AusLeisure

The NSW Government has unveiled a commitment to delivering equal access to better public spaces, with the launch of the NSW Public Spaces Charter at the World Urban Parks Congress in Sydney today.

Advising that the Charter established a set of 10 unifying principles to underpin the creation and improvement of high-quality public spaces across the state, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes stated “as NSW’s first Minister for Public Spaces, it is our Government’s priority to provide equal access to public space and I encourage councils, industry and the community to sign up to the Charter to unify that commitment.

“The pandemic has emphasised the need for safe and welcoming public space, and the NSW Public Spaces Charter will set a design bar for achieving that.

“The Charter provides 10 principles for quality public space that have been designed to maximise the social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits that public space delivers.”

During 2022, signatories will be supported with advice on how to implement the NSW Public Spaces Charter into their organisation or practice. 

“The benefits of becoming a signatory include access to NSW Government one-on-one support, a community of practice, promotional opportunities and data sharing.”

The NSW Public Spaces Charter has been developed in close alignment with the United Nations Charter of Public Space which was developed in 2013 and formed a basis for the Global Public Space Toolkit. 

2021 World Urban Parks Congress
Being held as hybrid event in three cities - Sydney along with the San Pedro area of the metropolitan Monterrey in Mexico and the US city of Los Angeles - the 2021 World Urban Parks Congress is bringing together city and community leaders, park professionals, partners, affiliates, and engaged citizens under the shared goal of advancing parks through intentional successful strategies.

With the Congress running from 5th December to 10th December 2021, organisers advise “it has been a trying time for today’s park leaders as they face unprecedented challenges.

“Now, more than ever, parks must take the stage to demonstrate the relevant nature they serve to forge healthier and more resilient cities in, through, and out of the pandemic.”

The conference theme is ‘Creating a vision of the future from the legacy of the past’.

The NSW Government’s Department of Planning Industry and Environment will lead how Sydney is building and protecting a legacy of green, open, and public space for generations to come.

The Department’s Place, Design and Public Spaces Group - including The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Greater Sydney Parklands and Placemaking NSW - is today hosting the second main day of the Congress.

Advising of the NSW Government’s support for the Congress, Minister Stokes added “we're proud to welcome the world to Sydney as the co-host of the World Urban Parks Congress, and I look forward to the learning and sharing opportunities the event will bring.

“This is a great opportunity for park leaders to learn from each other as many parks are facing the same challenges across the globe. The 2021 World Congress will bring together professionals from all over the world to develop a new vision for the future.”

Click here to view the NSW Public Spaces Charter.

Click here for more information on the World Urban Parks Congress.

Images: The newly created Shane National Park in Western Sydney (top) and NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes (below).

Related Articles

6th November 2021 - NSW National Parks commit to net zero in seven years

1st November 2021 - World Urban Parks announces partnership with International horticultural producers to promote greener cities

27th October 2021 - NSW National Parks remind boat and jet ski operators to observe whale watching distance regulations

8th September 2021 - NSW National Parks set target of zero extinctions of species

23rd August 2021 - Snowy Monaro Regional Council advises to stay COVIDSafe for parks and recreation areas to remain open

4th August 2021 - Designing and operating a winning formula for wildlife parks and attractions

12th July 2021 - Global study of parks and gardens spotlights value of urban green space

7th July 2021 - Melbourne’s green spaces to benefit from new funding for Parks and Reserves Trust

26th March 2020 - World Urban Parks emphasises that ‘Nature Never Closes’

18th March 2020 - World Urban Parks Chief Executive emphasises the value of public green space in a time of crisis

16th July 2018 - World Urban Parks awards international gold star of approval to Sydney’s Centennial Parklands

19th July 2021 - $15 million parklands to be developed in Sydney’s south-west

26th October 2020 - City of Sydney pushes for Moore Park Golf Course to be halved in size to unlock more public parkland

28th September 2019 - New parkland opens in Sydney’s west

4th June 2021 - NSW Government commits to new green space projects and expanded Great West Walk

16th July 2020 - NSW Government plans merger of Sydney’s parks agencies

14th January 2014 - NSW Government to merge Sydney park agencies

21st January 2021 - Sydney’s historic Callan Park waterfront set for $14 million makeover

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.