A corruption court has heard a Sydney mayor took bribes to help property developers fast-track applications. 

NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is holding an inquiry into allegations City of Canada Bay Council's independent Mayor Angelo Tsirekas abused his position and failed to disclose conflicts of interest.

Mr Tsirekas is alleged to have built a network of developers and professionals to get projects through his council's planning hurdles.

The court this week heard that the network allegedly involved developers I-Prosperity, Billbergia and Prolet, advisor Joseph Chidiac, real estate agent Francesco Colacicco, accountant Frank Bruzzano, former town planner David Furlong and City of Canada Bay Council's general manager Gary Sawyer.

“The nature and extent of those relationships and the effect they had on the exercise of Mr Tsirekas's and Mr Sawyer's official functions is at the heart of the Commission's investigation,” counsel assisting Jamie Darams said. 

The Mayor allegedly accepted free trips to Lebanon and Shanghai in exchange for his support for high-rise planning proposals, as well as tens of thousands of dollars in kickbacks.

He has been granted a leave of absence “for personal reasons” for the duration of the hearing, according to a Canada Bay Council spokesperson. 

The hearing is expected to continue for four weeks.