Thank you
for your letter regarding the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Bill 2004.
The Bill
sets up the Redfern Waterloo Authority (RWA) which will manage public infrastructure
in the area and implement the Redfern-Waterloo Plan.
The RWA
will be established and operating as soon as possible so it can get to work on
solutions for the chronic, long term problems afflicting the area.
In drafting
the legislation, the Government was conscious of the need to consult widely
with key stakeholders while preserving flexibility to be able to act quickly
and adapt to challenges as they arise.
From these
consultations, a number of amendments were proposed and accepted. These include:
- Inserting Objects of the Bill
to make it clear the Bill is designed to improve public amenity, quality
of life and safety in Redfern-Waterloo; - The NSW Heritage Council must
be consulted before altering any item listed on the State Heritage
Register; - Clarifying the ability of the
RWA to impose certain levies on State Significant development; - Limiting any future expansion
of the operational area of the RWA; - Guaranteeing Aboriginal
representation on the Advisory Committees; and - Consulting with the Aboriginal
Housing Company and the Aboriginal community on the long term strategic
vision for the Block.
These
amendments clarify the Authority’s
role and ensure that consultation with occur with the local community.
Further
mechanisms for consultation, including the preparation of the Redfern-Waterloo
Plan, will be outlined by the RWA soon.
The RWA
will work very closely with the local community. Regular public forums will be
held for residents or representatives of community organisations, and working
groups will be formed for specific projects.
In
addition, next year at least three advisory committees with be convened, which
may include human services, employment and the built environment. These
committees will have at least five
members of the local community working closely with local and state government
staff.
I am
seeking community feedback on the structure and process for these committees.
Comments and submissions can be sent to my office at GPO Box 5341, Sydney
NSW 2001 (attention: Owen Torpy) by 31 January 2005.
The RWA
will, also consult closely with the Aboriginal community and the Aboriginal
Hosing Company when considering plans for The Block and Aboriginal housing. The
Government recognises the importance of The Block and it will remain a place of
significance to the Aboriginal community.
Public
housing is also an important issue in Redfern-Waterloo and must be considered
as part of any long term strategy to improve the quality of life for residents
in the area. I would like to stress that no decisions have been made regarding
any redevelopment of public housing estates, with the exception of the proposed
Elizabeth
Street development, which has been the subject of
extensive community consultation.
There will
be no reduction in the amount of public housing in Redfern and Waterloo. This will be the starting point for any future decisions in the area. All existing
tenancies are secure, and there is no intention to make any decision without
extensive consultation with local residents.
I look
forward to working with all members of the community and non-government
organisations in achieving real and sustainable development in
Redfern-Waterloo.
If you have
any questions, please call my office on 9228 4700.
Yours sincerely
Frank
Sartor