Scarness Caravan Park residents return home after gas leak

Part of Hervey Bay’s Esplanade and nearby streets were evacuated and hundreds of businesses and homes left without power as emergency crews worked to contain a gas leak on Thursday.

A gas leak at the Scarness Caravan Park has shut down surrounding streets.

Hundreds of businesses and homes were without power and police made an emergency PSPA declaration under the Public Safety and Preservation Act after a gas leak on the Hervey Bay Esplanade on Thursday.

The area around the Scarness Caravan Park, which is under reconstruction, was evacuated amid reports of a rupture during earthworks.

Firefighters assessed that there was a leak in the main natural gas pipe, located below ground.

A gas leak shut down part of the Hervey Bay Esplanade at Scarness.

A QFES spokesperson said crews shut off the gas line and a gas examiner was called in.

Due to the incident, 431 houses and business were left without power including the Hervey Bay Courthouse and dozens of cafes.

Police set up an exclusion zone outside of the park at the intersection of Esplanade and Frank street, and evacuated affected residents.

Scarness gas leak exclusion zone.

The PSPA declaration was made at 9.30am and encompassed Charlton Esplanade, Freshwater Street, Frank St, and the beachfront between Queens Road and Denmans Camp Road.

“Motorists and members of the public are advised to avoid the area while emergency services respond,” a statement read.

Paramedics were on standby at the scene, however, there were no patients that required assistance.

The PSPA was revoked and the scene was declared safe at 12.50pm.

QFES said, the gas examiner was able to locate and clamp the area of the leakage, resolving the issue.