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.
Ivy and Lander Streets New traffic Island - Until 13 May 2013
In January 2013 the City consulted with you in relation to traffic changes that were proposed as part of the Abercrombie Street upgrade between the Lawson Street and Shepherd Street intersection in order to receive some feedback on the changes to improve safety and pedestrian amenity in the area. Following this consultation with the community and the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) the following changes have been proposed to further improve safety and pedestrian amenity in these areas.
Proposed traffic changes, Abercrombie Street, Darlington - Until 12 Mar
As part of the Abercrombie Street Darlington Upgrade council is proposing a number of local traffic changes. They are looking for feedback about the proposal. Submissions must be made in writing, quoting reference number 2013/029493, before 6pm on 12 March 2013. The details of the proposal are set out in the letter below:
Charles Kernan Reserve BBQ - Retain or Remove - by 8 March
On 12 February Coucil wrote to residents arround the BBQ asking for their feedback following mixed coments received by Council about the well used BBQ. Below is the letter which REDWatch is circulating to those that use the BBQ but which migh be outside the Council notification area. Lawson St for example was not leafleted.
Abercrombie Street Upgrade Expanded Works Consultation - 2.30pm 8 December 2012
Dec 08, 2012 from 02:30 PM to 04:30 PM
— Charles Kernan Reserve, Abercrombie Street, Darlington
—
Earlier this year it was decided by Council to look at a wider upgrade to the Darlington shop area and to include this into the already approved works on the southern side of the street. Council is undertaking an exhibition and review of the combined plans at a drop in session at the Charles Kernan Reserve, Abercrombie Street, Darlington, on Saturday 8 December from 2.30-4.30pm to review the new concept design, speak with City staff and give your feedback. Details from a letter to residents is below:
Abercrombie Street Upgrade Plans Dec 2012
This PDF shows the plans proposed for the Upgrade of both sides of Abercrombie Street by Council for community consultation in December 2012. Council will accept feedback at Charles Kernan Reserve from 2.30 to 4.30pm on Saturday 8th December 2012. Alerternatively within 10 days of this session you can provide comments to Kristin Gabriel on 02 9265 9333 or kgabriel@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au. File is a large 5MB PDF.
Council Decision on Abercrombie Street Upgrades - Feb 2012
Council decided to proceed with its upgrade scoping proposal for Abercrombie Street with the addition of a flush road treatment at Ivy Street. It was also resolved that a scoping report be prepared for council covering areas not covered by the current scoping report including the Northern side of Abercrombie Street.
City of Sydney
The Redfern Waterloo area now sits within the boundaries of the City of Sydney (CoS) Council after its amalgamation with South Sydney Council in early 2004. Planning control over part of the Redfern - Waterloo area which has been declared State Significant has been taken by the RWA from the CoS but Cos retain planning control for the rest of the area. CoS is also a significant supplier of human services in Redfern Waterloo as well as having responsibility for other community services. The RWA's broader involvement in Human Services and Employment and Enterprise and the non Built Environment components of the Redfern Waterloo Plan encompass the broader Redfern Waterloo area and require the RWA and CoS to interact over these issues. There are many historical links and tensions between the new RWA and the CoS which influences the RWA CoS relationship.
Other Events
While REDWatch seeks to keep community events up to date, we are a volunteer community group and can not cover everything that happens in the area. Below we have provided links to other organisations who also have event listings covering events in the Redfern Waterloo area. So if you have not found the event you are looking for on the REDWatch site we suggest you try some of the links below.
Map of Ashmore Precinct
This is the Ashmore Precinct that the Department of Planning wants for significantly greater density
REDWatch Meeting on Change of Tenancy Laws with Tenants Union - 3 July 2025
This is the flyer for the above meeting
REDWatch Poster - June 5 2025 - What's Next - Homes NSW and the Consortium
THis is the flyer for the REDWatch June 2025 meeting where Homes NSW and the Consortium partners are invited to update the community about their agreement and plans for Waterloo South. REDWatch has collected some of the questions looking for answers on our website. All welcome to bring your own questions.
Elizabeth Street & PCYC Redfern Plan Explained REDWatch Meeting 26 Nov 24 Flyer
Bridge Housing will explain its development to the community for this Homes NSW site. The proposal is On Exhibition until 4th December. It proposes 355 social, affordable and disability homes, Bridge’s head office and a new Community building (including PCYC). Building heights are 14, 10, 5 and 3 storeys. This is the flyer for the public meeting.
