The latest news from REDWatch
REDWatch is a community group which covers the Sydney suburbs of Redfern Eveleigh Darlington and Waterloo. These suburbs make up what the NSW Government generally refers to as Redfern - Waterloo. The area has been subject to various NSW Government interventions since the early 2000s and had its own Government Minister from 2004 to 2011. Interventions have included removing planning responsibilities from City of Sydney Council and having place specific interventions on human services, infrastructure and employment. This history is captured on this website. Currently the focus is on UrbanGrowth Central to Eveleigh and the proposed redevelopment of the Waterloo Public Housing Estate. Below is the latest news from REDWatch about our area and its issues.
Sketch Plans of Settlement Building Changes 20 July 2007
These are sketch plans showing the building changes to The Settlement in July 2007. File is 157 KB JPG.
A Settlement at the Crossroads
This is an article about the Settlement which appeared in the Sydney University Alumni magazine Spring 2006. PDF File 290 Kb.
Local Human Services NGO Updates
There are a range of peak bodies (such as NCOSS) looking after the various interests of sectors of the NGO Human services however from time to time we get asked to put some NGO material of broad interest to people in Redfern Waterloo on the REDWatch website. Such information can be found in this section of the site. [For information on local human services responses to the RWA Human Services Plans see www.redwatch.org.au/RWA/humanservices ].
OURpark Proposal for Redfern Oval
This article was published in the October 2004 edition of the South Sydney Herald. Written by Ian Thompson from Open Up Redfern Park (OUR Park), it describes the formation of this group and their push for the village green option for redevelopment of Redfern Oval.
Iconic Cleveland Street Australia Post HQ to be redeveloped and sold
Australia Post announced on 7 March 2013 a major redevelopment (pending council approval) of its iconic 219 – 241 Cleveland Street Headquarters in Strawberry Hills on the fringe of Sydney’s CBD. In conjunction with the extensive redevelopment of the building to create a modern and efficient corporate headquarters, Australia Post will commit to a 12 year head lease and market the property for sale. The details of the media release from Australia Post of 7 March 2013 is provided below.
Giant architect built for justice - COL JAMES, 1936-2013
Col James was a giant who took great strides with gentle steps, followed a career-long path with clear direction and purpose, but always had time for a cup of tea and to listen to those seldom heard by the architectural world he loved reports this obituary in the Sydney Morning Herald of 23 February 2013.
There Goes The Neighbourhood
Once a byword for social decay, Redfern is now hip, thanks to gentrification and redevelopment. But while that has attracted cool cafes and the upwardly mobile, the area's many public housing residents are feeling increasingly downtrodden, as Stephanie Wood discovers in Sydney Magazine issue no 113 for September 2012.
Kristina Keneally Resigns from NSW Parliament
The Hon Kristina Keneally MP today (23rd June 2012) announced she will resign from NSW Parliament effective 29 June 2012 reports this media statement from Kristina Keneally.
Media Articles on Redfern Waterloo 2004 - 2013
News articles between 2004 and 2013 concerning Redfern Waterloo from various sources. After this date media stories were included in the areas of the site most relevant to the article.
2004-2012 Statements
The Redfern Waterloo Authority operated until 2011-12 when it was taken over by the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority. Here we have captured some of that history as it happened in Redfern Waterloo Issue Updates and statements from REDWatch and Government.
Revitalisation of Abercrombie Street
The City of Sydney plans to transform Abercrombie Street, Darlington, into a safe and inviting public area and they are doing a short consulation until 31 October 2011 including a session with the Plans at Tripod on Wednesday 26 October between 4 - 7pm. The details including the links to the proposal are below.
Crime in Redfern a result of outsiders not locals
Redfern has a bad reputation for crime but residents are not the ones committing them; it’s their friends reports Una Butorac in City News on 22 September 2011.
Redfern mourns the death of community activist Trevor Davies
The Redfern community is mourning the death of REDwatch founding member Trevor Davies following his death on Tuesday. Mr Davies will be remembered for founding and editing the South Sydney Herald and for his community activism and commitment to social justice writes Tara Blancato in the City News of 16 June 2011.
