Wollongong City Council’s draft review of the ecologically sustainable development chapter of the Wollongong Development Control Plan will go on public exhibition in January. Photo: Google Maps.
Does gas have a place in new builds – and is that Wollongong City Council’s business anyway?
A straightforward motion to put a draft review of the 2009 Wollongong Development Control Plan, Chapter A2: Ecologically Sustainable Development, out for public exhibition, descended into a wide-ranging debate about the health effects of gas, Ferraris and the limits of local government intervention.
The chapter review was undertaken in response to the Sustainable Wollongong 2030 – A Climate Healthy City Strategy, and Climate Change Mitigation Plan 2023 -2030.
On Monday, 16 December Councillor David Brown moved that the draft review be put out for public exhibition.
“We know this is an area that interests people, and it sits in a broader national debate about energy,” Cr Brown said.
“People have a right to tell us what they think and we have to consider what they say.
“Nothing is banned, nothing is made mandatory, that’s not what this document is for.”
Councillor Dierdre Stuart supported the draft review going on exhibition in early January, but wanted to add a number of specific questions for the community, rather than seeking general feedback.
She said she did not believe most people in the community were familiar with the idea of environmentally sustainable development.
Two speakers in the public access forum asked that the document ban gas connections in new builds, due to the negative health and environmental impacts of gas.
“A question should be put to the community about whether they support or oppose gas connections in new residential developments,” she said.
“I would also request the council include a question asking the community whether it supports or opposes a ban on wood-fired heaters in new residential developments, especially in non-rural properties, given the health and amenity impacts on homes and neighbours.”
Councillor Dan Hayes opposed the amendment.
He said including specific questions drew focus from the rest of the document.
“Proponents of electric are correct about the negative health impacts of gas,” he said.
“That alone should convince people not to install gas.
“Let’s get this document out to the public as initially proposed and let staff seek feedback without seeking a particular outcome.”
Councillor Ann Martin and Deputy Lord Mayor Linda Campbell both opposed the amendment as premature and costly.
“We’re not making decisions now, we’re putting this draft on exhibition,” Cr Martin said.
“When it comes back I think is the time to debate the detail.”
Councillor Ryan Morris also opposed the amendment on ideological grounds.
He compared gas connections to fast cars.
“We should not mandate how people live as a council,” he said.
“It’s a free market and individuals with agency can make their own decisions.
“If I can’t afford a Ferrari, does that mean we should ban them along the Great Pacific Drive?”
Councillor Docker, however, supported the amendment.
He said allowing gas connections put choice in the hands of developers, rather than renters or buyers.
“The science is clear in this space and I don’t see any issue with the council being a leader,” he said.
“As long as gas is implemented in new builds that’s a reduction in choice for people with respiratory disease or asthma.”
The amendment was supported by councillors Stuart, Docker, Whittaker and Anthony, and opposed by all other councillors. It was lost.
The motion to put the draft chapter review on display early in 2025 was carried.
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