Can Sydney’s Suburbs and CBD Co-Exist? A Balancing Act for the Minns Government

The NSW government is walking a tightrope, attempting to simultaneously revitalize struggling suburban retail precincts and encourage a return to office work in Sydney’s CBD. To boost local businesses hit by the cost-of-living crisis, the government is funding street festivals like Randwick’s Spot On Festival, part of their $8.7 million Open Streets program. Meanwhile, Premier Chris Minns has urged public servants back to their offices to breathe life back into the ailing CBD. This balancing act raises the question: can the government successfully revitalize both suburban high streets and the city center?