TO commemorate the five-decade-long sister-city link between George Town and Adelaide, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), through the Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme (PNBCAP), unveiled a pocket park called Union Square in George Town.
The PNBCAP, funded by the World Adaptation Fund through the United Nations, is a comprehensive and collaborative effort aimed at addressing both the environmental and social dimensions of climate change in Penang’s urban landscape. The programme seeks to create a green, low-urban heat and low-carbon environment.
Union Square, a pilot project under PNBCAP, is a testament to the beautiful friendship of George Town and Adelaide, encapsulating the essence of the sister-city relationship.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said during his visit to Adelaide for the 50th-anniversary celebrations in December last year, he had in-depth discussions with Adelaide’s Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith about establishing a park in Penang.
“In the inner-city areas, especially at the core zone of George Town Unesco World Heritage Site, back lanes and pocket parks are often part of urban regeneration efforts by transforming underutilised or blighted spaces into vibrant community assets.
“Therefore, back lanes and a pocket park at Union Street were transformed to serve as focal points of activity and interest in the urban areas, including the elements such as fountains, flower beds, and seating areas. These features provide communities with greenery and an ecological foothold for urban wildlife.
“Besides, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of George Town-Adelaide sister-city relationship celebration, this back lane and pocket park is now named Union Square due to the two cities having similar historical backgrounds.
“George Town was founded in 1786 by Captain Francis Light, and 50 years later, Adelaide was founded by his son, Colonel William Light,” Rajendran said in his speech during the Union Square pocket park inauguration in Union Street on Aug 9.
Meanwhile, Lord Mayor Jane said the George Town–Adelaide relationship was more about just celebrating five decades of relationship and that it has a lot of underlying factors that set this bond apart from any ordinary sister-city link.
“Our relationship is almost inevitable because we are linked by a history of colonisation and a dynasty of founders, underlying commercial gain, and shared aspirations and common goals.
“Through this sister-city relationship, we have converged on the same set of challenges, hopes, and desires for the future.
“So, today’s event is unusual in the sister-city relationship because it is almost entirely dedicated not only to our grand history, our cultural past, or even the infrastructure but also focused on the future.
“And that directly translates into the optimism, hope, and change that the two cities aspire to achieve,” she said in her speech.
Lord Mayor Jane also emphasised that both George Town and Adelaide share a common objective of addressing climate change, which is increasingly becoming a global concern.
She highlighted and commended Penang’s commitment to tree planting, an initiative that has been a consistent practice among the faithful here.
“When we talk about tree planting, we need to have a real political commitment, investment, and the proper understanding of why we are doing this.
“In Adelaide, we commit to protecting nature and our residents, and tree planting is one way of showing our gratitude and love towards Mother Nature.
“This is no longer about climate change prevention but about resilience, and I am here in Penang today with the same drive.
“We know that in some parts of the city, the temperature does not fall at night, and that puts our residents, particularly our children and the elders, at great risk of health challenges.
“It will increase mortality. We know that increased temperatures will have a great impact on our economy because nobody will go to the shops if they cannot comfortably walk to them.
“We have a lot more work to do, but if we remain optimistic, goal-driven, and passionate about protecting our cities, I am certain we can do even better and provide an environment livable for all,” she said.
Before heading to Esplanade for the tree planting ceremony, Rajendran and Lord Mayor Jane planted a time capsule at Union Square, which will be opened during the 60th anniversary celebrations of the George Town – Adelaide sister-city relationship on Dec 8, 2033.
During the tree planting, Rajendran and Lord Mayor Jane was joined by other state representatives.
Also present were state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager Datin S. Bharathi, PNBCAP (UN-Habitat Penang) project manager Dr Kwan Soo Chen and Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud