Clover Moore’s City of Sydney council bans gas in new homes from December 31
The City of Sydney’s “ban” on gas appliances in new homes is a load of hot air, the NSW government has declared, since the power to implement such a rule exists only at the state level.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The City of Sydney’s “ban” on gas appliances in new homes is a load of hot air, the NSW government has declared.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore on Tuesday said indoor gas appliances “won’t be able to be installed” in new residential developments from next year, following a unanimous vote of councillors on Monday night.
However, Planning Minister Paul Scully said the council only changed planning rules, which provide “guidance” on whether a development should be approved.
“The City of Sydney Council ‘ban’ is not mandatory,” he said.
“I understand it is part of updates (the) Council is making to its Development Control Plan which provide guidance only.”
Development Control Plans include guidelines that planners consider when assessing a development application but do not set out requirements in stone.
Ms Moore has previously conceded the NSW has the ultimate say in whether gas appliances can be banned in new homes.
Mr Scully said the Minns government is not considering a state-wide gas appliance ban.
Following Monday’s vote, Business Sydney called on Premier Chris Minns to step in to prevent councils making “unilateral” decisions on gas appliances.
“Businesses and homeowners are entitled to have consistency across all local government areas,” Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou told Mr Minns.
In a separate letter, Mr Nicolaou pleaded with the Lord Mayor to reverse the “ban”.
“If the City of Sydney wishes to promote greater use of electric appliances, it should be prepared to offer financial incentives for consumers to do so,” he said.
The City of Sydney has been trying to ban gas from new homes for years.
When the council voted to call for a ban on new gas connections in 2023, it led to calls for Premier Chris Minns to step in and block councils unilaterally imposing bans on gas appliances.
According to a statement put out by Greens councillors on Monday, the council voted to impose bans on gas appliances in any new homes from December 31.
The council also voted to seek public feedback on a plan which would “require” renewable energy to be used in a range of other developments, including large office blocks, hotels, and serviced apartments.
In a statement on Monday night, Greens councillor Matthew Thompson likened cooking with a gas stove to smoking cigarettes “in an enclosed room with your child”.
“These changes are an easy step we can take right now to save lives and save families money,” he said.
Greens councillors claimed the ban on new gas connections would save households $626 per year in energy bills.
In 2023, when council first voted in favour of a gas appliance ban, Ms Moore said the NSW government ultimately had “jurisdiction” to allow or block new gas connections.
The NSW government has the power to put planning rules in place to override councils.
At the time, Mr Minns rejected a statewide ban on new gas connections.
Celebrity chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan questioned the gas ban on Monday.
“Let’s hope the decision-makers have their facts right - gas has been a consistent reliable commodity to cook from,” he said.
He said he would “applaud” the decision if it led to energy costs coming down but said families should have “choice” about the stovetops they used.
Liberal councillor Lyndon Gannon - who voted in favour of the gas ban - insisted it would “not kill the family barbecue” as the policy did not stop people using gas bottles.
Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@dailytelegraph.com.au
More Coverage
Originally published as Clover Moore’s City of Sydney council bans gas in new homes from December 31
Tradies lose jobs after wild brawl erupts on Sydney street
Contractors working for property developer Meriton have been terminated after shocking video emerged of a huge street brawl outside a construction site, involving tradies trading punches, kicks and hard hat blows. WATCH the brawl
Winners and losers of the 2025 NSW Budget
From people hoping to buy a home to foster carers and new mums there are a number of winners, but there are also losers, like golfers, and families struggling with the cost of living. Here are the winners and losers.