Civic science, community participation and planning for knowledge-based development: analysis of Sydney Metropolitan Strategy

Abstract

Participation of non-scientists in decision-making about policy issues, often referred to as ‘civic science’, is now seen to be a source of valuable knowledge for urban development. Yet, the question of whether and how knowledge with local communities is obtained and realised in urban development is largely unresolved. This paper aims to investigate the opportunities for community participation in urban policies – a vital step to realise community knowledge – within the context of Sydney Metropolitan Strategy. Results indicate that there are limited opportunities for local communities to effectively participate as contributors of knowledge. The paper advances the argument about what has been characterised as ‘lost opportunity’ – the failure of the government to effectively engage with local communities and to realise the benefit from a civic science. The paper highlights the need to reframe the relationship between citizens, policy makers and scientists to bring about effective community participation that promotes knowledge-based development.