City planning, but cool

Last week, Time Out ranked Sydney as the fifth best city in the world for culture.

Now, The Cave would never talk down either Sydney or an arbitrary ranking system, provided it gives us a result we like.

But. The city sure doesn’t help itself.

This week saw: an expose showing tobacco retailers now outnumber McDonald's 60 to 1; a blow up between Lady Chu restauranter, Nahji Chu, and City of Sydney council over footpath foliage; and the introduction of community improvement districts that purportedly give local businesses power but are actually entirely at the whim of local councils.

The debate over Sydney’s cultural cache, particularly around the nighttime economy, has been relitigated more times than a Trump election win. Doing so again feels wholly redundant.

There are plenty of people and organisations doing excellent and tireless work in this area. But perhaps the conversation needs a charismatic rebel leader alongside the warrior wonks. 

Chu clearly relishes the role, although we’re not quite sure our gripes go as far as comparing Sydney to communist-controlled Laos. 

Alternative candidates are welcome to apply. Probably via a long and laborious process.