It was described as Groundhog Day by one Councillor, and it seems the story isn’t over yet as City of Parramatta Council opted to defer a debate on whether new buildings should be fully electric again.
This isn’t the first time that City of Parramatta Council have discussed the polarising idea, but the decision has been made to wait for guidance from the State Government.
The plan, if successful, would only apply to strata residential, small new commercial developments and State Significant developments and would get rid of all gas from the developments in favour of going fully electric.
Following recent public exhibition, the plan received 135 community submissions where 58 per cent of submissions expressed support for the proposed all-electric controls while 42 per cent opposed them.
At the most recent Council meeting, the plan was brought back up and discussion was opened by Dr Anthony Hull who addressed Council in support of the plan, saying it is the healthier option for the future.
“Indoor air pollution is not regulated or measured but is proven to cause significant health harms even at low levels, and to have large economic consequences,” Hull said.
“There is no safe level of exposure to indoor or outdoor air pollution.”
Greens Councillor Dr Judy Greenwood, a major advocate of the plan, said now was the time to act.
“The main reason I’m so keen for this motion to go through today is I don’t want any more people to be ill and to die and that is the outcome in houses,’’ she said.
The motion was amended by Labor Councillor Anthony Ellard so that Council defer any decision until the NSW Government’s gas decarbonisation roadmap is released.
“This needs to come from the State Government,” Ellard explained.
“We need State Government direction, State Government policies and State Government rebates and resources to assist us because this is not just about the removal of gas from upcoming buildings, it’s about the ongoing effect to the economy and to householders.”
Councillor Kellie Darley advocated for the plan saying Council has a chance to show leadership and make big decisions for the community.
“Councillors are forever complaining about the fact that the State Government takes away more and more authority from us and here is a chance for us to play a leadership role in our city,” she said.
Liberal Councillor Georgina Valjak strongly supported the plan’s deferment, likening its appearance in chambers to Groundhog Day.
All Councillors who were present at the meeting, except for Councillors Greenwood and Darley, supported the plan’s deferral.
Councillor Greenwood expressed her strong disappointment following Council’s decision to defer.
“Every new building we approve today will shape the lives of families for the next 40 years,” she said.
“Continuing to install gas is a decision that future residents will pay for with higher bills and poorer health.”
