ASX/Media Release

Origin Energy will release on 17 November 2005 its Environment Effects Statement* (EES) for the proposed Mortlake Power Station Project in western Victoria.

The acting Victorian Premier John Thwaites, along with the Mayors of Moyne and Corangamite joined Origin Energy in October 2004 to publicly announce Origin Energy’s intention to seek approval for the proposed high efficiency, natural gas fired power station with a nominal capacity of 1,000 MW and associated gas transmission pipeline. A similar project at Spring Gully in Queensland is also undergoing approvals in that State.

Origin Energy’s General Manager Public and Government Affairs, Tony Wood said “The EES reflects the detailed and comprehensive work by our project team and specialist consultants as well as consultation with the local community and landowners who live near the proposed power station site and gas pipeline route”.

“Community feedback on the project to date has been invaluable to Origin Energy and the release of the EES provides the public with a further opportunity to comment on the project through a formal submission process”, said Mr Wood.

The Victorian project would be developed using natural gas sourced from gas reserves in the Otway Basin. Mr Wood said “Utilising natural gas to fuel power stations provides many benefits including lower greenhouse gas emissions, as well as greater flexibility in operating arrangements during the week”.

The EES will be on public display at a number of locations within Moyne and Corangamite Shires, including the Moyne shire offices in Mortlake and Port Fairy, the Timboon Post Office, Port Campbell Visitor Information Centre and Garvoc General Store in addition to the Department of Sustainability and Environment offices in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool. The EES will be on display until 12 January 2006. Interested parties can also view the EES on line at originenergy.com.au/vicgenproject. A summary brochure has also been prepared and is available from Origin Energy free of charge. The fourth in a series of Newsletters is being sent to the local community and both the newsletter and brochure will be posted on Origin Energy’s website.

Following receipt of submissions from the public in relation to the EES, it is expected that the next step will be the appointment of an independent panel by the Minister for Planning. The panel will review the EES, considering all written submissions and any submissions it receives through a public hearing process and prepare a report to the Minister. The Minister will then consider the panel report and prepare a formal assessment under the Environment Effects Act. This is expected to commence in early 2006.

Mr Wood said “A decision as to whether the gas fired power station project proceeds to construction is not expected until the second half of 2006. Securing necessary approval for the project is an important step in the project’s evolution, and timing will be dependent on other factors such as supply and demand for electricity”.

* An Environment Effects Statement or EES describes the likely environmental effects of a proposed development and generally contains a description of the project, its alternatives, an outline of the various approvals that are required for the project to proceed, an outline of the public consultation undertaken and issues raised, description of the existing environment and assessments of the environmental impact of the project. Recommendations by specialist consultants to prevent or reduce any identified adverse effects are also provided.

For further information please contact:

Investors
Angus Guthrie
Manager Investor Relations
Tele: 02 8345 5558
Mobile: 0417 864 255

About Origin Energy - with a history dating back 140 years, Origin Energy is a leading Australian energy provider and participant in most segments of the energy supply chain, including natural gas and oil exploration and production; power generation; energy retailing and trading; and asset management services. Origin Energy supplies energy to more than 2.1 million Australian homes and business and employs over 3,200 people.