Decision details

Motion moved by Councillor Chung, seconded by Councillor Forster –

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)          the past year has been a challenging time for businesses in the City of Sydney and as the City is starting to reopen, many are trying to remain afloat;

(ii)         the NSW Government has rolled out the 'Dine and Discover' program to encourage the community to get out and about and support dining, arts and tourism businesses;

(iii)        local business chambers have been working hard to create events and incentives to encourage visitors back to the City;

(iv)       the City of Sydney changed its planning controls to allow trading past 10pm in late night trading areas to encourage a diverse range of shops and businesses to stay open longer;

(v)         businesses have reported that the City remains quiet on weekends despite these incentives; and

(vi)       the NSW Treasurer recently proposed free public transport on Mondays and Fridays as an incentive for people to visit the City. The Lord Mayor has voiced her support for this initiative;

(B)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to turn off parking meters on weekends along City of Sydney retail and high streets to support small businesses as they participate in these events and programs to encourage people back to the City.

The motion was lost on the following show of hands –

Ayes (4)          Councillors Chung, Forster, Phelps and Vithoulkas

Noes (6)          The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Kok, Miller, Scott, Scully, and Thalis.

Motion lost.

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