City vs City

[AFreshStart]

Last night I had the privilege of attending the SydCityTalk on Greening Global Cities, some of you might know it's close to my heart, particular the use of public spaces.

 

The panel included Mitchell J. Silver – NYC Parks Commissioner, Graham Jahn AM – Director of City Planning, City of Sydney, Professor Rob Adams AM – Director of City Design, City of Melbourne (A fellow South African Migrant), Professor Susan Thompson – Faculty of the Built Environment, UNSW, Sacha Coles – Director, ASPECT Studios & Tracey Holmes – Presenter, ABC Grandstand

 

There was much to reflect on, and also much praise given to The City of Sydney for its investment in public spaces and parks, including new public spaces like Pirrama Park, Paddington Reservoir and Green Square's Gunyama Park, which will feature the largest pool built since the Olympics.

 

These public spaces need to be equitable and for all to enjoy, but also need to be attractive for the both residents, but migrants.

 

Lord Mayor Clover Moore shared that it's no longer "City vs Country" as 2/3rd's of Australian citizens live in a Capital City.

 

The battle now is "City vs City", more than 60% of residents of Sydney are Gen X,Y & Z, and for the first time in history we will cross the threshold where there will be more older citizens (65+) and less younger people (Under 5) globally, peaking in 2050.

 

New York City looks alarmingly similar demographically. Sydney is competing with other Cities - New York, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, young people are going where lifestyle and livability suit them as they seek experience over material possessions and this shift has to be catered for in urban planning where public space should be considered infrastructure, not an after thought.

 

It's one of the reasons we moved here, because once our children have their Citizenship they will have that Freedom to travel, it's not easily bought.

 

Australia has a work abroad agreement with over 19-countries, including most of those listed above and those that are not covered there are part of a reciprocal work/holiday VISA agreement, another 14-countries.

 

What an exciting time to be living in, that these 'borders' are traversed and traveled with ease, a modern day diaspora.

 

Where migration might be feared by some, for others it's an opportunity and one we home our own children will explore, as we have done.

 

Cheers

 

Matt

Edited May 18, 2016 by AFreshStart