Latest news with #CloverMoore
Sydney Morning Herald
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
The transport minister made a safety promise. Four days later, it was torn apart
Transport bureaucrats circulated secret plans to slash improved safety measures at a major Sydney intersection four days after the then-minister gave public assurances that no such cuts would be made, casting aside expansive upgrades promised as a condition of WestConnex four years ago. An internal presentation shared on November 14 laid bare plans to remove or weaken at least 14 of the 33 featured upgrades for Sydney Park Junction, at the intersection of St Peters, Erskineville and Alexandria, despite then-transport minister Jo Haylen's office confirming on November 10 that the upgrades would go ahead as promised in 2021 after Transport for NSW's first attempt to slash upgrades in August. The new tranche of documents, obtained by the Herald, reveal the latest proposed cuts to Sydney Park Junction, including the removal of a pedestrian and bicycle crossing once touted as a centrepiece of the upgrades. This would represent another broken promise for an inner-city community seeking safer active transport links. An extended cycleway and new bus shelter are among the other upgrades on the chopping block, while plans for widened footpaths and raised pedestrian crossings have also been toppled as a proposal for increased car parking on Sydney Park Road is preferred. Transport for NSW would not provide further project details when asked by the Herald, saying that investigations and designs for the junction, including active transport links promised in 2021, were not finalised and were subject to further consultation. 'Transport will work with the community and council to deliver outcomes that align with community expectations, and for the safety of all road users,' a spokesperson said. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who has played a key role in the installation of inner-city active transport links, said the state government 'can't turn its back' on the upgrades, originally due for completion in mid-2024. 'I share the community's real concerns about a significant reduction in scope in the most recent plans that Transport for NSW released and ongoing delays to the Sydney Park Junction project,' Moore said.
The Age
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Age
The transport minister made a safety promise. Four days later, it was torn apart
Transport bureaucrats circulated secret plans to slash improved safety measures at a major Sydney intersection four days after the then-minister gave public assurances that no such cuts would be made, casting aside expansive upgrades promised as a condition of WestConnex four years ago. An internal presentation shared on November 14 laid bare plans to remove or weaken at least 14 of the 33 featured upgrades for Sydney Park Junction, at the intersection of St Peters, Erskineville and Alexandria, despite then-transport minister Jo Haylen's office confirming on November 10 that the upgrades would go ahead as promised in 2021 after Transport for NSW's first attempt to slash upgrades in August. The new tranche of documents, obtained by the Herald, reveal the latest proposed cuts to Sydney Park Junction, including the removal of a pedestrian and bicycle crossing once touted as a centrepiece of the upgrades. This would represent another broken promise for an inner-city community seeking safer active transport links. An extended cycleway and new bus shelter are among the other upgrades on the chopping block, while plans for widened footpaths and raised pedestrian crossings have also been toppled as a proposal for increased car parking on Sydney Park Road is preferred. Transport for NSW would not provide further project details when asked by the Herald, saying that investigations and designs for the junction, including active transport links promised in 2021, were not finalised and were subject to further consultation. 'Transport will work with the community and council to deliver outcomes that align with community expectations, and for the safety of all road users,' a spokesperson said. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who has played a key role in the installation of inner-city active transport links, said the state government 'can't turn its back' on the upgrades, originally due for completion in mid-2024. 'I share the community's real concerns about a significant reduction in scope in the most recent plans that Transport for NSW released and ongoing delays to the Sydney Park Junction project,' Moore said.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Sydney footpath feud erupts: Mayor's brutal ultimatum for restaurateur who told council 'henchmen' to get stuffed
A Lord Mayor has lashed out at the 'torrent of abuse' council workers received from a business owner when they interrupted dinner service. Two officers for the City of Sydney visited busy Potts Point eatery Lady Chu on Friday evening to tell the owner to move her potted palm trees immediately. An explosive argument ensued, caught on video by a staff member, in which restaurateur Nahji Chu said she would rather 'go to jail' than follow with their orders. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore took to social media on Wednesday to unleash on Ms Chu for her treatment of the staff. 'We have repeatedly asked Lady Chu to remove some of the unapproved planters or the umbrellas to ensure there is enough space for pedestrians,' she said. 'It's not a private courtyard, it's a public footpath – people should not be forced onto the road, especially people in a wheelchair or with a pram.' Ms Moore said council received a complaint on Friday and visited Lady Chu to advise which items were an 'issue' and 'respectfully ask' for them to be removed as soon as possible. 'Unfortunately they then received a torrent of abuse that was then published on social media.' During the showdown, Ms Chu told one officer: 'This is 'f***ed up, this whole city is f***ed up.' 'I'm not a f***ing naughty school kid, so don't speak to me like that. 'I'm paying f***ing taxes and I'm paying your wages, so f*** off. I'm trying to activate this f***ing dead city, so don't shut it down.' She told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday: 'They wouldn't leave, that's why I went nuts. 'Drop a bomb at 7pm then expect me to remain calm? 'There is no fun in this city, you can't do anything or you face a fine. 'No one even leaves their house any more - they just work to make money and go and spend it overseas where they can get culture and have a good time.' The upset was over the footpath area which has been used as an outdoor option for Ms Chu's customers from Wednesday to Sunday until 9.30pm. The Lord Mayor said the council had approved two applications from Ms Chu to expand the outdoor space since March. This provided seating for roughly 70 patrons but also suitable room for pedestrians to walk through, Ms Moore said. 'But we have received ongoing complaints about additional furniture, umbrellas and large planters obstructing the footpath. 'Our planning staff have met with Lady Chu multiple times. Roslyn St is narrow, and it's not possible to maintain Federal Discrimination Act accessibility standards as well as all its dining tables, planters and umbrellas. 'I commend our officers for remaining calm and professional. 'We all want to see our city buzzing. That's why we offer this space and work with businesses to enjoy it. But we must also maintain sufficient space for others.' In the video, Ms Chu pans to the walkway between her restaurant and tables asking: 'What's the f***ing problem here, you can get through, what seems to be the problem officer? 'Beautiful trees? Beautiful umbrellas? Three people can get through? 'Right now give me the f***ing fine and I will see you in court with my lawyer.'