Creating Opportunities to end loneliness - Oct 3 2024 flyer
Loneliness is a big challenge in our community but there are things that can be done to help people build connections and end isolation. Join us and our guest speakers as we explore some of the resources and programs that can help tackle social isolation and understand how we can be part of the solution to this challenge in our community. This is the flyer for the REDWatch meeting on Loneliness on 3 October 2024.
Homes NSW Explains Maintenance changes – REDWatch 4 July 2024 6pm flyer
On July 1 a new maintenance system starts for public housing. Some changes are immediate some will roll out over the next few months. Homes NSW will attend the REDWatch meeting on 4th July to explain the changes. Come and hear Homes NSW so you know what to expect and can explain it to others. Please spread the word using this flyer to public housing tenants. The July REDWatch meeting will be held at 6pm on Thursday 4th July 2024 at Counterpoint’s Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan St Waterloo and it will also be available on Zoom via http://tinyurl.com/RedwatchMeetingZoom .
Can the Waterloo South People and Place Plan deliver a successful Redevelopment? May 2 2024 flyer
This is the flyer for the May 2 6pm REDWatch meeting that will ask What is missing in the People and Place Plan? Have your Say - REDWatch Meeting All Welcome - Thursday 2 May 2024 6pm Counterpoint’s Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan Street Waterloo or via zoom from http://tinyurl.com/RedwatchMeetingZoom
How should we plan for growth? Poster for REDWatch Meeting 4 April 2024
The NSW government wants to force councils to allow more homes to be built around suburb centres, railway stations and tram stops. City of Sydney staff will respond to that plan and discuss how they prefer to plan for growth.
Homes NSW Introduction with Minister Rose Jackson 5 Feb 2024 6.30pm Flyer
This flyer / poster is to promote the REDWatch Meeting on Homes NSW with Minister Rose Jackson for Monday 5th February 2024. What is Homes NSW? How will it operate? What can tenants expect from the change?
People Power: Models that are changing communities and cities - Flyer
This is the flyer for the REDWatch Meeting 5 October 2023 @ 6pm at the Factory – People Power: Models that are changing communities and cities.
REDWatch Waterloo Public Housing Update Meeting 7 Sept 2023 Poster
This is the poster for the September 2023 REDWatch meeting with updates on the Waterloo South redevelopment post the Goverenment's new targets for Social and Affordable Housing as well as updates on Homes NSW and the 2024 Public Housing maintenance contract.
Explorer Street South Eveleigh Rezoning Flyer for 6 July 2023
At the 6 July REDWatch meeting the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) and the Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) will present an update on the rezoning process for the Explorer Street South Eveleigh public housing site. DPE is working to progress the rezoning of the Explorer Street and a concept masterplan with support from LAHC and the City of Sydney planners, who DPE have also invited to attend the REDWatch meeting. The Thursday 6 July meeting will be held at 6pm at the Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan Street, Waterloo. It will also be on Zoom via https://tinyurl.com/RedwatchZoomMeeting. This is a flyer to publicise this meeting.
Poster for Tanya Plibersek Talk on The Federal Government's Housing Policy - 5 June 2023 6pm Alexandria Town Hall
The Federal Government's Housing Policy Presentation Monday 5 June 2023 6pm Alexandria Town Hall. Homelessness is increasing, rents are outpacing wage growth, and essential workers are priced out of the inner city. There is a pressing need for social and affordable housing. The Federal Labor Government have detailed their housing reform agenda with the Housing Australia Future Fund and the National Housing Accord. What are these programs, what impact will they have on the housing crisis, and how will the Federal Government work with the NSW Government to increase social and affordable housing? Join REDWatch to hear from the Federal Member for Sydney and Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek to discuss the Federal Government's housing policy agenda. We will also be joined by City of Sydney Councillor and President of the Australian Local Government Association Linda Scott.
NSW State Election: Public, Social and Affordable Housing Policies of the Major Parties - Poster 2 Feb 2023
Presentations by: Greens NSW, Jenny Leong MP; Labor NSW, Rose Jackson MLC; Liberals NSW – Chris Rath MLC; Shelter NSW – Cathy Callaghan; Followed by Q&A
Poster for North Eveleigh Public Meeting 13 Aug 1.30pm
This is the poster for the community meeting about the Redfern North Eveleigh Paint Shop Exhibition. Please use this to promote the event.
