Clover Moore seeks another term as mayor, but critics say her time is up

A growing chorus of voices is calling for Clover Moore to hang up her red stilettos, but the Lord Mayor is looking to add another 4 years to her 20-year tenure.

She’s been in public office for more than five decades — and reigned over Sydney as Lord Mayor for a record-breaking 20 years — but the “time’s up” factor may yet force Clover Moore from Town Hall, if her opponents have their say.

The controversial politician — known for her green socialist policies and art flops like the multi million dollar “Cloud Arch” and “Milk Crate”, along with bike lanes and anti-car proposals — is seeking another four-year term in office.

But a growing chorus of voices is calling for her to hang up her red stilettos.

Her critics include beleaguered Oxford Street retailers and pubs, who reckon the city has become the laughing stock of the world and say plans for a bike lane will create a “Berlin Wall” dividing Paddington, to fellow councillors who highlight blunders, and those who simply believe her stranglehold on the job is unhealthy.

Former Liberal councillor Christine Forster says Ms Moore has had absolute power over the City of Sydney Council for 20 years. “There’s no governance model in the world under which that would be considered a good thing,” Ms Forster said.

Clover Moore has been Lord Mayor for 20 years

Despite her impressive longevity, Ms Moore’s legacy will be mixed, with many pointing to an ongoing decline in the city.

DA wait times have grown to 115 days, compared to 85 days in 2021/22. International and domestic overnight visitor stays in the city are now at 81 per cent of numbers before the pandemic.

Foot traffic in the CBD is down: Elizabeth Street between King and Market has 10,116 pedestrians per weekday now, compared to 25,410 in 2016.

Labor councillor Linda Scott, who is in the mayoral race for September’s elections, says City of Sydney residents face a “slow and steady” decline if Ms Moore is re-elected.

She points to the city parks that remain closed after asbestos contamination in February, and says “Oxford Street is boarded after years of construction delay in city-owned properties”.

Paddington Fine Wines owner Stephen Harris says there’s not a resident he speaks to who feels the city has improved under Ms Moore’s tenure.

“The city’s night-time economy has been smashed and we are the laughing stock of not only the nation, but the world,” he said.

“Waste removal and processing has gone backwards, commute times have blown out, road conditions are the worst we have seen, countless businesses have been negatively impacted by the ridiculous light rail development and now the dangerous cycleway.”

Foot traffic on Oxford Street, between Verona St and Greens Rd was 4710 in March, compared with 9030 in 2013.

Liberal Councillor Lyndon Gannon says Sydney has “lost its vibrancy” over the past 20 years. “Oxford Street is dead,” he said.

Ken Holmes, from Aussie Boys shop on Oxford St, has been leasing from City of Sydney for 27 years. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Beacham Hotel co-owner Sue Ritchie gives Ms Moore credit for her climate change work, but is appalled at the “complete and utter destruction” of Oxford St as a cultural area, and the proposed bike lane.

“The strip has been decimated, we’ve lost two cinemas, including the Verona.”

Councillor Yvonne Weldon said “under Clover’s leadership, the council spends considerable effort on self-promotion and legacy protection”.

Oxford Street Aussie Boys shop owner Ken Holmes sold just $29.90 worth of underwear on Tuesday and nothing the day before.

“There’s nobody walking up the street,” he said. “I’ve been leasing off the City of Sydney for 27 years and they have not done one improvement to the property.”

Beacham Hotel owner Sue Ritchie says bike lanes are ruining business. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Ms Moore said she has led a stable and corruption-free city — keeping rates low, transforming it into a “thriving” CBD and villages, with award-winning parks and community facilities, and budget surpluses.

“There may be some who will criticise me for wanting to continue in this role, but I am proud of what our worthwhile work has accomplished, and I am excited about what we can do over the next four years,” she said.

“I hope that my experience and capability are recognised as strengths.”

She said Oxford Street had faced challenges by having massive Westfield shopping centres at either end, but the city was keen to revitalise it.

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]