News.com.au
14-05-2025
- Climate
- News.com.au
‘Fun police': City of Sydney blames ‘climate change' for a ban on large events in public parks
A ban on large events in public parks in central Sydney has been extended indefinitely due to 'climate change' and in an effort to protect grass from damage. City of Sydney councillors voted on Monday to prevent music festivals, food markets and other major festivities from being approved, reaffirming a ban introduced in 2022. The measure has been slammed by event producers and business leaders as 'ridiculous' and the council, including its Lord Mayor Clover Moore, dubbed the 'fun police'. Council has blamed 'climate change' for 'accelerating severe weather events … [leading to] increased rainfall in the lead-up to and during outdoor commercial events'. The apparently more frequent wet weather would result in 'significant damage to large sections of the parks' in Sydney, it added. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns today described the climate change excuse as 'a massive stitch-up'. 'I think they should be fair dinkum about it,' Mr Minns said. 'If they don't want to have community festivals, just come out and say it.' The premier, whose first term has focused heavily on revitalising Sydney and supporting the night-time economy, criticised the ban, saying it reflected poorly on Sydney's status as a world city. 'We need to be sensible here,' Mr Minns said. 'We want to get vibrancy back into Sydney. We're a big, international city and we should be able to host big events in the CBD.' Moore has made 'a big mistake' Sydney's mayor has been a long-time advocate for creating new green spaces within the council area – and it's a move the State Government has supported in recent years. Mr Minns said that support has even seen him cop flack, particularly his backing of a plan to acquire half of Moore Park Golf Course and turn it into a park. 'By any objective measure, my government has made big efforts – major strides – to open up more open space in the CBD,' he said. 'We're not going to continue with those kinds of changes if, in the end, they're going to be locked up and sealed, and people will be stopped from accessing open space. That's exactly why we want more parks, so we can have more community festivals – not less.' The premier accused Ms Moore of ignoring the millions of people who live in communities surrounding Sydney's CBD and the countless others who visit each as tourists. 'Sydney is not just for the resident that live in Sydney. If you're going to be the mayor of that community, you have to think about the millions of [others]. It's a big responsibility. 'It can't just be for the few people who live around those parks.' Ms Moore had made 'a big mistake' in continuing the ban and refusing to budge on pleas to reconsider, he added. Mr Minns also bristled at revelations City of Sydney authorities were telling event organisers to go to State Government-controlled venues instead, like The Domain. 'That's not fair to us,' he said. 'It means you've got a larger number of people competing for a smaller area when we should be able to utilise other open parks in the CBD closer to the middle of downtown. I don't think this is reasonable. The decision needs to be reversed.' A city 'struggling with fun' Sydney has a notorious reputation for being anti-fun, with the city battling to boost its vibrancy credentials in recent years in the wake of nanny state rules and regulations, like the crippling nightclub lockout laws. The long-term impacts of the Covid pandemic, followed by cost-of-living pressures, have only made things worse, Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said. 'Banning or restricting events in our city's parks and public spaces is having significant implications for Sydney's cultural and economic landscape,' Mr Nicolaou said. 'Event organisers and industry advocates argue that such limitations stifle creativity and reduce opportunities for community engagement and economic activity that is desperately needed in our city.' The ban had created uncertainty in the events industry, he added, which underscored the need for a 'balanced approach' accommodating both vibrant cultural activities for the interests of locals. Mick Gibb, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, was scathing of Ms Moore's stance. 'The NSW Government has put the pedal to the metal revitalising the 24-hour economy, but sadly someone is trying to reach over and pull up the handbrake,' Mr Gibb said. 'If there's one thing Sydney is internationally renowned for it's the stunning outdoor environment. It's an own goal if we don't leverage that asset to create a vibrant 24-hour economy that creates jobs, opportunities and fun in our city.' Mr Minns agreed and urged Ms Moore to reverse the ban. 'Open spaces, night markets, noodle markets, places for the community to come together are exactly what big cities should be doing.' City of Sydney's ban was panned on Channel 9's Today show this morning, with correspondent Lara Vella saying there are many things the Harbour City does well. 