Labor MP Donna Davis tries to ban gas on new Parramatta businesses

One of Premier Chris Minns’ own Labor MPs has revolted against his promise not to shun gas in new developments across NSW, with dual MP and Parramatta councillor Donna Davis backing a ban.

Labor MP Donna Davis has broken ranks with Premier Chris Minns to vote for a council ban on gas for new businesses in Parramatta.

In a council meeting on Monday, Ms Davis — who is also a Parramatta councillor — voted for council to adopt a new planning policy which would require all new non-residential buildings to be gas-free.

That is despite Mr Minns’ ruling out a statewide ban on new gas connections and declaring a gas ban would be an extra “complication” in keeping the lights on.

Ms Davis tried to wave through the proposed council ban on Monday night, but was unsuccessful.

Councillor Georgina Valjak successfully overturned the proposed ban by moving an amendment that passed council.

Premier Chris Minns has already ruled out statewide gas bans. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Labor MP Donna Davis tried to keep gas bans in place for new businesses in Parramatta. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Parramatta council will now conduct a “review” into whether banning gas for new businesses is appropriate.

Ms Davis was contacted for comment.

While a number of councils have voted to ban gas from new buildings, the Telegraph revealed last week that the council policies would ultimately be unenforceable.

While councils can try to ban new buildings from installing gas connections, advice prepared for Randwick council said refusing development applications for buildings which use gas would almost certainly be overturned if challenged by developers in court.

Independent Parramatta Councillor Georgina Valjak moved an amendment to overturn the proposed gas bans. Picture: Supplied

In the face of a number of councils trying to ban gas from new buildings, Mr Minns in July said that forcing homes and businesses to go gas-free would be an extra “complication” in keeping the lights on.

“I don’t need another complication or another policy change, when the challenges ahead of us are so serious,” he said.

Ms Valjak said that gas will “continue to play a role in the transition to renewables”.

“Ultimately energy policy falls within the jurisdiction of the state government not local government,” she told the Telegraph.

“This evening we removed the banning of gas in Commercial buildings outside the CBD which was supported by the majority of the chamber.”