A powerful coalition of unions, health experts, community and environmental groups is calling on the NSW Government to create a plan to drive down gas use across the state.
The alliance is urging Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and the Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to include an economy-wide gas demand reduction strategy in the state's 2026 Net Zero Plan.
New research commissioned by Lock the Gate Alliance, found that 74% of gas demand in NSW could be replaced today with commercially available technology, such as electrification and heat pumps, and that a 52% gas reduction target by 2035 is achievable.
The coalition says a comprehensive plan and policies are needed to unlock the many benefits of decreasing gas demand in our homes, manufacturing sector, electricity system and commercial buildings.
The coalition, which includes the 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, recommends the NSW government:
- Set a state-wide gas reduction target supported by end-use targets, such as household and industrial electrification.
- Fast-track the elimination of gas use wherever it can be electrified, such as homes and low-heat manufacturing, to save remaining gas for heavy industry while zero-emissions technology options are progressed.
- Prioritise health and equity by helping renters, apartment dwellers, and low-income families switch to efficient, electric appliances to lower their bills.
Lock the Gate Alliance Clean Industry Coordinator, Harriet Kater, said: "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. It will also help to protect the Pilliga and farming communities fighting against the land, water and climate impacts from onshore gas expansion."
"Since technology already exists to rapidly reduce gas use in NSW there is no need to turn the Pilliga into an industrial gasfield or drive a high pressure pipeline through productive farmland. We can have water security, nature security and energy security with a clear, economy-wide gas demand reduction plan."
Nature Conservation Council NSW Clean Energy Campaigner, Eve Altman, said: "Nature needs action on climate change. Gas is a fossil fuel. It is also an expensive source of energy for households, businesses and drives up electricity prices and emissions.
"Supporting NSW businesses to get off gas is a win-win. It will future proof manufacturing and jobs in our state, and is essential for a safe climate.
"Helping households get off gas will cut household bills and tackle climate change."
AMWU NSW/ACT State Secretary, Brad Pidgeon, said: "If we are to meet our net zero commitments, we need to be reducing our reliance on gas. Workers and industry need to be provided the support they need throughout this transition as a key priority. The technology for the electrification of our industries is available, and with it will come new opportunities for manufacturing workers and good new local jobs."
ETU NSW/ACT State Secretary, Allen Hicks, said: "A strategy to reduce our reliance on gas won't just help us cut emissions, it will help build the next generation of skilled jobs in NSW.
"With the right planning, our state's electricians can meet the growing demand for electrification, renewables and energy storage - but key to that is investing now in apprenticeships, training and secure jobs."
Doctors for the Environment NSW, Anaesthetist Dr Anthony Hull, said:
"In light of the widely researched and significant health impacts of home gas appliance use, we call for a cessation of gas connections to all new residential developments, and the phase out of gas appliance use in homes. To protect the public we should move to fully electric homes as a priority."
Climate Councillor Greg Bourne said: "Burning gas is last century's solution and it is holding NSW back from a cleaner, cheaper future.
"We have the tools to power our homes and industries with clean energy right now. By fast-tracking electrification, NSW can secure lower bills and a safer climate at the same time."
Better Renting Deputy CEO, Bernadette Barrett said: "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. 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."