SMDA Receives Urban Renewal Brief from Department of Planning
The SMDA has received its brief for both the Redfern and Waterloo and Granville areas under the State Environment Planning Policy (Urban Renewal) 2010. The briefs set out the areas the SMDA is required by the study to investigate and make recommendations upon.
Groundswell
Before the fiddlers have fled, before they ask us to pay the bill, And while we still, have the chance, Let's face the music and dance"
Groundswell - Russian Translation
Присоединитесь к Groundswell в Рэдферне и Ватерлоу - This is a Russian Translation of the Initial Groundswell Leaflet PDF 667KB
Groundswell - Chinese Translation
請加入Redfern 和 Waterloo 的 Goundswell - This is a Chinese Translation of the Initial Groundswell Leaflet 760KB PDF
Groundswell - Vietnamese Translation
Tham gia nhóm Groundswell tại Redfern và Waterloo - This is an Vietnamese Translation of the Initial Groundswell Leaflet 567KB PDF
Groundswell - Indonesian Translation
Bergabunglah dengan Groundswell in Redfern – Waterloo - This is an Indonesian Translation of the Initial Groundswell Leaflet 526KB PDF
Join a Groundswell in Redfern and Waterloo - Residents PDF
This is the initial Groundswell leaflet distributed on 6 April 2011 to residents and the community announcing Groundswell. It is 320 Kb PDF.
Be Part of a Groundswell - Agencies PDF
This is the initial Groundswell leaflet distributed on 6 April 2011 to agencies announcing Groundswell and inviting their support of the Groundswell coalition. The File is 262 Kb PDF.
Groundswell Formation
GROUNDSWELL is a community empowerment process facilitated by a coalition of Redfern and Waterloo non-government agencies. It was initiated in April 2011 when a coalition of local agencies and residents met to explore ways of supporting residents facing the significant issues and changes proposed for the Redfern and Waterloo area. Here we have collected information relating to Groundswell.
David Pitchford appointed UrbanGrowth NSW CEO
John Brogden, Chairman, UrbanGrowth NSW announced today the appointment of Mr David Pitchford CBE as the new Chief Executive Officer of UrbanGrowth NSW reports this UrbanGrowth NSW media release of 22 July 2013.
UrbanGrowth in Redfern-Waterloo
The state government authority responsible for delivering the BEP2 planning controls for public housing estates in Redfern and Waterloo and for planning on the former Eveleigh Railyards has made yet another transformation. The SMDA, which was formally the RWA, became the UrbanGrowth Development Corporation (UGDC) on January 1. The UGDC retains the SMDA’s Growth Centres powers which allow it to compulsorily acquire land and consolidate it in designated growth centres (currently Redfern-Waterloo and Granville). It will play a broader re-development role alongside a partner agency called UrbanGrowth NSW reports Geoff Turnbull in the February Issue of the South Sydney Herald.
Premier & Cabinet Memorandum on UrbanGrowth NSW
The Memorandum below was issued on 30 January 2013 by the Department of Premier and Cabinet regarding the structure and operations of UrbanGrowth NSW.
2013
These are Statements made by UrbanGrowth, its Ministers and other Government Ministers concerning the UGDC RWA and SMDA or issues relating to Redfern Waterloo in 2013. Earlier Statements appear under the year the statement was made or may also be included in specific topic areas of the site if there are many statements as part of an exhibition or if it is part of a site that has a long history.
SMDA Transition to UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation
As of 1 January 2013 the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) will be re-named to become UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation (UGDC) reports a statment from the SMDA on 22 December 2012.
Planning Approval for the Block's Pemulwuy Redevelopment
An exciting new chapter in the history of The Block is set to rise from the streets of Redfern with approval granted for the of the Pemulwuy redevelopment project, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Planning Minister Brad Hazzard announced today (22 December 2012) reports this media release from NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell.
