8 March 2016
Dear Resident
An update following the Renewing Waterloo Forum — Thursday 18 February
2016
If you were one of the 400 or so residents who attended our Waterloo
forum — thank you!
Residents
shared their views and heard from the Minister, Brad Hazzard, and heard from
residents from other social housing estates where renewal has occurred.
The
residents from those other public housing reassured us all that despite their
initial concerns they had very positive experiences.
Karen, from
Claymore said, “It’s hard to imagine, but there really is nothing to worry
about. My relocations officer worked very closely with me to make sure the
right home was found for my family.”
Sister Julia
from Claymore and four other residents from two other estates, agreed their
experience was similar to Karen’s.
Some of the main question and answers were:
Q. Why
haven’t we been given any detail other than a letter in December telling us
about the proposal for change?
A. The NSW
Government only decided in December to build a new metro (train station) at
Waterloo, This decision allows us to kick start renewal and allows an increase
in the number of public housing units mixed in with some private housing.
Q. Why can’t you tell us now when we’re going to have to move?
A. As it’s
only just all started, there’s lots of consultation and planning required. Your
input and that of other locals, will be part of the consultation occurring over
the next twelve months or so.
The forum on
Thursday 18 February was the first step.
Q. When do we have to move?
A. If
everything proceeds very well in the planning and consultation process, then
it’s possible that in another year and a half to two years a relatively small
group of tenants will be asked (on generally at least six months notice) to
relocate temporarily to nearby properties. Each resident will have a guarantee
of return to the brand new social housing that will be built. Experience
suggests that residents will be able to move back in two or so years.
Q. Does my
lease change?
A. In
general, your lease will be the same — such as your lease length and whether
you are allowed pets.
Q. Who pays
for my relocation into the temporary accommodation and then back into the
permanent housing?
A. The NSW Government will pay for all expenses.
Q. Is there
anybody who can help me when the move comes?
A. Every tenant will have a relocation officer who will help you
through the process. The tenants from other estates told the forum how
fantastic and helpful their relocation officers had been.
Q. Where can
I get more information?
A. There is
a new office, the Waterloo Connect Centre at Shop 2, 95 Wellington St. Pop in
between 10am and 4pm or call 1800 738 718 during business hours. We look
forward to seeing you.
Q. How can I
have my say?
A. You can share your thoughts by:
a) Dropping into the Waterloo Connect Centre
b) Going online
c) Putting your thoughts in writing and put into the suggestion boxes
Q. Will
there be any meetings for those who speak languages other than English?
A. Yes. We are currently arranging some information meetings for those
who speak (i) Russian (ii) Mandarin. If there are other languages requests made
to the Waterloo Connect – we will try to address them as well.
Summary
We will keep all residents informed as the planning for renewal at
Waterloo proceeds.
Yours sincerely
Mandy Young
District Director
If English
is not your first language and you would like help translating this
information, please call All Graduates Interpreting and Translation Services on
1300 652 488.