The City of Sydney Stimulus Paper [1] introduces some fresh perspectives to the PASCAL International Exchanges in demonstrating how local community development can be related to a long term strategic vision for the city as a whole, with mutual benefits. The long-term strategic plan “Sustainable Sydney 2030” contains a set of goals to make Sydney green, global, and connected by 2030. These goals range across transport, planning, environment, cultural life, and economic development.
At the same time, local communities in Sydney have been involved through Local Action Plans which have been updated through “2030 in Your Village” consultations carried out in the ten Urban Villages of Sydney so that a new set of community-based action plans are in place to translate “Sustainable Sydney 2030” to a local level.
While a few cities in East Asia, such as Beijing and Shanghai, have shown how a learning city can be developed in an integrated way at a local neighbourhood level as well as at the city level, this is the first PIE example from the West. The Sydney model will make a significant contribution to the local community and sustainability themes of the PASCAL Hong Kong conference to be held in November. I have no doubt that the Sydney approach will repay careful study and discussion.