The Master Plumbers Association of NSW has called on the state government to intervene in the City of Sydney Council’s decision to ban gas appliances in all new homes and businesses from 2027.
MPA NSW CEO Nathaniel Smith said energy reform should be led by the state and federal governments, not by local councils pursuing activist agendas.
“The association is calling for a balanced and practical approach that prioritises safety, affordability, and consumer choice, not political point-scoring,” Smith said.
The new planning rules were finalised last month and cover new residential buildings, medium to large commercial buildings, hotels and serviced apartment buildings in the city of Sydney.
The new requirements build on indoor air quality provisions adopted earlier in 2025, which restrict indoor gas appliances such as cooktops and heaters in new residential developments.
From 1 January 2027, the restrictions will expand to cover outdoor gas appliances such as water heaters in new residential buildings and extend the all-electric requirement to new large commercial buildings, hotels and serviced apartment buildings.
Large commercial developments include office buildings greater than 1,000 square metres, hotels with more than 100 guest rooms and buildings with over 100 serviced apartments.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore said going all-electric was a logical response to the challenges posed by fossil fuels.
“Relying on gas is bad for the planet, bad for our finances and bad for our health.” the Lord Mayor said.
"Creating more energy efficient, healthier buildings which will meet future energy standards and avoid expensive retrofitting is an obvious next step.
Moore said the council received a total of 84 submissions with the majority welcoming the changes.