Number two candidates clash over Sustainable Sydney

While Lord Mayoral election candidates continue to pine for the limelight, a host of number two candidates are waiting in the wings to be elected on the City of Sydney Council.

With only three sitting councillors restanding for election, conjecture remains over the new formation of Council. Deputy Lord Mayor, Robert Kok is highly likely to retain his post, alongside his ally Ms Moore and Greens Councillor Irene Doutney.

Despite making himself scarce to the media in the prelude to Saturday’s ballot, Mr Kok said his agenda will focus on transport, business and the environmental aspects of Sustainable Sydney 2030.

“We will reduce the amount of fresh, clean drinking water which currently goes to waste and we’ll ensure that recycling and reuse are as high as possible,” he said. “Our plan to install trigeneration and renewable energy sources will slash pollution.”

Christine Forster, the number two Liberal candidate disagreed with Mr Kok’s policy and wants to instead “cut the $440 million trigeneration project [and] refocus efforts on completing grassroots community projects.”

Ms Forster proposes late night buses from Kings Cross on weekends and a 10 per cent rate cut for local businesses.

“If elected I want to focus on making Sydney’s streets safer, providing more support to local businesses and getting important community projects back on track and completed,” Ms Forster said.

Living Sydney’s number two Margaret Harvie emphasised the need for improved planning in the electorate.

“For a long time there has been a need for better planning around the amenity issues for residents in this community,” Ms Harvie said. “One important initiative will be the strict monitoring by Council compliance officers of the Plans of Management for the venues.”

Greens number two De Brierley Newton called for greater community consultation and for the promotion of the Sustainable Streets project. It includes the installation of lighter pavements and rain gardens, as well as growth of a tree canopy.

“These initiatives will help reduce the daytime summer temperatures in the city by up to six degrees, save on energy, reduce the need for air conditioning and provide fresh healthy food for the community,” Ms Brierley Newton said. “All in close consultation with the local residents of course.”

Alternatively the environment, culture and recreation dominate the agenda of number two Labor candidate, Damian Spruce.

“One of my own priorities will be fighting for the city’s live music venues, and making the Council recognise the great value to the life of the city of spaces for local performers and bands,” Mr Spruce said. “And we’ll be finding ways to deliver important environmental and IT infrastructure initiatives like undergrounding telegraph cables to create a green canopy for Sydney streets.”