‘A real head scratcher': NSW Arts Minister slams Sydney City parks event ban following controversial council decision
The New South Wales Arts Minister has labelled a reaffirmed event ban slapped on Sydney City parks a 'real head-scratcher' following the Lord Mayor Clover Moore-led council's decision to prioritise grass over festivities.
The extraordinary ban on events in the city's parks was introduced by the Lord Mayor in 2022 after grass was damaged at venues including Prince Alfred Park in the aftermath of events such as the Night Noodle Markets.
A proposal to reverse the policy was struck down at a Sydney City council meeting on Monday.
Speaking with Sky News Host Laura Jayne on Thursday, NSW Arts Minister John Graham admitted he was baffled by the decision.
Mr Graham said the state government has been working closely with the council on the idea of making Sydney a '24-hour city'.
'It's the first time in a couple of generations that the state and the city have been aligned. We want Sydney to be a 24-hour city, and that's great news, the state and the city working hand in hand to make that happen,' said the minister.
'That's why it's a real head-scratcher to see this answer, a blanket ban on parks, at the same time as we're trying to encourage music and entertainment back around the clock in Sydney.'
Asked about whether the NSW government could overrule the council's controversial ban, Mr Graham said 'this will be a discussion'.
'But it will be a public discussion because we want a better answer here,' the Minister said.
'These are council parks, but the idea that we can't use any of them for these sorts of big events, these big chances for the community to come together, is one we'd like to be reconsidered.'
The notices of motion from Monday's meeting noted that climate change "is accelerating severe weather events," and that in recent years, increased rainfall prior to and during outdoor events had resulted in "significant damage" to large sections of parks.
NSW Premier Chris Minns on Wednesday said the Lord Mayor had made a "big mistake" by instigating the ban and called for the decision to be reversed.
Ms Moore in 2022 wrote to then Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes MP to make state-run public spaces such as The Domain more available, but acknowledged larger venues were not suitable or accessible to smaller-scale or independent events.
A Sydney City spokesperson on Wednesday said the council assessed requests to hold events in parks on a case-by-case basis.
'We're continuing to review potential options that help balance activating the city and ensuring parks can be enjoyed year-round by the entire community,' the spokesperson said.
'We need to get the balance right to ensure people have access to parks as well as the opportunity to experience outdoor shows and festivals.'
Restaurateur and chef Luke Mangan on Wednesday called on the Lord Mayor to stop Sydney City becoming a "nanny state".
"Covid is gone, but let's get this city happening again," Mr Mangan said.
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