tag:theconversation.com,2011:/africa/topics/public-consultation-9867/articlesPublic Consultation – The Conversation2023-04-23T12:49:35Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2037472023-04-23T12:49:35Z2023-04-23T12:49:35ZThe WHO’s international pandemic treaty: Meaningful public engagement must inform Canada’s negotiations<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/522303/original/file-20230421-16-l3hcg6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C22%2C1000%2C643&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">The degree to which Canadians support effective international co-operation, as essential to future pandemic preparedness and response, will shape Canada’s positioning on the draft international pandemic treaty.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>One of the key lessons emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic has been that the <a href="https://www.unsdsn.org/the-lancet-new-report-details-massive-global-failures-of-covid-19response-calls-for-improved-multilateral-cooperation-to-end-pandemic-andeffectively-manage-future-global-health-threats">failure of countries to sufficiently work together</a> worsened and prolonged this deadly public health emergency.</p>
<p>Formal negotiations are underway <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/emergency-preparedness-response/canada-role-international-pandemic-instrument.html">to develop a pandemic treaty</a> under the <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/pandemic-prevention--preparedness-and-response-accord">auspices of the World Health Organization</a> (WHO): an international agreement setting out commitments by countries to collective action on future pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.</p>
<p>Governments are now developing their positioning on a so-called <a href="https://apps.who.int/gb/inb/pdf_files/inb4/A_INB4_3-en.pdf">Zero Draft</a> of this treaty. Around 100 representatives of Canadian provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, youth, civil society, private sector and academia — plus another 100 virtual participants — gathered in Ottawa in March 2023. The purpose, as stated in the participants’ pre-forum documents, was to “<a href="https://genevahealthfiles.substack.com/p/towards-meaningful-country-level">help inform the development of Canada’s priorities and objectives in the creation of a pandemic instrument</a>.”</p>
<p>Few, if any, governments have so far held consultations, and the Canadian government should be commended for doing so. The need for meaningful engagement is clear. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound but <a href="https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/inequalities-deaths/">inequitable impact</a> on people’s lives, and we need deeper understanding of the diverse individual and shared experiences of this pandemic. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="The logo of the World Health Organization: a caduceus superimposed on a globe surrounded by a wreath" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/522298/original/file-20230421-16-3n57l9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/522298/original/file-20230421-16-3n57l9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/522298/original/file-20230421-16-3n57l9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/522298/original/file-20230421-16-3n57l9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/522298/original/file-20230421-16-3n57l9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/522298/original/file-20230421-16-3n57l9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/522298/original/file-20230421-16-3n57l9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The logo of the World Health Organization is seen at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Formal negotiations are underway to develop a pandemic treaty under the auspices of the WHO.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There is also an opportunity to better align the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00888-6">rhetoric of solidarity</a>, frequently used by the Canadian government during the pandemic, with real action. Perhaps most importantly, the degree to which Canadians support effective international co-operation, as essential to future pandemic preparedness and response, will shape Canada’s positioning on the draft treaty.</p>
<p>To support meaningful engagement, we offer the following observations as <a href="https://genevahealthfiles.substack.com/p/towards-meaningful-country-level">in-person and virtual attendees</a> of the recent engagement forum. </p>
<h2>Representation</h2>
<p>The quality of any engagement effort depends on who does and does not participate. Organizers declined to circulate a participant list, citing privacy considerations, so it remains difficult to assess how representative of diversity the forum was. </p>
<p>It is important to know how the partner and stakeholder groups were decided upon. Also, did organizers aim to keep the number of representatives for each group roughly the same (implying their moral equivalence) or were numbers weighted? For example, with <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220928/dq220928c-eng.htm">20 per cent of Canada’s population under 30 years of age</a>, would 10-15 youth representatives be sufficient? </p>
<p>Other concerns include: Was there a cap on participant numbers overall or per group? What thought was given to representativeness within each group? The private sector, for example, seemed largely composed of pharmaceutical industry representatives, but what about other industries?</p>
<h2>Perspectives</h2>
<p>The process for gathering perspectives determines how meaningful the engagement is. The process in Ottawa largely consisted of plenary presentations and six one-hour breakout groups. </p>
<p>Each of the breakout groups focused on a broad preset topic. Briefing papers for each topic were provided, but critically absent was a succinct summary of Canada’s current positioning on these issues. Breakout groups were divided into tables of five or six people. </p>
<p>Relationships of trust and shared understandings are central to conducting <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240027794">meaningful exchange</a>. Absent a participant list, table members were given five minutes to introduce themselves before engaging in rapid-fire discussions. This tight timeframe made it difficult to integrate insights from participants with varied levels of content expertise on specific topics. </p>
<p>As one participant put it, “one question potentially contained multiple doctoral dissertations.” </p>
<p>Moreover, the exclusive focus on discussing preset questions strictly bounded what could be discussed. One of us (Joel Lexchin) described this as eliciting what the government wanted to hear rather than what needed to be said. </p>
<p>Further concerns are raised by how the views expressed and notes taken in the breakout groups were not contextualized by the positioning of the speakers, especially given the strong presence of the pharmaceutical industry. It’s unclear how the Canadian government will draw meaning from, and then weigh the validity of different statements put forth including by vested interests. </p>
<p>The opportunity provided to comment chapter-by-chapter on the zero draft through an online system is likely to prove more useful by generating specific insights for negotiators. </p>
<h2>Lessons and opportunities</h2>
<p>Overall, we believe the consultations could have yielded deeper insights by:</p>
<ul>
<li> providing a better briefing for participants on attendees and the engagement process, </li>
<li> offering summaries of available evidence to inform discussions, </li>
<li> allowing more focused and longer conversations guided by content experts.</li>
</ul>
<p>We recognize inclusive governance takes time and effort at the best of times. Emerging from a prolonged pandemic, which has opened fissures <a href="https://ossu.ca/2021/06/pandemic-exposes-glaring-inequities/">across Canadian society</a> and <a href="https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-022-01647-6/index.html">globally</a>, the task is now even more challenging. </p>
<p>Yet Canadian and other governments must persist in these laudable efforts as they approach <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/03-03-2023-countries-begin-negotiations-on-global-agreement-to-protect-world-from-future-pandemic-emergencies">treaty negotiations</a>. Meaningful engagement aims to gather insights towards nuanced, responsive and productive solutions to complex problems. In addition to informing government positioning, meaningful engagement will help renew faith, eroded during the pandemic, in democratic processes.</p>
<p>This <a href="https://www.oecd.org/newsroom/governments-seen-as-reliable-post-pandemic-but-giving-citizens-greater-voice-is-critical-to-strengthening-trust.htm">rebuilding of trust</a> in government and public health systems will be essential for underpinning public support of a pandemic treaty. Genuinely listening to diverse voices, building authentic relationships of trust, and advancing deeper understanding will be key ingredients to moving global pandemic governance forward. </p>
<p>As the historic pandemic treaty negotiations commence, continued engagement efforts will not only be in the best interests of Canadians, but a timely opportunity for Canada to model participatory democratic processes on the global stage. </p>
<p>A meaningful process of Canadian consultation will encourage similar efforts in other countries where vested interests, rather than the voices of the many, continue to dominate.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/203747/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kelley Lee receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, New Frontiers for Research Fund, and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS) receives funding from the BC Ministry of Health.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>In 2019-2022, Joel Lexchin received payments for writing briefs on the role of promotion in generating prescriptions for two legal firms. He is a member of the Foundation Board of Health Action International and the Board of Canadian Doctors for Medicare. He receives royalties from University of Toronto Press and James Lorimer & Co. Ltd. for books he has written.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Katrina Plamondon receives funding from Michael Smith Health Research BC, CIHR, SSHRC, and the KGH Foundation. She is an advisor on the National Scientific Advisory Committee for Global Health and co-chairs the University Advisory Council for the Canadian Association for Global Health. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Roojin Habibi is a member of the WHO Review Committee regarding amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005). </span></em></p>As negotiations for an international pandemic treaty get underway, public engagement is in the best interests of Canadians. Here is how the federal government is consulting affected populations.Kelley Lee, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Global Health Governance; Scientific Co-Director, Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society, Simon Fraser UniversityJoel Lexchin, Professor Emeritus of Health Policy and Management, York University, CanadaKatrina Plamondon, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British ColumbiaRoojin Habibi, Research Fellow & PhD Student, Global Strategy Lab, York University, CanadaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1524732021-02-24T15:55:42Z2021-02-24T15:55:42ZThe future of transport: how local people are helping to design new metro trains<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/384230/original/file-20210215-17-4mc7mz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=18%2C0%2C6020%2C3295&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/sign-tyne-wear-metro-rapid-transport-746843119">Electric Egg/Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The Tyne and Wear Metro train fleet has served the <a href="https://www.nexus.org.uk/what-nexus/our-key-business">UK’s busiest light rail network outside London</a> for over 40 years. Now, these trains are at the end of their working life – and people across the region have been contributing to the design for their replacement. </p>
<p>In 2016, <a href="https://www.nexus.org.uk/">Nexus</a>, the public body running the publicly owned Tyne and Wear Metro, applied for the funds to replace the trains and commissioned a public consultation to understand what people across the region wanted from their new trains. </p>
<p>Nexus were aware of our work at Newcastle University in <a href="https://openlab.ncl.ac.uk/topics/social-innovation/">collaborative research and design</a> and asked us to run a more exploratory part of the consultation to complement the questionnaires, interviews and focus groups used elsewhere.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.book2look.com/embed/9781136266263">Doing design with people</a> – also known as co-design – has two benefits. It satisfies people’s democratic right to influence what affects them, and results in designs that better fit those people’s needs.</p>
<p>This is the case for the new Tyne and Wear Metro trains, which are set to be built by manufacturer <a href="https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/">Stadler</a>. The design for the new trains was based on the <a href="https://www.nexus.org.uk/sites/default/files/Metro%20trains%20for%20the%20future.pdf">concerns and ideas</a> from the over 3,000 people who took part in the 2016 consultation. It includes more wheelchair spaces and CCTV cameras, information screens throughout, a sliding step between trains and platforms and multipurpose spaces for bikes, buggies and luggage.</p>
<h2>Bringing people in</h2>
<p>We began by running a series of co-design workshops with people who had a variety of needs – such as commuters, disabled people, and people travelling with bicycles. We also ran pop-up labs: drop-in activities in busy public locations spread across the region, such as shopping centres, travel interchanges, and a local market. </p>
<p>We asked workshop participants to <a href="https://openlab.ncl.ac.uk/research/bootlegger-citizen-filmmaking-app/">record their experiences</a> of the metro trains. These video clips were shared between the workshop participants to work out common concerns with the current trains. The clips were also featured on our website and at pop-up labs to gather further comments and to generate discussion.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Yellow and black light rail train in station." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/384471/original/file-20210216-13-duow9m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/384471/original/file-20210216-13-duow9m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/384471/original/file-20210216-13-duow9m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/384471/original/file-20210216-13-duow9m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/384471/original/file-20210216-13-duow9m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/384471/original/file-20210216-13-duow9m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/384471/original/file-20210216-13-duow9m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The current Metro trains.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/whitley-bayengland-on-2nd-aug-2018-1151240912">Gordon Bell/Shutterstock</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We noticed that the participants’ ideas tended to focus on fixing concerns rather than exploring new design possibilities. So, we produced some imaginative design ideas that suggested alternative ways of dealing with concerns, such as tackling anti-social behaviour on trains by crowd-sourcing the monitoring of onboard CCTV cameras. </p>
<p>This enabled people to explore the implications of these ideas. For example, participants discussed how this management of onboard CCTV might be misused by some to show off to the cameras.</p>
