“It is clear
the decision of the NSW Government to rezone land on the Block is an attempt to
prevent the redevelopment of the area as a vibrant Aboriginal community” said
Clr Byrne.
“The NSW
Government does not believe that an urban Aboriginal community can be socially
and economically sustainable. We believe that assumption is racist.”
“The AHC
must be treated like any other land holder and have its proposals assessed on
the merits of its case. The Pemulwuy project incorporates mixed used
development, environmental and social planning and open space.
“We believe
the Government does not have sound planning grounds for rejecting the AHC
plans. Instead it is hiding behind a rezoning that was designed to prevent
Aboriginal housing from being rebuilt on the Block.”
“We are
going to make the Block an election issue in Marrickville. We are going to
campaign against the discriminatory policies of this Government and for a fair
go for Aboriginal people.” Clr Bryne said.
Ben
Spies-Butcher, the Greens candidate for the neighbouring seat of Heffron. which
includes the majority of Redfern and large public housing communities, said the
Government’s position on the Block was an ominous sign of things to come.
“The NSW
Government is trying to force long term communities out of Redfern Waterloo so
that it can increase the value of public land and sell that land off to
developers.
“The
decision to rezone the Block is nothing more than a transparent attempt to
force Aboriginal people out of the inner city. We know the Government also has
plans to redevelop public housing in Redfern and Waterloo, and we know it has advice that
forcing public housing tenants out of the inner city will increase its property
values.
“The
Government must release its plans for public housing before the election. We
need to know what housing will be targeted, what land sold and which residents
forced to move. Otherwise, residents will have no power, no chance to express
their views. It will be a massive land sale” said Dr Spies-Butcher.