NSW · Sydney CBD & inner city · Local council, made simple
City of Sydney Council
Australia's premier CBD council — around 237,300 residents packed into just 26.7 km² (the highest population density of any NSW LGA), spanning the Sydney CBD, Redfern, Glebe, Surry Hills, Pyrmont, Potts Point and more. Clover Moore, Lord Mayor since 2004, was re-elected in September 2024 to a directly-elected sixth term, leading a council of 9 councillors elected at large (no wards). The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, parks, planning, footpaths — and sets your rates. Recorded crime rates here read high largely because BOCSAR divides CBD incidents by a comparatively small resident base against Australia's largest daytime, retail and nightlife population — see the Crime & safety page for that context. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 4.1%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 7 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetySydney's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average — read alongside the CBD context below.
All 12 major offences above the NSW rate — CBD context applies (see note)
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Lord Mayor: Clover Moore AO (Independent, 6th term)
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: 02 9265 9333 (anytime, any day)
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~237,300 (2024) — NSW's densest LGA
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from City of Sydney Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Event
Extended trading hours declared for the World Cup finals and Sydney Marathon
The council declared the FIFA World Cup finals and the 2026 Sydney Marathon 'special events', letting eligible cafes, restaurants and shops in affected areas open earlier than usual — from as early as 4am — without needing a separate permit.
What this means for you: If you're near a fan precinct or the marathon route (30 August), expect some local businesses trading earlier than normal on event days; residents also get earlier access to food and coffee during these periods.
Source: City of Sydney — News
- Development
Concept plans approved for Merivale entertainment precinct on York/King/Clarence streets
The Central Sydney Planning Committee (which includes City of Sydney councillors and NSW Government appointees) conditionally approved concept plans for a 24-hour entertainment precinct across five heritage-listed CBD buildings, including bars, restaurants, a gym/spa and hotel accommodation. About 80 residents currently living at 104–118 Clarence Street would be displaced under the concept; more detailed development applications still need to be assessed before construction can start.
What this means for you: This is a concept approval, not a final building permit — further, more detailed applications covering heritage, traffic, noise and waste management still need to be lodged and assessed before any construction begins.
Source: City Hub — Merivale mega-venue development in the CBD backed by City of Sydney councillors
- Policy
New rules require all-electric new buildings from 2026
The council approved planning controls requiring new residential buildings, hotels and serviced apartments to be all-electric (no new gas cooktops or heaters) from 1 January 2026, expanding to larger commercial buildings, hotels and serviced apartments from 1 January 2027.
What this means for you: If you're planning a new residential build or renovation covered by these controls, gas appliances won't be an option going forward; existing buildings and their current gas connections are not affected by this change.
Source: City of Sydney — News
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