Australia's greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, reaching their highest on a quarterly level since mid-2011, as soaring pollution from the liquefied natural gas export sector overwhelmed ongoing falls from power plants.

In the 12 months to September, Australia emitted 536 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent, 0.9 per cent or 4.6 million tonnes more than a year ago. LNG exports rose almost a fifth, contributing to rises in both industrial and so-called fugitive emissions, the government said in its latest quarterly report.

Soaring emissions from the liquefied natural gas industry is driving national greenhouse gas emissions higher. Credit:Bloomberg

On an unadjusted basis, emissions totalled 135.5 million tonnes, the most since the 137.1 million tonnes recorded in the June quarter of 2011.

Environment Minister Melissa Price emphasised the seasonally adjusted quarterly drop of 1.4 per cent, compared with the June quarter, as proof the government's policies were taking effect.