Queensland gas rebate scheme to boost LPG industry

The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry will receive a boost from the State Government’s new gas rebate scheme, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson told a national conference today.

Minister Wilson told delegates at the Australian LPG Association biennial conference on the Gold Coast, that their industry would benefit from the $4 million rebate scheme when it comes into effect next month.

“Households that convert from certain existing electrical appliances to gas appliances are eligible for a rebate of up to $500 to help with the installation of gas,” Mr Wilson said.

“Rebate eligibility will be retrospective and will apply from 7 September 2006,” he said.

Mr Wilson said the rebate scheme also promoted the use of energy-efficient appliances in Queensland homes as gas hot water systems would need a minimum five-star energy rating to be eligible.

“It's expected that the rebate will reduce Queensland’s greenhouse gas emissions at the household level by around 15,000 tonnes over the next three years. That's equivalent to taking 3,500 cars off the road for the same period," he said.

“The rebate scheme recognises the environmental benefits of both natural gas and LPG, and will support the installation of reticulated natural gas, LPG and LPG cylinders in existing homes.”

Mr Wilson said LPG, and gas generally, had a significant role to play in helping to meet the energy needs of the state’s increasing population, growing by 1500 a week and expected to reach 5.6 million within 20 years.

“Gas now provides more than 2000 megawatts of Queensland's generating capacity. There are around 1700 MW of further gas-fired generating capacity on the drawing board. This is due in no small part to the State Government's 13% gas scheme.

"On the residential front, the state's gas market comprises around 135,000 reticulated natural gas customers and around 4500 reticulated LPG customers. In addition, over one fifth of all Australian LPG cylinder customers are in Queensland.

LPG is particularly dominant in regional Queensland due to its capability to reach markets beyond existing natural gas networks.

“The Department of Mines and Energy and the gas industry, including the Australian LPG Association and its members, are currently developing a Queensland Residential Gas Marketing Strategy to increase the use of gas in the home,” Mr Wilson said.

“This will help improve the energy performance of people's homes and appliances and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions," he said.

Mr Wilson also acknowledged the contribution LPG providers and distributors made to far north Queensland in the aftermath of Cyclone Larry last year.

“North Queensland LPG suppliers made tremendous efforts to deliver LPG, both bottle exchange and tanker fill, to devastated communities in the days after Cyclone Larry,” he said.

“LPG delivery trucks were some of the first vehicles to get through after roads were cleared, and without electricity, communities relied on LPG gas for the basics - cooking and lighting,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819