March 2007
The NSW Government established the Redfern Waterloo Authority in 2004 to revitalize the Redfern-Waterloo area.
Achievements of the RWA in the last three years include:
New jobs
and investment to Redfern-Waterloo: The NSW Government, through the Redfern-Waterloo
Authority, has made real progress in creating new jobs and opportunities for
the local area and turning around social disadvantage.
We have seen a significant
boost in the new jobs and investment flowing into the Redfern-Waterloo area,
which is a direct attribute to the hard work of the Redfern-Waterloo Authority.
Our clear plan
has seen the RWA generate almost $300 million in new investment for the area,
including more than $76 million directly
committed by the Authority itself:
$123 million to be invested by Sydney Broadcast
Property to build a new
state-of-the-art media centre at the Australian
Technology Park
or ATP, starting in April 2007.
The development is expected to generate more than 600
construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs. Will include 60 construction jobs
for Indigenous workers, under Jobs Compact signed by the CFMEU and
Redfern-Waterloo Authority on 15 May 2005.
$47.5 million being invested by the
Redfern-Waterloo Authority in a new research building at the ATP: Six-storey building that will house National
Information and Communications Technology Australia and the Defence, Science
and Technology Organisation. Estimated Six hundred permanent jobs and during
construction 26 jobs for local Indigenous people and
new apprentices. The building will be completed about August this year.
$40 million invested in a new Contemporary Arts
Centre at North Eveleigh: The project saw
heritage buildings at North Eveleigh converted
into this contemporary performing arts space in conjunction with the
Redfern-Waterloo Authority and RailCorp. The
Contemporary Performing Arts Centre opened in January 2007 in conjunction with
the Sydney Festival. Delivered 21 construction jobs for Indigenous
people.
$35 million investment by the Indigenous Land
Corporation (ILC) to purchase the former Redfern Public School and
redevelop it into a new National Indigenous Development Centre. The new Centre will help young people
achieve their full potential through mentoring, training and learning initiatives.
Expected to help up to 5000 young people each year when fully operational. Existing Murawina Child Care Centre and four
school buildings will be refurbished.
$35.25 million delivered by an Affordable Housing
Contribution Plan over the next 10
years, delivering about 75 affordable housing dwellings in the Redfern-Waterloo
Authority operational area – plus another $23 million for affordable housing
under the agreement negotiated between the RWA and Carlton and United Breweries
over the future development of its Chippendale site.
$16 million to be invested by the RWA for
Aboriginal affordable housing: The RWA has
committed to facilitating the provision of new dwellings over the next 10 years
to provide affordable housing for Aboriginal residents of Redfern-Waterloo.
These dwellings are proposed to be in addition to any housing currently owned
or proposed to be privately developed by the Aboriginal Housing Company on AHC
land on and around the Block in Redfern.
The RWA
Contributions Plan will deliver about $36.7 million
in developer contributions for public domain and other public works as a result
of future development in the area under the RWA’s Built Environment Plan.
$10 million in transforming the former Redfern
Courthouse and Police Station into a new community health facility: This new facility will become a
‘one-stop-shop’ for health service, designed in response to community feedback.
The plan is to provide health assessments, early childhood and family support
services, counselling, perinatal and family drug health services, mental health
services, welfare support, sexual health services and more.
$6 million
from the Redfern-Waterloo Authority to fund a new pedestrian/cycle link between
North Eveleigh and the Technology
Park
$6.5 million in new roads and infrastructure for the Technology Park.
$4.2 million invested by NSW Police in March 2005 to establish a new police station
at the former TNT
Tower.
Three-quarters of a million dollars to develop a new training centre at North Eveleigh, including the Yaama Dhinawan Indigenous
hospitality training enterprise.
145 jobs have been
created for local indigenous people
during the urban renewal process in Redfern Waterloo.
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 establishes and sets out the RWA’s principle functions, taking into consideration social, economic, ecological and other sustainable development, public areas, Aboriginal community needs, social cohesion and community safety.
The RWA’s tasks include:
Current activities of the RWA include:
The Redfern-Waterloo Plan is being developed in stages by the RWA with priority being given to economic revitalisation, human services and job creation.
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority is committed to the NSW Government’s priority of improving the quality of life in Redfern-Waterloo through the involvement of people who live in the community. We will implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy to ensure the best outcomes for all people who live in the Redfern-Waterloo area.
The community consultation framework includes:
All residents can be involved.
Community representatives have been appointed to the three advisory committees. The Committees also contain Government agency representatives.
1. Built Environment – considering urban design, traffic, public access, public transport, land use, affordable housing and urban renewal. Community Members: M/s Jocelyn Jackson, Mr Alex Kibble, Mr Richard Pembroke, Mr Shane Phillips, Mr Jonathan Rez, Mr Steve Tamas, Mr Geoffrey Turnbull, M/s Ann Weldon
2. Employment and Enterprise – considering strategies to increase job and business opportunities in the area, including the Indigenous community. Community Members: M/s Megan Gardiner, M/s Margaret Hobbs, Mr Anthony John Larkings, M/s Bronwyn Penrith, Mr Dennis Weatherall, Mr Michael Dalah
3. Human Services – considering human services and health issues affecting Redfern-Waterloo. Community Members: M/s Jill Edwards, Mr Howard Glenn, Mr Dominic (Dom) Grenot, Mr Paul Knight, M/s Shirley Lomas, Ms Lynette Stewart, Ms Mabel Chang
Human Services Meetings
Four service cluster groups met to address the first stage of the Human Services Plan. The cluster groups comprised of people responsible for providing services in Redfern-Waterloo.
The workshops each focused on one of the following areas: Health Services, Youth Services, Services for Families and Children, Services for Aboriginal People.
Community Consultation on the Draft Built Environment Plan and Draft State
Environmental Planning Policy
The RWA undertook
a comprehensive communication strategy to seek community and stakeholder input
on the draft Plan.
This included
advertising, information posted on the website, newsletters, information and
feedback sessions, a community forum, presentations, briefings and residents
meetings.
Key measures included:
The Redfern-Waterloo Built Environment Plan (Stage
One) is a component of the Redfern-Waterloo Plan, along with the Human Services
Plan and the Employment and Enterprise Plan.
The
Built Environment Plan (Stage One) encourages an employment and investment
based revitalisation of the area by providing a planning framework for the
following Redfern-Waterloo sites as identified in State Environmental Planning
Policy (Major Projects) 2005:
Most
of these sites, which total around 35 hectares, are State Government owned and
are located near the Redfern Railway Station and Redfern Town Centre.
The
Built Environment Plan proposes a consistent set of controls relating to urban
design, land use zoning and the carrying out of future development of
Redfern-Waterloo sites. It also identifies strategies for associated transport
and traffic management, heritage protection, open space and public domain
improvements, infrastructure provision, pedestrian and cycle access and
guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.
The Plan will be complemented by more detailed guidelines contained within
Development
Control Plans and/or Concept Plans to be determined following consultation with
the community.
It is
estimated that the Plan will generate about 400,000 m2 of employment generating land, which translates to
around 18,000 jobs. About 2,000 new dwellings could also be developed.
A
State Environmental Planning Policy will provide the statutory basis for the
implementation of the environmental planning aspects of the Plan.
The
key principle of the Plan involves the creation of a Town Centre with an
economic and civic heart focussed around Redfern Railway Station and pedestrian
and cycleway links to business hubs at the Australian Technology Park, North
Eveleigh, Redfern and Regent Streets.
Urban
design analysis has provided the basis for height controls and shaped the
desired future character of each site. The Plan proposes general urban design
guidelines that are supplemented by design concepts for each site, outlined in
Section 4 of the Plan.
