Clover Moore has announced she’ll seek a record sixth term next year as Lord Mayor of Sydney.
On Tuesday, Moore promised voters a continued focus on climate change, affordable homes, upgraded city precincts and green space if re-elected.
The 78-year-old is already Sydney’s longest-serving Lord Mayor. She was first elected to the position in 2004 following then-premier Bob Carr’s uniting of Sydney and South Sydney councils.
Moore leads a team of progressive independents and many people have speculated on her retirement after nearly a quarter of a century in office. Last August, however, Moore told SMH that she was concerned the council would end up being controlled by Labor or the Liberals in her absence.
“I fear our policies and projects would be put at risk if Town Hall falls into the hands of the major parties, or people who don’t share our values, experience or commitment,” she said on Tuesday.
“Independent teams that I have led have provided progressive, corruption-free governance since 2004 and can be trusted to continue this work.”
If elected for a sixth-term, Moore would lead for another four years, and said that while some might criticise her for wanting to continue in the role, she hopes that her “experience and capability are recognised as strengths”.
Listing her successes, Moore points to making the CBD’s George Street more pedestrian-friendly, “award-winning parks and community facilities” and noted the work her Independent team did to steer the community through the impacts of the pandemic.
Looking forward, Moore says she wants “to transform Chinatown, Oxford Street, Broadway and complete George Street and deliver inspirational new affordable housing, transport and cultural projects.”
She especially wants to see the completion of the Oxford Street development if re-elected, as three blocks of Darlinghurst’s strip have been under construction for years to restore federation buildings.
The buildings were leased by the city to investment firm AsheMorgan, which plans to convert them into retail, food and drink venues, a creative space and a boutique hotel.
This years-long project is a point of contention in Moore’s legacy as critics say the construction delay has hurt businesses and properties in the area. Labor councillor Linda Scott has noted also that Sydney’s “parks remain closed after months of deadly asbestos contamination”.
Speaking to ABC Radio Sydney on Tuesday, Moore said: .”We still have very exciting work to do, so that’s why I’m putting my name forward again.”
“I’m very proud of the work we’ve done and I’m very excited about continuing it and taking it to another level.”