<p>The pop-up labs were an opportunity to undertake quick, less detailed activities with more people across the region. The participants used technology we have developed, called <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2399808319831290">JigsAudio</a>, to share their experiences and ideas. People wrote and drew answers to a topic on wooden or card puzzle pieces. Each puzzle piece had its own unique electronic tag, and the participants held the piece to the JigsAudio device to record audio descriptions linked to their drawings. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Photo showing pens, tech and paper puzzle pieces." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/384266/original/file-20210215-23-9m5v1h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/384266/original/file-20210215-23-9m5v1h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=372&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/384266/original/file-20210215-23-9m5v1h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=372&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/384266/original/file-20210215-23-9m5v1h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=372&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/384266/original/file-20210215-23-9m5v1h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=468&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/384266/original/file-20210215-23-9m5v1h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=468&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/384266/original/file-20210215-23-9m5v1h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=468&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">JigsAudio and puzzle pieces.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Alexander Wilson</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This allowed people to share their ideas in ways they were used to (drawing, writing, and talking) rather than concentrating on how to use a new technology. This approach gave people more time to think about their answers.</p>
<p>We also produced videos that illustrated concerns with current trains and ideas for the new trains. Videos were shown to pop-up lab and website visitors, who fed back if they agreed or disagreed with them and left text or <a href="https://openlab.ncl.ac.uk/research/thoughtcloud-situated-digital-feedback-made-easy/">audio and video comments</a>. This allowed our workshop findings to be developed further with more people across the region.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Screenshot of website with video and feedback options." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/386140/original/file-20210224-21-10q99k5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/386140/original/file-20210224-21-10q99k5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=454&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/386140/original/file-20210224-21-10q99k5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=454&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/386140/original/file-20210224-21-10q99k5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=454&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/386140/original/file-20210224-21-10q99k5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=570&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/386140/original/file-20210224-21-10q99k5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=570&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/386140/original/file-20210224-21-10q99k5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=570&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Metro Futures 2016 website, feeding back on a train feature.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Simon Bowen</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>New findings</h2>
<p>Our findings complemented the other parts of the 2016 consultation. They reinforced common concerns and added participants’ descriptions of how these issues made them feel and their suggestions for dealing with these concerns. For instance, crowded trains made people feel claustrophobic, and they suggested train occupancy sensors as a solution. </p>
<p>Second, they showed how train designers needed to consider several viewpoints, not just the most popular. For example, sideways seating was preferred overall, but our participants found this suitable for shorter journeys and preferred front or back facing seating for longer journeys. </p>
<p>Third, having an open approach revealed new findings. For example, rather than focusing on the interior of the trains, as other parts of the consultation did, our workshop participants recorded getting on and off trains, and discussed safety concerns about the gaps between trains and platforms and ideas to reduce them.</p>
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<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8EAjwSKgxpo?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</figure>
<p>In 2020, after Stadler’s proposed designs were received, Nexus asked us to run <a href="https://metrofutures.org.uk/">another public consultation</a> to find whether the new design fitted public needs and help decide on interior design options. The 2020 consultation received an unprecedented <a href="https://www.nexus.org.uk/newmetrotrains">23,000 public responses</a>. </p>
<p>The new Tyne and Wear Metro trains’ journey towards reality is a powerful example of the value of carrying out co-design, both at scale and online.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/152473/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors would like to thank Nexus and the Metro Futures public participants, and acknowledge colleagues who contributed greatly to this work including Rob Anderson, Tom Feltwell, Tom Nappey, Sean Peacock, Sunil Rodger, Mark Tewdwr-Jones, and Peter Wright. The authors’ research was funded by the UK EPSRC Grants MyPLACE (reference number: EP/K037366/1) and Digital Economy Research Centre (reference number: EP/M023001/1).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Alexander Wilson’s work was also supported by ESRC (Grant Ref: ES/V01160X/1)</span></em></p>Taking people’s views into account results in designs that better fit their needs.Simon Bowen, Senior Research Associate in the School of Computing, Newcastle UniversityAlexander Wilson, ESRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Newcastle UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1386092020-06-16T20:00:32Z2020-06-16T20:00:32ZCouncils often ignore residents on social media. How can digital platforms ensure they have a say in planning?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/338651/original/file-20200530-78853-12s09a6.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C2044%2C1278&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/WUmb_eBrpjs">Jakob Owens/Unsplash</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Local governments across Australia are <a href="https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/our-programs/local-government-act-2020">mandated</a> to consult their residents on urban development issues. They are increasingly using digital platforms to do this. </p>
<p>Early findings from our international research project, <a href="https://cur.org.au/project/democratic-urban-development-in-the-digital-age/">Democratic Urban Development in the Digital Age</a>, are that the use of digital technologies for community consultation mirrors patterns of offline engagement. So, for example, we see tightly designed questions and a prescribed process. Councils often disregard social media feedback such as Facebook accounts run by residents’ groups.</p>
<p>Digital engagement hasn’t replaced traditional consultation and participation processes. Council Facebook pages and <a href="https://www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/">web-based consultation portals</a> sit alongside resident surveys, town hall meetings and <a href="https://theconversation.com/populisms-problems-can-be-fixed-by-getting-the-public-better-informed-and-thats-actually-possible-109720">citizen juries</a>. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased reliance on these technologies. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/city-calls-on-jury-of-its-citizens-to-deliberate-on-melbournes-future-59620">City calls on jury of its citizens to deliberate on Melbourne's future</a>
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</em>
</p>
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<p>Little research has been done on whether e-participation overcomes <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0309132520909480">some of the problems</a> of traditional participatory governance, which is often seen as favouring the articulate and powerful. Digital engagement might even be creating new barriers, such as <a href="https://digitalinclusionindex.org.au/">digital exclusion</a> or distrust in the handling of data.</p>
<p>Issues of public consultation especially matter for urban development projects. Local councils typically regulate these projects. Poor development can harm local amenity and residents’ well-being, while irreversibly changing urban forms. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/in-your-backyard-why-people-need-a-say-on-planning-that-affects-their-local-community-124175">In your backyard: why people need a say on planning that affects their local community</a>
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</em>
</p>
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<h2>How can we enhance digital participation?</h2>
<p>How can the digital become a part of everyday governance, including community engagement? More frequent, higher-quality engagement would be required for a start. And citizen participation would then have to be channelled into policy.</p>
<p>Digital platforms are often limited to simply collecting information. Genuine participation is more challenging. </p>
<p>Participation by diverse populations is a particular challenge. Some councils pay specific attention to this issue. An example is the City of Melbourne’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP5pFPVU0og">digital place-making initiative</a>. </p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LP5pFPVU0og?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">Melbourne City Council’s approach to digital place-making considers how to engage all members of a diverse community.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>However, as online and offline boundaries blur, digital technologies may help overcome barriers to participation. </p>
<p><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0309132520909480">Barcelona and Jackson, Mississippi,</a> are two cities that have customised digital participation. It’s part of their design and implementation of community engagement, whether on social media or on dedicated digital platforms. </p>
<p>The City of Brimbank, in outer Melbourne, designed a <a href="https://harvestdp.com/plan-brimbank">digital engagement project</a> as a game. Council staff took to the streets with iPads. The game was also available in shops, train stations and community centres. </p>
<p>Real-time data analysis enabled the council to adjust locations and boost the diversity of participants. Co-ordinating online and offline approaches was the key to achieving broad participation.</p>
<p>It is important to understand if and how digital engagement perpetuates inequities. The methods and platforms used for participation might be a factor in this.</p>
<p>Digital engagement is often limited to surveys. This could be due to a lack of council time and resources to analyse any other qualitative data that might be generated. Providing those resources would signal the data generated through digital engagement, and the process itself, are being taken seriously. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/boaty-mcboatface-poll-shows-how-not-to-do-community-consultation-56909">Boaty McBoatface poll shows how not to do community consultation</a>
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<h2>What role can social media play?</h2>
<p>The feedback from community social media accounts can be rich and candid. But analysing this sort of data involves greater effort on the part of councils. This makes closing the feedback loop difficult. </p>
<p>Councils prefer bespoke web-based digital platforms. They’re easier to manage, both in deciding which issues are open for consultation, and in organising data for analysis. </p>
<p>These platforms are <a href="https://iap2.org.au/news/digital-community-engagement-in-australia-final-report-arnetech/">increasingly popular with councils</a>. Yet sole reliance on them may favour digitally savvy citizens who are already engaged and familiar with planning processes. </p>
<p>Resident activists have <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/MaribyrnongTruckActionGroup/posts/">effectively used social media</a> to mobilise a wider audience. A recent campaign to overturn the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/savefootscraypark/">proposed lease of public land</a> in inner-west Melbourne to a national sporting club is a good example. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341997/original/file-20200615-65930-1uhmr1a.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341997/original/file-20200615-65930-1uhmr1a.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341997/original/file-20200615-65930-1uhmr1a.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=274&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341997/original/file-20200615-65930-1uhmr1a.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=274&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341997/original/file-20200615-65930-1uhmr1a.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=274&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341997/original/file-20200615-65930-1uhmr1a.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=344&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341997/original/file-20200615-65930-1uhmr1a.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=344&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/341997/original/file-20200615-65930-1uhmr1a.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=344&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">While many councils ignore residents’ group Facebook pages, they can effectively mobilise communities for campaigns.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.facebook.com/savefootscraypark/">Save Footscray Park/Facebook</a></span>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-we-turn-a-drain-into-valued-green-space-first-ask-the-residents-86226">How do we turn a drain into valued green space? First, ask the residents</a>
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<h2>Real engagement supports better development</h2>
<p>It’s an open question whether the politically engaged and digitally literate dominate such campaigns. But they do remind us urban development is an arena of political contest. It’s more than just a topic for consultation, whether online or offline.</p>
<p>Important strategies in community engagement include: </p>
<ul>
<li><p>working with all stakeholders, both formally and informally</p></li>
<li><p>paying attention to the purpose and variety of digital methods available</p></li>
<li><p>helping with access, whether digital or offline.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Ensuring robust community engagement in these ways supports better urban development.</p>
<hr>
<p><em>If you are a city official, a representative of business, non-government or civic organisations, a community member or a politician in an inner Melbourne council and would like to contribute your experience to the project Democratic Urban Development in the Digital Age, please participate in the 10-12 minute survey <a href="https://cur.org.au/project/democratic-urban-development-in-the-digital-age/">here</a>.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/138609/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Bhavna Middha receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) and from the Norwegian Research Council </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ian McShane receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Norwegian Research Council. </span></em></p>Digital communications could be a force for greater local democracy in urban planning and development, but many councils use the technologies in ways that mirror traditional consultation.Bhavna Middha, Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT UniversityIan McShane, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1401862020-06-16T12:48:26Z2020-06-16T12:48:26ZWhat Ramaphosa’s COVID-19 decisions say about South Africa’s democracy<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/341452/original/file-20200612-153817-dkok4i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">South African president Cyril Ramaphosa.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">GCIS</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Early this year, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa <a href="https://www.gov.za/SONA2020">put forward</a> the idea of a “social compact” as a means to consult and build consensus for reviving the country’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/budget-shows-treasury-is-desperately-short-of-ideas-to-fix-south-africas-economic-woes-132544">ailing economy</a>. He used the same principle to build broad consensus around the <a href="https://www.gov.za/speeches/statement-president-cyril-ramaphosa-measures-combat-covid-19-epidemic-15-mar-2020-0000">national state of disaster</a> he declared in March to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has been under lockdown since 27 March.</p>
<p>Ramaphosa emphasised inclusive decision-making informed by <a href="http://www.dirco.gov.za/docs/speeches/2020/cram0323.pdf">scientific evidence</a>. Such an approach would serve to depoliticise and rationalise decision-making. That’d create more national coherence and allow for benevolent “post-democratic” decision-making. </p>
