'We have not banned busking': Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore responds to backlash over council rule changes

City of Sydney Council is reconsidering rule changes that would limit buskers to performing in just six spots along George Street in the heart of the city.

Under the new rules, buskers would be restricted to new "special busking sites" on George Street, and performing hours would be slashed to 11am to 10pm, reduced from the previous 8am to 10pm hours.

Busking would no longer be permitted outside of those sites on George Street, or within five metres of intersections, pedestrian crossings, or light rail tracks anywhere in the city.

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News of the overhaul was emailed to buskers on Monday, sparking shock and outrage.

Now Lord Mayor Clover Moore has responded to "clear up some of the misinterpretation" of the busking overhaul.

"We have not 'banned busking,'" she said in a statement.

Moore said the changes were made with the safety of buskers and pedestrians in mind, especially now that the light rail operates along George Street.

The needs of local businesses were also taken into consideration.

"We don't want situations that are unsafe, or where buskers are competing to be heard over each other or overly dominating spaces that need to be shared," Moore said.

But limiting busking to just six sites along the street has proven very unpopular.

Now City of Sydney Council appears to be willing to walk some of the changes back.

"Despite these new special busking areas being consulted on and agreed to unanimously by Council, we have heard this week that buskers want more of them," Moore said.

"So I have asked the City's CEO to go back and review George Street again with a view to increase the number of busking opportunities along George Street."

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The Lord Mayor apologised that the changes "came as a shock to some buskers", like Sydney busker turned social media star Ūla.

She told 9news.com.au the changes felt overly restrictive, especially when most buskers already do the right thing.

"No one is busking in the middle of the street, no one is busking in the light rail tracks," she said.

"Buskers want to be there, they want to make money, so they're going to be sensible about it."

She also feared the rule changes could have dire financial impacts on some artists who rely on busking to make a living.

Limiting George Street to just six sites limits the number of buskers who can perform each day, limiting the potential earnings of those who can't get a spot.

"When you do the math of how many buskers there are, it's just impossible," Ūla said.

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She called on City of Sydney Council to reconsider the rule changes and work with buskers to find a better solution to any safety concerns.

It appears Council has heard her and other Sydney artists.

"I want to let you know I've heard you, and I've directed our staff to see if we can find more safe spaces for you to perform," Moore said.

"We'll continue working with you to get this right."

Have you got a story? Contact reporter Maddison Leach at mleach@nine.com.au

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