By ANNA USHER

North Sydney Council’s July 1 gas ban for new homes has lit a fuse, with residents accusing councillors of “social engineering” and asking what right the council has to lecture anyone on “economic reasons”.

The backlash came after Mosman Collective posted the decision on social media on Tuesday night, prompting a flood of furious comments.

One resident wrote: “You think you hate the LGA enough, then they pull crap like this. Can’t renovate a pool – CAN socially engineer how I cook my food. Morons. Total clowns.”

Another demanded: “When did Councils get the authority to make these sorts of ridiculous decisions?”

A third said: “Unsure this council can lecture anyone on economic decisions.”

Another comment read: “This from the most inept Council in New South Wales .. try fixing your own house of cards before you start telling the ratepayers (most of whom are vastly more successful and actually able to run a business) how they should live their lives …”

And another: “Absolutely mad, typical North Sydney council foolishness. Imagine this council citing economic reasons given its own appalling financial performance.”

At its February 23 meeting, Council adopted amendments to the North Sydney Development Control Plan (NSDCP) 2025, with the report stating the intent is for “new gas connections and gas appliances [to] be discouraged in all new residential developments from 1 July 2026.

Under the draft controls, new residential accommodation must use electricity for all daily and operational needs – including cooking, space heating and water heating – and developers must demonstrate this in their DA plans.

Council said the change was pursued for “environmental, health and economic reasons.”

Consultation method now under scrutiny

Council’s report confirms the draft amendment was publicly exhibited from 16 October 2025 to 14 November 2025, but they decided not to directly notify residents and property owners by letter because the changes affected the entire LGA rather than specific properties.

Instead, Council published a notice in the Mosman Daily, notified precinct committees and key stakeholders (including developers and utility providers), and placed formal notices on its website.

Hard copies were also available at Council’s customer service centre and Stanton Library.

Council received JUST 16 SUBMISSIONS during the exhibition period.

Inside the chamber: “NSW is a laggard”

Mayor Zoe Baker defended the move, saying it was “a long time coming”, attacking the NSW Government for failing to lead.

“It is shameful that the New South Wales State Government hasn’t sought to act, and that local government is taking up the slack,” the Mayor said.

“Victoria and the ACT have long adopted this position. New South Wales is a laggard.”

Councillor Angus Hoy delivered a hard line view, comparing the defence of gas to another industry battle.

“Some of the arguments being trotted out in defence of the gas industry these days feels like the kind of arguments in defence of the tobacco industry,” Cr Hoy said.

“We know that 12% of childhood asthma in Australia is now being caused by indoor air pollution, including from gas appliances.

“For children who grow up in households with gas appliances, it can be similar to living is a household with exposure to second hand cigarette smoke.”

Cr Hoy also rejected claims residents had “choice”, saying renters must simply accept what type of energy output comes with a property.

“My rent just recently went up,” he said, “I’m looking for a new apartment. I don’t get to choose whether there is a gas hob or electric hob. I’m having to choose whatever is available.”

Councillor Shannon Welch stressed the amendment applies only to new residential dwellings, not existing homes, and does not apply to retail, hospitality or other commercial premises.

“There is no additional regulatory burden being placed on our local cafés, restaurants or small businesses,” Cr Welch said.

Council’s report notes Ausgrid raised no concerns about electrifying all new residential developments.

Mosman Collective Editor’s Note

If Council wants genuine community feedback on policies that affect every new home built across the LGA, it must notify locals in a way that’s impossible to miss. Council’s own report confirms it chose not to directly notify residents and property owners by letter during exhibition.

In 2026, that’s not meaningful consultation. If Council wants real feedback, it should be publishing notices through the platforms locals actually read and engage with – like Mosman Collective.