The City of Sydney has officially approved a significant policy change that will ban gas appliances in new homes starting on January 1, 2026. This decision aligns with a growing trend across Australia aimed at promoting all-electric buildings, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and public health. Residents in one of the country’s most densely populated areas will need to adjust to these new regulations, which are part of broader efforts to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency.
Council members unanimously agreed to the ban earlier this year, marking a critical shift in urban planning policy. The new rules will require developers to install electric cooktops, ovens, and indoor heating and cooling systems in all new residential buildings. While gas hot water systems remain permissible for now, they will also be phased out by January 1, 2027, at which point all new properties must be fully electrified. Outdoor gas fittings, including heaters and barbecues, will also be prohibited under the new guidelines.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore has emphasized the multiple benefits of this reform. She noted that gas stoves are linked to approximately 12 percent of asthma cases in children in Australia. “Relying on gas is bad for the planet, bad for our finances, and bad for our health,” Moore stated, highlighting the broad community support for the initiative.
This decision follows a two-year period during which the council explored options for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. More than 237,000 residents live within the City of Sydney Local Government Area, and the council is encouraging homeowners to stay informed about these changes.
The shift away from gas is not unique to Sydney. In Victoria, a similar law took effect on January 1, 2024, requiring that all new homes and residential subdivisions be fully electric. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has also introduced regulations to prevent new gas connections, aiming to phase out gas entirely by 2045.
These measures are part of a larger movement to address the environmental impacts associated with natural gas, primarily composed of methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. The production and transportation of gas lead to leaks that significantly contribute to climate change, raising concerns about its long-term viability.
Additionally, health studies have shown that indoor air pollution linked to gas stoves can exacerbate respiratory issues. Induction cooktops, as electric alternatives, not only eliminate these harmful emissions but also offer better energy efficiency. This transition aligns with the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, such as rooftop solar panels, which can help households reduce both emissions and energy costs.
Despite the anticipated benefits, some stakeholders, including chefs and industry groups, have expressed concerns regarding the shift. They argue that gas cooking provides superior temperature control and performance, and warn that the transition could lead to increased costs for households and businesses reliant on existing gas infrastructure.
The City of Sydney will exempt industrial and existing buildings from this ban, although kitchens in mixed-use developments can still install gas, provided they are designed for easy conversion to electric in the future. As the council moves forward with these reforms, the focus remains on fostering a sustainable environment while addressing community health concerns.
This landmark decision by the City of Sydney marks a pivotal moment in the drive towards a greener future, setting a precedent for other regions to follow. As the world grapples with climate change and environmental degradation, local actions like these take on increased significance in the global effort to create a sustainable and healthier living environment.
