NSW Government under Pressure as Major Sydney Council Moves to Ban Residential Gas

A surprising move by the City of Sydney Council in Australia could have far-reaching consequences for the state of New South Wales (NSW) and its energy policy. The council recently voted in favor of a motion to investigate the possibility of implementing a ban on residential gas connections in all new home and business developments. This decision goes against the direction set by the NSW government. The motion highlighted health and environmental risks associated with gas usage, as well as the high costs involved. If the council successfully enacts the ban, it would affect over 210,000 residents in Sydney’s central business district and surrounding areas. The mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, expressed her support for the motion, citing the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. The motion also includes a request for the mayor to communicate with NSW Premier Chris Minns about developing a plan to transition homes and businesses from gas to renewable energy through rebates. Climate advocacy groups, including 350 Australia, welcomed the motion as a victory for the environment. It should be noted that the City of Sydney’s decision contradicts the NSW government’s stance on residential gas usage, with Victoria implementing a total ban on gas connections for new homes by 2024. Premier Minns, however, explained that NSW had different circumstances and a ban was not necessary due to the relatively low contribution of the gas sector to the state’s emissions. While the NSW government has the final say on the matter, the City of Sydney’s decision may encourage other parts of the state to propose similar bans. Currently, the Waverley Council has banned indoor gas appliances in new residential development, and the Parramatta Council requires all new developments to be electric. Randwick Council has also voted on a motion to call for a statewide gas ban at the upcoming state conference. However, there are opposing views within the council, with some arguing that a ban would increase living costs and there’s a lack of equally priced alternatives to gas. The NSW opposition believes that any measures should be introduced consistently by the state government rather than each council creating their own rules.



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