University partnership to shape urban areas

Planning Minister Rob Stokes today announced a new agreement to encourage collaboration and cooperation between universities across the state and UrbanGrowth NSW.

Mr Stokes said this landmark agreement between Western Sydney University, the University of Newcastle, University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney, The University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University and UrbanGrowth NSW will help translate research at our leading institutions into outcomes that help shape the future of Sydney.

“The agreement recognises that collaboration between government and the university sector is critical for the delivery of innovative approaches to urban transformation,” Mr Stokes said.

“This agreement will be a catalyst for cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional academic research on some of the most exciting city transformation projects to be undertaken in NSW.

The multilateral agreement outlines opportunities for undergraduate students, postgraduate students and researchers to work with UrbanGrowth NSW across the lifecycle of city transformation projects as part of their academic studies.

“This agreement has strong benefits for both UrbanGrowth NSW and our universities by offering a unique learning experience for students and academics, especially those in the faculties of urban planning, architecture, social sciences, business and science and technology.”

UrbanGrowth NSW will benefit from access to some of the brightest young minds in all disciplines. The Framework Agreement formalised a commitment by all parties to work collaboratively on innovative research, industry engagement, data exchange and scholarly advice.

The initiative came from a 2015 University Roundtable discussion aimed at creating innovative approaches to long term engagement with the university sector. UrbanGrowth NSW will also host an annual State of Engagement forum to present collaborative research publicly as part of the Framework Agreement.