An inner city council has been ridiculed over a proposed ban on leather and fur at its properties - potentially including sporting balls and iconic Aussie brands.
Sustainable Australia Party Councillor Georgia Lamb asked North Sydney Council to vote on a motion that would 'retire' all leather and fur items and that they 'never be used in formal' events.
Nine out of 10 council members voted in favour of a version amended by Ms Lamb, who earlier said anything made using leather or fur was 'outdated goods'.
Sustainable Australia Party councillor Georgia Lamb asked North Sydney Council to vote on a motion that would 'retire' all leather and fur items
The ban could put unintended pressure on sports teams over the use of cricket balls. Pictured, Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry who is due to bowl using a leather ball at North Sydney oval on January 23. Ex mayor Jilly Gibson (pictured right) said residents are not in favour
In theory the proposal could have resulted in banning iconic Aussie clothing labels such as RM Williams boots, Akubra hats and even leather footy boots at official North Sydney events.
It could also have put unintended pressure on sports teams over the use of cricket balls and Australian Rules footballs - both of which still contain leather - on North Sydney sports fields in all grades.
Not to mention all the leather-bound books in the council's library.
What made the idea even more awkward was that it was debated from the comfort of leather chairs in the North Sydney Council chambers in a session before Christmas.
What made the idea even more awkward was that it was debated from the comfort of leather chairs in the North Sydney Council chambers (pictured above)
A ban on leather at the council's venues could technically mean people couldn't wear iconic Aussie brands such as RM Williams boots or Akubra hats
The only one of 10 councillors to vote against the plan was former North Sydney mayor Jilly Gibson.
Ms Gibson told 9News she had received strong feedback from ratepayers opposed to the plans, with 'residents saying it made us look like a comedy show'.
'I've had people saying, 'What has happened to your council, this is ludicrous, what planet are you all on?''
Initially Ms Lamb put a strongly-worded motion to the council that recommended it should 'take an official stance against the use of fur or leather in all formal events or events held on council property'.
Her amended plan, which was passed, said council needed to 'prepare a policy to address the use of fur or leather' at official events.
North Sydney council has been ridiculed over a planned ban on leather and fur on its properties - potentially including sporting balls, and iconic Aussie brands.
It also said fur and leather items could be framed and put on display with a note to say that council 'disapproves of the creation of any new items of leather or fur'.
She claimed the motion would protect the council from cancel culture because the council would be targeted over use of leather and fur later anyway.
Ms Gibson said Ms Lamb was an 'amazing addition' to the council when she joined as a 20-year-old university student in 2021 and had had plenty of good ideas.
But she said the leather and fur motion 'isn't one of them'.
She said councillors needed to be 'more careful' about what plans they end up considering.
English (United States) ·