Consultation
with major service providers has indicated that capacity of essential services
may be augmented to meet the increase in demand.
A
Contributions Plan for the provision of public facilities and amenities is on
public exhibition.
The first stage of urban renewal will centre on a number of sites in Redfern Waterloo declared to be State Significant Developments under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005. These are identified on Map 16 of the SEPP.
State significant development is development that the Minister for Planning has determined is of state or regional significance, and will therefore require his/her consent.
For example, the Redfern-Waterloo Authority is investigating essential developments for an accessible, efficient railway station. A heritage Station with steep steps and no easy access for elderly or disabled people and parents with young children, Redfern Station is the eighth busiest Station in the NSW network - a role which will increase in activity as the population grows. Redevelopment will improve access to and the efficiency of RailCorp operations and include commercial activity.
These State Significant sites in the Redfern-Waterloo Authority operational area include the following:
The Minister for Planning is the consent authority for development on all State significant sites in Redfern-Waterloo. The Minister for Planning has delegated certain consent authority functions under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) including planning assessments and a minor determination role to officers of the Authority.
The consent authority functions that have been delegated to certain officers include:
Certain functions have also been delegated by the Director General of the Department of Planning to officers of the Authority. These include:
In most cases the City of Sydney
Council is the consent authority for development
and/or works on all other land not identified as State Significant within the
Redfern-Waterloo Authority operational area. Development applications for these
proposals are lodged, processed and assessed by the Council.
The Redfern Waterloo Built Environment Plan has been amended to identify
proposed open space areas including public open space, private open space and
civic spaces.
The area commonly
referred to as “Marian
Street Park”,
bounded by Gibbons Street
and Rosehill Street,
will be zoned ‘Public Recreation’ and the proposed maximum height limit
of 18 storeys has been removed from the BEP. It is also proposed that the open
space be dedicated to the Council of the City of Sydney, subject to adequate funding being
committed to upgrade the park.
Other indicative locations of future and existing publicly accessible open space areas with the RWA’s strategic sites include:
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.
The RWA proposes to address the public housing issue in a detailed way in Stage 2 of the Redfern-Waterloo Plan.
All tenancies are secure.
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.
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.
The findings of the 2004 Review of human services in Redfern Waterloo, called for better integration and coordination of both government and non government services in order to achieve improved outcomes for the local community.
To get these results, changes must be made to the way human services are being provided in the area. The Human Services Plan provides the framework, strategies and actions necessary to make this happen.
The NSW Government developed the Plan by working with the local community through cluster groups of representatives of Family and Children, Health, Aboriginal and Youth services.
This process involved residents, service providers, businesses, government and non-government organisations and identified the areas that they felt could be improved as well as discussing the best ways for services to work together to get results.
The feedback reports from each cluster group formed the basis of the draft Human Services Plan. This advice has been further strengthened and shaped by the Human Services Advisory Council, Chief Executive Officer Steering group, Senior Officers Working Group and the National Council of Social Service resulting in the draft Human Services Plan.
The public consultation phase provides another opportunity to provide further information that could influence the Plans direction and increase the effectiveness of the outcomes for the community.
The Plan is designed to reflect the hoped for potential of the Redfern Waterloo community and it focuses on the priority areas that require attention and support.
This includes concentrating on services for young people, children and families and Aboriginal people in the first stages of action. Services dealing with migrants, the aged, people with disabilities and homeless people will be addressed in early 2006 as Phase 2 of the Plan.
The Plan identifies the organisations that are essential to human service delivery and describes the type of actions needed to achieve the anticipated results.
The Plan already has the support and agreement from the government agencies involved in human services for Redfern Waterloo.
The contributions and support that will be required from the non government human service providers in order to achieve improved outcomes for our community are incorporated in the strategies and actions contained in the Plan.
A working group of Senior Officers from the government agencies responsible for the strategies included in the Plan has been set up to ensure that outcomes are met. This group called ISOG, will meet on a regular basis to progress action and will be supported by the RWA’s Human Services Team and report to the CEO’s Steering Committee.
The Human Services Team and ISOG will also work together with the non-government organisations whose services support the priority areas being addressed through the Plan to make sure that outcomes are achieved.
Local, regional and state representatives from non-government service organisations will also be invited to make presentations to the CEO Steering Committee and ISOG as part of the active exchange of information that will assist in improving co-ordination and service delivery for the community.
A Ministerial Advisory Committee on Human Services has also been established and includes representatives from government, non-government, Aboriginal organisations and community members. This group will play a role in providing ideas and suggestions as the plan is being put into action.
The RWA has developed a comprehensive communication strategy to keep the community and service providers informed on the progress on the Plan. This will include information posted on the website, newsletters, presentations, briefings, emails and meetings.
Over 200 people provided their input in the development of the Plan. This provided large amounts of advice and many viewpoints and suggestions on how to improve human services in Redfern Waterloo.
Every recommendation that could be achieved through the Plan was considered, and where like issues had a connection or relationship they were grouped together with the best options to address the issue investigated.
The community’s ongoing
involvement and participation in the Human Service Plan will be a key factor in
achieving successful outcomes for Redfern Waterloo. Feedback is always welcome.
The Redfern Waterloo Authority has developed a range of community engagement
strategies to provide opportunities for the community to comment throughout the
life of the Plan.
The RWA’s
Employment and Enterprise Plan aims to directly challenge the area’s social and
economic disadvantage by fostering jobs, educational and life opportunities and
a higher standard of living.
The RWA sees
wealth creation as an antidote to welfare dependency. The path to wealth creation through well-paid employment
is education – whether this be education at university or through vocational
education.
The statistics demonstrating the area’s current social and economic disadvantage are revealing.
40% of housing in Redfern-Waterloo is public housing (23% in Redfern and 73% in Waterloo). 38% of households have a weekly income of less than $400, with 16% being less than $200.
Almost one third
(27.9%) of the population in Redfern-Waterloo is receiving income support in
the form of Disability Support Pension, Newstart Allowance, Single Parenting
Payment or Age Pension.
Details of people
living in Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh or Darlington that are receiving income support at September
2005 are as follows:
The RWA has
developed several major strategies that we will progressively implement over
the next ten years commencing in 2006.
The Built
Environment Plan projections estimate that up to 18,000 jobs can be created in
future years through commercial development on the nine sites currently
designated as State Significant by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. Final
projections will be in the final Built Environment Plan.
It should be
noted that about 600 jobs alone will be created at the Australian Technology Park
by 2007 with the RWA’s decision to borrow up to $47.5 million from NSW Treasury
to commence construction in early 2006 of a new building to house National ICT
Australia and the Defence, Science and Technology Organisation. A number of
other significant building projects at the ATP are currently under
contemplation by the RWA, demonstrating the huge employment generating
potential of this site alone.
However, the
Redfern Waterloo area has not achieved its full economic and employment
potential despite its strategic location as the southern gateway to the City,
its public transport accessibility, its strategic position in the heart of the
airport CBD corridor and its proximity to some of the largest tertiary campuses
in the nation. The area provides a unique opportunity to achieve the highly
sought after outcome of being able to live and work in one’s local community.
The RWA will
investigate the benefits to the area of having Redfern-Waterloo designated an
enterprise zone for up to a 10 year period, which could involve the offering of
targeted payroll tax concessions to new or expanding small and medium sized
businesses in the area, especially when linked with an employment and training
strategy.
The RWA has identified several major strategies that
will support the development of employment and enterprise opportunities for
both local residents as well as the broader metropolitan community. These
opportunities are located in walking distance to Sydney’s
second most accessible railway station, thereby ensuring high levels of public
transport patronage and limiting vehicle impacts on the local community.
