A fire broke out at Jenema’s Queensland Gas Pipeline near Bauhinia Downs this week, affecting Gladstone’s gas supply. Resources Health and Safety Queensland has initiated an investigation into the explosion.
The explosion is still currently causing chaos for local industry and the Queensland Conservation Council states that this is another reminder of the unreliability and danger of gas as an energy source.
“The underground gas leak and explosion near Bauhinia in Central Queensland has affected key industries in Gladstone and demonstrates the need to improve monitoring of our existing infrastructure and transition safely to new renewable energy sources.”
Queensland Conservation Council Energy Analyst Clare Silcock said the incident shows that gas is inherently dangerous for our climate and communities, and emphasises the need to prioritise the transition to safe, reliable renewable energy.
“We can build zero carbon energy systems with renewable energy backed by storage. Rio Tinto is investing in renewable projects now.
“We need strict regulation to make sure these are built well, and safely for nature and communities.”
Silcock said: “There’s a lot to learn from the regulations that have enabled us to light a highly flammable gas inside our homes and businesses but we can’t keep relying on this old technology.”
