Showdown for Sydney

The future of Oxford St has risen to the forefront of the political agenda ahead of this Saturday’s much anticipated by-election for the state seat of Sydney.

Expected to be a three-way race between Independent candidate Alex Greenwich, Liberal candidate Shayne Mallard and Greens candidate Chris Harris, the contest formally marks the end of Clover Moore’s 24-year iron grip on what is arguably the most prominent electorate in the state.

At a candidates’ forum co-hosted on Monday night by the Alternative Media Group of Australia – publisher of this newspaper – the three main contenders put Oxford St front and centre stage of their bids to become Member for Sydney. Mr Greenwich, Mr Mallard and Mr Harris all proposed
to remove or reduce clearways on the famous retail and entertainment strip, if elected.

Outlining his vision for the street, Mr Greenwich proposed lowering the speed limit along the thoroughfare and reclaiming a lane of traffic.

“What I would like to see happen on Oxford St is the traffic slowed down to 40 kilometres per hour,” he told the forum at the Beauchamp Hotel in Darlinghurst.

“Currently we have a clearway from one Westfield to another Westfield. That’s not workable for small business owners on the street.

“We need to look seriously at a plan to reclaim a lane on Oxford St and use it for parking for shoppers, use it for dining, use it for greater space and more pedestrians,” said Mr Greenwich, who also advocated light rail along the street.

Mr Mallard went a step further, announcing that he had personally brought the NSW Minister for Roads to Oxford St, and arranged for a trial reduction in clearway hours.

“I [brought] the Minister for Roads, the Honorable Duncan Gray [to Oxford St] for a meeting last Friday to discuss traffic and the clearways, and the viability of the regional strip, which we all know is struggling to survive,” said Mr Mallard.

“I’m pleased to announce tonight that as soon as the signs can be changed, the clearways will be reduced by one hour to start in the afternoon.”

Mr Mallard said the 12-month trial meant the 3pm-7pm afternoon clearway would now run from 4pm to 7pm. He said he had also brought NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell to meet the Principal and staff at Paddington Public School and St Francis of Assisi Primary School, both on Oxford St, and arranged for the installation of flashing 40 kilometre per hour speed signs to enhance student safety.

Greens candidate Chris Harris also weighed into the state of Oxford St, calling for motorised vehicles to be removed from the iconic strip.

“We need to get the cars and buses off Oxford St; we need to get rid of the clearways,” he said.

Mr Harris said his experience as a City of Sydney Councillor proved he had the capacity to effect change for the community.