The City of Sydney announced its new 10 year social sustainability action plan. 

To maintain Sydney as a liveable and inclusive city with strong social connections, the plan – which includes a food business incubator, a pilot program for apartment communities, shared spaces in residential developments and support for socially responsible local businesses – is now on public exhibition. 

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the plan had been developed after extensive consultation with thousands of people across the community.

“With a fast growing population and large scale urban transformation underway, we know the decisions we make today and over the coming decade will affect our children and our children’s children,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Building on our long term investment in social programs, community infrastructure, accessibility, parks, playgrounds and affordable housing measures, this action plan is focussed on effectively delivering on our commitments to the Sydney community,” she added. 

According to the City of Sydney, the 10-year plan includes new initiatives such as the Sydney good business incubator, which would support disadvantaged people to start their own food business, supported by vocational education and training.

Also, vertical communities program will seek to enhance social connections among people living in apartment buildings, while the City will use digital technology to improve service delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Moreover, the City will encourage developers to create shared indoor and outdoor community spaces in new residential buildings.

The plan responds directly to the United Nations sustainable development goals and Sustainable Sydney 2030.