SMDA & Landcom combined into new Urbangrowth NSW
Urbangrowth NSW will integrate and refocus Landcom and the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) as a key new driver of the Government’s approach to housing delivery. “The Government intends to have the new organisation up and running by mid July,” Minister Hazzard said in the statment below delivered as part of the NSW Budget on 12 June 2012.
SMDA Studies Presentation 2nd February 2012 to REDWatch
This SMDA presentation provides some background to the SMDA and the studies they are undertaking. It was presented to REDWatch on 2 February 2012 in the lead up to a session focusing on one of the important SMDA studies for residents - the Social Impact Assessment. The file is 2MB PDF.
Social Impact Scoping and Assessment for Redfern Waterloo - Focus Group Information Sheet Text
The SMDA and Consultants GHD are undertaking Focus Groups in February 2012 on Scoping for a Social Impact Assessment. This is the Focus Group Information Sheet intended for participants. Currently this is the only written information available from the SMDA about the Scoping for the Social Impact Assessment and hence REDWatch is making it available for the information of the broader community. The SMDA welcomes feedback from individuals, organisations and other stakeholders on key issues which they would like considered in the relevant study by the SMDA.
2012
These are Statements made by the SMDA, its Ministers and other Government Ministers concerning the RWA and SMDA or issues relating to Redfern Waterloo in 2012. Earlier Statements appear under the year the statement was made or may also be included in specific topic areas of the site if there are many statements as part of an exhibition or if it is part of a site that has a long history.
November 2011 RWA Update - PDF Version
This is a PDF version of the November 2011 RWA Update issued on 17 November 2011. The File is 986KB PDF.
Redfern-Waterloo Authority Transition Fact Sheet
Below is the text of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Transition Fact Sheet released by the RWA on 2 November 2011 advising of the changes within the RWA's activities as a result of the winding up of the RWA.
Repeal of Redfern Waterloo Authority
In an email to Ministerial Advisory Committee members on 19th October 2011, the RWA advised that the NSW Government introduced the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Repeal Bill 2011 on Tuesday, 18 October 2011. A link to the Bill can be found in the text of the email below.
Brad Hazzard Speach on introduction of Redfern-Waterloo Authority Repeal Bill 2011
On 18 October 2011 Planning Minister Brad Hazzard introduced the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Repeal Bill 2011 to the NSW Legislative Assembly. In his speech below he outlines that the Bill will transfer certain functions of the RWA to the SMDA including the operation of the ATP. Planning consents below $10m will be transferred to the City of Sydney Council. The SMDA will be responsible for implementing The Redfern Waterloo Plan and collecting developer contributions. The Repeal Bill removes the "switching off" of the Heritage Act provisions in The Redfern Waterloo Act and preserves the provision that requires the Aboriginal Housing Company and other relevant representatives of the Aboriginal community to be consulted in relation to the Block. The full text of Brad Hazzard's speech is given below:
DoP "Redfern Waterloo Precinct Outcomes Brief" for SMDA
The Department of Planning posted in June 2011 the "Redfern Waterloo Precinct Outcomes Brief" which sets out the Director General of the Department of Planning's brief to the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA). This brief follows a meeting of agencies including the City of Sydney Council. The SMDA will now undertake the required studies and report back as set out in Guideline for State Environment Planning Policy (Urban Renewal) 2010 which can be found on the Department's website at www.planning.nsw.gov.au/StrategicPlanning/UrbanRenewal/tabid/486/language/en-US/Default.aspx
Documents on the RWA Release of BEP2
On 27 January 2011 the RWA released its Draft Built Environment Plan Phase 2 (BEP2). The Plan, The Redfern Waterloo Update and other Government Documents and statements connected to BEP2 can be found in another part of this website and the documents have not been duplicated in this section.
2011
These are Statements made by the RWA, SMDA, its Ministers and other Government Ministers concerning the RWA or issues relating to Redfern Waterloo in 2011. Earlier Statements appear under the year the statement was made.
December 2010 - RWA Redfern Waterloo Update - PDF Version
This is a PDF version of the December 2010 RWA Update issued on 17 December 2010. The File is 1.9MB PDF.