The major strategies are focused on the following aspects:
1. Revitalising Redfern retail precinct
2. Increasing business development land
3. Capitalising on Research/Innovation Zone
4. Strengthening partnerships with local employers
5. Improving education and training opportunities for local residents
6. Developing industry based employment strategies
7. Targeting employment opportunities for Aboriginal people and youth
8. Supporting local business
The RWA’s employment and enterprise development strategy is a critical component of the overall Redfern-Waterloo Plan, along with the Human Services and the Built Environment Plans. The strategy has been developed to ensure that the employment opportunities being created in the area both current and future are available to the local communities of Redfern, Waterloo, Darlington and Eveleigh.
The Employment and Enterprise Plan seeks to provide opportunities for wealth creation for the local community, through empowering those people that can work to create their own wealth through meaningful employment or enterprise development.
The Employment and Enterprise strategy will be focused initially on:
Whilst the plan is ambitious, the
Authority has already in place significant education and employment strategies
for the construction and hospitality industries with particular emphasis on
opportunities for Aboriginal people (see below for more information on these
strategies).
The plan draws on earlier work with the
Authority’s partners from industry groups, group employment companies, job
network providers, local schools and universities, employment services,
vocational training providers and enterprise development agencies.
The overwhelming response to the Employment and Enterprise Plan
has been positive and significant new partnerships with industry are currently
being developed in those industries identified as having skill shortages, in
order to maximise the job opportunities in these industries for locals.
How the Plan was developed
In October 2005 the RWA developed an
initial Discussion Paper on Employment and Enterprise. The paper was distributed to the
RWA Board and the Employment and Enterprise Ministerial Advisory Committee. The
Ministerial Advisory Committee is made up of community and government
representatives with an expertise in employment. Following feedback from these
groups, a draft Employment and Enterprise Plan was developed.
Community Consultation on Draft Plan
The RWA has sought to identify those people in the community that are interested in employment and enterprise. We have done this through the RWA’s website registration, mailing list registration and individuals who have contacted the Authority to register their interest.
The Draft Plan was put on public
exhibition for community consultation from December 12 2005 to February 28
2006. The Draft Plan was posted to people who had expressed an interest in
employment and enterprise, community members, local NGO’s and Government
agencies.
The Authority’s staff met with numerous
individuals, community and industry organisations to discuss the Draft Plan and
seek their feedback over the 2 month consultation period.
The Plan was also placed on the
Redfern-Waterloo Authority website and was advertised through the January
Redfern-Waterloo Update, the RWA’s regular community newsletter which is
distributed to approximately 15,000 residences in the area. In addition,
interested community members called the RWA offices and had the Draft Plan
posted to them.
Eighteen submissions were received, with
three being received after submissions had closed. The submissions received
included five from NGO’s; four from residents; five from government departments
and four from elected members of parliament or council.
The majority of respondents were supportive of the plan but wanted particular issues highlighted or strengthened in the final plan as follows:
In response to the consultation feedback, the Draft Plan was enhanced to include:
The final plan was approved by the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo on 19
May 2006.
Culture Of Work Project
A project is currently underway that is
investigating strategies to motivate people in the Redfern-Waterloo area who
are able to work but for various reasons are not in the labour force.
This project is working with the local
community to gain an understanding of the factors that impact on how a
community develops a culture of work and will focus on identifying current
programs and initiatives that work, and developing strategies for the RWA and
its partners to implement.
Improving Education And Training Opportunities For Local Residents
The vocational training centre at North Eveleigh is currently being refurbished. The RWA
has committed $700,000 in 2005-2007 for capital works, fit out and start-up
costs to establish the centre. Once completed, the centre will offer on-site
accredited training in the construction, hospitality, transport and information
technology industries.
The RWA is developing a partnership with
schools in the local area to strengthen education outcomes as well as provide
vocational education opportunities and link with the training centre at North Eveleigh and job opportunities being created in the
area.
In order for industrial vocational courses to be taught at Alexandria Park Community School, the RWA purchased $5,000 worth of tools and equipment for use by local school children.
The RWA has commenced the Young Achievers
Australia program currently being delivered for Aboriginal youth from Alexandria Park
Community School,
Eora College and local youth.
A Young Achievers Australia program will
also be run for young mothers in the area. This program will show the young
people how they can create job opportunities for themselves and others to
enable them to contribute to the economic development of their community.
Three scholarships have been provided to
local young people to take part in the PartyCp8 movie-making course, where they
will make a feature movie and will learn all aspects of the movie making
industry. These scholarships have been awarded to young people who will act as
mentors and take up leadership roles in the local community.
Industry Based Employment Strategies
The first industries that the Redfern-Waterloo Authority is focussing on to create job
opportunities for locals are the construction and hospitality industries. At a later stage, the RWA will look at employment strategies for the following industries:
Employment in the Construction Industry
The RWA
and the Construction Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) have signed a
10-year Jobs Compact agreement to work together with employers to create real
jobs and training for unemployed Aboriginal people.
The
Minister for Redfern-Waterloo and the CFMEU officially launched the Jobs
Compact on 12 May 2005 at North Eveleigh.
The deal
requires all contracts for construction on State-owned land in Redfern-Waterloo
to include tougher provision and support aimed at increasing on-site work and
training opportunities for Aboriginal people.
The RWA
has developed an Indigenous employment model for use in the construction
industry that expands on the Jobs Compact with the CFMEU.
The model delivers a streamlined recruitment, training and employment path for head contractors, coordinating:
The RWA has developed partnerships with the agencies involved in delivering services to the employment model. The partners are:
On the construction projects currently
operating, the RWA has negotiated 19 jobs for Aboriginal people at the
Contemporary Performing Arts Centre site at North Eveleigh, 26 jobs for
Aboriginal people at the Building D site at the Australian
Technology Park
and 60 jobs at the Channel 7 development at the Australian Technology
Park.
These numbers will increase as more
projects come online at the Australian
Technology Park,
North Eveleigh and the Redfern Station
precinct redevelopment.
The trades that these positions/apprenticeships/traineeships are in include:
Aboriginal Businesses in the Construction Industry
Part of
the conditions for contractors on Government-owned land includes the contractor
having to invite Aboriginal businesses in the construction industry to tender
for works.
Employment in the Hospitality Industry – Yaama Dhinawan College
The
hospitality section of the training Centre at North
Eveleigh will be unique in that it will specialise in Australian
Indigenous food and culture.
Yaama
Dhinawan will operate a hospitality enterprise, which will offer a unique
cross-cultural educational experience that focuses on providing hospitality
training with an emphasis on practical work in the Yaama Dhinawan café.
Leading Sydney restaurateurs
Raymond and Jennice Kersh (formerly of Edna’s Table) and the Aboriginal elder
and caterer Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo have formed a partnership with RWA to set up
a world-class cross-cultural training and employment program in Indigenous
Australian cuisine.
This
training is open to all unemployed people who want a career in the hospitality
industry.
Aboriginal Business Service
Any
Aboriginal person who has an idea for a business and would like to know where
to start, or who has an existing business and requires further assistance, can
access the Aboriginal business service.
This is a FREE, ONE-ON-ONE & CONFIDENTIAL service with an experienced and qualified business professional that can help on a range of business issues including:
The facilitator works out of the RWA
office in Redfern. Call 9202-9100 to book in a time to meet with the business
facilitator.
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority is
offering this service in Redfern in partnership with the Department of State
and Regional Development.