<p>This approach enjoyed a great deal of public support in the first weeks of the COVID-19 crisis, and presented Ramaphosa in <a href="https://www.politicsweb.co.za/opinion/ramaphoria-enjoys-a-revival">statesman-like terms</a>. But, since the downscaling of the restrictions began, and lobbying by different sectors included in the process intensified, that consensus no longer exists. </p>
<p>Initially, decision-making was simple, and was dominated by government. But it gradually became more complex as the implications of disaster management became clearer. </p>
<p>More diversity makes consensus more difficult. Democratic openness makes it difficult to achieve long-term consensus positions. It also requires continuous consultation and information-sharing to sustain enough support for the decisions. That has become Ramapahosa’s main task to protect the legitimacy of the lockdown.</p>
<p>At an early stage the role played by state intelligence and security agencies became public. At the end of March, transport minister Fikile Mbalula mentioned that the State Security Agency processed most of the lockdown regulations for <a href="https://www.power987.co.za/news/sa-lockdown-intelligence-is-behind-us-fikile-mbalula/">approval by the National Command Council</a>, the main government body charged with managing the crisis.</p>
<p>In May the role of the National Joint Operational and <a href="https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-05-13-south-africa-be-aware-and-beware-of-the-rise-of-the-securocrats/">Intelligence Structure</a> was explained. Its responsibilities were to conduct the daily monitoring of the lockdown dynamics and to draft plans to be approved by the National Command Council. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/who-has-been-hit-hardest-by-south-africas-lockdown-we-found-some-answers-138481">Who has been hit hardest by South Africa's lockdown? We found some answers</a>
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<p>Reliable intelligence for the police and even health institutions is an indispensable requirement for managing such a disaster situation. It serves as a second source of information alongside the line-function departments. </p>
<p>Most important is the paradigmatic nature of the information. That determines intelligence agencies’ influence on decision-making. For example, do they and government view the situation through the lens of crime prevention or the need for human security and safety? </p>
<h2>Responsiveness to pressure</h2>
<p>Government decision-making is the product of value choices. Uncertainty exists about what determines the decisions. For example, does it have to do with public health or economic imperatives; crime prevention, law-enforcement, or public safety and civil responsibility considerations?</p>
<p>Decisions are not necessarily about stark binary choices. They’re more often than not about combining different imperatives.</p>
<p>Decision-making reached a critical stage when the risk level of the disaster regulations had to be reviewed to reopen large parts of the economy, and to allow for some schooling. </p>
<p>Firstly, the diversity of inputs into the decision-making process increased. Pressure from business increased and public opinion became more prominent. But it also got more fragmented. This was particularly true when it came to restrictions on alcohol and tobacco and a curfew. Interest groups expected to be consulted or threatened legal action. </p>
<p>Secondly, more attention was given to the government’s internal dynamics, and the personalities of Ramaphosa and <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/cigarette-tussle-govt-to-blame-for-ramaphosa-ndz-fiasco-47584704">Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma</a>, the minister responsible for managing the disaster regulations. Speculation about a power struggle between them for control over government’s decision-making received a lot of attention.</p>
<p>A close analysis of Ramaphosa’s presidential speeches indicates an increase in responsiveness to pressure. Most apparent is the pressure from the business and financial sector. The example set by <a href="https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-south-africas-response-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-13-may-2020">other states</a> in how they approached a lowering of lockdown restrictions was acknowledged by Ramaphosa as a factor he also takes into account. </p>
<p>He conceded in his third speech that some of the regulations were contradictory and not sensible. He also apologised for mistakes made by the <a href="https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/government/2284411/ramaphosa-concedes-mistakes-were-made-during-covid-19-lockdown-pledges-to-do-better/">political leaders</a>. Critical public opinion clearly showed its effect.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/covid-19-recovery-is-a-chance-to-improve-the-african-food-system-139134">COVID-19 recovery is a chance to improve the African food system</a>
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<p>Government insisted that its actions were informed by scientific advice. But some of the health scientists advising it <a href="https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20200604074841475">publicly challenged it</a>. This indicates how decision-making changed over time. The scientists’ perceived marginalisation led them to claim that the new regulations were “unscientific”. </p>
<p>But changes in the government’s decision-making requirements changed from public health care science to scientific modelling of the <a href="https://businesstech.co.za/news/trending/400597/8-different-models-predict-how-coronavirus-cases-could-increase-in-south-africa/">pandemic’s future scenarios</a>. Other “competing” scientific inputs also became part of the decision calculations. This included economic forecasting provided by the presidential <a href="http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/press-statements/president-appoints-economic-advisory-council">Economic Advisory Council</a> as well as forecasting by economists and market analysts in public debates.</p>
<h2>Litigation and public opinion</h2>
<p>Litigation is a growing feature of the pandemic landscape. It has <a href="https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/courts/2293680/concourt-will-consider-das-application-to-challenge-disaster-management-act/">challenged the constitutionality</a> of the National Command Council, some of the <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/court-to-hear-challenge-to-cigarette-ban-48909322">regulations</a>, police and military brutality, the criteria for financial assistance to <a href="https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/south-africa/court-cases-are-piling-up-against-government-lockdown/">small businesses and related matters</a>. </p>
<p>The relevance of litigation for decision-making should be noted. Examples of its impact are that Ramaphosa now refrains from referring to the Command Council in public. Parliament has become more active, while he emphasises his broad consultation approach.</p>
<p>A notable feature is how some national ministers are struggling with decision-making and public communication. Regulations within their domains are often delayed, amended or withdrawn. This happened in <a href="https://techfinancials.co.za/2020/05/31/angie-motshekga-to-update-sa-on-readiness-for-the-reopening-of-schools/">the reopening of schools</a>. After the tobacco debacle, Ramaphosa stopped making pronouncements about specific regulations, and appears to be much better organised.</p>
<p>What is the message for the South African public?</p>
<h2>Public opinion and democracy</h2>
<p>Decision-making now takes into account many of the societal pressures. At the same time the government has to find a compromise between competing interests. The important point is that the various strains of public opinion have had a direct impact on decision-making. </p>
<p>This is expected of well-established democracies. For South Africa to allow so much public influence in decisive matters under difficult conditions is an important plus factor.</p>
<p>In essence, the more complex and diverse the decision process has become in South Africa, the more the public debate challenges aspects of it, the more evidence shows that the way the government takes its decisions does not point to a democratic regression, but rather adherence to a democratic sentiment. This is not accounted for by those who warn of a totalitarian apocalypse in the country.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/140186/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dirk Kotze does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised inclusive decision-making informed by scientific evidence. Such an approach would serve to depoliticise and rationalise decision-making.Dirk Kotze, Professor in Political Science, University of South AfricaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1377892020-05-24T20:02:45Z2020-05-24T20:02:45ZCoronavirus has changed our sense of place, so together we must re-imagine our cities<p>Is it time to re-imagine our fundamental relationship with cities?</p>
<p>People bring cities to life. They interact, work, socialise and travel. Without this, cities are just collections of buildings and infrastructure. </p>
<p>This relationship is now on hiatus all over the world. The COVID-19 pandemic left thousands of cities <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PttvhYlV2Q">empty</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-PPxy3ahMo">eerie</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OInboNuNls">listless</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/public-spaces-bind-cities-together-what-happens-when-coronavirus-forces-us-apart-133763">Public spaces bind cities together. What happens when coronavirus forces us apart?</a>
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</p>
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<p>We connect to cities by developing a “sense of place”. The concept describes how we <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14649351003759573">perceive and attach to places</a> through use. Our connection with cities changes over time but is always grounded in sense of place.</p>
<p>COVID-19 is fundamentally disrupting sense of place. It is <a href="https://news.trust.org/item/20200318110654-1rdnc">causing transformative change in cities</a> all over the world. Daily parts of city life, like shared seating, busy trains and eating out, have suddenly become threatening.</p>
<p>Many urban dwellers are redefining their sense of place in response. We may not view our cities the same way after this pandemic. Our perceptions and priorities may change, perhaps permanently.</p>
<p>As we start planning for cities after this pandemic, we should recognise this task is as much philosophical as practical.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/reconnecting-after-coronavirus-4-key-ways-cities-can-counter-anxiety-and-loneliness-136606">Reconnecting after coronavirus – 4 key ways cities can counter anxiety and loneliness</a>
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<h2>Transforming the present</h2>
<p>It is useful to consider what exactly the COVID-19 pandemic represents for cities and why it can change people’s sense of place so profoundly.</p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/332979/original/file-20200506-49569-1uyyulc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/332979/original/file-20200506-49569-1uyyulc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/332979/original/file-20200506-49569-1uyyulc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=858&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332979/original/file-20200506-49569-1uyyulc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=858&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332979/original/file-20200506-49569-1uyyulc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=858&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332979/original/file-20200506-49569-1uyyulc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1079&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332979/original/file-20200506-49569-1uyyulc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1079&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332979/original/file-20200506-49569-1uyyulc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1079&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Mary Street, Brisbane, during the lockdown.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mary_Street_during_the_COVID-19_pandemic_in_Brisbane,_Australia.jpg">Kgbo/Wikemedia Commons</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The pandemic impacts are so severe it can be classified as a “<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241731462_Responding_to_climate_change_as_a_transformative_stressor_through_metro-regional_planning">transformative stressor</a>”. These rare events cause severe and intense social, environmental and economic impacts. They are felt at every level of society and throughout social institutions.</p>
<p>Profound shocks are felt all at once in economic activity, human health and social order. Impacts occur at all scales. Almost everybody endures multiple forms of disruption.</p>
<p>Transformative stressors can be unforgiving in exposing problems and weaknesses in systems. They can be catastrophic in cities because so many systems are integrated, creating multiple points of impact.</p>
<p>COVID-19 also fits the transformative stressor model because it might not be possible to fully manage it. Recovery planning needs to account for the possibility COVID-19 <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-mild-pandemic-how-it-could-end-2020-2?op=1">might never disappear</a>. It could become an ongoing risk of city life.</p>
<p>What was a distant worry becomes an immediate threat when a transformative stressor hits a city. Things that were once reliable and comfortable no longer are. Our behaviour changes in response, causing us to reconsider our sense of place over time.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/332967/original/file-20200506-49579-1fvz8fv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=12%2C362%2C4007%2C2408&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/332967/original/file-20200506-49579-1fvz8fv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=12%2C362%2C4007%2C2408&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/332967/original/file-20200506-49579-1fvz8fv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332967/original/file-20200506-49579-1fvz8fv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332967/original/file-20200506-49579-1fvz8fv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332967/original/file-20200506-49579-1fvz8fv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332967/original/file-20200506-49579-1fvz8fv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332967/original/file-20200506-49579-1fvz8fv.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">How does sense of place change when the familiar becomes sinister?</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Tony Matthews</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/cities-will-endure-but-urban-design-must-adapt-to-coronavirus-risks-and-fears-135949">Cities will endure, but urban design must adapt to coronavirus risks and fears</a>
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<h2>Co-creating the future</h2>
<p>The transformative impacts of this pandemic are upending established norms. But policy innovation can flourish at times like this. Transformative stressors give policymakers unique opportunities to <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273289803_Storylines_of_institutional_responses_to_climate_change_as_a_transformative_stressor_the_case_of_regional_planning_in_South_East_Queensland_Australia?_sg=ehvEWZolqzdh1huWhWLuoSyARB3rXzoBkSuNve7WFBPjjAD3Y9cjp2UzxZSvO5nGaUQxZIQboEfCgIobfRLgyWX_9-LjPcMURTac2yfZ.rgzJODx4KICeOCY39x4G9jbSzuXcrvk8JDjehhfw1ieqy_5rJnj-oXGBCoczLtEWGfKvY7u8Wu4gip3gjiw08w">work outside their normal methods</a>.</p>
<p>People have stoically endured lockdowns in many countries. <a href="https://theconversation.com/if-more-of-us-work-from-home-after-coronavirus-well-need-to-rethink-city-planning-136261">Working from home</a> with limited mobility will further prompt many to re-evaluate their sense of place. Many people will want a big say in the fundamental decisions to be made on the future of their cities after this.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/if-more-of-us-work-from-home-after-coronavirus-well-need-to-rethink-city-planning-136261">If more of us work from home after coronavirus we'll need to rethink city planning</a>