Redfern-Waterloo Authority 2009-10 Annual Report – Text Extract
This document extracts the text sections from the RWA 2009-2010 Annual Report with an aim to make it more accessible to researchers and easier to electronically access. The Financials and Notes to the Accounts have been excluded from this text version.
RWA Annual Report 2009-10
This is the Redfern Waterloo Authority Annual Report for 2009 - 2010 issued in November 2010. REDWatch has also extracted text from this Annual Report and made this available as a text document similar to the text version originally produced by the RWA in 2006 and 2007. File is 2.1MB.
February 2010 RWA Update - PDF Version
This is a PDF version of the February 2010 RWA Update issued on 23 February 2010. The File is 794KB PDF.
Waterloo Green Project General Information Sheet
This is the information sheet put out by Housing NSW concerning the Waterloo Pilot for Stronger and Safer High Rise Public Housing" anounced by the NSW Premier on 19 February 2010. See also the media release in this same section. File is PDF 196 Kb.
2010
These are Statements made by the RWA, its Minister and other Government Ministers concerning the RWA or issues relating to Redfern Waterloo in 2010. Earlier Statements appear under the year the statement was made.
RWA 2008-2009 Annual Report PDF
This is the Redfern Waterloo Authority Annual Report for 2008 - 2009 issued in January 2010. REDWatch has also extracted text from this Anual Report and made this available as a text document similar to the text version originally produced by the RWA in 2006 and 2007.
Redfern-Waterloo - 2008:09 Annual Report – Text Extract
This document extracts the text sections from the RWA 2008-2008 Annual Report with an aim to make it more accessible to researchers and easier to electronically access. The Financials and Notes to the Accounts have been excluded from this text version.
RWA responds to SSH regarding “Channel Seven rates poorly in Alexandria“
The following letter was also published in the December 2009 Issue of the South Sydney Herald.
October 2009 RWA Update - PDF Version
This is a PDF version of the October 2009 RWA Update issued on 20 April 2009. The File is 1.1MB PDF.
2009
These are Statements made by the RWA, its Minister and other Government Ministers concerning the RWA or issues relating to Redfern Waterloo in 2009. Earlier Statements appear under the year the statement was made.
Government, UG, SMDA & RWA Statements
This is a collection of media statements, newsletters, letters to residents, publications and statements produced by Government, the SMDA or RWA about Redfern Waterloo or Government initiative or responsibilities. This may not be a complete collection of media statements as for the first few years Minister Sartor was unwilling to supply media statements to those like REDWatch who they did not class as media. As some Government statements such as draft plans are covered elsewhere on the site we have not repeated this material here.
HNSW Redfern Waterloo Community Baseline Survey
This is a copy of the Redfern Waterloo baseline survey (promoted as the Redfern Waterloo Community Survey) which was undertaken by Sweeney Research, a market research company, on behalf of Housing NSW about how tenants felt about their community and what was important to them. The rationale of the survey was to establish base line data before any development started to be able to assess any post development changes. The file is no longer on the HNSW website but can be downloaded from the REDWatch website.
Studies related to Preliminary Master Plan
A series of studies will be undertaken as part of the Preliminary Master Plan. Some like those associated with the Draft BEP2 and the Baseline study have already been done. As more studies become available we will post them here. We have also included a compilation document based on HNSW and RWA/SMDA documents setting out what the Master Plan is expected to include.
Presentation on Preliminary Master Plan - 1 Sept 2011
This presentation was provided by HNSW to REDWatch on 1 September 2011. The Presentation provides an overview of social housing in Redfern & Waterloo; the RWA/SMDA/Housing NSW Planning Process; The Master Plan process; Housing Affordability Fund Milestones; The Master Planning Approach for Redfern Waterloo; as well as information on Community Consultation and Engagement. File is 933Kb PDF
What you've told us so far
This is the "What you've told us so far!"Graphic used at the HNSW Planning Expo on 20 August 2011 to explain the relationship between BEP2, the Preliminary Master Plan and the detailed Master Plan. File is 673 KB PDF.