Local Business Needs Survey
As part of the RWA’s on-going commitment
to improving business and employment opportunities in the Redfern-Waterloo
area, the RWA is conducting an Employment Opportunities - Business Needs survey
of businesses. The RWA wants to work with you to help your business grow in the
local area and we are looking for information from you on what your business
needs to expand.
An important step in this process is gathering information from local business people about staffing needs and any unmet training requirement.
]]>Hello,
Thanks REDWatch. Acknowledgement.
First a brief introduction. Many of you
know me, but some of you don’t. I have been a local resident, living under the
Redfern Waterloo Authority, since it began. I helped to establish REDWatch, and
was Secretary before I stood down to contest the election. I am trained as an
economist and currently work on public policy issue at Sydney
and Macquarie Universities.
I also have a longer history in the
area. My first home was in Douglas
Street, around the corner from here, and both my
parents were actively involved in the local area, including helping to
establish Douglas Street People’s Park.
Sadly, many of the battles my parents
fought continue on today. The battles to preserve affordable housing, to
increase public open space, to properly acknowledge the place of Indigenous
Australians in our community and to properly fund public services. Those
battles continue, in part at least, because of the Redfern Waterloo Authority.
I know that the RWA is not the only issue
here – but it is a very significant one – so I’d like to spend some time
looking at its track record and discussing an alternative approach.
The RWA is only the latest in a series
of Government attempts to ‘manage’ our community. It was preceded by the
Redfern Waterloo Partnership Project, which developed what was known as the RED
scheme. That plan took years to put together – I remember going to a number of
different consultation processes, some run by the government, others by outside
consultants. I, along with many of you and many other members of the public
spent hours pouring over the plans, giving feedback and attempting to engage in
the process.
Then in 2004 the Government announced
the RWA. The RWPP was first wound back, then wound up. The RED scheme was
ditched and the RWA started from scratch. There were more consultants and more
plans. Meanwhile, the Council was quietly doing things – like the Redfern
Neighbourhood Centre. They were investing in the area. In response, the
Government abolished the Council and combined it with the City of Sydney. Labor lost the
council elections, and again the Council, with support from all sides of
politics, continued to work on the ground with the community.
Next, the Labor Government used its
powers to overrule the Council and centralise virtually all power over
infrastructure and redevelopment into the Minister – Frank Sartor.
The Labor Government promised proper
consultation processes, with regular public meetings at least every 3 months.
Its been two years, there still hasn’t been one proper public meeting – and
only one meeting with public housing tenants.
And what are the RWA’s plans for the
area?
Well in 2004 the Sydney Morning Herald
revealed leaked Cabinet plans for a dramatic redevelopment. I’ll read a few
exerpts from the Herald’s coverage of that Cabinet document.
“Under the 10-year plan, the Government will tear down the residential towers in Waterloo and privatise $540 million worth of public assets… In a major piece of social engineering, 20,000 new private renters and owners will be brought in to balance out the 7000 public housing tenants in the area, many of whom are poor, old and disabled.”
-
Sydney Morning Herald, 29 November 2004
“The NSW Government is the largest landholder in the ... area. The estimated market value of developments in the area is approximately $5 billion," the papers say.
-
confidential Cabinet document quoted in the Sydney Morning
Herald, 29 November 2004
Residents who now have only half the open space of other inner-city suburbs will have only a quarter of the space once the population is doubled, the papers reveal.
-
Sydney Morning Herald, 29 November 2004
That’s how it began. Since then the RWA has announced the sale of tens of millions of dollars in public land, including the Eveleigh rail yards – north and south; Redfern Public School and Rachel Forster Hospital. They initially also had plans to build 18-story buildings on Marian Park and to privatise the old police station and Court house – plans they backed down from after fierce community campaigns.
The RWA has an odd funding structure –
its operating budget, and all the money it hopes to spend, come from the sale
and rent of land it controls. What is more, the Government has refused to fund
normal infrastructure upgrades itself, and instead is using the RWA to fund
those works through the sale of public land. When Town Hall station receives an
upgrade the state government will pay for it – but when Redfern station is
upgraded it will be funded by the sale of land in Eveliegh.
Likewise, the supposedly ‘new’
community health facility on Redfern
Street will actually replace an existing facility
in Rachel Forster Hospital,
and will be funded by the sale of the whole Rachel Forster site.
And in all these plans there is no plan
for cycleway, no comprehensive transport plan, no plan for increasing open
space to cope with increased population, no plan for public services, like
schools and trains. Darlington and
Erskineville public schools are at capacity already – where are the services to
cater for the tens of thousands of new residents?
Even the affordable housing plan is
dismal. The entire funding for Indigenous affordable housing, while welcome,
comes from the RWA redirecting developer levies from the Carlton United Brewery
site into Redfern-Waterloo. The actual affordable housing being offered by the
RWA is only 1.25% - less than half what would have been required by the Council
– only a fifth of what was achieved in Ultimo-Pyrmont.
We have run a strong campaign on increasing
public and affordable housing. Greens in parliament have introduced a private
members bill to increase affordable housing contributions to 10% - not 1.25%.
We have also run a campaign to ensure public housing residents know what is
planned for their homes.
The RWA plans a second round of
redevelopment focused on public housing in the area.
Despite more than two years as the RWA,
and five or more years of government intervention in Redfern-Waterloo – the
Government claims they still have not worked out the details. We have to wait
until after the election. The Greens do not believe it is good enough for the
Government to announce they will develop someone’s home, still not have plans
two years later and then say, trust us we’ll tell you after the election.
This is particularly the case because
this Government has form. I have worked with public housing tenants in Minto
and Dubbo. I know that they were told it would all be OK. Minto residents were
promised they could return – but they couldn’t. Dubbo residents were involved
in a two year consultation process only to be told their homes would be
demolished without any prior warning – three months later the area had been
razed.
It is important that public housing
tenants know where they stand. Cabinet documents said their homes would be
demolished, land privatised and the population massively increased. The RWA,
who already plan massive land privatisation, still says there is a second round
of planning that will deal with public housing. But Kristina Keneally, the RWA
and the Government refuse to say what those plans are.
The Greens are committed to public
housing. We want to increase public housing across the state to rescue public
housing from becoming welfare housing, and to return it to its rightful
position as housing for low income workers. That is the real solution to the
concentration of needs we are currently experiencing – not privatising the land
next to public housing tenants.
It is not just with public housing
tenants either. The RWA has similar plans to drive Aboriginal people off their
own land at the Block. Prior to the RWA coming along the Aboriginal Housing
Company developed plans for an Indigenous community on the Block. Their plans
were entirely consistent with the zoning laws as they stood then – in fact they
were below the density allowed.
Then the RWA decided to rezone land. In
all of the Government owned land, the land it was about to sell off, it
increased the amount of residential housing that could be built. But in one spot,
on the Block, it lowered it. That’s right, the government actually decreased
how much housing the AHC could build.
In response Kristina said:
“But ultimately it’s a racist argument to claim that Aboriginal people are so victimised that the rules don’t apply to them.”
- Kristina Keneally, Submission to
Draft BEP Stage 1.
Remember – the AHC was playing by the
existing rules – their argument was that the Government shouldn’t change the
rules. In truth this had nothing to do with playing by the rules. Those same
leaked government documents also showed that the government had discovered that
were they to remove the Aboriginal community, the value of the land they were
about to sell would sky-rocket. Not surprisingly, The Property Council of
Australia, came out and publicly backed the RWA.