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<p>As they seek innovative ways to help cities recover, planners can learn important lessons by consulting urban residents. Online <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140530181242-144684-co-creation-methods-approaches/">co-creation processes and workshops</a> are excellent tools for gathering the people’s thoughts and aspirations at this unique time.</p>
<p>Participating in workshops can also help residents redefine their sense of place in cities disrupted by COVID-19. They can describe how the crisis changed their perceptions and use of space. This allows them to redefine their sense of place by considering the future with full acknowledgement of the past.</p>
<p>Residents are engaging more closely with their own neighbourhoods at the moment. This allows them to reconsider their local sense of place. New trends will be revealed through engagement with the public, reflecting changes in their sense of place.</p>
<p>At minimum, there is likely to be more community interest in improving active transport options. Many people have been reminded of the <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/coronavirus-lockdowns-make-cities-more-walkable/ar-BB11TDou">pleasures of walking and cycling</a>. Other new priorities may be more green space and <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-reminds-us-how-liveable-neighbourhoods-matter-for-our-well-being-135806">better social infrastructure</a>. </p>
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<p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-reminds-us-how-liveable-neighbourhoods-matter-for-our-well-being-135806">Coronavirus reminds us how liveable neighbourhoods matter for our well-being</a>
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<p>On the other hand, enthusiasm for public transport might fall and <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/buyers-interest-in-owning-cars-rises-after-coronavirus-survey-finds/ar-BB13uzTW">car ownership rates could rise</a>. </p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/332973/original/file-20200506-49546-wewthq.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/332973/original/file-20200506-49546-wewthq.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332973/original/file-20200506-49546-wewthq.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332973/original/file-20200506-49546-wewthq.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332973/original/file-20200506-49546-wewthq.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332973/original/file-20200506-49546-wewthq.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/332973/original/file-20200506-49546-wewthq.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Plenty of parking spaces at this suburban train station. Will we be comfortable taking public transport after lockdowns end?</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Tony Matthews</span></span>
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</figure>
<h2>The road ahead</h2>
<p>The transformative impacts of this pandemic prompt fundamental questions. Do people have the same enthusiasm for city living? Is it time for new urban realities? What would new realities look like? How would they be achieved?</p>
<p>These are <a href="https://news.trust.org/item/20200421073605-d7mba">extraordinary times that call for extraordinary responses</a>. It is not a time for planners and policymakers to plan for people; it is a time to plan with people.</p>
<p>Many innovations in urban planning are founded in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su5502a12.htm">efforts to improve human health</a>. COVID-19 will undoubtedly prompt a new round of thinking about how cities can be re-imagined. It will be a big adjustment for urban planning, which has traditionally relied on the relative predictability of how people use space.</p>
<p>People’s perception and attachment to places is changing, perhaps forever. Decisions on where to go from here will be better made if planners understand how people are redefining their sense of place in this time of profound upheaval. </p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/reclaiming-the-streets-we-all-can-have-a-say-in-the-new-normal-after-coronavirus-137703">Reclaiming the streets? We all can have a say in the 'new normal' after coronavirus</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/137789/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Tony Matthews has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the CSIRO. He is affiliated with the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Planning Institute of Australia. He is an Ambassador for Planet Ark and a spokesperson for Greener Spaces, Better Places (fmr 202020 Vision).</span></em></p>Re-imagining cities after COVID-19 is both a practical and philosophical task. People’s perceptions of places are changing. It is a time for planners and policymakers to plan with, not for, people.Tony Matthews, Senior Lecturer in Urban and Environmental Planning, Griffith UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1241752019-10-16T19:04:42Z2019-10-16T19:04:42ZIn your backyard: why people need a say on planning that affects their local community<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/296109/original/file-20191008-128705-18n1pgm.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=285%2C3%2C1759%2C1235&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">When people weren't asked about a proposed development in their area, they voiced their opposition.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.facebook.com/ProtectTaringa/photos/a.155986601625819/188592955031850/">Protect Taringa Facebook page</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Good planning needs integrity, and public participation should play a role in that. </p>
<p>But a row over a high-rise development proposed for suburban Brisbane shows what happens when the public feels left out of the planning process.</p>
<p>This highlights the problem with what is termed <a href="https://yoursay.brisbane.qld.gov.au/plan-your-brisbane/faqs#question27643">performance-based planning</a>, which allows some controversial applications to be approved with little or no input from the community.</p>
<h2>A plan submitted</h2>
<p>Aged-care provider TriCare first lodged its application to develop a new facility in June 2017. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/its-easy-to-get-us-walking-more-if-we-have-somewhere-to-walk-to-near-our-home-and-work-124500">It's easy to get us walking more if we have somewhere to walk to near our home and work</a>
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<p>The site it chose was zoned for community facilities and the application was treated under Brisbane City Council’s performance-based planning rules as “<a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/applying-and-post-approval/application-types/code-assessable-development-applications">code assessable development</a>”.</p>
<p>Even though the developer was not required to give notice of the proposal to the local community, people soon got wind of it. They <a href="https://www.change.org/p/brisbane-city-council-oppose-tricare-s-over-development-at-taringa">mobilised</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ProtectTaringa/">strong</a> <a href="http://protecttaringa.com/">opposition</a> to the planned development. </p>
<p>The developer was proposing three buildings of eight, 12 and 16 storeys in a locality characterised by dwellings that are mostly one to three storeys high.</p>
<p>In November 2017, the council rejected the application. The developer appealed. </p>
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<p>TriCare then modified the proposal to the council’s satisfaction and the Queensland Planning and Environment Court <a href="http://apps.courts.qld.gov.au/esearching/FileDetails.aspx?Location=BRISB&Court=DISTR&Filenumber=4646/17">approved the negotiated deal</a> last month. </p>
<p>The approved design is for three buildings ranging from seven to eight storeys, a very significant scaling down of the original proposal.</p>
<h2>Still no public consultation</h2>
<p>But once again the local community was not involved in any of the negotiations or the court proceedings. This is because no community appeals are allowed on code assessable development. </p>
<p>Would the developer have got what it originally wanted if the community had not shown its opposition? And why didn’t the court even consider the community’s point of view? </p>
<p>The answer to these questions lies partly in the legal framework for <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/applying-and-post-approval/application-types/code-assessable-development-applications">code assessable development</a>. </p>
<p>In Queensland, code assessable development is considered a bounded form of assessment, which means it should be considered primarily against a planning scheme’s codes. The original aim was to speed up approvals for development applications broadly consistent with a council’s planning scheme. </p>
<p>These codes are written in a performance-based way. This means developers that only meet the overall outcomes of a code can still get their proposals across the line no matter what the code’s finer details state.</p>
<p>Overall outcomes are very often just that – broad statements of intent open to many different interpretations.</p>
<p>For example, in the TriCare case the applicable overall outcomes required development to be “generally consistent with the character of the area” and to “complement the prevailing, scale, height and bulk of expected development in the locality”.</p>
<p>The council – and the community – believed the initial application did not comply with these terms. The <a href="http://apps.courts.qld.gov.au/esearching/eDoc.aspx?Location=BRISB&Court=DISTR&Filenumber=4646%2f17&edocsno=80715">developer’s appeal</a> argued its proposal was “generally consistent” with the character of the area as there were at least some medium-to-high-rise buildings in the area, including one nine-storey residential building on adjacent land. </p>
<p>Contrary to the council’s view, the developer argued:</p>
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<p>The proposed development is of a scale, bulk and height that provides a high level of amenity and transitions sensitively to surrounding uses. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Evidently, code assessment is not quite the bounded and uncontroversial form of decision-making the legislators intended. </p>
<h2>Planning with the community</h2>
<p>In planning, good decision-making needs integrity. It needs to provide decisions the community knows to expect including, where appropriate, conditions that protect and respond to the needs of the community. </p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/30-minute-city-not-in-my-backyard-smart-cities-plan-must-let-people-have-their-say-59161">'30-minute city'? Not in my backyard! Smart Cities Plan must let people have their say</a>
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<p>In Queensland, the parameters of performance-based planning have swung too far in favour of flexibility. We need to improve the drafting of performance-based codes.</p>
<p>Requirements to be “generally consistent with the character of the area” serve no useful purpose if the character of an area is hybrid, or has different meanings for the short- and long-term residents of that area. </p>
<p>There is also a huge distinction between code assessable development – where community members have no right of appeal - and impact assessable development – where public notification and third party appeal rights apply.</p>
<p>Yet whether applications are classed as impact or code assessable is a matter left to the discretion of individual councils with very little input from the community.</p>
<p>Further guidance needs to be given to better match assessment categories with community concerns.</p>
<p>Flexibility and discretion have a role to play in good planning. But if integrity, honesty and public trust are also goals then transparency and public accountability should be increased.</p>
<p>The value of public participation – both in its contribution to better design and for keeping the system accountable and honest – needs to be genuinely recognised and valued.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/new-queensland-planning-law-puts-transparency-and-accountability-at-risk-93121">New Queensland planning law puts transparency and accountability at risk</a>
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<p>Not all development applications may warrant public appeal rights but a place at the table for the community somewhere along the line is surely warranted.</p>
<p>The Taringa development was initially assessed under legislation that has been superseded. But, as <a href="https://theconversation.com/new-queensland-planning-law-puts-transparency-and-accountability-at-risk-93121">I warned last year</a>, Queensland’s new Planning Act has done little to nothing to resolve the fundamental concerns this case raises.</p>
<p>The divisive story of the aged-care development in Taringa serves as a timely warning to other states looking to shift to a performance-based planning model.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/124175/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Philippa England is affiliated with the South East Queensland Alliance.</span></em></p>We need to change council planning rules that prevent community members from having a say on proposed development in their local area.Philippa England, Senior Lecturer, Griffith Law School, Griffith UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1069962018-12-03T18:59:26Z2018-12-03T18:59:26ZHealth impacts and murky decision-making feed public distrust of projects like WestConnex<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/247877/original/file-20181129-170232-ibwxa5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Much of the public opposition to the WestConnex project is related to concerns about the impacts on health.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.westconnex.info/parliamentary_inquiry">No WestConnex</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>WestConnex, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/westconnex-audit-offers-another-17b-lesson-in-how-not-to-fund-infrastructure-73206">most expensive piece of transport infrastructure</a> being built in Australia, looms large over the next New South Wales election. Construction is well under way, fuelling community concern about the project’s impact on their health and wellbeing. </p>
<p>The NSW Coalition government was elected in 2011 on a promise to deliver major infrastructure including a road for Sydney. Attention should have been paid to the adage that history repeats itself. The M5 East project became a major headache for the previous Labor administration because of <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/m5-risks-50-times-worse/news-story/8ff9510416c9f2ee79bd5ce86bfc1245?sv=14811001bf23a9bf74af6a11f8197603">concerns about the impact of tunnel emissions on human health</a>. </p>
<p>Subsequent research showed <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20120723_01.aspx">some health concerns to be scientifically unclear</a>. Nevertheless, WestConnex is showing that concerns about a range of human health issues, including but not limited to tunnels, remain at the forefront of public concern. </p>
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<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/with-health-assuming-its-rightful-place-in-planning-here-are-3-key-lessons-from-nsw-94171">With health assuming its rightful place in planning, here are 3 key lessons from NSW</a>
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<h2>What do submissions to WestConnex inquiry tell us?</h2>
<p>We wanted to test our assumption that health is a core issue for the public in relation to infrastructure projects. We asked two masters of public health students to investigate the content of the nearly 500 public submissions made to the current <a href="https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=2497#tab-submissions">parliamentary inquiry into the impacts of WestConnex</a>. Both randomly picked 150 submissions made by individuals, plus 70 from organisations or those with a professional interest in the project. They analysed these submissions for mentions of health and related themes.</p>
<p>The impact of Westconnex on health was one of the most consistent themes in submissions. Around three-quarters referred to “health”. About half of these did so explicitly and the other half identified a health concern but without using the word. </p>
<p>The majority focused on air quality. Many were concerned about children’s health – relating to both the proximity of schools to WestConnex works and the loss of green space and its impacts on physical activity. Submissions also raised issues of noise, traffic accidents, stress, reduced physical activity, sleep disturbance and odour, often in quite disturbing detail. </p>
