THE NAKED CITY – SLAVES TO THE BIG PICTURE

With Coffin Ed.

The US based Urban Dictionary lists “Big-Noter” as an original piece of Australian slang, describing a boastful or big headed person. Perhaps we associate the description more with people who splash their wealth around in gratuitous displays of conspicuous consumption. If Sydney was a person there’s a lot to say that it would be a habitual “big noter”.

That’s certainly the philosophy that seems to drive our politicians and civic leaders, always looking to the next big project to cement our position as the country’s number one city and a truly international destination. The latest splash of cash is a projected $200 million upgrade of the ferry wharves at Circular Quay, recently revealed with the usual romanticised architectural impressions. It’s by no means an imperative when it comes to urban development, but it certainly looks pretty.

Meanwhile other parts of the city and the State at large are crying out for a much needed cash injection – like affordable public housing, schools still housed in demountable classrooms and antiquated regional and rural train services. This has been the case in Sydney and the bush for years and whilst millions are continually splurged on the imposing, other basic infrastructure and public amenities remain dilapidated.

Whilst the essential and often urgent constantly lags behind, the big money goes on the grandiose – like the massive civic square planned for outside the Town Hall or the giant milk crate still apparently on the cards for Belmore Park. It’s taken decades for the State Government to do anything with the upgrade of the main terminus at Central Railway station which in recent years has become one of the city’s most infamous danger zones. A makeover has been announced but whether it includes a proper bus terminus for the regional and interstate commuters who now queue on the street remains to be seen.

And speaking of transport, what about the thirty five year old trains (yes the mighty XPT), which now service the Trainlink network in NSW. Travellers from Asia and Europe, who enjoy fast modern trains must wonder just what decade of the 1900s they have stepped back into when they board the ageing carriages. Admittedly suburban trains have undergone a major upgrade in recent years, not to mention the scheduled Metro network but country services are a mess.

Another casualty of seeing only the big picture are the small businesses, in particular coffee shops and restaurants, whose income has plummeted as a result of light rail construction. After months of protest it looks like they are about to get some compensation – that is the businesses that are still operating. Many went bust in the first year of construction when little consideration was given as to how they would be impacted.

And just when you thought the lid had been put on the Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s cash box of largesse we read $600,000 will be splurged on yet another NYE Party, this time at Dawes Point. It’s described as “beach-house chic mini, a festival within a festival” and once again will attract an invite only, strictly private guest list. Well reserve my deckchair now and please send me my complimentary media tickets!