Frank Sartor also has a unique style of
working with the community. When Michael Mundine from the Aboriginal Housing
Company would not engage with the Government’s attempts to kick the Aboriginal
community off the Block, Sartor sent an open letter address to Mick Mundine to
every home in Redfern, Eveleigh, Darlinton and Waterloo. He then went on Koori Radio to
famously tell Mick to get his ‘black arse’ down to his office.
Alongside the plans for development
there has been a facade of a broader
community project. There is a human services plan – but it concludes
that there should be no more money. There is an employment and enterprise plan
– which acts largely as a justification for the construction of a series of
18-storey office towers as a form of job creation. It is odd indeed to think
that the main cause of unemployment in this area – a good 10 minute walk from
the CBD – is lack of access to office jobs.
The Greens are committed to
significantly increasing human services funding, to conducting a proper
evaluation of future needs and halting all land privatisation – including the
sale of Rachel Forster - so we can properly plan for the open space and the new
schools, aged care and other services we will need to cater to our growing
population.
We cannot afford to simply reelect a
member of the very Government that has imposed the RWA upon us. We cannot
afford to elect a representative from a Party that accepts hundred of thousands
of dollars every year from developers. We need a representative that can stand
up to the machine men of the Labor Party, that will hold them to account.
The broader policy picture is similar.
Where both Labor and Liberal are committed to expanding road travel, the Greens
will redirect funding from new motorways into upgraded public transport
infrastructure. We will campaign to stop the expansion of Port Botany, the F6
and the Marrickville Truck Tunnel. We have a vision of light rail, extensive,
safe cycle ways and trains and buses that are both accessible and affordable.
We will buy back Green Square
and Mascot stations and lower the fares so that new residents are not forced
into the daily traffic jams around our suburbs.
Where both Labor and Liberal accept
hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations from developers, we have
campaigned to ban developer donations to political parties, and we do not
accept them.
Where Labor and Liberal engage in a law
and order auction that costs millions of dollars, with minimal effect on crime
or community safety, we will invest in the drug and alcohol treatment services,
public school and TAFE and education and rehabilitation services that actually
prevent crime and make our community safer. It costs the same amount to lock
some one up as it does to employ a teacher – there are better, cheaper ways to
improve community safety.
We will also oppose the desalination
plant, which will make it much harder to move to renewable energy, by proposing
water efficiency and recycling measures. We will move for mandatory renewable
energy targets and we will begin the phasing out of coal by opposing new coal
mines, new coal fired power stations and supporting a carbon tax to fund the
transition to jobs in renewable energy. We will oppose Anvil Hill and the 11
other coal projects Labor and Liberal are supporting. Climate Change is perhaps
the most urgent public policy issue we face – and the Greens are the only party
in this electorate that take the challenge seriously.
I am a proud member of this community
and the things it stands for. This was the site of the win for the urban
Aboriginal land rights movement. It is where the Green Bans saw residents and
workers stand together in the face of developer greed. This was where the train
age started in Sydney.
Yes, we have our problems. But we are a unique, diverse and extraordinary
community. I will fight to make our community a more vibrant, safer more
sustainable place – but I will also fight to preserve our history and our
diversity.
The Greens offer a genuine alternative to Sartor, the RWA and the Labor Government. We will hold this Government and the RWA to account. We will defend public housing and workers rights. We do not accept donations from developers or corporations. We will stand up to developers and we will work for a more sustainable approach to planning, transport and our environment.
]]>Dear
A redistribution of state seats means that residents in Redfern come into the electorate of Heffron at the State election on 24 March.
Some Redfern residents have contacted my office to ask about matters affecting the state seat of Heffron. I thought you might like to know about a few of the issues the community and I have been working on together:
I am continuing to work with the State Government for the upgrade of Redfern Station and to ensure that essential front line workers - such as nurses, police and teachers - are protected from the Federal Government's Work Choices system.
If you would like further information on any of these issues, or any alter State matter, please don't hesitate to contact my office on 9699 8166.
Kind regards
Kristina Keneally MP
Member for Heffron.
Shop 117, 747
Botany Road, Rosebery, NSW 2018
Phone: (02) 9699 8166 • Fax: (02) 9699 8222 • Email:
kristina.keneally@parliament.nsw.gov.au
From 2007 the electorate of Heffron includes: Alexandria, Beaconsfield, Daceyville, Eastlakes, Erskineville, Green Square, Kensington, Kingsford, Mascot, Pagewood, Redfern, Rosebery, St Peters, Sydenham, Tempe, Waterloo and Zetland.
]]>A major media hub proposed for the Australian Technology Park at Redfern, including the Seven Network and Pacific Magazines, has been given planning approval by the NSW Government.
Planning and Redfern-Waterloo Minister, Frank Sartor, said the $123 million state-of-the-art facility is a direct result of the Government’s efforts to drive new jobs and investment to the local area.
“This project, negotiated by the RWA, will be the biggest commercial investment in Redfern for at least a decade and is a major boost for urban renewal,” Frank Sartor said.
The new production studios and commercial offices are expected to bring up to 2,000 permanent jobs to Redfern and create up to 600 construction jobs, including at least 60 jobs for indigenous workers.
“This project marks the next stage in the ATP’s transformation from 14 hectares of disused railway workshops into a world class technology and business centre,” Frank Sartor said.
The new 43,500m2 media complex will be built on vacant land and includes four television studios and a 12-storey office building.
A new public plaza will be created as part of the project, along with ground floor retail shops and cafes.
A concept plan for the project was publicly exhibited in September and October 2006 and issues raised in submissions led to a number of changes and conditions.
Frank Sartor has also approved an Early Works Project Application allowing the site to be excavated and archaeological investigations to take place.
“This is a landmark project for Redfern that will provide a major boost to the local economy and employment opportunities.”
Works are expected to commence in March this year and be completed at the end of 2008.
Photo: NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, pictured at the Channel 7 announcement at the ATP, with Kristina Keneally MP, Member for Heffron. To her right are apprentices Dale Perry and Aaron Marr, as well as RWA Project Manager, Terry Kelly. Dale and Aaron got their start at the ATP through the RWA's Indigenous Employment Model.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES • 30 YEAR VISION COMES TO FRUITION The first students to complete a new indigenous food and hospitality course at Yaama Dhinawan were awarded their graduation certificates on 15 December 2006 in a moving ceremony conducted by NSW Education Minister and Member for Marrickville, the Hon Carmel Tebbutt MP.
Carmel Tebbutt said the Yaama Dhinawan training centre opened its doors in October last year and will give local and indigenous students a better chance of employment in the hospitality industry.
“This course will help set a new direction for these students, by not only teaching them the hospitality basics but encouraging specialisation in Australia’s unique indigenous cuisine,” Carmel Tebbutt said.
Ms Tebbutt said the course would not have been possible without the hard work of Aboriginal elder and caterer,Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, along with young Aboriginal chef Matt Cribb.
Yaama Dhinawan is part of the North Eveleigh Training Centre which was established with the support of a $750,000 investment by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority. Training funds have been provided by the NSW Department of Education and Training and the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
The Centre will train at least 60 hospitality students a year as well as providing construction industry training.
Aunty Beryl said she was proud to see Yaama Dhinawan’s first students now able to enter the workforce.
“I have wanted to set up a training course like this for more than 30 years,” she said.
“I am thrilled to see this dream finally come to fruition with the support of the RWA.”
“There’s a real feeling of pride amongst the local community that this centre has been established right here in Redfern.”
Photo: Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo speaks of her 30 year vision that has been realised with the opening of the RWA s Yaama Dhinawan Training Centre.
Photo: The proud graduates with Carmel Tebbutt MP, NSW Minister for Education and Training and Member for Marrickille, Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo, the RWA s Denny Hall (far right) and Sara Sheedy of MG My Gateway (second from left).
