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Articles on community consultation

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Artist’s impression of the new city. NSW Government/AAP

Bold and innovative planning is delivering Australia’s newest city. But it will be hot – and can we ditch the colonial name?

The new city bears a colonial name and there are questions about locating it in the hottest part of Sydney, but we are also seeing all 3 tiers of government work together in an innovative way.
Storm-damaged beachfront homes along Pittwater Road at Collaroy on the northern beaches of Sydney in June 2016. Dean Lewins/AAP

Water may soon lap at the door, but still some homeowners don’t want to rock the boat

A particular brand of climate denial among coastal property owners presents a conundrum for councils and governments trying to plan for sea-level rise.
Victorians who opposed the East West Link before the November 2014 election would have felt not much had changed when the new government announced the West Gate Tunnel in March 2015. Courtney Biggs/AAP

Sidelining citizens when deciding on transport projects is asking for trouble

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.
In a citizens’ jury, difficult issues are passionately but respectfully discussed by a cross-section of people from the community. NHS Citizen Assembly

City calls on jury of its citizens to deliberate on Melbourne’s future

A citizens’ jury has been working to refresh the Future Melbourne strategy. It’s part of a broader shift from government decision-making for communities to decision-making with communities.
Opponents of projects are often scorned as NIMBYs, but active citizenship and local consultation are key elements in creating a city that works well for as many people as possible. Teresa Parker/AAP

30-minute city’? Not in my backyard! Smart Cities Plan must let people have their say

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.
Members of the Thai community say they are happy to have a mining industry in the country, but expect a commitment to environmental protection. Image sourced from Shutterstock.com

Kingsgate’s Thai mine a lesson in failed community management

Developing countries often welcome Australian mining companies into their communities, but when things go wrong, communication is key.

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