Political Profile: Clover Moore seeks double-decade

Holding the seat of Sydney since 1988, Clover substantially added to her portfolio when she became the first popularly elected Lord Mayor of Sydney in 2004. Opponents argue her State role and Lord Mayorship have her overworked, under-resourced and, unconvincingly, balancing conflicts of interest – an argument that doesn’t sit well with the Independent.

“I think I have served my constituents effectively and it’s possible I have been twice as effective,” argued Clover. “I have found no conflicts [of interest]. We are over-governed in Australia with our local, State and Federal systems. We only need two levels of government – central and local.”

Moore’s premier policy for the upcoming election is her 2030 vision for the city of Sydney which includes an integrated transport system featuring light rail in and around the CBD.

“People do not need to use their cars in and around the city,” said Clover. “Our research has shown that light rail is financially viable and environmentally sustainable.”

The integrated transport plan also includes a 10-year cycle strategy that will be adopted in the coming months, a city-wide pedestrian strategy and inter-village bus routes such as the RedfernWaterloo-Glebe service which was recently launched.

“Sustainability is the key strategy on my agenda in terms of both the environment and socially,” said Clover.

In response to the Minister for Planning Frank Sartor’s increasing grab of planning powers, Clover reiterated her opposition to the controversial Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, and amendments to the act that passed through parliament in November last year.

“I oppose the draconian changes to the planning laws,” argued Clover. “There needs to be a greater level of community involvement in the planning process evidenced by some very poor planning decisions by the State Government.”

On the likelihood of her taking out her sixth successive victory at the ballot, Clover is cautious of the tenuousness of politics.

“There is a very high turnover in the inner city,” she pointed out, with approximately 50% of people in the inner city having changed addresses since 2003 and the boundaries of her electorate having adjusted to include Pyrmont and Ultimo.

“Every election is different. I will be taking a measured approach, setting out my planned activities and asking people for their support.”

Coming up to 20 years in the brutal and sometimes taxing world of politics, Moore appears to be fresh in spirit and still holding on to her vision of Sydney’s future. “We have over 200 nationalities represented in this city and all are included in this city’s fabric,” said Clover. “We want Sydney to be tolerant, diverse, and inclusive with a top priority of conservation of the city’s water and energy usage.”

Moore lists London and Melbourne as her stand-out cities when asked about a model she works from, but is quick to quell any potential Sydney-Melbourne stoushing. “I think both Sydney and Melbourne have a lot to learn from each other,” Clover concludes in her learned diplomatic fashion.

Source: South Sydney Herald March 2007