The Draft Built Environment Plan rezones the block so that
only 30 homes can be built rather than the 62 provided in the Pemulwuy Project.
“The Pemulwuy Project promotes mixed use of the block and includes
plans for affordable family homes, a public civic space and commercial area,
artist markets, a student hostel, a sports facility and an Indigenous business
college. For six years a distinguished coalition of Indigenous leaders,
community activists and internationally respected urban and social planners has
worked hard to develop the initiative. State Government bureaucrats even
attended project workshops.”
“With one stroke of a pen this innovative development has seemingly
been abandoned. I call upon the community to use the upcoming consultation
period to urge the Minister to re-think his position and give Pemulwuy the consideration
it deserves.” said Cr. Firth.
The local churches are supporting the Pemulwuy Project. “We
are impressed by the fact that the Pemulwuy Project has, as an intrinsic part
of its design, a built-in system of support for people. This support is less
likely to be there if Aboriginal people are spread around the area,” commented
Rev. Dorothy McRae McMahon.
She went on to say that the New South Wales Ecumenical Council,
through its Social Justice Committee, is also concerned for the well-being of
the Aboriginal people related to The Block. After discussions by the Committee with
the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, it has become clear that the Aboriginal
issues associated with The Block have been taken out of his jurisdiction and
handed over to the Redfern Waterloo Authority. The Ecumenical Council hopes to
initiate discussions with the Authority shortly, in an effort to promote a
creative solution to any impasse, which may lie between the Aboriginal Housing
Company and the Government.
Rev. McRae McMahon suggested that, “Given that the Leader of
the Opposition has already done so, the Premier should come and talk to the
Housing Company and have a look at The Block for himself.”
The member for Heffron Kristina Keneally responded to Cr.
Firth’s statement by saying, “There are many views in the Indigenous community
about the future of The Block. The government is committed to a sustainable
future for Redfern and Waterloo
by providing jobs and opportunities for local people. That is what the built
environment plan seeks to deliver.”
A spokesperson for Minister Sartor said, “the Minister has made
his position clear; that is that 62 units are not sustainable.” Having said
that, this report has been approved by cabinet for community consultation. It’s
not set in concrete. The Minister is open to being convinced.