Media releases

Sydneysiders speak up on a City for All

Published 23 May 2016

Hundreds of Sydneysiders, from school children to seniors, have shared their ideas on ways to make Sydney a more inclusive and socially just city.

Now 150 randomly selected people, representing Sydney’s demographic make-up, will attend a ‘People’s Summit’ this Saturday to help the City of Sydney prioritise actions to make our city more socially sustainable.

The workshop builds on the extensive consultation on A City for All, a draft social sustainability policy and discussion paper that was open for feedback from 29 March to 12 May.

The paper looks at the critical and entrenched social issues in Sydney, and explores ways to close the growing gap between rich and poor in Sydney.

Some of the key issues respondents raised in relation to making Sydney more socially sustainable were:

  • Greater diversity and tolerance;
  • Increased housing affordability;
  • Access to welfare programs and social housing; and
  • Community involvement.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the community feedback would help set the City’s policy and targets for the next decade.

“We’re committed to making sure Sydney is a city for all – it drives everything we do,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We want to ensure everyone in the community – no matter what age, income, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or religious belief – has the opportunities they need to reach their potential and lead fulfilling lives.”

A City for All asked Sydneysiders to look at the big challenges facing the community, such as housing affordability pressures, rising inequality, and rapid population growth and change, and share ideas on how we can work together to build a stronger and more resilient society.

When creating the plan, the City received feedback from more than 800 people who shared their vision for a socially just and resilient Sydney. Some of the ideas mooted included greater tolerance of the city’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as LGBTIQ communities, housing affordability and programs and services for people who are experiencing homelessness.

Other popular ideas included better social connections between city residents, better public transport connections, the protection of green spaces and a vibrant and active night life.

Participants at the People’s Summit workshop on Saturday will be asked to think on behalf of the broader community when helping the City prioritise actions to deliver on those issues and make Sydney more socially sustainable.

The City also held a children’s workshop at The Story Factory in Redfern and hosted an online discussion forum where young people were asked questions such as: ‘What do you think cities will need in the future?’ and ‘How can we make sure everyone in the city feels fit and healthy?’

Children’s responses for what cities will need in the future included less pollution, bigger schools, more cottages, more Wi-Fi, a money tree and a magic carpet.

Research shows the most successful global cities are characterised by high levels of social wellbeing – not just high levels of economic activity – and leading cities around the world are choosing to meet the challenges facing urban communities through strategies that strengthen social fabric and liveability.

A City for All sets four key directions to meet these and other challenges facing Sydney:

  • An inclusive city that is socially just and provides opportunity for all;
  • A connected city where people have a sense of belonging and supportive community networks;
  • A liveable city that features people-focused urban design and planning that supports quality of life; and
  • An engaged city where people take part in local decision making and share their ideas, and where they want to actively contribute to civil society.
The policy builds on the City’s longstanding commitment to the social wellbeing of our community. The City has invested $335 million in social infrastructure over the past decade, and has forecast a further $563 million over the next 10 years. This includes the delivery of community facilities, parks, pools, childcare centres, libraries, public art programs and wayfinding initiatives.

The City also invests on an ongoing basis in the delivery of a wide range of social programs and services, including homelessness and community transport services, along with grants and sponsorships and major cultural festivals and events.

For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Adviser Keeley Irvin. Phone 0448 005 718 or email kirvin@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Matt Levinson. Phone 0499 319 385 or email mlevinson@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au