Community participation is a badge of honour in many areas of Sydney. I have lived in three such:
Glebe where the Glebe Society has aims including
- the conservation of our Victorian and Federation heritage,
- ensuring progress is based on best-outcomes and is resident-friendly,
- providing the community with input into decisions which affect them,and
- the enhancement of community spirit.
Paddington where the Paddington Society has aims including
- To maintain all features of Paddington having beauty, architectural or historical value.
- To preserve existing open spaces and expand these for the health and enjoyment of our community.
- To maintain harmony with existing architectural patterns where new buildings are constructed.
- To prevent disfiguring of premises, streets, and open spaces by ugly advertisements, poles, wires and "unseemly structures".
- To protect residents from noise and other nuisances that prevent the quiet enjoyment of their homes.
And now, Castlecrag where the Castlecrag Progress Association has objectives including
- To do everything possible to promote and further the interests of the district of Castlecrag or other nearby areas where it is possible that benefit could accrue to the advantage of the district and could enhance and stimulate the community life of residents of Castlecrag and environs.
- To conserve the natural and human heritage of Castlecrag for the benefit of future generations.
The first two could be read as attempting to create gated communities. |