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<p>Crucially, many submissions showed evidence of independent health research – for example, on the difference between filtered and unfiltered stacks. They called for health outcomes to be measured and publicly accessible.</p>
<p>Submissions also showed evidence of disenfranchisement from the planning process. Specific concerns included:</p>
<ul>
<li>lack of comparison with costs and benefits of alternative transport infrastructure</li>
<li>failure to consider the full range of health impacts</li>
<li>overestimation of benefits relating to demand and travel time savings.</li>
</ul>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-transport-projects-arent-as-good-for-your-health-as-they-could-be-68326">Why transport projects aren't as good for your health as they could be</a>
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<h2>Health was missing from the start</h2>
<p>Ultimately, these concerns about health result from misgivings and frustration about the transparency of decisions behind the project. Digging deeper, the <a href="https://www.westconnex.com.au/sites/default/files/WestConnex%20Updated%20Strategic%20Business%20Case%20-%20November%202015.pdf">2015 updated business case</a> demonstrates that the analysis over-relied on benefits and underestimated costs to find that WestConnex would be:</p>
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<p>… economically viable and will return $1.71 for every dollar invested … without wider economic benefits and $1.88 with wider economic benefits.</p>
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<p>This is an example of a misuse of cost benefit analysis that, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1068/b32111">international research</a> has shown, ultimately culminates in massive cost blowouts, overruns and impacts that are not in the public interest.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/westconnex-audit-offers-another-17b-lesson-in-how-not-to-fund-infrastructure-73206">WestConnex audit offers another $17b lesson in how not to fund infrastructure</a>
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<p>The focus on travel time savings omits health and related impacts raised in submissions. It ignores the required mix of transport options that are known to have a positive impact on community wellbeing. </p>
<p>This is made more problematic by the early planning never having been in the public domain. By the time the updated business case was produced in 2015, key decisions, which led to the motorway being proposed without any alternatives, had been made but are still not available for scrutiny. The details behind the original analysis that Infrastructure NSW undertook in 2012 are missing. </p>
<p>The original <a href="http://www.infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/media/1127/sis_report_complete_interactive.pdf">INSW state infrastructure strategy</a> and woefully parsimonious <a href="http://www.infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/media/1160/insw_tfnsw_and_roads_and_maritime_services_wcx_25_sept_2012_final_120927.pdf">35-page report</a> argue that “WestConnex must be more than a road”, but this objective appears to have gone missing in action soon after. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/transport-access-is-good-for-new-housing-but-beware-the-pollution-77790">Transport access is good for new housing, but beware the pollution</a>
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<h2>Lessons from the WestConnex experience</h2>
<p>It’s fair to say that the 2011 infrastructure commitments have come back to haunt the government. The unprecedented scale of investment has been coupled with unnecessary hubris. Planning processes appear for the most part to be serving vested interests rather than the public interest. </p>
<p>The opposition, smelling blood, is promising to make infrastructure planning decisions transparent if elected next year.</p>
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<p>The WestConnex experience shows the political cost of marginalising health in such decision-making. Perhaps the biggest lesson is that the public may never be satisfied with technical predictions of risks late in the planning process. </p>
<p>Transport planning has the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of the population. With this in mind, it’s better, then, to include health across decisions about what type of project best fits the strategic goals of the city. This process should weigh up options and alternatives based on a balanced assessment of costs and benefits that places a value on human health.</p>
<p>Above all, we need transparency about these decisions. If not, governments will continue to suffer the consequences at the ballot box.</p>
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<p><em>Thanks to Tom Robertson and Abigail McCarthy for their outstanding analysis of the inquiry submissions in their final major unit of the Masters of Public Health at the University of Sydney School of Public Health.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/106996/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Patrick Harris receives funding from NHMRC and ARC. He is affiliated with the Public Health Association of Australia.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Edward Jegasothy is currently employed by the University of Sydney and was previously employed by NSW Health. He is affiliated with the Public Health Association of Australia. </span></em></p>The health concerns that dominate public submissions to the parliamentary inquiry into WestConnex are a reminder that papering over such issues comes back to haunt governments.Patrick Harris, Senior Research Fellow, Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of SydneyEdward Jegasothy, Lecturer, School of Public Health, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/928402018-03-18T18:56:28Z2018-03-18T18:56:28ZSidelining citizens when deciding on transport projects is asking for trouble<p>Citizen engagement is, or should be, central to city planning. When it comes to planning and implementing transport infrastructure the focus tends to be on how to engage the public, when to engage, and what form this should take. But we should be asking another, more important question: how can citizen engagement make infrastructure planning more democratic? </p>
<p>In many cases proposed transport infrastructure and the conflicts and debates it provokes are actually about much more than the project proposal. If the project is a new light rail system, for instance, the questions are: Who and what will it serve? What will it look like? And what impacts (positive and negative) will it have on the city over time? </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/all-the-signs-point-to-our-big-cities-need-for-democratic-metro-scale-governance-92417">All the signs point to our big cities' need for democratic, metro-scale governance</a>
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<p>Any efforts then to reduce citizen participation, to stifle the question “What kind of city do we want to be?”, will meet with resistance.</p>
<p>Recent <a href="https://government.unimelb.edu.au/news-and-events/news/university-of-melbourne-launches-next-generation-engagement-project">academic</a> and <a href="http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/future-cities.aspx">government</a> projects and reports on citizen participation and infrastructure planning have called on our governments to do three things:</p>
<ol>
<li>consult and engage citizens early in infrastructure planning</li>
<li>improve quality and access of citizen engagement at the strategic planning stages</li>
<li>use more sophisticated strategic planning tools and practices to improve decision-making.</li>
</ol>
<p>However, a key challenge, as echoed in <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/ITC/DevelopmentofCities/Submissions">submissions</a> to a current parliamentary <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/ITC/DevelopmentofCities">inquiry into city development</a>, is the disconnect between <a href="http://www.afr.com/business/cities-need-data-not-more-stakeholder-consultation-sap-20180226-h0wnvm">citizen participation and decision-making</a>. To overcome this disconnect, early consultation and new participation platforms are critical. Yet these alone cannot resolve this problem. </p>
<h2>How does democracy come into this?</h2>
<p>Engaging citizens in a meaningful way in infrastructure planning is good and necessary for many reasons. That we live in a country that purports to be a democracy is central to that argument. But there are other reasons too. These include the potential to make decisions that better respond to citizens’ needs and desires.</p>
<p>Another reason that often goes unstated is that infrastructure is a public thing. Whether it is ultimately publicly or privately owned, operated and controlled, there is a relationship between infrastructure and democracy that ultimately makes infrastructure planning and implementation a contested process. Savvy consultation does not alter this fact. </p>
<p>As the political scientist Bonnie Honig recently <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?id=k0JdDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA5&dq=interpellate+us+into+democratic+citizenship&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj71aTu8-rZAhVKe7wKHdRyCoYQ6AEIJzAA#v=onepage&q=interpellate%20us%20into%20democratic%20citizenship&f=false">argued</a> in her book, Public Things: Democracy in disrepair:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Public things [such as infrastructure] are part of the ‘holding environment’ of democratic citizenship; they furnish the world of democratic life … They also constitute us, complement us, limit us, and interpellate us into democratic citizenship.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Since 2013 I have researched citizen participation in infrastructure planning. The focus has been on multi-billion-dollar, transformational urban transport infrastructure proposals in Australian and Canadian cities. </p>
<p>My primary focus has been on projects such as the <a href="https://theconversation.com/east-west-link-shows-miserable-failure-of-planning-process-40232">East-West Link</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/transurbans-west-gate-tollway-is-a-road-into-uncharted-territory-89164">West Gate Tunnel</a> in Melbourne, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/westconnex-audit-offers-another-17b-lesson-in-how-not-to-fund-infrastructure-73206">Westconnex</a> in Sydney (working with <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/glen-searle-103536">Glen Searle</a>). But my interest is not in contested tollway projects alone. I also examined the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/transit-referendum-voters-say-no-to-new-metro-vancouver-tax-transit-improvements-1.3134857">2015 Vancouver plebiscite on transit funding</a>, and the rollout of two light rail projects in the Greater <a href="http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/hurontario-lrt.aspx">Toronto</a> and <a href="http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/hamilton-lrt.aspx">Hamilton</a> Area (GTHA) in Canada.</p>
<p>Research of this kind into cross-city, cross-country and cross-modal (road and public transport) transit systems produces insights into the relationship between citizen participation and infrastructure planning. It makes visible both party-political and socio-political struggles for the present and future city, which infrastructure – be that a major road or a light rail system – often represents. </p>
<p>Transport infrastructure awakens controversy because these projects embody the debates that frame who we are as a group of people living in a city. </p>
<h2>A process of sidelining the citizens</h2>
<p>The question of what kind of city we want to be is often left to strategic planning. However, this question needs to remain at the forefront of decision-making in project planning too.</p>
<p>Take the cancellation of the East-West Link project. You would be excused for assuming that this cancellation, following the election of the current Victorian government in 2014, was a rejection of inner-city toll roads and a “roads must be built to tackle congestion” paradigm. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-east-west-link-is-dead-a-victory-for-21st-century-thinking-34914">The East-West Link is dead – a victory for 21st-century thinking</a>
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</em>
</p>
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<p>But weeks later the government announced the now A$6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel project. This announcement was met with similar concerns to those raised against the East-West Link. These centred on the very undemocratic processes that produced these projects in the first place. </p>
<p>Another key concern was about the efficacy of building tollways when other valued alternatives such as public transport are not only available but also desired. Indeed, these are set out as ambitions for the future city in a succession of metropolitan plans.</p>
<p>In the weeks and months after the West Gate Tunnel announcement, a community liaison group and then a public process of evaluating the environmental effects were organised. This did result in some design modifications. However, this was a process about how best to manage out conflict and limit engagement to questions about design. </p>
<p>This is common practice for transport infrastructure planning across Australia. It it is not what can be reasonably called “best practice” in citizen engagement. </p>
<p>The lack of transparency and carefully controlled consultation remove the publicness of infrastructure.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/east-west-link-shows-miserable-failure-of-planning-process-40232">East-West Link shows miserable failure of planning process</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
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<h2>Market-led planning and its impacts</h2>
<p>The West Gate Tunnel is a case study in both market-led planning and how these processes can be an assault on democratic, participatory planning. These proposals and other public-private partnership schemes continue to be devised, as seen recently with a proposed “<a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/future-melbourne/tech-giants-push-for-piece-of-30bn-super-city-in-east-werribee/news-story/51e77278242514b23567bf6b9e00050c">super city</a>” in East Werribee. </p>
<p>It’s clear more needs to be said about the links between citizen participation and infrastructure planning in this context. To design better citizen consultation is to better understand what galvanises citizen interest and protest. </p>
<p>It is more than just the project. It is what the project represents. In many cases, it is a departure from a clearly stated vision for the city. </p>
<p>Our ability as citizens to assert what is in the public interest – throughout the infrastructure planning process – can be further severed when unsolicited proposals become commonplace.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/transurbans-west-gate-tollway-is-a-road-into-uncharted-territory-89164">Transurban's West Gate tollway is a road into uncharted territory</a>
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</em>
</p>
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<h2>A way forward</h2>
<p>A recent alliance between the Coalition and the Greens in the upper house <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/tools-down-at-west-gate-tunnel-after-liberals-greens-halt-6-7b-dud-20180307-p4z3am.html">revoked the West Gate Tunnel planning amendment</a>. It’s a reminder that any planning process that undermines inclusive citizen participation and ignores the publicness of infrastructure planning will meet with resistance. Westconnex, the East-West Link, <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/roe-8-34736">Roe8</a> in Perth, and now the West Gate Tunnel are all examples of this. </p>
<p>Infrastructure cannot be divorced from the city and its citizens. But as long as citizen engagement is limited, infrastructure will be a hotly contested area of decision-making.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/92840/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Crystal Legacy has received funding from the Australian Research Council and is writing a book about the the politics of transport infrastructure planning and citizen participation. </span></em></p>Transport infrastructure has such an impact on what kind of city we become that more democratic planning is long overdue. But public consultation is typically limited and focused on design issues.Crystal Legacy, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/912272018-02-06T23:55:44Z2018-02-06T23:55:44ZShould Health Canada rely on foreign assessment of new drugs?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/204940/original/file-20180205-14064-1jbjmlo.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Health Canada is proposing a new system to fast-track urgent drugs for children, the elderly and those with serious or life-threatening conditions. This would rely on decisions made by regulators in other jurisdictions.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Health Canada is proposing a new way of allowing certain drugs that Canadians need into the country. </p>
<p>Instead of conducting a detailed review of the evidence — to make sure the product meets acceptable standards for safety, efficacy and quality of manufacturing — the regulator would rely on decisions made by drug regulators in a small number of other regions, including the United States and Europe. </p>
<p>In a <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/public-involvement-consultations/use-foreign-sourced-reference-product-as-canadian-reference-product.html">notice about this proposal</a>, Health Canada explicitly states that it would only “conduct a cursory clinical review of the submission package.”</p>
<p>These are drugs that are on an “urgent public health needs” list, particular formulations for children, the elderly and those made available to individuals with serious or life-threatening conditions through Health Canada’s <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/special-access/drugs/special-access-programme-drugs-1.html">Special Access Programme</a>.</p>
<p>They are drugs that would not otherwise make it onto the Canadian market. Usually, this is because the company making the product doesn’t think enough people will use the drug to justify the cost of getting it through the regulatory system and then marketing it.</p>
<p>Is this a good idea? Should Canada rely on what regulators in the United States or Europe have to say about drugs? </p>
<p>On the surface it seems fine. The standards these countries use are comparable to those in Canada. But there are some issues that Health Canada’s announcement does not address, and some information that raises serious questions about this proposal.</p>
<h2>Increased exposure to harms</h2>
<p><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014582">One study from the U.S.</a> has examined what would happen if a policy similar to Health Canada’s was adopted there. </p>
<p>The study lists 110 new drugs that were approved in Europe and/or Canada before the United States between 2001 and 2010. A number of those drugs had been examined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and rejected for safety reasons. Two of the drugs approved in Europe were subsequently withdrawn because of unacceptable side effects. </p>
<p>The conclusion of the study was that “reciprocal approval legislation would most likely benefit only a small number of U.S. patients receiving treatment for rare diseases, and the benefit may be somewhat mitigated by an increased exposure to harms.”</p>
<p>Even when drugs are approved in both the U.S. and Europe, there are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21537038">still differences in what the regulators allow</a>. </p>
<p>Forty-two cancer drugs were approved by both regulators for 100 different uses, but in 47 cases there were differences in those uses. For 19 of these, the difference was that one agency approved a specific use, whereas the other agency did not. In 10 cases, there were discrepancies in therapeutic indications between Europe and the U.S. that were considered clinically relevant.</p>
<p>This raises the question: If there is a drug that is not marketed in Canada but is available in both Europe and the U.S., which foreign evaluation will Health Canada use?</p>
<h2>National therapeutic cultures</h2>
<p>Health Canada’s proposal also ignores the reality that drug regulation is more than just technical specifications. </p>
<p>Regulatory frameworks are a reflection of the therapeutic culture that has developed in an individual country. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/204935/original/file-20180205-14111-1wcoraq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/204935/original/file-20180205-14111-1wcoraq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=389&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/204935/original/file-20180205-14111-1wcoraq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=389&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/204935/original/file-20180205-14111-1wcoraq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=389&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/204935/original/file-20180205-14111-1wcoraq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=489&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/204935/original/file-20180205-14111-1wcoraq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=489&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/204935/original/file-20180205-14111-1wcoraq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=489&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Drug regulation decisions depend on national values as well as clinical evidence.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Therapeutic cultures arise from networks of individuals and organizations that produce regulatory policy, determine testing standards and ultimately decide on market access for new drugs. </p>
<p>It would be a serious mistake to think that national networks are the same across different countries. It misses the point that drug regulation exists at the intersection of values, science, medical culture, patient needs and expectations and politics.</p>
<h2>Inadequate consultation time</h2>
<p>Health Canada is also in the process of <a href="http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2017/2017-12-09/html/reg3-eng.html">developing regulations that would allow it to release detailed information about the safety and efficacy of the clinical trials</a> that companies submit when they want to market a new drug. This type of information allows doctors, patients and researchers to look at the studies on their own. </p>
<p>If Health Canada relies on the decisions of foreign regulators, would it be able to release the same type of information? If not, that would mean no independent evaluations.</p>
<p>Finally, Health Canada is doing <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/public-involvement-consultations/use-foreign-sourced-reference-product-as-canadian-reference-product.html">a telephone consultation</a> on its proposal on this Friday, Feb. 9, 2018. The announcement about that consultation was not issued until Jan. 31. </p>
<p>Nine days is an unacceptable amount of time to allow people to develop informed opinions on this important issue.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/91227/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Joel Lexchin receives funding from CIHR and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council. He is affiliated with the Foundation Board of Health Action International. In 2015-2017, he was a paid consultant on two projects: one looking at indication-based prescribing (United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) and a second deciding what drugs should be provided free of charge by general practitioners (Government of Canada, Ontario Supporting Patient Oriented Research Support Unit and the St Michael's Hospital Foundation). He also received payment for being on a panel that discussed a pharmacare plan for Canada (Canadian Institute, a for-profit organization).</span></em></p>Health Canada is proposing to allow some prescription drugs into the country with only ‘cursory clinical review.’ Here’s why we should be worried.Joel Lexchin, Professor Emeritus of Health Policy and Management, York University and Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine, University of TorontoLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/846642017-09-27T23:30:49Z2017-09-27T23:30:49ZEgg donors and surrogates need high-quality care<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/187876/original/file-20170927-24212-1vu4go3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Egg donors, sperm donors and surrogates are critical participants and patients in the use of reproductive technologies - so why are their rights and heath repeatedly overlooked?</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Shutterstock)</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Health Canada recently sought public input into new regulations for the use of assisted human reproduction. The consultation process covered everything from in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to egg and sperm donation and surrogacy.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-assisted-human-reproduction/document.html#a1">The consultation document</a> prioritizes the health and safety of men and women engaged in <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/family-making-9780199656066?cc=gb&lang=en&">family-making</a> projects using assisted human reproduction. It also prioritizes the health and safety of children born of reproductive technologies. Meanwhile, the interests of those who contribute substantially to family-making — egg donors, sperm donors and surrogates — are repeatedly overlooked.</p>
<p>As researchers and advocates for women’s health, we are concerned about the ongoing failure on the part of Health Canada and others to see egg donors, sperm donors and surrogates as both critical participants and patients in the use of reproductive technologies. We urge policy makers to give due consideration to their health, well-being and interests in the making of public policy on assisted human reproduction.</p>
<h2>A narrow focus</h2>
<p><a href="http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/a-13.4/FullText.html">The Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Act </a> — the legislation governing the use of human reproductive technologies in Canada — was passed in 2004. As originally drafted, the act includes a number of provisions that require regulations in order for them to come into force. Most of these have never been introduced, including rules about how those donating eggs, sperm and embryos and those who act as surrogates should be paid.</p>
<p>Now, some 13 years later, Health Canada is finally taking the necessary steps to start drafting the missing regulations. An early step in this process has involved limited public consultation on a discussion document titled <em>Toward a Strengthened Assisted Human Reproduction Act: A Consultation with Canadians on Key Policy Proposals</em>. This document provides information about the direction of regulations-to-come in support of the AHR Act and asks the public for input.</p>
<p>An important problem with the discussion document (and the direction of the regulations it outlines) is the narrow focus on those who use assisted reproduction to build a family and those who are born of these technologies. </p>
<p>What about those who assist others with their family-making project? Assisted human reproduction often involves others — including egg donors, sperm donors and surrogates. In the discussion document, their interests are too often overlooked.</p>
<h2>Risks of egg donation</h2>
<p>In the section on “product safety,” for example, the discussion document provides considerable detail about the ways in which eggs and sperm (gametes) should be acquired so as to protect the health and safety of those using assisted reproduction, and of the children born. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/187458/original/file-20170925-22354-19psdkx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/187458/original/file-20170925-22354-19psdkx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/187458/original/file-20170925-22354-19psdkx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/187458/original/file-20170925-22354-19psdkx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/187458/original/file-20170925-22354-19psdkx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/187458/original/file-20170925-22354-19psdkx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/187458/original/file-20170925-22354-19psdkx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Gamete donors and surogates are repeatedly viewed as mere ‘third parties’ in laws governing assisted reproduction in Canada and globally.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">(Unsplash/Sean Roy)</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>But what about the health and safety of the gamete providers and the surrogates? The risks associated with egg production, for example, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18681998">are substantial</a>. And there are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19022427">numerous reports</a> that <a href="http://jme.bmj.com/content/early/2016/03/07/medethics-2015-102964">informed consent is lacking</a>, as is <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2198380237">adequate follow-up care</a> to address potential health risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. </p>
<p>Nowhere does the government discussion document address the health and safety of the women from whom the so-called “products” are obtained.</p>
<h2>‘Third parties’ or vital contributors?</h2>
<p>In another section of the discussion document on the “risk of transmission of disease,” the focus is again narrowly on the would-be-parents and the children conceived. Accordingly, when reproductive material is tested and screened, the would-be parents are to be informed of the tests results so that they can take this information into consideration in making their reproductive choices. </p>
<p>There is no mention, however, of disclosing information about genetic or infectious disease to gamete donors and surrogates. Yet, surely they have an even greater claim on such information that they require to make both health-care and reproductive choices.</p>
<p>This lack of attention to the interests of gamete donors and surrogates has been a problem with the regulation of assisted reproduction in Canada from the beginning. These participants in assisted human reproduction are rarely included in policy consultations and their experiences are rarely studied. </p>
<p>They are typically referred to as “third-parties” in the reproductive process when they are, in fact, primary actors. In these ways they are thought of, and often treated, as nearly extraneous to the family-making projects they enable.</p>
<h2>Women as ‘spare parts’ and ‘walking wombs’</h2>
<p>Scholars in the field of assisted human reproduction (including us), have documented the many ways in which egg donors have come to be thought of as “<a href="http://www.utpjournals.press/doi/abs/10.3138/cjwl.25.2.249">spare parts</a>” rather than patients, and surrogates have long been dismissively thought of as “<a href="http://ca.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0745602096.html">walking wombs</a>.”</p>
<p>This Health Canada consultation fails to see gamete donors and surrogates as participants in assisted reproduction, fully deserving of the same high-quality care as those who use the technologies to build their families. This is indicative of a broad and ongoing failure to take seriously the rights and interests of gamete donors and surrogates. </p>
<p>As Health Canada moves forward with this regulatory process, it is critical that all who participate in assisted human reproduction come to be understood as key actors in the use of reproductive technologies.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/84664/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Alana Cattapan has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. She is on the Board of the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Françoise Baylis has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Stem Cell Network. She wrote the expert ethics report for the Canadian government in the Reference regarding the Assisted Human Reproduction Act S.C. 2004, c.2. She was a member of the inaugural Board of Directors of Assisted Human Reproduction Canada (2006-2010).</span></em></p>Health Canada is drafting important regulations for assisted reproductive technologies. Initial documents treat egg donors and surrogates as little more than spare parts and walking wombs.Alana Cattapan, Assistant Professor, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of SaskatchewanFrançoise Baylis, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Bioethics and Philosophy, Dalhousie UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/591612016-05-24T00:54:35Z2016-05-24T00:54:35Z‘30-minute city’? Not in my backyard! Smart Cities Plan must let people have their say<p>The federal government’s <a href="https://cities.dpmc.gov.au/smart-cities-plan">Smart Cities Plan</a> is framed around the “<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-30-minute-city-how-do-we-put-the-political-rhetoric-into-practice-56136">30-minute city</a>”. In this city, journeys will <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/federal-election-2016/malcolm-turnbull-to-borrow-big-in-multibilliondollar-smart-cities-plan-20160428-gohbym.html">take no more than half an hour</a>, regardless of your location.</p>
<p>The recently released plan has significant implications for population, transport provision and land-use intensity in neighbourhoods – the places where people live and how they get around. The realisation of its goals will require ongoing densification of Australian suburbs.</p>
<h2>Cities with more houses, more people, more NIMBYs</h2>
<p>The doubling of the population in some Australian cities by 2045 is likely to generate fierce opposition to housing and transport projects.</p>
<p>Many medium-density housing projects prompt residents <a href="http://www.ahuri.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/2238/AHURI_Final_Report_No197_Resident_third_party_objections_and_appeals_against_planning_applications.pdf">to act strategically to protect their neighbourhoods</a>, even when these projects improve housing affordability and access to jobs and services.</p>
<p>Resistance is also directed at major infrastructure. Fierce campaigns are being (or have been) waged against Melbourne’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-sky-rail-saga-can-big-new-transport-projects-ever-run-smoothly-54383">“sky rail” project</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/east-west-link-shows-miserable-failure-of-planning-process-40232">East West Link</a>, Sydney’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/trees-versus-light-rail-we-need-to-rethink-skewed-urban-planning-values-57206">ANZAC Parade light rail</a> and <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/opposition-to-westconnex-grows-as-council-blocks-contractors-from-streets-20160407-go0j3i.html">Westconnex</a> projects, and the <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-23/shorten-to-commit-to-1bn-metronet-rail-in-wa-if-elected/7436062">Perth Freight Link</a>.</p>
<p>Such opposition is not only felt through the planning system. Residents also <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08111146.2015.1081845">use political channels</a> to stop projects, <a href="http://usj.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/08/27/0042098015602649.abstract">as with the East West Link</a>.</p>
<h2>How should government respond to community resistance?</h2>
<p>Contestation over city planning should not be shut down. Rather, we need to think about citizen opposition as a constructive process for working through difference. Here are five points to consider when including people in the delivery of the 30-minute city.</p>
<p><strong>Point 1: We need active governments and active citizens</strong></p>
<p>Private-sector lobbyists argue government is poorly placed to deliver small- and large-scale infrastructure. But think about a city with no roads, sewers, hospitals or schools. Without government-led planning, our cities would be dysfunctional places to live.</p>
<p>However, governments are not benevolent institutions. Active citizenries have long scrutinised the efficacy of government decisions. </p>
<p>The introduction of private and non-government infrastructure providers <a href="https://theconversation.com/an-uneasy-marriage-planners-public-and-the-market-struggle-to-work-well-together-54405">further complicates</a> the relationship between citizens and governments. Whose interests does urban development then serve – a local community, regional community, or developers?</p>
<p>Governments need to be ready to answer questions about the role of the private sector and to change their plans following <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07293682.2015.1135816">community input</a>. </p>
<p><strong>Point 2: More than finding better participation tools</strong></p>
<p>Urban planning systems play important roles in engaging residents. However, community consultation has been sporadic. Neighbourhood meetings and letterbox notifications often fail to ignite engagement. </p>
<p>Then there is the question of representation. Community consultations attract the “usual suspects”. Time-poor working-age households and young professionals find it difficult to fit engagement with planning into their busy lives. Even more rarely does planning engage with youth and children about their visions and hopes for cities.</p>
<p>Local and state governments are aware of the need for new ways to bring citizens into decision-making. Infrastructure Victoria’s <a href="http://yoursay.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/citizen-jury">citizen jury panels</a> are meeting mid-2016. Social media is also being considered as a way to <a href="http://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/future">engage a broader public about city futures</a>. </p>
<p>However, when planning departments use social media the uptake by communities is poor. Our research suggests <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07293682.2015.1019755">opponents to planned projects</a>, rather than planning departments, are more likely to use social media.</p>
<p>The problem with current participation tools is their failure to account for conversations, debates and protests that <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08111146.2015.1077804">take place outside</a> the formal planning process. We need ways to include these discussions.</p>
<p><strong>Point 3: Moving beyond NIMBYism</strong></p>
<p>Not all community campaigns are the same. The dominant narrative around community participation in urban planning centres on the pejorative idea of “the <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1745-5871.2012.00751.x/abstract">NIMBY</a>” (not in my backyard). </p>
<p>The term NIMBY is frequently used to delegitimise the claims of citizens opposing planned developments. They are characterised as self-interested residents who resist the inclusion of new social groups in their neighbourhoods, or any change to the built or natural environment.</p>
<p>Deliberately labelling these residents as self-interested fails to recognise the positive roles they can play. Local resident campaigns can focus on city-wide or local issues. They can range from <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07293682.2013.776982">unwavering opposition to more flexible and reflexive engagement</a> in an urban discussion. </p>
<p>Some community campaigns might be viewed as vital forms of urban citizenship. Others are seen as “protecting their patch” against the best interests of the broader citizenry. Both views should be part of our discussion about city planning.</p>
<p><strong>Point 4: The conversation never stops</strong></p>
<p>An active citizenry is involved in short-term “one-off” planning and long-term strategic planning. Too often, public participation roles are confined to one end of this spectrum. For example, the NSW government recently attempted to <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07293682.2014.889183">limit public participation</a> to high-level strategic planning documents, reducing community input into individual developments.</p>
<p>Most people have little knowledge of the urban planning system. A <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837714000301">recent study</a> found only 24% of Sydney residents surveyed were aware of the <a href="http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-Your-Area/Sydney/A-Plan-for-Growing-Sydney">Sydney metropolitan plan</a>. Confining participation to upfront strategic consultation limits community involvement.</p>
<p>For most people, engagement with planning and development issues will be reactionary. People engage with the planning system when a development is proposed for their area.</p>
<p>However, a recent national survey revealed that 65% of responses believed urban residents should be involved in each stage of the strategy-making process. Most will not be involved, but options for participation should not be confined to upfront consultation.</p>
<p>By engaging the community in an ongoing discussion we can listen and respond to local interests without compromising the broader strategic and long-term vision for our cities.</p>
<p><strong>Point 5: Metropolitan-wide but locally situated debate</strong></p>
<p>There will be winners and losers in the 30-minute city. Houses will be acquired, buildings will be demolished and sections of the natural environment will make way for new infrastructure.</p>
<p>Over the last decade, the idea of consensus has dominated participatory approaches. However, consensus-seeking is not always the best way to work through community disagreement. In some cases, consensus can be manipulative, or useful for mobilising resident opposition. </p>
<p>We need to recognise that cities are home to many different people who hold diverse views and values, and who will not always agree. Rather than aiming for consensus, we should set our sights on metropolitan-wide, locally situated debate, which supports an active citizenry. </p>
<p>In the end, the difference between no action and implementation may be in “agreeing to disagree” through open discussion about the planning of the city.</p>
<hr>
<p><em>This article draws on research by the authors and recent discussions about a possible crisis of participation in Australian cities at a <a href="http://cur.org.au/events/urban-theory-symposium-series/">symposium in Sydney in April 2016</a>.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/59161/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Crystal Legacy receives funding from the Australian Research Council. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dallas Rogers receives funding from the Henry Halloran Trust.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kristian Ruming receives funding from the Australian Research Council and UrbanGrowth NSW.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nicole Cook does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Cities are home to many different people who will not always agree. We need to learn to embrace public debate as an ongoing, constructive process for working through diverse views and values.Crystal Legacy, Australian Research Council (DECRA) Fellow and Vice Chancellor's Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT UniversityDallas Rogers, Lecturer in Urban Studies, Western Sydney UniversityKristian Ruming, Associate Professor in Urban Geography, Macquarie UniversityNicole Cook, Researcher, School of Geography, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/543832016-02-22T19:06:00Z2016-02-22T19:06:00ZThe ‘sky rail’ saga: can big new transport projects ever run smoothly?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/111913/original/image-20160218-1261-opxhgl.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Research shows that elevated rail, like this design for Moreland station, has many advantages.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Evelyn Hartojo, Melbourne School of Design</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Tensions are rising in Melbourne over plans to use <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/16-billion-elevated-rail-project-to-replace-level-crossings-on-dandenong-line-20160206-gmnj0p.html">elevated rail to remove suburban level crossings</a>. Sydney has <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/skytrains-the-limit-as-sydneys-northwest-hosts-new-rail-line-20150821-gj4nsx.html">already begun building</a> its <a href="http://nwrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/The-Project/Skytrain">“Skytrain” project in the city’s northwest</a>. However, the Victorian government is discovering, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Metro_Northwest#History_of_the_original_North_West_Rail_Link">as have many before it</a>, the travails of translating popular transport promises into big project announcements.</p>
<p>Last month, as residents in ALP electorates along the Dandenong line in Melbourne’s southeast returned from summer holidays, they read tabloid stories of <a href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/sky-rail-for-pakenham-cranbourne-line-outlined-in-secret-andrews-government-plans/news-story/e657698836b2589e3bcda521ed040b3c">“secret” plans to build a “sky rail”</a> to eliminate nine level crossings. Some logged on to <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/skyrail-can-we-tell-the-difference-between-petitions-and-parody-any-more-20160215-gmuo9y.html">viral online petitions</a> condemning the idea. </p>
<p>Labor won the November 2014 Victorian state election with a <a href="http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/level-crossing-removals-are-labors-priority/">plan to remove 50 level crossings</a> over eight years to reduce congestion and improve safety. This was a rapid acceleration of <a href="http://www.danielbowen.com/2014/09/24/level-crossing-list/">an existing program</a>, which had sunk railways at ten suburban crossings since the 1990s. People knew changes were on the way, but many expected the railway to be put in a trench. </p>
<h2>What are the benefits of elevated rail?</h2>
<p>Even as researchers long interested in these issues, it took us time to recognise the benefits of elevated rail compared to trenching. In 2012, we began investigating <a href="https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/transit-all-better-stations-and-access-infrastructure">improved station designs for Melbourne</a>. Could stations again become vital nodes in networks of civic public space, rather than neglected back doors to the suburbs they serve?</p>
<p>We set our graduate students the task of re-imagining stations selected by our local government partners. We used these designs to stimulate critical debate across private sector and government professional networks involved in many of Melbourne’s recent station upgrades and crossing removals. </p>
<p>We discovered that some form of grade separation was necessary to achieve a step-change in station performance. After three iterations of our design-research process, it became clear elevated rail had a <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/drab-train-stations-come-to-life-in-university-design-project-20140616-zs9r7.html">distinct edge over trenching</a>.</p>
<p>We have continued, with support from the <a href="http://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/">Level Crossings Removal Authority</a>, to investigate <a href="http://atrf.info/papers/2015/files/ATRF2015_Resubmission_143.pdf">design parameters for level-crossing removal in Melbourne</a> while documenting their historical legacies across the city.</p>
<p>Clearly, elevated rail can be done badly, but if done well there are many benefits. These include: </p>
<ul>
<li><p>opportunities for multi-scale economic and social development around stations;</p></li>
<li><p>extended networks of linear parks and quiet streets for safer walking and cycling;</p></li>
<li><p>opportunities to reorganise Melbourne’s bus system and its rail connections;</p></li>
<li><p>superior passenger experience, views and way-finding;</p></li>
<li><p>greater efficiency: gravity aids braking and acceleration through stations; and</p></li>
<li><p>less disruption to traffic and trains during construction. </p></li>
</ul>
<h2>What about the objections?</h2>
<p>Objections to elevated rail have centred on questions of overlooking, noise and shading. Such objections are frequently accompanied by calls for decked-over trenches or full-scale tunnels. </p>
<p>Visual screening from elevated rail is usually not necessary where viaduct height and train speed obviate overlooking. It can easily be achieved where necessary.</p>
<p>Reducing rail noise involves a combination of high-quality design and construction, <a href="http://www.networkrail.co.uk/improvements/reducing-track-noise/">good maintenance</a> and, in places, low-height <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022460X96902783">sound baffles</a>. Freight, above or below ground, can pose special issues; in New South Wales, a <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/homes-near-noisy-sydney-rail-lines-to-be-insulated-by-nsw-government-20150827-gj8zld.html">compensation scheme supports sound insulation in homes</a>. </p>
<p>Residents on the Dandenong line may need performance guarantees through post-construction monitoring. However, many living close to level crossings already anticipate an end to disturbances from train whistles, boom-gate bells and tyres bumping over rails. </p>
<p>Shading is more difficult. Negotiated settlements might be needed with some residents. </p>
<p>Decking is impossible on the inclines towards road crossings, since trains need clearance. It is very expensive and only for developers wanting to erect tower blocks above stations would it be attractive.</p>
<p>Deep tunnelling is typically about five times <a href="http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/131641/sub058-infrastructure.pdf">more expensive than trenching</a>. That rules it out except in areas of very high land value, such as the CBD.</p>
<h2>The shift from trenches to sky rail</h2>
<p>Melbourne has a legacy of successful elevated rail, much of it in desirable suburbs. Yet somehow trenching became the default. </p>
