be disruptive, and we’re taking proactive steps to minimise impacts on the local community and environment. 

Measures in place include: 

• Air quality and odour controls – Works will be monitored using a Traffic Light Response System. Water misters and sprays will be used to suppress dust and odour, and activities will pause if trigger levels are reached. 
• Covered stockpiles – Excavated material that require temporary storage onsite, will be either kept damp or securely covered to reduce dust and odour. •  Noise management – Work will occur during approved hours only 
• Traffic control – Truck movements will follow designated routes and be limited to avoid congestion. 
• Environmental oversight - All works are carried out in accordance with a Remediation Work Plan endorsed by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appointed Site Contamination Auditor and include independent oversight and real-time air   quality monitoring.

During excavation you may notice temporary dust and odour.   This is expected for this type of work. Dust and odour will be continuously monitored and managed to minimise impacts. 

We use continuous air quality monitoring, water misters, odour neutralising chemicals, and covered truck loads. Work may pause   if thresholds are exceeded to protect community wellbeing.

There is no confirmed future use for the site yet. We are beginning early conversations with the community to understand what people might like to see there in the future. Community feedback will help inform future discussions, and we welcome ideas from the community. Please get in touch if   you have any suggestions.