Ashurst has advised DUET Group (DUET) and DBP Development Group Pty Ltd (DDG) on the A$178 million formation of a joint venture to build, own and operate a natural gas transmission pipeline.

DUET and TransAlta (through their subsidiaries, DDG and TEC, respectively) formed the joint venture to build, own and operate a natural gas transmission pipeline.  DDG holds a 57% interest, and TEC holds a 43% interest in the joint venture.

The Project involves the construction of a 270 kilometre, 16 inch pipeline connecting the Dampier Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline to TransAlta's 125MW power station, situated at Fortescue Metals Group Limited's Solomon Hub iron ore operations in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

The Project is expected to be completed by 31 December 2014 at an estimated total cost of A$178 million, including DUET's share of A$101.4 million.

The Ashurst team involved in the matter was comprised of lead partner Barbara Phair and senior associate Sarah Shaw. Ashurst advised DUET in relation to stamp duty aspects of the Project.