Waterloo South: What makes high-density work for the community? REDWatch 3 Feb 2022
This is the poster to promote the REDWatch Meeting of Thursday 3 Feb 2022 on Waterloo South: What makes high-density work for the community?
Celebrating the Life and Art of Redfern Local Roy Kennedy Presented by Blak Douglas Poster
This is the poster for the October 7 2021 REDWatch meeting Celebrating the Life and Art of Redfern Local Roy Kennedy Presented by Blak Douglas. This session will be followed at 7.30 pm by the REDWatch AGM
Poster for Mobile Vaccination Clinic Redfern & Waterloo 11-14 August 10am-4pm
NSW Health is holding Mobile Vaccination Clinics at the Waterloo Neighbourhood Centre and South Sydney PCYC in Redfern from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (11, 12, 13 and 14 August) COVID-19 vaccines are free Walk-in no appointment needed. No Medicare card needed.
REDWatch Transport Connectivity Workshop 22 April 2021 poster
This is the poster for the REDWatch workshop on connectivity around Redfern Station and North Eveleigh
Poster for Waterloo South REDWatch meeting on 4 March 2021
This poster is to promote the REDWatch meeting where City of Sydney Planners explain the Council planning proposal for Waterloo South.
Where is the Waterloo Human Services Plan?
THis is the poster for the August 6th REDWatch meeting on human services. The meeting will look at the takeaways from the Waterloo Impact Report which was based on discussions with service users and both Government and non government service providers. The recomendations provide a starting point for issues to be addressed in a human services plan approach fro Waterloo.
REDWatch Flyer for Meeting on Botany Road Planning Proposal - 5th Aug 2021
This is the flyer for the REDWatch Meeting August 5th 6pm - Council briefing on Botany Road Corridor Planning Proposal. Council has agreed to make a presentation about its plans for the Botany Road Corridor so that locals can get an early understanding of what is proposed. Some of the area impacted by these changes will be next to the Waterloo South redevelopment so we expect there to be some interest from public housing tenants as well as from local private landowners and renters.
REDWatch Poster - 9 July 2020 for LAHC & Council on Redfern and Waterloo Public Housing
THis is the poster for the Redfern Build to Rent and the Waterloo South presentations by Council and LAHC. File is 2MB PDF.
Improve how Health works for you and the broader services system poster for 5 Sept 19
This is the poster for Shane Brown's talk about his Healthy Living Link Worker role in Waterloo for Sydney Local Health District. This role exists to help people navigate the complex heath system to get the mix of services they need. It also exists to identify the problems people find where parts of the health system do not work as well as they should. All welcome – bring your questions, stories and suggestions
BEYOND BRICKS & MORTAR POSTER - A meal and talk with Professor Jim Ife – May 2 6pm
The May REDWatch meeting will be a bit different – we not only have a highly regarded speaker and author, but we will also providing a meal for those attending! This is the poster to advertise the event. Please pass it on to people who might be interested.
Counterpoint Community Services Neighbourhood Week Events Program 1-17 May
Counterpoint Community Services during Neighbourhood Centre Week in My 2019 is running a range of events. The events also help celebrate the 40th Birthday of the Factory Community Centre. Please pass these details on to others that might be interested in an event.
Poster for REDWatch Forum on Eveleigh Industrial Heritage & Social History Is it “history” or worth preserving for the future?
This is the poster for the REDWatch Forum on "Eveleigh Industrial Heritage & Social History Is it “history” or worth preserving for the future?" to be held on 3 August 2017 on Thursday 3 August, 6:00pm - 7:30pm at The Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan Street, Waterloo.
REDWatch Meeting Poster - Who is Greater Sydney Commission and what has it got to do with us? Nov 3 2016
This is the poster for the REDWatch meeting on November 3 at 6pm on Who is Greater Sydney Commission and what has it got to do with us?
Federal Election 2016 - Sydney Electorate Candidate's Forum - 22nd June 7pm Alexandria Townhall
This is the poster for the Sydney Electorate Candidate's Forum - 22nd June 2016 - 7pm Alexandria Townhall
Crown Land Our Land Launch - 6-8pm on Wednesday 22 June
This is the launch of Crown Land Our Land Inc at NSW Parliament House next week, 6-8pm on Wed 22 June. Called the Crown Land Summit 2016, it will report on what’s afoot since the first general “Public Lands” summit last June – in effect, a progress report on the unanimous call for a full-scale Parliamentary Inquiry into the many issues re Crown Land Reserves throughout NSW. Although ‘sponsored’ by David Shoebridge MP, this meeting has multi-party support. And there’s much to tell. You can see more details
Healthy Urban Development: is it possible?
