Council approves night-time revolution

The revolution of Sydney’s night-time economy is set to take off after the City of Sydney Council unanimously approved the Open Sydney Strategy and Action Plan on Monday night.

Despite widespread support since the draft version of the strategy was released in June last year, the initiative attracted criticism at the meeting from several councillors over fears of decreased safety, clustering of venues and lack of consideration for the elderly.

Independent Councillor Angela Vithoulkas said it was crucial residents were consulted on changes, which include extending retail opening hours from 6 to 8pm, vastly improved transport and increasing the diversity of over 40-year-olds in the city after 11pm from 6 per cent to 40 per cent.

“The city’s over 55s are listed only once in this entire document. That really concerns me we don’t recognise such a big part of our community and how much they add to the diversity of our night-time economy,” she said.

“Transport taxi options for passenger pick up and set downs is of little or no cost to the city and we should address this ASAP. Extended hours for street parking is made mention in the action table from two hours to four hours. I hope we consult residents on this as well.”

Lord Mayor Clover Moore dismissed the concerns, listing a range of initiaitves designed to benefit over 55-year-olds under the Open Sydney strategy. She said there will be “restrictions on growth in late-night precincts and clearer complaint-making processes for residents”.

“I would like to point out that priority action is in the policy like doubling the night-time bus service trial … [and introducing] Australia’s first 24-hour library, improving Sydney’s drinking culture and making it more civilised,” Ms Moore said.

Developed by the City of Sydney’s Suzie Matthews, the plan hopes to double Sydney’s after-dark annual turnover from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2030. Ms Matthews conducted extensive research across the world in developing the document.

“Our senior demographic here no longer want to go to their senior activity centres and play some bingo, but they want to engage in the full breadth of night-life on offer,” Ms Matthews said.

“The number one target in Open Sydney is ensuring that 40 per cent of the over 40s engage in our night-time economy.”

Liberal councillors Christine Forster and Edward Mandla attempted to amend the document’s executive stragegy. However, their motion to lift the goal to ensure ‘An inviting and safe Sydney’ from goal number four to number one was denied.

“I’d like to see it higher up the list,” Ms Forster said. “I’d like to move an amendment that rather than a global Sydney, our first priority should be an inviting and safe Sydney. I do believe that is the overarching principle that needs to be applied to any night-time policy.”

Mr Mandla said “while it’s a great piece of work, not everyone is happy with it”.

“I’m sure councillors have received quite a lot of emails that we are actually encouraging more of a drinking culture,” he said.

Councillor Jenny Green refuted the claims, opining the plan was needed to help combat alcohol abuse.

“It really is important that there are other options and other night-time activities that occur so that the city continues to advocate the government for a response to the liquor issues,” she said.