The large fee was holding up the AHCs Redfern housing and
cultural proposal for the Block, with the not-for-profit organisation unable to
foot the bill.
The AHC originally called on the department to waive the
fee, which was rejected, stalling the plan that would see the area transformed
into community and private housing, as well as a hostel, a new gym and a
business training centre.
CEO Michael Mundine
Senior said the Redfern Waterloo Authority had not put any conditions on the
payment, which was an initial concern during discussions.
AHC project director Peter Valilis
said the organisation was thrilled the RWA had paid the fee with out any
conditions.
Now we can move forward to advertisement of the project and
a public exhibition before the department makes a decision.
Mr Valilis said he believed the project had been held up in
part by the opposition of former planning minister Frank
Sartor, who was dumped from the ministry at the weekend.
Local community group REDWatch welcomed the breakthrough.
This project is crucial to sorting out many of the problems
associated with Redferns Block and in making Redfern a place of hope and pride
for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians in the future, REDWatch
spokesman Geoffrey Turnbull said.
The Government and the AHC have been in a stand off since
2004 over the AHCs plans for Pemulwuy project.
The failure to progress the project has lead to four extra
years of unnecessary sorrow for many on the Block.
The NSW Government and the RWA hopefully will work
co-operatively with the AHC to ensure an outcome which is good for the Block
and whole community.
Photo: AHC CEO Michael Mundine
playing with children at the Block where the AHC hopes to build its Pemulway
housing project.
Source:
Central 10th September 2008 http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/news/story/pemulway-project-breakthrough/