Demands are growing for government to expand a ban on an everyday item many Aussies view as a household necessity.
A coalition of unions, health experts and environmental groups has joined forces to demand the NSW government create a plan to reduce gas use across the entire state.
It’s a controversial proposal that would pull NSW into line with Victoria and the ACT.
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Kitchens like this could be a thing of the past, if environmental groups have their way.
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The movement is urging the NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Heitage Penny Sharpe to implement a statewide gas reduction strategy.
“A comprehensive plan to reduce gas use across NSW will improve energy security, lower bills for households and businesses, secure jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” anti-fossil fuel organisation, Lock the Gate Alliance’s Clean Industry Coordinator, Harriet Kater, said.
The anti-gas coalition comprises Nature Conservation Council NSW, Lock the Gate Alliance, NSW & ACT Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU), NSW & ACT Electrical Trade Union (ETU), Better Renting, The Climate Council, Sydney Community Forum, Doctors for the Environment Australia and 350.org.
The alliance wants new gas connections phased out across NSW, starting with apartments.
This follows the Victorian and ACT governments and some NSW councils that have already taken the step.
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Calls of growing for gas to be banned. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling
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The City of Sydney banned gas appliances in all new homes built from January 1 this year, a decision that was unanimously voted upon in a shift to all-electric buildings.
NSW has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, with gas usage said to be impacting this goal
The Lock the Gate Alliance claims 74 per cent of gas demand in NSW could be replaced with commercially available technology like electrification and heat pumps.
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Electrical cooking could take over. Picture: Tim Hunter.
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Climate Councillor Greg Bourne said burning gas is “last century’s solution” and is holding back NSW from a cleaner, cheaper future.
“We have the tools to power our homes and industries with clean energy right now,” he said.
“By fast-tracking electrification, NSW can secure lower bills and a safer climate at the same time.”
Better Renting Deputy CEO, Bernadette Barrett added: “Renters are stuck with the consequences of energy decisions they don’t get to make.
“Many are locked into homes with gas connections and appliances they did not choose, and as more households transition away, the costs of maintaining the gas network is being pushed onto those left behind.
NSW Minister for Climate Change Penny Sharpe is being pressured to ban gas. Picture: NewsWire
“At the same time, these homes can expose renters to cold, damp conditions and poor indoor air quality from gas appliances. Renters must be supported to switch to efficient electric homes, so they’re not left paying more for worse outcomes.”
There are, however, those opposed to the shift, with critics of the gas ban including some chefs, industry groups and restaurateurs that argue gas cooking affords better temperature control and performance with some warning this could also increase household and small business costs.
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