Thank you for your correspondence
of 25 June 2020 to Minister Ward and Minister Pavey regarding the funding for
the community workers in Waterloo. The Ministers have asked me to respond on
their behalf.
The Waterloo redevelopment project
will help deliver the NSW Government’s Future Directions for Social Housing in
NSW strategy by providing new and replacement fit for purpose social housing
alongside private and affordable housing. LAHC is committed to delivering good
urban outcomes for residents of Waterloo and continues to work closely with the
Department of Communities & Justice (DCJ) to ensure the best results for
the Waterloo social housing residents.
The contracts between LAHC and
Counterpoint Community Services and Inner Sydney Voice have provided the
Waterloo community with various ongoing support for over three years during the
masterplanning process. As confirmed in our recent meeting with Alison Frame on
23 July 2020, LAHC is not in a position to continue the community worker
contracts, as the City of Sydney is the consent authority and will lead the
community consultation which includes engagement with community stakeholders
and public exhibition. As the lead agency for rezoning, the City is now
responsible for communicating regularly with stakeholders and providing status
updates on the planning proposal. However, LAHC will explore the community
needs once the Waterloo redevelopment advances through to the next phases of
the project.
As mentioned at our meeting with
Alison Frame, the Housing and Property Group within the Department of Planning,
Industry & Environment will lead the Waterloo Human Services Plan with
support from DCJ. As soon as we are able we will advise you of your key contact
for this work. LAHC will provide critical information regarding the Waterloo
redevelopment where required.
In respect to the DCJ funded
programs for the area, we have been advised by DCJ that it funds Mission
Australia to deliver the Tenant Participation and Community Engagement (TPCE)
program in Sydney, South Eastern Sydney and Northern Sydney District, including
the Redfern and Waterloo area. The TPCE Program is a DCJ State-wide program
which supports social housing tenants to access information and services,
connect with their local communities and participate in housing and community
issues which effect their lives. Under the TPCE Program, Mission Australia
supports Neighbourhood Advisory Boards and tenant groups, provides coaching and
training opportunities, and communication with tenants. The TPCE program
commenced in December 2018, following the consolidation of the Housing
Communities Program and Tenant Participation Resource Service.
The University of NSW (UNSW)
Community Development Project, which was co-funded by DCJ (then FACS) and UNSW,
was discontinued in 2016. At the time, a small number of tenants were being
supported by the UNSW Community Development Project. Given the high demand for
support from other local disadvantaged communities in the District, FACS
negotiated the redistribution of funded resources with UNSW to include a
presence in social housing estates in the South Maroubra area.
We acknowledge and appreciate the
valuable relationships developed with the community and the meaningful
contribution and support provided by the independent community workers over the
last few years in Waterloo. We also appreciate your support and involvement
with this project and look forward to continuing to work together as we
progress through the next phases of the project.
Sincerely,
Peter Anderson
Executive Director Portfolio Planning Office
NSW Land & Housing Corporation | Department of Planning, Industry
and Environment