No statewide Queensland deadline currently requires households to remove lawful gas cooktops or gas hot-water systems.
That is the position found in official sources reviewed on 5 September 2026. Current energy standards, network rules and site conditions can still affect a new connection or replacement.
What does the current Queensland position mean?
Queensland still regulates the supply, installation, servicing and safe use of natural-gas and LPG appliances. Its current household guidance also provides a pathway to enquire about new natural-gas connections.
This does not guarantee that reticulated gas is available at every address. It also does not promise that network, building or energy policy will remain unchanged.
The Queensland Government's household gas guidance identifies reticulated natural gas and bottled LPG as separate supply options. Not every home can access a gas main.
Do not apply a gas restriction reported in another state to a Queensland property. Check Queensland rules and the exact project before choosing an appliance.
Do existing gas appliances need to be removed?
No current statewide removal date was found for an existing lawful gas cooktop or water heater. A safe, serviceable appliance can remain subject to its approval and manufacturer instructions.
Condition still matters. Damage, corrosion, abnormal flames, ignition trouble, an unsafe flue or a gas leak can require the appliance to be isolated or repaired.
Queensland's natural-gas and LPG safety guidance says cookers and hot-water systems must be installed and used as their manufacturers direct. It recommends periodic checks by a licensed gasfitter.
Policy is not the only reason to replace an appliance. Compare its condition, repairability, fuel supply and the work needed for each replacement option.
Can a new Queensland home still use gas?
A new home's design must meet current building and energy requirements. Gas availability alone does not decide whether a proposed appliance combination complies.
Queensland's new-home standards include a Whole of Home energy budget. The assessment covers hot water, heating, cooling, lighting, pool equipment and on-site solar where applicable.
The Department of Housing and Public Works says different design and appliance combinations can achieve the required result. It does not prescribe one appliance mix for every home.
Discuss the project with the designer, energy assessor and building certifier before ordering equipment. They can assess the actual design and any Queensland-specific variation.
What is changing for new gas connections?
National gas rules are changing how covered distributors recover the cost of new retail connections. This is a connection framework change, not a ban on Queensland gas appliances.
The Australian Energy Market Commission says the new framework starts on 1 October 2026. It covers nominated AGN Queensland pipelines as well as specified networks elsewhere.
AEMC also says customers may still connect if they choose. The distributor will apply the current rules, availability and terms to the particular address.
Ask the retailer or distributor about:
- Street availability: Confirm whether a reticulated gas main can serve the property.
- Connection scope: Establish where the network work ends and the customer gas installation begins.
- Current terms: Check the framework applying when the application is made.
- Project timing: Coordinate network, building, gasfitting and appliance decisions before construction locks them in.
Are disconnection and abolishment the same?
No. A disconnection can be reversible, while abolishment permanently removes the network connection under the distributor's process.
The AEMC's customer-initiated gas abolishment framework formalises this distinction. Closing a retailer account does not necessarily remove customer-side gas pipework or the network connection.
If a household becomes all-electric, confirm which outcome is intended. The gasfitter, retailer and distributor may each own a different part of the process.
Do not leave unused consumer pipework or an appliance connection in an improvised state. A licensed gasfitter must make the gas system safe.
How is LPG different from natural gas?
LPG usually reaches a home in cylinders or a tank rather than through the reticulated natural-gas network. A network connection reform does not automatically apply to bottled LPG.
The fuels also require compatible appliance burners and settings. Do not connect an appliance to a different gas type without an approved conversion and licensed gas work.
Read how LPG and natural gas differ for cooktops when both supplies are practical. Future supply depends on the LPG market rather than the reticulated connection framework.
What should you check before replacing a gas cooktop?
Start with the appliance approval, fuel type and manufacturer requirements. Then have a licensed gasfitter assess the existing gas system and proposed installation.
The assessment may need to consider gas pressure, pipe capacity, burner compatibility, ventilation, clearances and the surrounding cabinetry. A nominally similar appliance is not automatically a compliant replacement.
The Queensland Government defines gas work as installing, removing, altering, repairing, servicing, testing or certifying a gas system. Business Queensland's licence guide explains why the exact licence scope matters.
Review what a gas cooktop installation needs before buying the appliance. Final requirements depend on the product and kitchen.
What should you check before replacing gas hot water?
Confirm the current system type, fuel, delivery capacity and reason for replacement. Site access, flue arrangement, ventilation, pipe capacity and water connections can change the suitable options.
A gas replacement may need more than an appliance swap. An electric, heat-pump or solar option can require different space, electrical, hydraulic and building work.
Compare the complete site scope rather than assuming one fuel always performs better. Our guide to choosing gas or electricity for a home separates the practical factors.
What if you want to switch from gas to electricity?
Use separate licensed trades for their parts of the change. A gasfitter disconnects the appliance and leaves the gas system safe.
A licensed electrical contractor assesses the circuit, isolation, switchboard and appliance connection. Queensland states that only an electrical contractor may perform electrical work in a home.
A cooktop conversion can require substantial electrical planning even when the new appliance fits the same opening. Read what affects a gas-to-electric cooktop conversion before coordinating both trades.
Ask whether the remaining gas connection still serves another appliance. Removing one cooktop does not automatically make the whole property ready for network abolishment.
What should you do if you smell gas?
Avoid flames and do not operate electrical switches.
Ventilate the area and turn off the appliance or supply only when the Queensland safety steps can be followed safely. Contact the gas supplier or a licensed gasfitter.
If the smell remains after the supply is off, or there is fire, explosion or an uncontrolled leak, evacuate and call 000.
Who should assess the next gas decision?
A designer, energy assessor and certifier handle a new home's energy and building compliance. The retailer or distributor confirms network availability and connection or abolishment processes.
A licensed gasfitter handles gas-system and appliance work within the licence held. A licensed electrical contractor handles fixed electrical work for an electric replacement.
For an existing gas system, arrange a licensed gasfitter assessment before replacing, converting or permanently removing a cooktop or gas hot-water appliance.