The centre is open to the public for functions and catering services and offers menu selection from Indigenous infused cuisine to modern Australian and more traditional fare. Menus can be developed around a client’s individual needs. For enquiries and bookings please call Yaama Dhinawan on 8399 0924 or 0423 864 352.
ILC CONSULTING ON NIDC • HAVE YOUR SAY. The National Indigenous Development Centre (NIDC) is being developed by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) at the former Redfern Public School.
The ILC is a federal government authority that buys land for the social, cultural, economic and environmental benefit of Indigenous Australians.
The establishment of the NIDC is the result of an agreement negotiated by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority with the ILC and the NSW Department of Education and Training, the former owner of the school site.
The range of facilities likely to be incorporated into the NIDC include:
The Indigenous Land Corporation is holding an ‘Open House’ to provide information on the proposed National Indigenous Development Centre, Redfern.
Date: Thursday 1 March
Time: Any time between 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Where: Former Redfern Public School, George Street, Redfern.
Drop in to ask questions, provide information, and find out about:
For further information contact
Stuart Waters at Twyford Consulting
Phone: 1800 11 00 55
Email: Twyford@twyford.com.au
Illustration: Heritage buildings at the NIDC site will be restored.
Illustration: Artist's impression of the new $35 million centre.
The RWA and NSW Health have formed a Project Control Group to work on the adaptive reuse of the former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station as a new Community Health Centre.
NSW Health has recently lodged a preliminary application with the Department of Planning seeking its development requirements.
Following this, a formal development application will be lodged and a community consultation process can commence.
The new $10 million Centre will provide important services for the local community in the key areas of population health, drug health and mental health. Subject to development approval, works are scheduled to commence later this year.
The Redfern-Waterloo Authority and Carlton and United Breweries (CUB) have signed what is believed to be one of the most significant affordable housing developer agreements ever negotiated.
The agreement, which was recently concluded following a period of public exhibition, will provide for at least $23 million of affordable housing to be supplied in Redfern-Waterloo over the next 10-12 years as the former CUB site in
Chippendale is developed – based on a 2.9% levy of development cost
The Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor, announced the NSW Government’s concept approval for the landmark $800 million CUB development on 10 February 2007.
The RWA/CUB agreement will be in addition to the RWA’s Draft Affordable Housing Contributions Plan, which came off public exhibition on 12 February 2007.
The Affordable Housing Contributions Plan, when finalised, is expected to raise more than $35 million from development within the Redfern-Waterloo area arising from implementation of the RWA’s Built Environment Plan.
The RWA/CUB agreement and the RWA Affordable Housing Contributions Plan mean that the NSW Government will be able to invest about $60 million in the provision of affordable housing in Redfern-Waterloo over the next 10-12 years.
$16 million of this amount has already been designated by the Government towards affordable housing for Aboriginal residents.
Photo: The RWA’s program will provide significant affordable housing in Redfern-Waterloo.
The NSW Government’s State Plan includes the upgrade of Redfern Railway Station as part of RailCorp’s forward capital works program.
NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, released the Government’s Urban Transport Statement in November last year which lists the Redfern Station upgrade as a Capacity and Service Improvement Initiative to be implemented by 2011.
The RWA and RailCorp are currently finalising work on a concept design study which will help inform the Government’s decision to move forward on this important project.
Improved safety, access and capacity to meet expected future passenger demand are a vital part of the joint RailCorp/RWA project.
Photo: The new Redfern Railway Station will improve access, safety and passenger service.
For more information or to send us your feedback please contact the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, Level 11,Tower 2, 1 Lawson Square, Redfern
Tel: (02) 9202 9100 Fax: (02) 9202 9111
Mail: PO Box 3332, Redfern NSW 2016
Email: redfernwaterloo@rwa.nsw.gov.au
Internet: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
ARTICLES INSIDE: YAAMA DHINAWAN SUCCESS • NIDC PROGRESS • AFFORDABLE HOUSING • UPGRADING REDFERN-WATERLOO
]]>Candidate’s Name: Ms Kristina Kerscher KENEALLY
Candidate’s Contact Details:
Heffron
Electoral Office
Shop 117,
747 Botany Road,
ROSEBERY NSW
2018
Phone (02) 9699 8166
Fax (02) 9699 8222
Email heffron@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Candidate’s Profile: Parliamentary Website Background
Candidate’s Website:
Party’s Website: http://www.nswalp.com/index.php
South Sydney Herald Profile: Political Profile: Incumbent Keneally batting for Heffron
REDWatch website: Search REDWatch site for Kristina Keneally
Any Website Content of specific relevance to Redfern Waterloo area and issues:
The Minster's office has forwarded correspondence from Kristina Keneally MP requesting that the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) further address your queries about links to the RWA website.
The RA did not fail to supply you with the criteria for posting links on the RWA website. As previously explained, each request is considered on a case by case basis. This was done in the cases of the Chamber of Commerce request and the REDWatch request.
Whilst I appreciate your view that REDWatch is an apolitical organisation, the view here is contrary to that. hence the decision not to support a link.
Clearly at times there is the possibility of a difference of opinion between the Chamber of Commerce and the RWA. The link does not imply endorsement of the views of the Chamber of commerce or of its individual members.
1 do not believe that my previous response stated or otherwise implied that the Redfern Chamber of commerce is 'more meritorious" that REDWatch. Personally, whilst I do not always agree with the views and methodologies of REDWatch, I do admire the commitment and energy that so many people give to the organisation I have worked in many communities during my career and I can only think of one other where so many people demonstrated a similar sense of responsibility to the broader community. My hearty congratulations.
I have asked Natasa Tosic to look into the operation of the site.
I write this on my last day with RWA. I have enjoyed my time working in this area, firstly with the City of Sydney and then with RWA. However the job assisting Robert in establishing the RWA, is done. It is time for me to hand over to someone else and move on. My replacement is my colleague Natasa Tosic and she may be contacted on 92029106 or at natasa.tosic@rwa.nsw.gov.au.
Please accept my best wishes for the future.
Annette (Nette) Griggs Director Community Relations
]]>Redfern-Waterloo UPDATE SEPT 2006
Stage One of the RWA’s Built Environment Plan has been released by the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo following an extensive process of community consultation and State Cabinet endorsement.
It is estimated that over the next 10 years the Plan could facilitate the development of about 400,000 m2 of employment generating floor space which translates to around 18,000 jobs. About 2000 new dwellings could also be developed.
A State Environmental Planning Policy will provide the statutory basis for the implementation of the environmental planning aspects of the Plan.
The Plan will be complemented with more detailed guidelines such as Development Control Plans and/or Concept Plans which will be determined following consultation with the community.
Community members can obtain the Plan by:
When releasing the final Built Environment Plan, Minister for Redfern-Waterloo Frank Sartor announced that the area of land between Gibbons and Rosehill Streets, commonly referred to as ‘Marian Street Park’, will be zoned by the Government as ‘public recreation’.
This follows concerted lobbying by the Member for Heffron, Kristina Keneally MP and a determined campaign by local residents.
The land therefore will become a genuine park for future generations of residents to enjoy.
The RWA wishes the new park, – currently owned by SRA/RailCorp – to be transferred to the City of Sydney’s ownership at no cost in return for the Council committing funds for a suitable upgrade of the open space.
Illustration: Artist’s impression of possible landscape treatment for ‘Marian Street Park’. The Government is rezoning this land as open space in response to community wishes.
The first stage of the Built Environment Plan is one of three inter-linked components of the Redfern Waterloo Plan, along with the Human Services Plan and the Employment and Enterprise Plan.