This is the poster for the November Forum being held on 05 November, 2015 at 6pm at the Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan Street, Waterloo.
Debating the War on ‘Addiction’ Poster - REDWatch 6 August 2015
Poster fro Debating the War on ‘Addiction’. Are we really in the grip of an ice epidemic ? Are the lock out laws working ? Are the new smoking rules a step to Far ? Is prohibiton and criminalisaton the right answer? Does the focus on illicit drugs put Australia’s drinking problem on ice? Join REDWatch and Redfern's Community Drug Acton Team members for our Round table debate and share your perspective and hear from those working in the field. Thursday 6th August 2015 6pm Counterpoint Community Services Inc Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan Street Waterloo
Will you get on board Waterloo Train Station? Flyer
This is the flyer for the REDWatch forum on the proposed Waterloo Railway Station on 2nd July 2015.
Public Forum on Planning & Development Law Changes - Redfern Poster
This is the poster for the REDWatch and ARAG Public Forum on Planning & Development Law Changes at Redfern Townhall on 27 May 2013. File is 554 KB PDF.
Colin (Col) James A Celebration of Life - 2nd March Invitation
This is the invitation circulated for the Celebration of Col James life on 2nd March 2013. Please pass it on to people who knew Col.
City of Sydney Mayor Candidates Forum - 16th August 2012
This is the flyer for the REDWatch City of Sydney Lord Mayoral Candidates Forum at the Factory on 16th August 2012. File is 100Kb PDF.
REDWatch Heffron By-Election Candidates Forum Flyer
This is the flyer for the REDWatch Heffron By-Election Candidates Forum for 2 Aug 2012. File is 72 Kb PDF.
Challenge 4 Change - Part 1 “Community Building 101” Poster
The is the poster for the first part of the Challenge 4 Change programme which is about Community Building 101. It is is a free Training Programme organised by the Groundswell Coalition in Redfern Waterloo. It aims to skill people for involvement in change. The programme is aimed at people already involved in the community who want to gain skills to be more effective in bringing change. Poster is 402Kb PDF.
Planning Basics for Residents - Tuesday 13th March 2012 Poster
This is the poster for the free community workshop with Peter Phibbs a Planning Academic from UWS at Redfern Community Centre on 13 March 2012 from 6-8pm
Hugo Street Garden Plans v2
These are the revised plans for the Hugo Street Garden to be discussed at the meeting on 18 February 2012. File is 5 MB
Darlington Preschool Petition
Petitioners are asked to request the Legislative Assembly to reverse a decision by Minister Piccoli to more than double fees at the Darlington Department of Education community preschool. This action has made fees prohibitively high. Overall enrolments have already dropped by two thirds and we have grave concerns about the implications this may have for the viability of the preschool and its impact on the school more broadly. Please print off this submission and support the school with some signatures. File is 51 KB PDF.
REDWatch Transport Forum Poster - 6 Oct 2011
This is the poster for the REDWatch Transport Forum on Oct 6 2011.
Groundswell - Did they hear you Right? Poster - 4 Oct
This is the poster for the Groundswell Forum with the RWA/SMDA, Housing NSW and Council about their research relating to Redfern & Waterloo.
REDWatch flyer October 2010 - RICHSS & RWA
This is the flyer for the REDWatch Forum with Redfern & Inner City Home Support Service and the RWA. File is 54KB PDF.
HNSW Communities Renewal Forum with Jim Diers - Poster
Jim Diers in the first speaker at “Redfern Waterloo Communities and Renewal Forum” forum and he will focus on community and Government working together to achieve renewal. The rest of the forum also promises to be of importance for Redfern Waterloo as Bruce Judd from UNSW is running an introductory session on Master Planning for people with no planning experience and this will be followed by a presentation on community renewal research followed by a discussion in which you will be asked to help shape a research program for Redfern and Waterloo.
2010 Redfern ANZAC Day Program
This is the Program / A4 Poster for the 2010 Redfern ANZAC DAY March and Commemoration. File is 204KB PDF.
