Densification is necessary to protect climate, biodiversity and access, but the Minns' government’s housing targets and blanket rezonings – the four TODs in Ku-ring-gai, plus other measures – will likely mean dramatic redevelopment. In response, Ku-ring-gai Council plans court action and possible heritage listing. Either way, though, some densification is inevitable. But it needn’t be a disaster. The choice isn’t binary. It’s not simply towers or sprawl. The “missing middle” means mid-rise, walkable neighbourhoods and livelier streets. It requires more nuanced planning but offers a more community-friendly outcome. What is best? People are naturally divided. But is there a way to access deep community wisdom on this and generate consensus?

The Better Cities Initiative believes there is. We are a not-for-profit formed to advocate for citizen-led design for better cities. In collaboration with experienced deliberative democracy group New Democracy Foundation, we propose a Citizens’ Assembly designed to yield a broad and representative consensus document or Citizens’ Charter.

A Citizens’ Assembly, briefed to accommodate the necessary density while protecting heritage, biodiversity and green space, can help build trust and heal community divides, generating social harmony over strife. It would also offer a forward path enabling young families, working people and creatives to live in the area while maintaining Ku-ring-gai’s unique character.

CURATING KU-RING-GAI is a public forum to air this question: should the incoming council be petitioned to establish a Citizens’ Assembly on shaping Ku-ring-gai’s planning future?

Chair: Wendy Harmer, Journalist and Humorist

Speakers:

• Elizabeth Farrelly, CEO of The Better Cities Initiative

• Indu Balachandran, Independent candidate for Ku-ring-gai Council

• Andrew Sweeney, Support Lindfield

• Kristyn Haywood, Independent state candidate for Wahroonga

• Adrienne McLean, President, Ku-ring-gai Chamber of Commerce and Independent council candidate

• Henry Tsang OAM, architect, former politician

• Tim Sneesby, Local government planning manager

• Kyle Redman, Director Research and Design, New Democracy Foundation