<p>Between 2013 and 2015, our <a href="http://www.soacconference.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Wollan-Structure.pdf">findings on the benefits of elevated rail</a> were presented widely to transport industry experts, government officials and our academic peers. With growing acceptance of our conclusions in these professional networks, it was no surprise that tenders for level-crossing removals on the Dandenong line included options for elevated rail.</p>
<p>The state government was under pressure to act fast on the Dandenong line. Labor came to power just as the previous government was finalising agreements on an <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/on-a-fast-track-20140528-3951z.html">“unsolicited” proposal from a private consortium</a>, led by rail operator MTM, to upgrade tracks and remove several level crossings. </p>
<p>The proposed works included plans for what the consortium called “level crossing-lite”. This offered no improvement to the urban realm. It also required the state to <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victorians-hit-for-1-million-a-day-for-rail-upgrade-20140502-zr3b6.html">pay an “access fee”</a> to MTM to use the upgraded track.</p>
<p>The incoming Andrews government, to its credit, <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-31/victorian-labor-dumps-major-rail-upgrade-announces-new-project/6361250">rejected this deal</a>. But that left little time to bring forward new plans to fill the gap and keep Labor’s ambitious electoral promise on track.</p>
<h2>Finding new ways to talk about big plans</h2>
<p>What options did the government have to bring people with them and <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/skyrail-project-score-a-skyfail-on-proper-consultation-planners-20160215-gmugw6.html">not act so far ahead of public expectations</a>?</p>
<p>In Melbourne, as in other Australian cities, consultation on everything from major projects to local development has been utterly debased. Few citizens have any confidence their objections will be heard or their fears addressed.</p>
<p>People with legitimate grievances often feel they have no option but to appeal to the tabloids. Political opportunists do all they can to fan the flames. In such a climate, broaching new or challenging ideas is fraught, yet there are clear imperatives for innovation.</p>
<p>Repairing this damage to civil society will require strong political commitment to more inclusive and open-ended processes of consultation and planning, along with evidence-based policy. Countless international and local models are available.</p>
<p>These new processes will need to weather the anger and distrust created by years of cynical manipulation. The government could start to take the heat out of the debate by providing some accurate comparisons of the costs and benefits of different options for removing level crossings for Dandenong and other rail lines on their list. </p>
<p>The alternative is to abandon the many potential beneficiaries of well-designed elevated rail – who are just coming to appreciate what this might offer – to the uncertain outcomes of a contest between <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-16/premier-defends-skyrail-project-saying-residents-were-consulted/7174156">a defensive government</a> and the shrill voices of complaint.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/54383/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>John Stone has received research funding from Level Crossings Removal Authority, Australian Research Council, Australian Housing & Urban Research Institute, Australian Council of Learned Academies, New Zealand Transport Agency, Metropolitan Transport Forum, and City of Moreland. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ian Woodcock has received research funding (cash and/or in-kind, directly or indirectly) from the Australian Research Council, Carlton Connect, Level Crossing Removal Authority, VicTrack, the Cities of Melbourne, Moreland, Darebin, Yarra and Hobson's Bay, Office of the Victorian Government Architect, Public Transport Victoria, VicRoads, Metropolitan Transport Forum, Metro, Grimshaw, MGS Architects, Cox Architecture, Caldis Cook Group, Aspect Studios, Urban Circus, Places Victoria, Urban Development Institute of Australia, Planning Institute of Australia, Housing Choices Australia, and the former Victorian government Departments of: Planning and Community Development; Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure; Transport.</span></em></p>Elevated rail to remove level crossings, done properly, has many benefits – and the alternatives are more disruptive and costly. But announcing projects with little consultation is asking for trouble.John Stone, Senior Lecturer in Transport Planning, The University of MelbourneIan Woodcock, Associate Lecturer, School of Global, Urban & Social Studies, RMIT UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/254732014-04-14T03:30:52Z2014-04-14T03:30:52ZKeating’s wrong about the plans for Sydney’s Botanic Gardens<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/46148/original/khk8x2rq-1397173846.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">By releasing its master plan publicly, the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust is allowing a debate to happen.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gawthrop/4848333271/in/photolist-8oqYyX-5pQy9Q-5pQxih-5pQyhC-5pQxyS-5pQxGS-5pQy41-5pQxWf-5pQxru-5quy82-5quygH-5q3ApF-9PjGMw-5pz7A1-5puNc4-5q3Ait-5q7V9j-2SseH9-2SnShi-2k8vgr-2jnqqL-2jnvLY-5rjGGb-5rjGUq-2ji6UK-2ji6aZ-2jntxq-2jnug5-ziw6a-5q7Wjh-5q7WbY-5q7WsY-5pLccR-5q3zi6-5pLbwk-5pQvzs-5puNDz-5rZhLD-2SshX7-5qzEP8-dfERTG-5s4C3d-5pQuRq-2k8rhP-6oZCLx-6oZLAP-9PjGC3-5pLbG2-5q7WUJ-5pQvoG">Peter Gawthrop</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/paul-keating-attacks-sydney-botanic-gardens-plan-20140406-366o5.html">current debate</a> led by Paul Keating about the Master Plan for Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens reminds us how patchy and inconsistent our democracy is in regard to the way we make our cities. </p>
<p>The Royal Botanic Gardens & Doman Trust has released <a href="https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/welcome/feature_stories/master_plan">a 25-year plan</a> for the Gardens and invited public responses. It includes improvements to the walkways and signage in the Gardens, the creation of a new garden for children, and a reinvigoration of existing collections. </p>
<p>More controversial are plans to build a visitors centre adjacent to the Sydney Opera House, redevelopment, a hotel and soundshell in the Domain, and headland walkways and a ferry terminal at Mrs Macquaries Point.</p>
<p>The former PM says the Master Plan “fundamentally commercialises this historic garden place”. He warned:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>If Sydney is prepared to allow itself to fall prey to every trashy tourist and retail lobby, the city will not remain ours to protect or enjoy as we do now.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In Sydney, debates about major redevelopments aren’t always conducted in quite this fashion. See, for example, the unstoppable march of <a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/barangaroo">Barangaroo</a> and its casino, protected by the special conditions and limited public involvement afforded projects of “state significance” and <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-31/national-trust-criticises-sale-of-public-housing-in-millers-poi/5357012">the recent decision</a> made by the O'Farrell Government to cruelly evict the residents of Millers Point.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/46147/original/hbshg9wb-1397173753.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/46147/original/hbshg9wb-1397173753.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46147/original/hbshg9wb-1397173753.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46147/original/hbshg9wb-1397173753.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46147/original/hbshg9wb-1397173753.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46147/original/hbshg9wb-1397173753.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46147/original/hbshg9wb-1397173753.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Steve Arnold</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As an architect who works across a range of project types and scales, I am a witness with a front-row seat to how democracy and decision-making about cities work at a number of levels. </p>
<p>This can mean listening to a couple who will find an outlet to debate their different world views through the design of a house extension. It can also mean being a spectator to the ballet of soft and hard power being wielded by ministers and public servants. A controversial project tests the limits of our constantly negotiated value systems and the democracy charged with protecting those negotiations.</p>
<h2>How the Gardens differ from Barangaroo</h2>
<p>Paul Keating’s <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/paul-keating-attacks-sydney-botanic-gardens-plan-20140406-366o5.html">strident criticism</a> of the Botanic Gardens Master Plan is misplaced both in his comparison of the gardens to Barangaroo in physical terms and in the completely different processes playing out either side of the CBD. </p>
<p>The development of Barangaroo is an important development of high complexity and is being steered by a dedicated public service. Yet much of the decision making early in the process was shrouded in secrecy, and constant complaints were made about the lack of genuine consultation or the potential for the public to meaningfully impact on what was being proposed. </p>
<p>But as far as the Botanic Gardens goes, Keating, with his public proclamations and newspaper commentary is exercising his democratic right to be heard and participate in the development. This was an opportunity not afforded those who disagreed with Keating’s view of Barangaroo. </p>
<p>For architects, one memorable highlight of the process was his <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/national/storming-the-headland-20090918-fvc8.html">labelling</a> of our considered, thoughtful and highly respected Institute of Architects President, <a href="http://www.tzg.com.au/people/brian-zulaikha">Brian Zuilaikha</a>, as a “toady” who should retreat to “toad hall” for disagreeing with his view. </p>
<p>To borrow the former PM’s critique of the <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/comment/royal-botanic-gardens-masterplan-a-vision-not-so-splendid-20140408-zqsbk.html">process</a> instigated by the Botanic Gardens Trust, Keating’s aggressive stance on Barangaroo left “the concerns of a conscientious citizenry disorganised and dishevelled” – via the utilisation of decision making processes designed specifically to exclude them.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/46037/original/rrfmptrf-1397090820.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/46037/original/rrfmptrf-1397090820.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46037/original/rrfmptrf-1397090820.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46037/original/rrfmptrf-1397090820.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46037/original/rrfmptrf-1397090820.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46037/original/rrfmptrf-1397090820.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46037/original/rrfmptrf-1397090820.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">At Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">cherry-blossom1</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>The future of the Botanic Gardens</h2>
<p>There is no doubt that any development in the Botanic Gardens is extremely sensitive in nature and should be subject to the full contest of views played out in public and a transparent processes of negotiating them. That <a href="http://engage.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/rbgdt">this has already occurred to date</a> should give us faith that a similar process will continue.</p>
<p>The Trust of the Botanic Gardens has some rather vexing problems to deal with: incredible visitation – more than <a href="https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/welcome/royal_botanic_garden/fast_facts">3.5 million visitors</a> a year – yet declining and at times embarrassing infrastructure to support the visitor experience. </p>
<p>Keating’s claim that the Botanic Gardens works will result in an influx of tourists destroying the gardens is not correct – the tourists are coming already and the gardens are threatened by the lack of management afforded their visits and the lack of quality infrastructure that greets them.</p>
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<figcaption><span class="caption">An animated walkthrough of the Royal Botanic Gardens Masterplan.</span></figcaption>
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<p>A visitor centre at the western entrance to the gardens would not only provide a new layer of information for visitors about the gardens and their role, but may, through further development, assist the Opera House with its own dilemmas regarding a visitor centre, for which <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/orange-inspires-design-for-new-little-neighbour-of-the-opera-house-20131101-2wsd6.html">a competition was held</a> last year. </p>
<p>While nothing has been publicly revealed regarding the winning proposal, it is understood competitors were asked to place a visitor centre on architect Joern Utzon’s forecourt. It is impossible to understand how a proposal so contrary to Utzon’s vision and design principles could even be suggested; it would compromise the Opera House far more than a combined Opera House-Gardens visitor centre at the junction between the two.</p>
<p>This sensitivity regarding the Opera House Visitor Centre reminds us that scale is often not the issue – rather, the appropriateness of what is being proposed in each context. All the complexity and uncertainty and contests around how we would measure that would be a more sophisticated measure. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/46149/original/4ynnrtnb-1397174688.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/46149/original/4ynnrtnb-1397174688.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/46149/original/4ynnrtnb-1397174688.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46149/original/4ynnrtnb-1397174688.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46149/original/4ynnrtnb-1397174688.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46149/original/4ynnrtnb-1397174688.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46149/original/4ynnrtnb-1397174688.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/46149/original/4ynnrtnb-1397174688.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="attribution"><span class="source">kara brugman</span></span>
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<p>But that’s also more complex to argue, as it requires a complex and fine-grained debate between highly informed people – not banner headlines and one-liners from Keating and others in the daily press. </p>
<p>The scientific functions of the Botanic Gardens are compromised and in the need of a boost via new state of the art research spaces, all of which should be unremarkable. Bump in and bump out stresses that accompany any event at the Domain could be eliminated with a permanent sound shell, an issue surely without controversy given the regular use of the space for large music events. Lining a car park façade with a new hotel would seem to be quite ingenious. </p>
<p>On the other hand, the proposed works to Mrs Macquaries Point are a real concern and the viewing platform jutting out from the headland appears completely unnecessary and inappropriate.</p>
<p>By <a href="https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/welcome/feature_stories/master_plan">releasing the Master Plan and making it public</a>, the Botanic Gardens Trust is now allowing a debate to happen. Keating’s is the loudest voice in the debate currently – but hopefully it will include many others in a public contest of ideas about how this most important asset is enhanced and its key values protected for the future. </p>
<p>I hope the Trust continues with the consultative and transparent process it has commenced and is open to modifications, adjustments and deletions to the plan that balance its sophisticated knowledge of its own requirements and responsibilities and the concerns of a rightly engaged public. </p>
<p>This could be the exemplar of a form of democracy we so desperately need in New South Wales but so rarely experience.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/25473/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Gerard Reinmuth does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The current debate led by Paul Keating about the Master Plan for Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens reminds us how patchy and inconsistent our democracy is in regard to the way we make our cities. The Royal…Gerard Reinmuth, Professor of Practice, University of Technology SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.