Calls for a taskforce intensify as Sydney’s CBD returns to lockdown

Although Hobart and Darwin led the pack when it came to mapping out office occupancy in each state’s CBD at 89 per cent and 88 per cent, respectively, Sydney isn’t far behind at 67 per cent for the month of June.

During the same period, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Perth came in at higher than 70 per cent of pre-COVID levels, while Melbourne lagged behind at just 26 per cent.

Noting a rise in CBD occupancy levels from 54 per cent in January 2021 to 68 per cent of pre-COVID levels in May 2021, the Property Council of Australia’s acting NSW executive Lauren Conceicao said, “The increased confidence in the safety of our offices, the slow but steady confidence in public transport, and the human desire to re-engage with our peers for both collaboration and social connection has driven the steady growth.”

However, Ms Conceicao warned that this progress could be eroded by Sydney’s most recent lockdown. She said that the Property Council’s most recent monthly survey of office building owners and managers noted a nervousness not seen in the first six months of this year.

“Prior to this current lockdown period, our CBD, the heart of the NSW economy and the engine room of our state, saw an enviable 13 months without the need for a lockdown,” Ms Conceicao said.

She said that Melbourne’s May lockdown saw occupancy figures fall from 45 per cent to 27 per cent.

In anticipation of a similar blow to Sydney’s occupancy rate following the current lockdown, Ms Conceicao advocated for the formation of a new CBD activation taskforce.

“The peaks and troughs in attendance of our city workers requires creative, inspiring solutions. A CBD activation taskforce comprised of the key industries would enhance the government’s capacity to plan for progressive activation, and react quickly to challenges,” said Ms Conceicao.