Redfern & Waterloo - What makes a place we are proud to call home
This is the "Redfern & Waterloo - What makes it a place we are proud to call home?" Graphic used at the HNSW Planning Expo on 20 August 2011 to explain the relationship between BEP2, the Preliminary Master Plan and the detailed Master Plan. File is 716 KB PDF.
HNSW Planning Pyramid
This is the Planning Pyramid Graphic used at the HNSW Planning Expo on 20 August 2011 to explain the relationship between BEP2, the Preliminary Master Plan and the detailed Master Plan. File is 496 KB PDF.
What Goes into a Preliminary Master Plan?
This is the "What Goes into a Preliminary Master Plan?" Graphic used at the HNSW Planning Expo on 20 August 2011 to explain the contents of a Master Plan. File is 485 KB PDF.
Map of HNSW land covered by Redfern & Waterloo Redevelopment
This is an aerial map photo map showing the area covered by Housing NSW's Preliminary Master Plan. The map is labeled with the names of the HNSW high rise buildings. Note that this map is different from that used in November 2009 to indicate the RWA BEP2 area. The Map is a large 3.4 MB PDF.
What is the HNSW Preliminary Master Plan?
At the Planning Expo in August 2011 HNSW provided some information about what was covered in their Preliminary Master Plan. As more information is made available by HNSW about the Master plan we will add it here.
Representation to Brendan O'Connor on behald of REDWatch over HAF Masterplan
Following approaches from REDWatch about the non release of the HAF funded Preliminary Master Plan and the associated HNSW/DFS performance reports Tanya Plibersek made the attached representation to Brendan O'Connor MP the Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness. On 28 September REDWatch was advised by DFS that "Our colleagues at the Commonwealth, Managing the HAF funding, contacted us about your (REDWatch’s) recent request for copies of the HAF milestone reports for the Redfern Waterloo Preliminary Masterplan. We agreed that we’d send the reports to you directly". The Plibersek letter attached is 700 KB PDF.
HNSW PMP Project Performance Report 4 - 8 June 2012
The forth Report to HAF was done by DFS and reports on: the Preliminary Master Plan community consultation, the Preliminary Master Plan and the Infrastructure Strategies Initial Stage. The Forth report notes that the "preliminary master plan and Infrastructure Strategy Initial Stage Reports will require review once proposed planning controls are finalised by the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority in order to achieve in-principle approval. The proposed planning controls have been delayed but are anticipated to be available in time to enable in-principle approval to be obtained by December 2012. The file is 47KB PDF.
HNSW PMP Project Performance Report 3 -16 December 2011
The third Report to HAF was done by DFS and reports on: Preliminary Background Studies (Physical Services Infrastructure, Flooding and Drainage, Social and Demographic Analysis, Land Use Review, Redfern and Waterloo Tower Conversion Scoping Study, Urban Tree Assessment and Informal Market Sounding and Property Advice); Concept Staging Options (Physical Services Infrastructure, Social Services Infrastructure; Physical and Social Infrastructure Scoping; The Concept Plan and Community Consultation. The file is 49KB PDF.
HNSW PMP Project Performance Report 2 - 24 June 2011
The second Report to HAF by HNSW reports on the Concept Plan Vision and the Concept Plan Staging Options. The file is 69KB PDF.
HNSW PMP Project Performance Report 1 - 27 May 2011
The first Report to HAF by HNSW reports on the Desktop survey database, the Community building and engagement framework and the Preliminary community consultation. The file is 56KB PDF.
HAF - HNSW Redfern Waterloo Preliminary Master Plan Agreement - 27 Ocr 2010
This is an extract from the HAF - HNSW Redfern Waterloo Preliminary Master Plan Agreement signed on 27 October 2010. It sets out what it was agreed to be funded and how it was to be reported. We have included only the key aspects of the report here so they can be compared with the subsequent Project Performance Reports. There have been a number of applications to vary reporting times since the initial agreement so the dates referred to have changed by agreement between HAF and HNSW / DFS. File is 56KB PDF
HAF Preliminary Masterplan Agreement and HNSW / DFS Reports
On 27 October 2010 the Australian Government through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and Housing NSW (HNSW) signed an agreement under the Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) for the Redfern Waterloo Preliminary Masterplan. Here you will find details of what was covered by the agreement and the HNSW / DFS Project Performance reports submitted to the Federal Government.
