Tapping into citizens' needs via social media

A research project will tap into social media to understand citizens’ needs as city planners work towards the smart city revolution.

The venture is being run by the Smart Urbanism Lab at the University of Sydney.

The researchers say that while citizens are using online channels to engage on urban topics, the conversations are widely spread, unstructured and often contain irrelevant noise.

The project aims to develop new algorithms and tools to capture this information, giving locals a say when it comes to urban development and enabling councils to improve decision-making.

Sydney’s City of Canada Bay and Brisbane’s Logan City will be the focus of the project.

The research in Canada Bay will examine feedback concerning the transformation of Parramatta Road and the Five Dock revitalisation.

In Logan City, the researchers will examine feedback about the master planning for Cronulla Park and the Yarrabilba community development.

The project is being supported by the Australian Government through the Smart Cities and Suburbs program.

“We are excited to be partnering with the City of Canada Bay and Logan City Council for this project,” said Dr Tooran Alizadeh, Director of Urban Design of the University of Sydney’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning.

“Forward thinking, engaged local government is vital to ensuring citizens are part of smart urban decision-making processes.”

“This project, aiming to enhance community participation in the planning and evaluation of major urban projects, is good news for the residents of our City,” added City of Canada Bay Mayor, Angelo Tsirekas.

“Social media and online communication has changed the way citizens engage in all aspects of their lives, from shopping and education to how their communities are being planned and developed.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Taras Vyshnya

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