Clover rejects de facto wards claims

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has rejected claims that she is instituting a de facto wards system by assigning members of the Clover Moore Independent Team to look after different parts of the City of Sydney Council area.

The Lord Mayor says there is no discrepancy between her stated opposition to wards, and asking councillors to oversee specific parts of the City.

Her assertion comes after City of Sydney Councillor Angela Vithoulkas questioned why members of Ms Moore’s team were writing to residents, advising them they were the point of contact should they have any issues in their area.

In several letters seen by City News, Councillor John Mant told residents of Surry Hills, Redfern and Alexandria that “the Lord Mayor has requested I take particular interest in your area”, and advised them he was their “point of contact” should they need assistance.

Ms Vithoulkas said: “We don’t have a ward system in the City of Sydney, and all councillors should be across the issues of the whole city.

“The Lord Mayor herself is against a ward system, as she should be, so why is she dividing the City up into different areas like a ward system?”

But Ms Moore reaffirmed her opposition to wards when asked about the issue.

“City of Sydney residents and ratepayers rejected dividing the City of Sydney into wards at a referendum held in conjunction with the 2008 Council elections,” said Ms Moore.

“Given this result, it is clear the community does not support a ward system.

“All councillors are encouraged and expected to represent the whole City of Sydney community.”

Mr Mant also rejected a ward system, saying it could lead to situations where some parts of the City received preferential treatment over others.

He said it was natural, however, for councillors to take interests in specific parts of the city, based on their interests, where they live, and their areas of expertise.

“I happen to live in Surry Hills so I have a detailed knowledge of the area,” he said.

“I also have a level of expertise in urban planning … so it’s only natural that I take an interest in places like Redfern and Green Square where significant urban development is occurring.”