Health Professionals to call on NSW Government to phase out gas in public buildings

A group of health professionals from Healthy Futures and NSW Doctors for Environment today announced plans to issue an open letter to the NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park and the NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Heritage, Penny Sharpe calling for a phase-out of gas in homes and public buildings.

Healthy Futures is a health advocacy organisation that works to protect public health from the impacts of pollution and climate change. NSW Doctors for Environment is a group of doctors who are working to promote environmental sustainability and protect public health.

The open letter, which has already been signed by key health organisations, nationally and state-based, and by numerous leading NSW health professionals, warns that gas poses a serious risk to human health.

This call on the NSW Government comes after the Victorian Government announced in July that gas connections will be banned in new homes and government buildings built in Victoria from next year.

The Victorian announcement has been backed by environmental groups and the property and construction sectors but the opposition has warned the change could increase household energy bills fuelled by higher demand for electricity.

The Victorian government announced the major energy reform on 28th July 2023 as part of its plan to reach net zero emissions in the state by 2045.

Gas burning releases pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, benzene, and radon, which can cause respiratory problems, cancer, and other health problems. Gas also contributes to climate change, which is the greatest threat to public health.

Bronwyn McDonald, NSW Campaigner at Healthy Futures advised “we are calling on the NSW Government to phase out gas as soon as possible.

“Gas is a dirty and dangerous fuel that is harming our health and our climate. We must switch to clean, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.”

The letter will call on the NSW Government to take the following actions:

Retrofit public buildings, including hospitals and schools, to be gas-free

Phase out gas in all new homes and buildings by 2025

Provide financial assistance to households on low incomes to switch to clean energy

McDonald adds “we need to act now to protect our health and our environment. The time to phase out gas is now.

NSW based nurse, Sarah Ellyard explained, “I signed onto the letter because gas is a health hazard in our homes, increasing the risk of asthma and exposure to toxic benzene and carbon monoxide.

“Furthermore, the extraction and burning of gas poses unacceptable risks to communities and is driving the climate crisis, which is a health emergency.”

The open letter will soon be delivered to the NSW Minister for Health and Environment. In the meantime, Healthy Futures and NSW Doctors for Environment call on health professionals and the public to sign the letter supporting a gas-free future.

To sign the letter visit www.healthyfutures.net.au/gasfreensw