The City of Sydney Council election, set to take place in 2024, promises to be a highly contested event with several candidates and parties vying for control of one of Australia’s most prominent local governments. The race is centered around key issues such as affordable housing, environmental sustainability, public transport, and city infrastructure. Long-time incumbent Lord Mayor Clover Moore is seeking re-election, facing strong competition from both established parties and independent groups.
Overview of the Current Council
In the previous election held in 2021, Clover Moore’s Independent Team, often referred to as Team Clover, dominated the Sydney City Council, securing five out of ten seats. Moore herself won the directly elected mayoral position, making her one of Sydney’s longest-serving leaders. Other significant players included the Liberal Party, Labor Party, and the Greens, with each party securing one or two seats. Independent councilor Yvonne Weldon also won a seat, representing the Unite for Sydney (UFS) party.
Moore’s focus during her tenure has largely been on sustainability, public spaces, and urban development, which has garnered both support and opposition. Some critics have raised concerns over the city’s infrastructure and urban planning, while others have praised her leadership in transforming Sydney into a more environmentally friendly and vibrant city.
Key Candidates in 2024
1. Clover Moore (Independent)
Clover Moore is seeking a record sixth term as Lord Mayor of Sydney. A key figure in Sydney politics, Moore has championed progressive policies such as expanding public transport, increasing green spaces, and reducing carbon emissions. Under her leadership, the city has seen a transformation in urban sustainability, making Sydney one of the most environmentally conscious cities in Australia.
However, Moore’s long tenure has also drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly from those who feel that her focus on bike lanes, public spaces, and green infrastructure has come at the expense of other pressing issues like affordable housing and public safety. Her challengers have accused her administration of neglecting business concerns and community safety.
2. Liberal Party
The Liberal Party, which currently holds two seats on the council, is fielding a number of candidates. The party has typically emphasized fiscal conservatism, infrastructure development, and support for businesses. In the 2024 election, their platform is likely to focus on creating a more business-friendly environment in Sydney, improving public safety, and reducing what they see as excessive spending on non-essential projects under Moore’s leadership.
3. Labor Party
The Labor Party has traditionally played a smaller but significant role in Sydney’s council. Holding one seat on the current council, Labor is pushing for policies that address the city’s affordable housing crisis and public transport issues. They aim to win over voters who are concerned about rising costs of living, increasing rents, and a lack of affordable housing for young professionals and families.
4. The Greens
The Greens have long advocated for environmental sustainability, a position that has found resonance with Sydney’s progressive electorate. The party holds one seat on the current council and plans to challenge Clover Moore on environmental issues. While Moore’s administration has been progressive in its approach, the Greens argue that more needs to be done, particularly in terms of addressing climate change, reducing emissions, and promoting biodiversity in urban areas.
5. Yvonne Weldon Independents
Yvonne Weldon, who was elected in 2021 as part of the Unite for Sydney (UFS) ticket, has formed her own independent party, the “Yvonne Weldon Independents,” for the 2024 election. Weldon, a Wiradjuri woman and prominent Indigenous leader, has focused her campaign on community consultation, inclusivity, and addressing social inequality within the city. Her campaign promises to build a city that listens to its diverse communities and invests in more equitable public services.
6. We Love Sydney Independents
Another notable independent group is the We Love Sydney Independents, led by Sam Danieli. This group has emerged as a direct challenger to Clover Moore’s administration, offering a three-point plan focused on making Sydney safer and cleaner, improving public transport and access, and ensuring affordable housing. The We Love Sydney Independents have gained attention for their proposals to introduce free tram services, create more public spaces, and lower the cost of living in the city.
7. Libertarian Party
The Libertarian Party, a new entrant in Sydney politics, is fielding Sean Masters as its candidate. The party advocates for minimal government intervention, lower taxes, and a reduction in council spending on what they consider non-essential services. They aim to attract voters who believe the current administration has overstepped its role in managing the city’s development.
Key Issues in the 2024 Election
1. Affordable Housing
One of the most pressing issues in Sydney is the rising cost of housing. Many candidates, including those from the Labor Party, the Greens, and independent groups, are campaigning on platforms that promise to increase the supply of affordable housing, particularly near transport hubs. The We Love Sydney Independents have proposed freezing council rates to alleviate financial pressures on residents and businesses, while others are calling for more government intervention to control rent increases.
2. Public Safety and Cleanliness
Several candidates have made public safety and city cleanliness central to their campaigns. The We Love Sydney Independents have proposed increasing the number of security officers and reducing parking enforcement in favor of improving infrastructure and city safety. Clover Moore’s administration, while focused on sustainability, has been criticized by some for not doing enough to address these concerns.
3. Transport and Infrastructure
Transport remains a key issue, particularly in a city as large and densely populated as Sydney. The Liberal Party and independent groups have criticized the current administration’s emphasis on bike lanes, arguing that it has come at the expense of other necessary transport infrastructure. Proposals to introduce free tram services, improve public transportation options, and create more accessible public spaces are central to the campaigns of several candidates.
4. Sustainability and Environment
As Sydney continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, environmental sustainability is a key issue in the 2024 election. Clover Moore’s administration has been at the forefront of promoting green initiatives, including increasing the city’s green spaces, reducing carbon emissions, and expanding the city’s bike network. The Greens, however, argue that more aggressive action is needed to combat climate change and promote biodiversity in Sydney’s urban areas.
5. Business and Economic Development
Sydney’s role as a global business hub has made economic development a critical issue for many candidates. The Liberal Party, in particular, has focused on creating a more business-friendly environment, while other candidates have highlighted the need to support local businesses through more practical measures, such as lowering parking costs and improving public transport. The We Love Sydney Independents have also promised to freeze council rates to help both residents and businesses cope with rising costs.
Conclusion
The 2024 City of Sydney Council election is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with a mix of established political parties and new independent challengers. As Sydney continues to grow and evolve, the next council will play a critical role in shaping the city’s future, particularly in areas such as housing affordability, sustainability, transport, and public safety. Voters will have to weigh the vision of long-time incumbent Clover Moore against the fresh perspectives offered by her challengers, as they decide the future direction of their city.