Economic decline and a change of State government from ALP to Liberal were flow on effects when a corroded Apache pipeline ruptured. The pipe was on an offshore island in mangroves, corroded and also too close to other pipelines, which exploded in a cascade event.

Four pipelines ruptured: A hard-to-get Draft report by federal agency, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA), and WA State Department of Indistry and Resources (DOIR), said gas had escaped due to corrosion and ignited. Six other pipelines were in the same area; four ruptured in sequence in a chain of explosions on the afternoon of 3 June, 2008. Gas flow was cut, and the Western Australian economy experienced a major reversal, and a change of government.

Apache refuses to talk to safety inspectors: The report recorded Apache had refused entry to NOPSA and DOIR inspectors for one day after the event, and thereafter had communicated in writing only, or through subcontracted persons.

One pipeline not licenced: It was also noted that one of the pipelines - Campbell Sinbad - was unlicensed, and the pipelines were too close together.

Hard-to-get public data: Gas Week sourced a copy of the Draft Report through the Western Australia Premier's Office, and was told it was not available for download "for legal reasons". It was released on 10 October. After the event, Apache issued statements but would not agree to interviews with inspectors. The fires went on for three days. Gas was not fully restored four months later.

Apache behind the bunker: The process was not complete due to delays in Apache's supply of information. However the Report said its findings would not substantially change.

Corroded pipe: Gas pressure was within allowable range and the cause of the event was poor servicing which had allowed corrosion.

Pipeline pressure was normal: The report said pressure from mangroves are known to cause faster pipe corrosion. No intelligent pigging (internal viewing of the pipe) was done, despite advice to do so in 1998.

Offences: The Investigation identified that Apache Northwest Pty Ltd and its co-licensees may have comitted Offences under the

- Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969, Sections 36A and 38(b); and

- the Petroieum Pipelines Regulations 1970, Regulation 10.