HNSW Flyer on Local Streets and Open Spaces
This is the HNSW flyer on Local Streets and Open Spaces promoting the October 2011 Community Consultation focus for the Redfern Waterloo Preliminary Masterplan. File is PDF 672KB.
Pedestrian Environment Keyword list
This is the Pedestrian Environment Keyword list produced by HNSW for their consultation in October 2011. File is PDF 257KB.
HNSW Survey on Streets and Spaces
This is the HNSW survey on Streets and Spaces for the Preliminary Masterplan consultation for October 2011. File is MSWord 590KB.
Space Checklist
This is the HNSW checklist on on Designing / Detailing the Public Spaces - A Keyword list. This is a version of the PDF "Pedestrian Environment Keyword list" without the illustrations but with space for comments and feedback on a specific space. File is MSWord 174KB.
HNSW Streets and Spaces Survey - Oct 2011
Housing NSW wants to hear what local people think about streets, parks, plazas and open spaces in Redfern and Waterloo. Your answers will assist the planners in preparing a Preliminary Masterplan for Redfern and Waterloo that responds to what is important to you. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and send it to Housing NSW. This survey has been handed out at the October workshops and Street Corners. An earlier version also asked people to prioritize the Pedestrian Environment Keyword list found separately on this website. If you wish to provide feed back on your priorities on this list HNSW would be pleased to also hear your comments. File is 393 KB PDF.
HNSW Streets & Open Spaces Walk and Talks
Oct 25, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
— Meet at Waterloo Neighbourhood Centre, Waterloo or Our Place Community Room Redfern
—
As part of HNSW Preliminary Masterplan community engagement in October 2011, HNSW have arranged for Walk and Talk sessions for residents to talk about local streets and open spaces.
Streets and Open Spaces - October 2011
The Engagement focus for October 2011 is on Streets Parks & Open Space. Here are the flyers and information associated with this months focus.
Waterloo March 2012 Community Design Workshop Report - HNSW Masterplan
This report from the 28 March 2012 Community Design Workshops on Waterloo. It will be used as part of the HNSW Preliminary Masterplan for the redevelopment of the Waterloo public housing estate. The Preliminary Masterplan has received a funding extension until the end of 2012 and is waiting for the finalisation of the BEP2 planning controls before the Preliminary Master Plan will be finalised. This file is a large 6.7MB PDF.
Redfern March 2012 Community Design Workshop Report - HNSW Masterplan
This report from the 28 March 2012 Community Design Workshops on Redfern. It will be used as part of the HNSW Preliminary Masterplan for the redevelopment of the Redfern public housing estate. The Preliminary Masterplan has received a funding extension until the end of 2012 and is waiting for the finalisation of the BEP2 planning controls before the Preliminary Master Plan will be finalised. This file is a large 8.2MB PDF.
Waterloo Community Design Workshop - 28 March 9.30am or 6pm
Mar 28, 2012 from 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM
— Souths on Chalmers (265 Chalmers Street, Redfern)
—
Waterloo Community Design workshop Souths on Chalmers (265 Chalmers Street, Redfern) Design workshop with the urban planners to contribute your ideas for the future of Redfern. Wed 28 March Day session 9:30– 3 pm or Eve session 6pm– 8:30pm. Lunch or supper provided Day session – English; Russian; Cantonese; Mandarin. Evening session – English only
Redfern Community Design workshop - 21 March 9.30am or 6pm
Mar 21, 2012 from 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM
— Souths on Chalmers (265 Chalmers Street, Redfern)
—
Redfern Community Design workshop Souths on Chalmers (265 Chalmers Street, Redfern) Design workshop with the urban planners to contribute your ideas for the future of Redfern. Wed 21 March Day session 9:30– 3 pm or Eve session 6pm– 8:30pm. Lunch or supper provided Day session – English; Russian; Cantonese; Mandarin. Evening session – English only