The Built Environment Plan encourages an employment and investment based revitalisation of the area by providing a planning framework for the following strategic sites identified by the RWA:
Most of these sites, which total around 35 hectares, are State Government owned and are located near the Redfern Railway Station and Redfern Town Centre.
The Built Environment Plan proposes a consistent set of controls relating to urban design, land use zoning and the carrying out of future development on Redfern-Waterloo sites. It also identifies strategies for associated transport and traffic management, heritage protection, open space and public domain improvements, infrastructure provision, pedestrian and cycle access and guidelines for the achievement of safe and sustainable communities.
The underlying concept for the Plan is based on the creation of a Town Centre with an economic and civic heart focussed around Redfern Railway Station and which is connected through pedestrian linkages to business hubs at the Australian Technology Park, North Eveleigh, Redfern and Regent Streets.
The NSW Government’s vision of facilitating a research and innovation zone stretching from the University of Sydney and UTS to the Australian Technology Park will be enhanced by a proposal to build a new pedestrian and cycle bridge to link the ATP and North Eveleigh (near the new contemporary performing arts centre).The RWA and its subsidiary company ATP have recently committed $6 million to the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.
The Built Environment Plan also proposes a second potential pedestrian cycle bridge just to the west of Redfern Station. This proposal is currently being considered by the RWA and RailCorp as part of the joint concept design study for the redevelopment of Redfern Station.
Illustration: Artist’s impression of pedestrian and cycle bridge in North Eveleigh.
The New South Wales Government established the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) on 17 January 2005. Since that time, the Government has directly facilitated the investment of nearly $300 million towards infrastructure development in Redfern-Waterloo. Of this amount, more than $76 million has been directly committed by the RWA itself.
Some of the major commitments to infrastructure development include:
Illustration: Artist’s impression of the proposed indigenous catering (Yaama Dhinawan) and construction training facility.
The RWA has brokered an agreement with the Department of Health to establish a new $10 million Community Health Centre by way of adaptive reuse and refurbishment of the heritage former Redfern Courthouse and Police Station.
The RWA has agreed to contribute the potential sale proceeds of the site, estimated at approximately $2 million, to the project and Attorney Generals and NSW Police departments have cooperated by agreeing to transfer the buildings to the Department of Health’s ownership.
NSW Health will contribute about $8 million to the project, to be funded from proceeds of the sale of the surplus Rachel Forster Hospital site (under the RWA’s Built Environment Plan, the former Hospital site is being rezoned for residential use to enhance the area’s social mix).
The construction program for the new Community Health Centre is currently estimated to see completion by the end of 2008.
NSW Health will withdraw the Development Application for its proposed community health facility at Lawson Street, Redfern.
Illustration: Artist’s impression of NSW Health’s proposed re-use of the former Court House as a community health centre.
The RWA has committed $16 million towards facilitating the provision of new dwellings over the next 10 years for affordable housing for Aboriginal residents of Redfern-Waterloo.
Taking the initiative, the RWA will provide seed funding of $1 million this financial year and a further $15 million will be committed from affordable housing contributions to be derived from future development carried out in accordance with the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004.
The Minister and the RWA will consult extensively with the broader Aboriginal community, including the Aboriginal Housing Company, on matters such as future governance and acquisition strategies.
Development contributions in excess of the funds committed to Aboriginal housing will be directed towards affordable housing initiatives for the broader community, in accordance with the objectives of future stages of the Built Environment Plan.
For more information or to send us your feedback please contact the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, Level 11,Tower 2, 1 Lawson Square, Redfern Tel: (02) 9202 9100 Fax: (02) 9202 9111 Mail: PO Box 3332, Redfern NSW 2016 Email: redfernwaterloo@rwa.nsw.gov.au
Internet: www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
Printed on recycled paper.
ARTICLES INSIDE $300M FOR NEW INFRASTRUCTURE • NEW COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
]]>As a result of a landmark agreement between the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and Sydney Broadcast Property – a joint venture of Rebel Property Group and Seven – the TV network is moving its Sydney production division and magazine publishing company, Pacific Magazines to the Australian Technology Park.
NSW Premier Morris lemma announced the agreement on 28 June 2006.This will see the largest commercial development in Redfern for at least 10 years and the first commercial building at the ATP to be developed by the private sector.
`This is a major strategic investment that will kick-start employment and further boost the economic revitalisation of Redfern and Waterloo,' Premier Morris lemma said.
Sydney Broadcast Property will invest more than $120 million in the design and construction of the 43,500 sqm centre, including a state-of-the-art, high definition television production facility and commercial offices. Seven and Pacific Magazines will occupy approximately 18,000 sqm of the new development, with Seven leasing the studio to produce a variety of programs including Home and Away and All Saints.
David Leckie, CEO of The Seven Network, has stated: 'Our move to Australian Technology Park is a significant move for Seven and Pacific Magazines. We are delighted to be working closely with the NSW Government and Rebel Property Group in ensuring that this new centre becomes the leading creative hub for media in Australia.'
Minister for Redfern-Waterloo, Frank Sartor, said the new media hub would be a major drawcard in attracting similar businesses to Redfern. The development is expected to generate more than 600 construction jobs and, on completion, add 2000 permanent jobs to the ATP workforce.
This will increase the number of jobs in Redfern and Waterloo by up to 20%.'As part of the deal, 60 construction jobs will be provided for indigenous workers,' Frank Sartor said.
'It also provides for ongoing employment for local residents once the media production centre is built'
Work is expected to commence later this year with completion by the end of 2008. Further aspects of the deal include:
Robert Domm, CEO of the Redfern Waterloo Authority, said he believes that 'the $120 million development negotiated by the RWA is a significant milestone in Australian Technology Park's development.’
'These high profile companies have expressed their
confidence in the park's future by their decision to relocate and this will
generate much greater investment interest in the park's growth. Existing ATP
tenants and local business will be presented with real business opportunities
as a result of this exciting new development,' Robert
Domm said.
The Seven announcement follows the news that a tender has
been advertised for design consultants to investigate the options for the
redevelopment of Redfern Station on behalf of the RWA and RailCorp. Tenders are
currently being assessed and a consultant is expected to be appointed by the
end of July.
Photos:
Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Frank Sartor, has released a comprehensive plan to generate 18,000 jobs for the Redfern-Waterloo area over the next decade.
Minister Sartor said he was pleased to deliver the final Employment and Enterprise Plan, after a draft was released in December last year for public consultation.
'This plan is already off to a strong start, with the recent landmark agreement to build a new television production centre at the Australian Technology Park (ATP),' Frank Sartor said.
The $120 million ATP agreement with Sydney Broadcast Property and Pacific Magazines will increase jobs in Redfern and Waterloo by up to 20%. Most of the future growth will be generated by commercial development on State Significant Sites in the area, including the ATP
'It shows our approach is working and we will continue to deliver more job opportunities and training in Redfern and Waterloo, to help turn around social disadvantage: the Minister said.
The overall Employment Plan complements the Built Environment Plan, which will drive urban -renewal and jobs-growth; -and-the-Human Services Plan, which will improve youth services, childcare, literacy and other human services programs. Under the Employment and Enterprise Plan, strategies will be coordinated to stimulate jobs growth through commercial development and other means.
'Wealth creation is essential for the area to move forward in a constructive way. Almost one-third of Redfern-Waterloo's population receives income support, 40% live in public housing, and almost four
in 10 households have a weekly income of less than $400: said Frank Sartor.
