Dalby Town Council, located in south east Queensland, 220 kilometres west of Brisbane, is continuing to develop its gas reticulation business for the benefit of consumers and residents.
Dalby, population 10,000, is one of only two Councils in Queensland that reticulates natural gas.
“In April 1974, the Queensland Government granted a franchise to Dalby Town Council to reticulate natural gas from the pipeline running from the gas fields of the Roma region, through the outskirts of Dalby, to Brisbane,” said Dan Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Dalby Town Council. “Residents and businesses have benefited from the alternative energy supply.
“There are 2,500 consumers for industrial, commercial and residential purposes. The reticulated network is 86.5 kilometres long and annual sales amount to 145 terajoules.”
Council was able to maintain its franchise in the face of national competition policy inspired legislation after engaging consultants, lodging applications and receiving approval from the Queensland Government.
“The benefits to both consumers and the Council are substantial,” said Councillor Greg Nearhos. “Council has always provided a complete package. Natural gas is made available to any interested consumer, where such supply is economical.”
There is also a retail sales outlet that enables Council to buy appliances in bulk and sell them to consumers at reasonable prices.
“All the original subsidies from Council have been repaid and the operation is now debt free,” Councillor Nearhos said. “The profits contribute to other Council projects and the supply of alternative energy delivers choice to the inhabitants of Dalby.”
Dalby Town Council is proud of its energy enterprise and plans to provide a valuable and profitable service to residents and local business well into the future.
For further information contact Dan Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, telephone (07) 4660 6100.
