RWPP – Redfern Waterloo Partnership Project
Frequently Asked Questions Prepared for Residents of Redfern-Waterloo
The Redfern-Waterloo Plan (2004-2014) contains initiatives around three
key strategies – infrastructure, jobs and human services
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Bill 2004 and the Redfern-Waterloo
Authority it creates is simply a vehicle to address the renewal of Redfern and Waterloo.
The real work will start once the Authority is in place – and the sooner
the better.
There will be extensive consultation on the preparation of the
Redfern-Waterloo Plan.
Reports and proposals prepared to date are works in progress to be
considered in preparing the Plan.
The challenges are huge and need real focus.
That is why an Authority is being established and there is some
flexibility to act provided in the Bill.
Is there a Redfern-Waterloo Plan already completed and ready to go once
the Redfern-Waterloo Authority is set up?
There is no final or completed plan. There are working documents which
have explored options.
The draft plan, when prepared, will be made public so residents can have
their say before being adopted.
There are currently three key strategies that are being shaped to
provide a direction for the future development of the area. These strategies,
each of which contains a number of proposals, are – infrastructure, jobs and
human services.
The Government is providing direction to the project through the
appointment of the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo and the Redfern-Waterloo
Authority Bill2004. The legislation makes provision for the development of
a Redfern-Waterloo Plan, which when approved by the Minister, will be
implemented by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and the Redfern-Waterloo
Partnership Project.
RWPP
What is the Minister doing about the redevelopment of The Block?
No decisions have been made about the future of The Block. The
Aboriginal Housing Company and the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo are working
together to establish a sustainable vision for the area.
There is a continuing dialogue between the Minister’s office and members
of the Aboriginal Housing Company. Whatever happens on The Block, a broad
community consultation strategy will occur.
The site is of great significance to Aboriginal people in NSW and across
Australia.
The home of urban Aboriginal land rights in Australia,
Redfern reflects the history of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal race relations in
Australia.
The NSW Parliament Social Issues Standing Committee Inquiry into
Issues Relating to Redfern-Waterloo acknowledged that the redevelopment of
The Block is of utmost importance.
There is no intention by the State Government to compulsorily acquire
the Block.
So what are the plans for public housing in Redfern and Waterloo?
The Government will neither reduce the amount of public housing in
Redfern-Waterloo nor disadvantage its current residents.
One of the key elements identified during community consultations in
2003 was the need to provide better housing options in the area.
The renewal of public housing estates will be investigated. No decision
has been made on their future. Public housing accounts for thirty-five percent
of residents and fifty percent of the housing stock in the area.
The Government is looking at all the options for the long term future of
public housing in Redfern and Waterloo.
There will be substantial consultation with tenants, local organisations and
other government and non-government agencies before any plans for the area are
pursued.
All tenancies are secure.
I am a public housing tenant – will I have to leave my home?
No, there are no plans to redevelop any public housing at this time,
with the exception of the proposed Elizabeth Street
development which has been the subject of extensive community consultation.
Is it the Government’s intention to force Aboriginal people, public
housing tenants and low-income earners out of living in the Redfern-Waterloo
area?
No. The Redfern-Waterloo Plan is about improving the quality of life for
all residents and encouraging community renewal.
A major review of human services, commissioned by the Redfern-Waterloo
Partnership Project, has just been completed. This review will lead to improved
services for people living in the area.
Information sessions for the public on the consultants’ findings will be
held at: Redfern Town Hall on Wednesday 15 December
5.30pm to 8pm; and Thursday 16 December 2pm to 4pm.
The findings will inform the first integrated Human Services plan to
ensure the best possible human services are available for all residents.
How will the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) deliver affordable
housing?
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Bill 2004 provides that the
Authority should provide and promote housing choice. Affordable housing levies
will be obtained to assist the achievement of this.
What will happen to heritage buildings?
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Bill 2004 lists important tests
before the provisions of the Heritage Act 1977 do not apply. The site
has to be declared as a “State
Significant” development and the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo must be
satisfied that the development is essential for achieving the strategic vision
for the improvement of Redfern and Waterloo.
RWPP
What’s happening with Redfern Oval – green space or sports venue?
Planning for future use of the Redfern Oval is the responsibility of the
City of Sydney Council.
The State Government is not involved with any redevelopment of Redfern Oval.
What’s happening with the Redfern Railway Station upgrade?
Redfern Railway Station is one of the busiest stations on Sydney’s metropolitan
network and is close to full capacity.
As part of the infrastructure proposals, Redfern Railway Station will be
redeveloped. When ready, an option for the design of the new Station will be
released for public consultation.
The redevelopment will improve access to the rail network, provide
additional capacity to meet future
patronage growth, and allow people with disabilities to use the service.
It will help connect the Redfern town centre with the Station by
creating a pedestrian plaza and low-scale retail facilities over the railway
lines.
An upgrade to the Station will provide better services for commuters,
including those who are disabled, and create a range of retail and commercial
opportunities for businesses.