Roberta Ryan

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Some towns in northern NSW are likely to see empty dams next year. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

80% of household water goes to waste – we need to get it back

Roberta Ryan, University of Technology Sydney

Once water is used in washing, cleaning or even sewerage it can be safely and reliably treated. The treated water is then safe to drink – identical to the original water.
Australians want greater housing choice, including affordable compact homes that are neither large detached houses nor multistorey apartments. Markus J/Shutterstock

People want and need more housing choice. It’s about time governments stood up to deliver it

Roberta Ryan, University of Technology Sydney

Australians’ need for smaller and more diverse dwellings is growing. The planning system is not providing enough of this housing, and self-serving opposition to it should be resisted.
Sydneysiders’ view of their city’s liveability is very different depending on whether they live in the east or west. Sam Mooy/AAP

‘Liveable’ Sydney has clear winners and losers

Roberta Ryan, University of Technology Sydney and Yvette Selim, University of Technology Sydney

Justifying Sydney’s ranking as a liveable city requires greater recognition of the inequality of Sydneysiders’ access to jobs, wealth, transport and housing.
Unless councillors are helped to focus on their representative roles, local democracy’s effectiveness could be in danger. AAP/Darren Pateman

How council mergers and reforms imperil local government democracy

Roberta Ryan, University of Technology Sydney and Su Fei Tan, University of Technology Sydney

If local councils are bigger and councillors represent more residents, it is important that they focus on understanding their communities’ needs and aspirations, rather than on day-to-day operations.
Almost four years since the process of restructuring local government began, the Baird government faces many challenges in finalising its plans. AAP/Lukas Coch

NSW councils shake‑up: is the endgame near?

Bligh Grant, University of Technology Sydney and Roberta Ryan, University of Technology Sydney

Wherever governments have merged local councils, they have faced a political backlash. New South Wales is no exception and, nearly four years into the process, many challenges lie ahead.
The study found most residents have positive attitudes toward local government. AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Communities love local councils but not private service delivery

Roberta Ryan, University of Technology Sydney

A new study of more than 2000 Australians has found we care deeply about local councils, and overwhelmingly want governments – not private contractors – to deliver local services.

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