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Gas
Gas is an important energy resource for Queensland. It fuels domestic and industrial needs and is playing an increasingly significant role as a fuel source for electricity generation.
The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation is responsible for regulating and monitoring policy and legislation affecting Queensland's gas sector. It also works with industry to identify and propose solutions to future issues which may affect the gas market.
Benefits of gas
Gas is a clean-burning energy source, and has environmental benefits over coal-fired electricity. Gas is efficient, safe and more environmentally friendly than other fossil fuel alternatives and Queenslanders are increasingly considering gas as part of their energy mix.
Types of gas
There are two types of gas available to Queensland customers - natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Natural gas consists mainly of methane and is reticulated, or piped, to premises. There are two main gas distributors in Queensland - Envestra and APT Allgas (a subsidiary of APA Group).
LPG occurs naturally, or is produced as a by-product of oil refining. It can be either piped to premises or supplied in cylinders. In Australia almost all the LPG used in domestic and recreational use is 100 percent propane. Reticulated LPG is available in Mooloolaba, Noosa Heads; parts of Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns; and in some newer housing estates in and around Brisbane. With the exception of relevant safety issues, the retail and distribution of LPG is not regulated by government.
Gas in your home
Many Queenslanders use gas to cook their meals, heat their household water and dry their clothes. Unlike in southern states such as Victoria, Queensland´s warmer climate means that the role of gas heating is limited.
Gas available to Queensland households may be delivered either as reticulated natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which can be piped to homes or supplied in cylinders.
Household appliances use either natural gas or LPG. Different burners are needed in appliances for the two types of gas, and appliances can be converted to use either natural gas or LPG. However, all gas installations and conversions must be carried out by a licensed gasfitter.
Find out more about the different uses of gas in the home (PDF - 112kB).
Last updated 29 June 2011