Port Douglas gas supply issue impacting businesses and residents

Origin has provided an update on a network failure which shut down Port Douglas’ gas supply, cause widespread disruption to businesses and residents.

Quick thinking by the staff at Cafe Fresq at Port Douglas is helping keep the business open as the town awaits a fix to its gas supply issue. Picture: Facebook

Port Douglas’ main street is without gas with some restaurants offering a “gasless menu” while others close their doors.

Multiple restaurants and cafes throughout Port Douglas began operating on reduced menus or closed their doors following a gas supply issue understood to have impacted the town from Sunday afternoon.

It’s understood the underground gas lines are operated and supplied by Origin Energy, which has been contacted for updates.

In a statement, an Origin spokesman revealed the cause of the failure but said it would be difficult to estimate an accurate repair time.

“The reticulated gas network that serves Port Douglas shut down early on Sunday morning following a regulator failure,” the spokesman said.

“Origin’s LPG team responded once alerted, shut down the network and repaired the faulty regulator and are now working to safely reconnect customers.

“We wish to thank customers for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience.”

On Monday, multiple businesses had reported via social media they were still without gas with Macrossan St business Cafe Fresq quickly making the most of a tricky situation.

The breakfast and brunch restaurant posted a new “gasless menu” with a wide range of options still available.

Among those not so lucky included The Little Larder Port Douglas which notified its customers it would be closed Monday and Tuesday, after having shut up shop in the middle of a “busy service” on Sunday.

Lure Restaurant and Bar Port Douglas was another eatery notifying of its closure on Monday.

It’s understood the gas supply issue has also impacted the town’s accommodation providers, meaning some guests were reduced to cold showers only, however hotel operators reported it was “a quiet time” of the year with high vacancies.

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the council was seeking updates from Origin but had little positive news to share.

“I’m told there was someone from Origin door knocking and it turns out this might not just be a one-day issue, it could be a few days,” she said.

“It has had a big impact on the town, and everyone is a little on edge – we’re in our slack season now but coming into our busy Christmas period.”

Originally published as Port Douglas gas supply issue impacting businesses and residents