Overview
- City of Sydney records show total payments of $19.6 million for mobile planter displays, up from $12.9 million in 2020 with roughly 200 additional boxes added to the scope.
- The multi-year tender went to Melbourne-based Citywide Service Solutions and covers supply, watering, maintenance and replacement of plants in high-pedestrian areas.
- A bid to cap spending at $1 million a year and shift the remainder to other programs, including permanent native plantings, was voted down by a majority of councillors.
- Greens councillors questioned value for money, citing claims some plants cost up to 50% more than retail and raising concerns about contracting a Melbourne firm rather than local options.
- Lord Mayor Clover Moore defended the displays as popular and beneficial to city conditions, with the council noting plants are reused or gifted after seasonal rotations.