2016 NSW council elections: Clover Moore tipped to outlast challenges for lord mayor role

UPDATE: Clover Moore has taken to the streets to talk to volunteers and voters, as she closes in on a record fourth four-year term. But Mike Baird and the Liberals could cop a fierce voter backlash in the west as 78 NSW councils go to the polls today.

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SYDNEY is set for more Clover as the city’s Lord Mayor closes in on a record fourth four-year term.

But Mike Baird and the Liberals could cop a whacking in the west as 78 NSW councils go to the polls today amid lingering resentment about the greyhound ban, amalgamations, hospital scandals and dodgy donations revealed at ICAC.

Clover Moore, 71 next month, is expected to retain the lord mayor’s robes despite a challenge from chief rival, Liberal candidate Christine Forster, who is vowing to halt fresh cyclepath building in the CBD, slash red tape and wind back Ms Moore’s wacky art projects.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore in Surry Hills this morning. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Any excuse for a selfie. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Lord Mayor Clover Moore on election day. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“We’ve put forward a sensible, deliverable plan to get Sydney firing on all cylinders again — and voters are responding to that. It’s time for change,” said Ms Forster, who like Ms Moore is urging the state government to relax the CBD’s lockout laws.

While not certain, victory for Ms Moore, who recently surpassed Frank Sartor as the city’s longest-serving mayor, would extend her time in the top job to a whopping 16 years by the next poll, in 2020.

Liberal mayoral candidate Christine Forster is challenging Clover Moore. Picture: Richard Dobson

About 117,000 city residents and just under 23,000 businesses are enrolled to vote today. New laws have increased the business vote dramatically but experts suggest this is unlikely to strongly favour any one candidate.

“I hope the people who live and run businesses in the city decide to vote for courageous, corruption-free and effective governance — and for leadership that’s committed to a strong sustainable economy, a thriving night life and building great facilities and infrastructure,” Ms Moore said yesterday.

Clover Moore has been Sydney Lord Mayor for 12 years. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

She met up with her volunteers and supporters this morning. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

While she has faced criticism for her extensive bike-path building and spending on pet projects, such as the $2.5 million plastic “milk crate” sculpture planned for Belmore Park, Ms Moore is likely to retain support from left-leaning inner-city voters.

@vjwsydney @AlexGreenwich Sausage sizzles: A truly quintessential part of all Aussie elections!

— Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) September 10, 2016

She has the city’s finances in good shape but there have been splurges on odd projects, including $80,000 on a water bar that served rain water and lasted nine days, and $10,000 funding a hippie fringe group’s play that blamed Christmas for global warming.

Her independent party faces an uphill battle retaining the five seats it won in Town Hall in 2012 — and may have to rely on other parties to get policies through City of Sydney council.

I love Clover shirts were popular this morning. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Lord Mayor Clover Moore is looking for a record fourth four-year term. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Labor, led by Linda Scott, and the independent Sydney Matters team led by Angela Vtihoulkas are hoping to win at least two seats at Town Hall.

The Greens are hoping for at least one. Bookmaker Sportsbet cut Ms Moore’s odds of winning another term as Lord Mayor to $1.27 yesterday.

The picture is not so certain for Liberal council candidates in parts of suburban Sydney, with voters tipped to show their anger at Mike Baird’s greyhound ban, the party’s involvement in dodgy donations and council mergers.

There has also been anger at the gassing of two babies at Bankstown Hospital.

Penrith, Blacktown, Wollondilly, Camden, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains and Sutherland all go to the polls today, along with dozens of councils in rural and regional parts of NSW.