Could Victoria’s gas supply ruling spark aged care change?

There’s a rippling current of change in Australia’s energy network as lobbyists push for a move away from natural gas. Following the Victorian Government’s decision to ban gas connections in all new homes and public buildings from 2024, could aged care facilities be next in line?

The changing landscape for gas connections

• The Victorian Government announced planning permits for new homes, residential subdivisions and public housing must be electric-only networks from January 1, 2024
• Public buildings like schools, hospitals and Government-owned buildings that are not currently in the design stage must become all-electric immediately
• Businesses and homes in the Australian Capital Territory are already banned from installing gas connections
• New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, has ruled out enforcing new gas connection bans

Natural gas has been at the forefront of a very vocal climate backflip over the last few years. While it was once pushed as the more environmentally-friendly option to electricity for heating, hot water and cooking, its environmental impact has actually been exposed as far worse. 

Victoria’s gas ban arguably has three clear benefits; it should reduce energy expenses for individuals and businesses, limit potentially harmful exposure to natural gas in the home, and lessen the environmental impact. The Victorian Government said the gas sector is responsible for 17% of the state’s carbon emissions, and it cannot continue if they’re to meet net zero emissions by 2045.

Healthy Futures – an organisation of 30 healthcare organisations and 150 healthcare workers – has been lobbying for the gas ban. Dr Harry Jennens, Healthy Futures Co-ordinator, said we should expect to see fewer older people impacted by respiratory illnesses and conditions because of the reduced exposure to gas at home. 

“One of our main concerns about gas use in homes is the air pollution it creates in terms of nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants that can irritate and exacerbate respiratory problems. Asthma occurs in all age groups and people can get late-onset asthma. In fact, studies suggest people exposed to gas cooking are more likely to get late-onset asthma,’ Dr Jennens said.

“Similarly, it can exacerbate other conditions like chronic obstructive airway disease and emphysema, which is more common in older people. So we can expect that with all electric cooking and heating, people of all ages, including older people will be less subject to respiratory illnesses and conditions.”

Emerging research has also suggested unclean cooking fuels and poor ventilation may trigger mild cognitive impairment. 

So, with public hospitals included as part of the ban, should aged care providers currently in the design process of new plans be worried? Not just yet. Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action confirmed private builds would not be included in the gas ban in a statement provided to Hello Leaders.

“Residential aged care facilities and retirement villages are considered distinct land uses under the Victoria Planning Provisions. As the gas connection ban will only apply to dwellings, it will not apply to residential aged care facilities or retirement villages. Therefore, as long as the permit granted by the local council is for the use or development of land for a residential aged care facility or a retirement village, they will not be affected by the gas connection ban.”

That said, is it worth making the switch to protect residents and staff who are exposed to gas cooking or heating? Dr Jennens said he would like to see aged care providers creating new facilities choose all-electric options under their own initiative, acting as industry pioneers. 

Meanwhile, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) have also vocalised their support for the ban, providing additional food for thought for the aged care sector.

“ACEM supports initiatives that can minimise the impact of climate change, reduce the carbon footprint of hospitals and health systems, and help protect human health. ACEM welcomes the announcement in Victoria as a step in the right direction towards reducing the impacts of climate change and air pollution on health,” said ACEM President, Dr Clare Skinner.

But given the large cost associated with the safe removal of a gas connection, additional Government support may be required to help providers make the switch a financially viable option.