ABC: George Street section re-opens as Minister shuts down retailers at press conference
By Emily Laurence and Paige Cockburn
Angry retailers have ambushed the NSW Premier and the state’s Transport Minister at the reopening of a section of Sydney’s CBD where new light rail lines have been built.
The State Government is calling it Sydney’s hottest selfie spot. It’s a section of George Street between Park and King Streets now open, with part of it adorned with Christmas tree arches and flashing lights.
But some retailers are not feeling the cheer after enduring years of construction.
Long-time Strand Arcade jewellers Mark and Jennifer Duff made their feelings known to Transport Minister Andrew Constance at a press conference on Sunday.
“We are talking about collateral damage that you don’t care about, because that’s what we are,” Ms Duff said.
“Well collateral damage … but what I’m saying is we have provided rental assistance,” Mr Constance replied.
The Duffs said the rental assistance is not enough to compensate for two years of lost trade, but Mr Constance was not exactly interested in hearing their comments.