Cooking with gas

QUEENSLANDERS who install at least two gas appliances in their homes will be eligible for a $500 rebate under a Labor plan to encourage alternative energy sources.Premier Peter Beattie yesterday said the $14.25 million plan would save residents money by reducing their energy use as well as saving the environment.
"It's estimated that changing from electricity to gas for heating, water and cooking can reduce a household's carbon dioxide emissions by more than two tonnes," he said.
The rebate applies only to appliances such as hot water systems, cooktops, lighting or heating that are run from mains gas, not bottled gas.
A re-elected Beattie Government would also spend $10 million over three years to encourage Queenslanders to conserve energy at home and to reduce energy usage in government buildings.
Mr Beattie unveiled the rebate plan during a visit to Noosa – his first to the area during the campaign.
Labor currently holds the seat but is in danger of losing it after Cate Molloy was disendorsed as the party's candidate following her opposition to the Traveston Dam.
The Premier yesterday also blitzed through two other marginal Sunshine Coast seats – Kawana and Caloundra – announcing funding for local projects in a bid to lure some last-minute votes.
Kawana is held by Small Business Minister Chris Cummins by a margin of only 1.5 per cent.
The Caloundra seat is held by the Liberals.