East Sydney left in the dust

While Clover Moore’s council may be one of the most popular in Sydney, not everyone is happy.

East Sydney-siders feel their locality has been ignored since Ms Moore came into office in 2004.

Jane Anderson has been a resident of East Sydney for more than 20 years and is a committee member of East Sydney Neighbourhood Association (ESNA).

“I think the feeling amongst East Sydney residents is a feeling of deep disappointment of the performance of this council,” she said.

“When they were elected there was great hope, great optimism and belief that it was a council who would really listen to residents and help us improve our amenity … but that has not been the case.”

Current residential concerns include the illegal use of a home as a drop-in centre for sex workers, excessive liquor outlets and traffic congestion.

“We have a park that was earmarked for improvement in 2004 and the only thing that has changed is a big tree has been taken out,” she said.

“It seems to be a lot of plans, plans, plans, but no action in East Sydney.”

Another member of ESNA, Coral Hoggett, added to the inventory of overlooked problems in the locality: “excessive proliferation of late night venues, street prostitution, street dumping of garbage.”

“We think Council needs to be proactive again and prosecute offenders.”

In recent correspondence between East Sydney residents and council one resident wrote; “I must admit to a sardonic smile when Council asked for planning input from residents for ‘2030 In Your Village’.

“I feel we should send them a copy of our 2002 Strategic Plan for East Sydney and ask them to highlight any aspect of it that they have bothered to adopt and implement.

“So I ask myself, why bother? They will do what they want to do anyway.”

Residents argue other inner-city neighbourhoods have benefitted from more Council attention. Surry Hills, for example, has a new multi million-dollar community centre, library and several upgraded parks.

However, East Sydney residents do not resent their neighbours.

“It’s fantastic to see those initiatives and I certainly support all the new parks in Surry Hills “ Ms Anderson said.

“The Council has achieved a lot in the macro view; the sustainability initiatives and having a unit that is there to support homeless people.

“So it’s not universally bad news. It’s more about East Sydney not
receiving any attention or improvements at all.”

By Kate Horowitz