Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Localism in reality

By Robert Gibbons - posted Thursday, 28 July 2011


Aldermen can accept that they will be trusted more if they step-back from being the local "authority" and break the guild associations of their privileged status. Their lives will be easier and more productive. Communities will be better represented.

Finally, localism must be seen by communities as the opening of doors and options; not rewarding activism. Neighbourhood greening, improved safety around schools, proposals for diverse housing will all flow from community engagement. The objective is NOT to bar new developments or adaptive projects; all things that following generations will need.

There is recognition on all side of politics that we need to "fix the house". The status quo is not acceptable. There is a precedent from Sydney: in 1900 a reform movement from outside the City Council ran on an improvement platform, and won. They rolled up their sleeves, dumped the detritus of the previous slum landlords and fought the state government where it was neglecting city communities. That was localism at its best – it pushed Sydney to the forefront of city affairs. The same happened in other places, earlier and subsequently.

Advertisement

It can be done.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Robert Gibbons started urban studies at Sydney University in 1971 and has done major studies of Sydney, Chicago, world cities' performance indicators, regional infrastructure financing, and urban history. He has published major pieces on the failure of trams in Sydney, on the "improvement generation" in Sydney, and has two books in readiness for publication, Thank God for the Plague, Sydney 1900 to 1912 and Sydney's Stumbles. He has been Exec Director Planning in NSW DOT, General Manager of Newcastle City, director of AIUS NSW and advisor to several premiers and senior ministers.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Robert Gibbons

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Robert Gibbons
Article Tools
Comment Comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy