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How Gas is Powering the Aussie Outdoor Life

1 January 2024Blog3 min

Outdoor gas in Australia

From surfing on the Gold Coast to sitting by the pool and grilling lamb chops for lunch, Australians know how to make the most of the outdoors. This page covers outdoor gas cooking, appliance compatibility, installation requirements and gas appliance safety.

More than 1.4 million houses and businesses are connected to Australian Gas Networks, and each year AGN invests about $250 million to extending these networks and improving supply reliability.

With all of these Australian homes and the growing popularity of natural gas, Australians are finding new and innovative ways to make our outdoor lives more comfortable.

Planning an outdoor kitchen, gas BBQ area or entertaining space? Consider appliance compatibility, installation requirements, gas appliance safety and the factors that affect costs. If your property already has a gas connection, a licensed gasfitter can advise whether a fixed connection suits your appliance and home

Gas BBQs and outdoor cooking

The phrase “Now we’re cooking with gas” has never been more apt than when used in Australia. Natural gas BBQs are sitting in the backyards of so many Australian homes, just waiting for Australia Day or the Grand Final.

The right outdoor cooking option depends on your home’s existing energy supply, the appliance you choose, installation requirements and how you plan to use it.  For some households with an existing mains gas supply, a compatible fixed barbecue connection may reduce the need to replace LPG cylinders. Upfront and ongoing costs vary by appliance, installation, usage, local network availability and energy charges. Ask a licensed gasfitter to assess appliance compatibility, installation requirements and the likely scope of gas work. 

Having your backyard chef’s solution tied to your gas mains rather than weighed down by a bottle and you can always barbeque if friends suddenly stop by. A fixed connection may be convenient for an eligible home with existing mains gas infrastructure. Supply availability, appliance compatibility and installation requirements should be confirmed before work begins. 

Gas BBQ

If your home already has mains gas and your barbecue is compatible, ask a licensed gasfitter whether a fixed connection is suitable. Connection eligibility, installation requirements and costs vary.

Outdoor gas heater safety

Even in the hottest months, we still look to natural gas for our creature comforts. Statistics from the Australian Bureau Of Statistics showed that natural gas provides almost as much energy as electricity to Australian homes. This includes all use of energy to produce power, heating, cooking and more. But this shows that natural gas is gaining popularity in homes around Australia, as well as gaining an appreciation as a possibly more consistent solution.

Outdoor gas heaters are designed for outdoor use, either at our own homes or out and about in cafes and bars. The Australian nightlife is just that, an appreciation of our culture and environment during the night as much as day – but sometimes it helps to have something to keep us warm when we’re dining out.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek advice from a qualified gasfitter about safe installation and servicing.

Getting down to business

Around 43,000 industrial and commercial businesses are connected to natural gas in Australia, and they’re making great use of natural gas to ensure our outdoor lives stay comfortable.

Cafés and restaurants in cities are outfitted with natural gas heaters and systems to make our nightlife more comfortable. In addition, many event spaces are making great use of gas systems to ensure there are great meals when out at the races or at a music festival.

Outdoor kitchens are becoming more popular in and around our cities, as cafes and restaurants embrace the nightlife. You only need to look at DeGraves Street in Melbourne or the growing number of eateries are connected or connecting to natural gas to see how our cities and businesses are embracing gas to power the Aussie nightlife.

Victorian households: Gas connections are restricted for some new dwellings, apartment buildings and residential subdivisions that require a planning permit. Check current eligibility and requirements before selecting appliances for a new build or renovation.

All information provided in this article was correct at the time of publishing (January 2024)

Want to know more? Give us a call on 1300 001 001 or  click here to learn more about our gas network and connection process, including current eligibility, fees and restrictions in your area.                                                                                                                                                                            

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