Fairfield City mayor Frank Carbone to support all forms of energy

A southwest Sydney mayor has thrown his support behind all forms of energy after City of Sydney councillors voted to call for a ban on gas connections.

A southwest Sydney mayor has thrown his support behind all forms of energy after City of Sydney councillors voted to call for a ban on gas connections.

Fairfield mayor Frank Carbone will table a mayoral minute at Tuesday night’s council meeting in support of all forms of energy, including gas, across the city.

“Natural gas is efficient, affordable and reliable, and we believe that our residents should be allowed to choose their preferred energy solution,” he said.

“The City of Sydney passed a motion to ban gas in all new homes and businesses with eight out of 10 councillors in support.

“The move means that all new homes and businesses across the city must be all-electric and gas-free if the NSW Government agrees to the ban. They propose to insert new clauses into planning rules, requiring new homes and businesses to include electric appliances like stoves and cook tops, electric heaters, and electric hot water units.

Fairfield mayor Frank Carbone. Picture: Richard Dobson

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Gas alternatives will no longer be allowed. Well, I can tell you now that we will not be pushing to ban gas in our city.

It comes after Lord Mayor Clover Moore will also write to Premier Chris Minns “urging” him to develop a plan to rip gas connections out of homes and businesses.

Waverley Council banned new gas connections in new developments last year and Randwick Council will debate a proposal to advocate for a ban at the Local Government NSW 2023 Annual Conference in a meeting on Tuesday night.

Mr Carbone said Fairfield was known for its multicultural communities and diverse food offering which rely on gas for cooking.

“Small business is the lifeblood of our communities and economy, and council is committed to providing an environment to help them succeed,” he said.

We have 5080 businesses in the food and beverage sector that are crucial to our visitor economy, and it’s important that are given a choice when it comes to their preferred source of energy.”

A gas ban was also criticised by celebrity chef Luke Mangan said the move would be a massive hit to small businesses across the state.