'When it comes to fun and vibrancy, particularly outside of the summer months and after dark, that's something Sydney very much struggles with,' Vella said. 'This decision by the City of Sydney Council really isn't helping this.' Today host Karl Stefanovic labelled it ridiculous and declared: 'The people will rebel.' The original ban, introduced by Ms Moore, came about after the Night Noodle Market event in 2022 left swathes of Prince Alfred Park a muddy mess. Councillor Olly Arkins pushed for the ban to be lifted at Victoria Park to 'give people a reason to stay out [and] celebrate their neighbourhood'. 'I believe that if we want a vibrant, creative Sydney, we have to actually make space for it,' Cr Arkins said while moving a motion at Monday's meeting. 'This isn't about turning every patch of green space into a festival ground. But we should be able to say yes to some events. Right now, when someone wants to do an event in our city parks, staff are forced to say no.' Locals were missing out on opportunities to 'connect with others through music and creativity', Cr Arkins added. 'We talk a lot about a vibrant 24-hour city, but this is what it actually looks like in practice.' Despite the ban, there are a handful of exemptions, including for the annual Mardi Gras Fair Day and Indigenous cultural festival Yabun, held each year on what organisers dub 'Invasion Day'. Acclaimed chef Luke Mangan has been trying to establish a new Sydney Food Festival and told The Daily Telegraph the park ban was 'ludicrous'. 'A policy should be made so that people who want to revitalise the city can use council for their event, with the responsibility that they must leave it how they found it,' Mr Mangan told the newspaper. Council holds firm on ban The decision to extend the ban was in recognition of 'difficulties of hosting events in parks due to weather conditions, turf recovery and the closure of areas of parks due to the remediation', a City of Sydney spokesperson said. 'Council has requested staff consider the feasibility of using laneways and vacant building lots for live music and cultural events. 'Council currently facilitates and approves more than 200 events annually on its civic spaces and roadways, ranging from commemorations, charity events and community activations to commercial promotions, world running marathons and major festivals. 'We're continuing to review potential options that help balance activating the city and ensuring parks can be enjoyed year-round by the entire community. 'We need to get the balance right to ensure people have access to parks as well as the opportunity to experience outdoor shows and festivals.' Larger events are better-placed at State Government-controlled venues, the spokesperson added, citing The Domain and Centennial Park. 'These spaces also include hard surfaces for staging and access, which cause less turf disruption with vehicles bumping in and out.' Ms Moore would write to the State Government to urge those large spaces to be more available, the spokesperson added. 'If these spaces were more affordable, there would be more options for live music offerings without events and artists being liable for the cost of returfing or [for] limiting residential access to their local park.' Cr Arkins pointed out that those State Government-owned sites were built for scale. 'They're great for major concerts, but they're not always accessible, or even appropriate, for smaller, community-driven events. That's where I believe the city should be stepping up.' Council's mega parks spend While it might be anti-event when it comes to parks, City of Sydney Council is pouring millions of dollars a year into maintaining green spaces across its jurisdiction. In the next financial year, it will spend $68 million on public infrastructure, including parks. Also allocated in the council's budget is $11.4 million to add 6300 square metres of space to Gunyama Park, including a First Nations learning circle, playground, skate park and picnic seating. Over the next decade, it will invest a whopping $2.7 billion in increasing open space and investing in community infrastructure and urban transformation. It includes the development of Town Hall Square, a new civic plaza in the heart of the CBD, requiring the demolition of a number of ageing commercial buildings, which would force the closure of a popular Woolworths supermarket. 'Over the long term, we'll continue to work closely with residents, businesses and government partners on shaping a city that thrives,' Ms Moore said of the budget plan.
Sky News AU
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Chris Minns wants council to overturn event ban on green spaces
Climate change and damage to public parks are being used as reasons to block proposals for events in Sydney. The City of Sydney is concerned about damage to grass areas. Councillors voted on Monday night to reaffirm the ban which has been in place since 2022. It was introduced after the popular Night Noodle Markets left the lawn of Prince Alfred Park damaged. Premier Chris Minns is challenging Lord Mayor Clover Moore to overturn the ban to bring 'vibrancy' back to the city.