REDWatch Sydney University VC Meeting Leaflet - Tuesday April 20th, 2010 6:30 pm
Invitation to a Community Meeting with Dr Michael Spence Vice Chancellor Sydney University to discuss - What is needed to build a mutually beneficial relationship between the University, Darlington and the surrounding Community? Tuesday April 20th, 2010 6:30 pm The Settlement Neighbourhood Centre, 17 Edward St, Darlington. 24KB PDF
Me‐mel: Goat Island through Bennelong’s Eyes - Sunday 18th April 2010 Poster
This is the Poster for the special trips to Me-mel (Goat Island) for Me‐mel: Goat Island through Bennelong’s Eyes. PDF 344KB
REDWatch Public Transport Forum Poster - 15 April 2010 6.30pm
This is the poster for the REDWatch Public Transport Forum to be held on 15 April 2010 at the Factory at 6.30pm. File is 104 KB PDF.
Plan of Charles Kernan Reserve Showing Food Garden
This is the Plan issued by Council of Charles Kernan Reserve showing location of food Garden on 12 April 2010. File is 517 KB PDF.
M5 Expansion Tempe Arterial
This is a screen shot from www.m5corridorexpansion.com.au on 11 December 2009 showing the proposed changes at the Eastern End of the proposed M5 Expansion
RSL Development Community Information Evening Leaflet & Feedback Sheet
This is the notice and feedback sheet for the RSL Development Meeting being held on Wednesday 3rd June at 7pm at Redfern Town Hall. PDF 417 KB
No Redfern Station in Future Transport 2056 - TfNSW until 3 Dec
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance released the Future Transport 2056 draft strategy alongside the release of the Greater Sydney Commission’s draft Greater Sydney Region Plan – the first time long-term planning and transport have been done in direct collaboration. Future Transport 2056 is a comprehensive strategy to ensure the way we travel is more personal, integrated, accessible, safe, reliable and sustainable. There are three parts to the strategy; programs that are committed to or funded by the NSW Government over the next ten years; projects that are under investigation and visionary projects in the 20 year plus timeframe that are being identified now for future consideration as our population grows. The only mention of Redfern Station is on the main web page whch says "Redfern Station was upgraded to improve access for customers. The project included a new lift to platforms 6 and 7, a new section of canopy providing sheltered access to the lift, and new CCTV, lighting and fencing around the lift area." The draft Future Transport 2056 strategy will be open for comment until December 3.
Our Greater Sydney 2056 - GSC to 15 Dec
Our Greater Sydney 2056– A Metropolis of Three Cities (draft Greater Sydney Region Plan), launched in conjunction with Transport for NSW’s draft Future Transport 2056 strategy will reshape Greater Sydney as a metropolis of three cities – Eastern, Central and Western, rebalancing it, fostering jobs, improving housing affordability, easing congestion and enhancing our enviable natural environment. You can read the plan and provide your feedback through the lonk below. You can also register for community events and online discussion forums. The draft plan will be on exhibition till the 15 December 2017 www.greater.sydney
DA Refused - REVISED DA Proposal for 4 Storey Student Accommodation ‘Boarding House’ with 218 rooms at 25-47 Wilson Lane (262 - 312 Wilson Street)
Stealing Our Skies report that as a result of public and council comment the UK based applicant, Scape (http://www.scape.com/) has made small amendments to its initial proposal. The scale, density and amenity of the development, however, may still concern current local residents. You can see their concerns here but must make a submission by 28 July if you have concerns.
Sydney Metro City & Southwest - Chatswood to Sydenham project until 27 June
The exhibition for the Sydney Metro City & Southwest - Chatswood to Sydenham project including Waterloo Station is on exhibition until 27 June 2016. You can make a submission at this link. You should indicate if you supoport or opppose the project and make your comments - such as its impact on the Waterloo public housing estate.
Social, public and affordable housing (Inquiry) - Submissions Close 28 Feb 2014
This inquiry is a current Legislative Council inquiry conducted by the Social, public and affordable housing Committee. This Select Committee was established on Wednesday 13 November 2013 to inquiry into and report on demand for social, public and affordable housing in New South Wales. Call for made on 28 Nov 2013 to close 28 Feb 2014
USyd Campus Improvement Program 2014-2020 for Camperdown-Darlington Campus (SSD 13_6123) - Until 31 March 2014
Staged development application for endorsement of The University of Sydney's Camperdown-Darlington Campus Improvement Program 2014-2020. The CIP will result in an implementation program and strategy that identifies, prioritises and stages the campus development, infrastructure and access priorities over a 7 year period. Consent is also sought for a range of land uses and precinct building envelopes. Developments proposed for Darlington in Mereweather precinct, along City Road and Shepherd Street. Department Exhibition Until 28 February. Sydney University will take submissions until 31st March.
