Home owners in Victoria will no longer be forced to replace broken gas heating systems or cooktops with electric alternatives, following changes announced by the state government to its electrification policies.
Meanwhile, the City of Sydney has announced its own electrification measures, requiring new residential developments to be fitted with electric cooktops, ovens and space heating/cooling from 1 January 2026, with gas hot water still permitted for now.
“Doctors for the Environment Australia thanks City of Sydney for putting the health of residents first. Gas used in the home also releases nitrogen dioxide, benzene and formaldehyde, which are known to trigger childhood asthma. The City of Sydney has set a great precedent for other councils in NSW to follow,” said Shaun Watson, neurologist and Doctors for the Environment board member.