Abercrombie Street Precinct Modification - Until 19th Sept 2013
MP 07_0158 MOD 2 - Abercrombie Street Precinct Modification of the approved University of Sydney Business School Faculty redevelopment, including: > relocation of 550 seat lecture theatre; > relocation of two of the 33 seat lecture theatres; > re-orientation of pod A and B; > increased setbacks to southern boundary and Mandelbaum House; > reduced building height; > relocation of car park entry (in accordance with requirements of project approval conditions); > provision of wheelchair access direct from Darlington Lane; > deletion of conditions B9, D1 and G1 related to ESD green star rating; and > rationalisation of the car park areas onto a single level.
North Eveleigh Parks (Application Number: D/2013/367) - Until 6th May 2013
This is the UrgbanGrowth Development Corporation integrated development application for the staged construction of a Local Park and Pocket Park in the north western part of the North Eveleigh Precinct, works include pedestrian links to Wilson St, furniture, terracing and associated retaining walls, community garden, landscaping, reuse of heritage elements, addition to the Blacksmiths Workshop and stormwater and demolition works. Exhibition Closes: 6th May 2013.
1 Lawson Square - Mixed Use Development (SSD 5249-2012) - Until 30 April 2013
This is a state significant development for alterations and additions to the two existing TNT / GCA towers (while maintaining the existing building) and construction of additional levels to form an 18 storey mixed use development comprising retail / commercial and residential uses; retention of the NSW Police tenancy; basement car parking; retention of existing allocated parking; and public domain works. Exhibition Closes 30 April 2013.
NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan – Exhibition Until 26 Oct
NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan sets the direction for transport planning for the next 20 years, providing a framework for transport policy and investment decisions that respond to key challenges. It is on exhibition until 26 October 2012. You can find extracts about Redfern on the REDWatch website at www.redwatch.org.au/RWA/statesignificant/station/120904tnsw.
Pemulwuy Preferred Project Report - Until 21 Sept 2012
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure has received a Preferred Project Report (PPR) from Deicorp Pty on behalf of the Aboriginal Housing Company in response to the submissions raised following exhibition of the Environmental Assessment for the Pemulwuy Project. The Department is looking for any comments on the Preferred Project Report until 21 September 2012.
A New Planning System for NSW Green Paper - Until 14 Sept
The NSW Government is creating a planning system for the 21st century. A planning system focussed on the public interest. A planning system that places people and their choices at the heart of planning decisions about their future. On 14 July 2012, the NSW Government released A New Planning System for New South Wales – Green Paper, a bold step in the development of a new planning system for the State. The Green Paper outlines major changes in five key areas of the planning system, these are: * involving the community early in guiding planning decisions that will shape the growth and future of our cities, towns, and neighbourhoods; * placing much more emphasis on preparing good policies upfront to guide growth and development; * reducing red tape and delay for the assessment of development applications for all types of proposals; * ensuring that infrastructure is planned and delivered to support new and existing communities; * promoting a ‘can do’ culture in the planning system and ensuring that councils and the government are accountable for delivering the results they have committed to; and * providing greater access to information about planning policies, planning decisions, and your rights in the planning process.
Final SMDA Website
The SMDA website was absorbed into the UrbanGrowth Development Corporation website at the beginning of 2013. REDWatch holds a mirror of the site before UrbanGrowth modified the site but this is not suitable to place on this website. Instead we have collected PDF's of the SMDA website content and as the site changes we will create a series of links from a master document which will allow people to explore the final SMDA site text content. Links to underlying documents do not function but where possible we have advised location of this information.
SMDA Archive
This section of the site will contain historical information about the operations of the SMDA. Areas which transferred from the RWA to the SMDA and on to UrbanGrowth NSW for which UrganGrowth NSW are not in this section. Historical statements by the SMDA remain in the "Government SMDA & RWA Statements". Historical material about areas for which the RWA & SMDA had planning responsibility have again not been moved as those historical plans are integral to understanding new developments. The absorption of the RWA by the SMDA and then Urbangrowth NSW makes it difficult to draw clear lines of demarcation between material of historical interest and current relevance. The SMDA website has been absorbed by UrbanGrowth and as historical material disappears from that site it will be found here.