The final Employment and Enterprise plan also aims to:
Photo: Member for
Heffron, Kristina Keneally, Minister Frank Sartor, Premier Morris Iemma with
apprentice plumber Dale Perry who is working for JR Keith Pty Ltd on building
construction at the ATP and the RWA’s Project Manager, Terry Kelly.
600 permanent jobs will be created by 2007 with the Redfern-Waterloo Authority's construction of the $47.5 million Building D at the ATE
105 jobs for local indigenous workers have already been delivered under the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Jobs Compact between the Redfern-Waterloo Authority and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.
Further a cross-cultural training and employment program in Indigenous cuisine will be established at North Eveleigh as part of a new $700,000 vocational training facility.
The NSW Government will use its landmark Indigenous Employment Model to require successful construction tenderers to engage Aboriginal employees.
The Employment and Enterprise Plan is
available at www.redfernwaterloo.com.au
A national centre for Indigenous youth will be built in Sydney following the sale of the former Redfern Public School to the Indigenous Land Corporation.
Plans for the National Indigenous Development Centre (NIDC) were unveiled in Redfern on 11 July 2006 by NSW Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Frank Sartor, and Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) Chairperson Shirley McPherson.
They were joined at the event by NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Milton Orkopoulos, Member for Heffron Kristina Keneally and Rev. Bill Crews of the Exodus Foundation.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, said the Australian Government, through the ILC, had made $14.8 million available to purchase the site from the NSW Department of Education.
Along with plans to gain private sector involvement in the redevelopment, the total commitment is expected to exceed $34 million.
Frank Sartor said the Redfern Waterloo Authority had helped
negotiate the deal to establish a new youth precinct and showcase for
Indigenous culture.
'The best way to improve the circumstances of Indigenous families in Redfern and Waterloo is by supporting a range of opportunities in education and employment,' Frank Sartor said.
The new NIDC will help young people from this area and other communities achieve their full potential through mentoring, training and learning initiatives. It is expected to help up to 5000 young people each year, when fully operational.
Shirley McPherson said redevelopment of the former Redfern Public School site was expected to commence early next year and is due for completion in 2009.
'The ILC is proud to be taking a leading role in redeveloping the former Redfern Public School site for the benefit of current and future generations,’ Shirley McPherson said.
Rev. Bill Crews of the Exodus Foundation said: 'This development is a new deal for Redfern.
It represents a fresh start, and will provide young Aboriginal people with the means to lift themselves out of the poverty trap.'
Plans for the NIDC include a new 25-metre heated swimming pool and sports training field.
The redevelopment includes construction of new multi-use classrooms and accommodation and dining facilities for up to 100 people.
The existing Murawina Child Care Centre and four school buildings (including two heritage-listed buildings) will be refurbished.
The NIDC will accommodate a number of established programs, including:
Illustration: An
artist’s impression of the new national centre for Indigenous youth in Redfern.
The RWA’s website is up and running at www.redfernwaterloo.com.au The
site will keep you informed about our activities and provide an opportunity for
community feedback.
For more information or to send us your feedback please contact the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, Level 11,Tower 2, 1 Lawson Square, Redfern
Tel: (02) 9202 9100 Fax: (02) 9202 9111 Mail: PO Box 3332, Redfern
NSW 2016 Email: redfernwaterloo@rwa.nsw.gov.au
ARTICLES INSIDE: PLAN FOR 18 000 JOBS IN 10 YEARS • NEW INDIGENOUS YOUTH CENTRE
NSW Premier, Morris lemma today announced a landmark agreement to build a new television production centre and commercial offices at the Australian Technology Park (ATP) at Redfern.
Mr lemma said the Redfern-Waterloo Authority had signed a Heads of Agreement with Sydney Broadcast Property -- a joint venture between Rebel Property Group and Seven Network Limited.
"This is a major strategic investment that will kick-start employment and further boost the economic revitalisation of Redfern and Waterloo," Mr lemma said.
"It's a $120 million agreement that will generate more than 600 construction jobs and potentially bring more than 2,000 permanent jobs to Redfern.
"That will almost triple the workforce at the Australian Technology Park, and increase the number of jobs in Redfern and Waterloo by up to 20 per cent.
"This is a signpost deal that will put Redfern on Sydney's commercial and media map —and provide a significant long-term boost to the NSW television and film industry."
Under the agreement:
Works are expected to commence later this year and are due for completion by the end of 2008.
Minister for Redfern Waterloo Frank Sartor said the new media production centre will be the largest commercial development in Redfern for a decade.
"This is a milestone in the development of the ATP and a turning point in the urban renewal of Redfern," Mr Sailor said.
"The new media hub is the first commercial building at the ATP to be developed by the private sector and will be a major drawcard in attracting similar businesses to Redfern.
"As part of the deal, 60 construction jobs will be provided for indigenous workers. It also provides for ongoing employment for local residents once the media production centre is built."
Further aspects of the deal include:
Mr Sartor said the Redfern-Waterloo Authority was set up to deliver long-term improvements for the local community in human services, employment and enterprise, and the built environment.
"This project is an outstanding example of the NSW Government's drive to renew strategic sites across the two suburbs and create more jobs and opportunity for locals.
"The Government is currently investing more than $50 million to enhance the ATP, including a $5.5 million road improvement program and construction of a research building."
David Leckie, CEO of the Seven Network, said: "Our move to Australian Technology Park is a significant move for Seven and our magazines business, Pacific Magazines.
"We are delighted to be working closely with the NSW Government and Rebel Property Group in ensuring that this new centre becomes the leading creative hub for media in Australia."
Member for Heffron Kristina Keneally said the announcement would help bring more jobs and prosperity to Redfern and Waterloo.
"This development will help stimulate economic growth across this area and provide a range of benefits for the local community," Ms Keneally said.
"A project of this type and scale will have a flow-on effect by attracting related businesses to the area.
"It will also create new construction jobs and permanent positions, providing more job opportunities for locals.
"The Redfern-Waterloo Authority should be applauded for its hard work in attracting such a high-profile tenant."
Today's announcement follows the recent news that a tender has been advertised for design consultants to investigate the options for a redevelopment of Redfern station on behalf of the Redfern Waterloo Authority and RailCorp.
It will increase capacity to cater for the type of growth in the local residential and business communities that the ATP expansion will provide, and include:
Tenders are currently being assessed. The appointment of a successful consultant is expected by the end of July.
]]>"This is a major strategic investment that will kick-start employment and further boost the economic revitalisation of Redfern and Waterloo," Mr lemma said.
"It's a $120 million agreement that will generate more than 600 construction jobs and potentially bring more than 2,000 permanent jobs to Redfern.
"That will almost triple the workforce at the Australian Technology Park, and increase the number of jobs in Redfern and Waterloo by up to 20 per cent.
"This is a signpost deal that will put Redfern on Sydney's commercial and media map —and provide a significant long-term boost to the NSW television and film industry."
Under the agreement:
Works are expected to commence later this year and are due for completion by the end of 2008.
Minister for Redfern Waterloo Frank Sartor said the new media production centre will be the largest commercial development in Redfern for a decade.
"This is a milestone in the development of the ATP and a turning point in the urban renewal of Redfern," Mr Sailor said.
"The new media hub is the first commercial building at the ATP to be developed by the private sector and will be a major drawcard in attracting similar businesses to Redfern.
"As part of the deal, 60 construction jobs will be provided for indigenous workers. It also provides for ongoing employment for local residents once the media production centre is built."
Further aspects of the deal include:
Mr Sartor said the Redfern-Waterloo Authority was set up to deliver long-term improvements for the local community in human services, employment and enterprise, and the built environment.
"This project is an outstanding example of the NSW Government's drive to renew strategic sites across the two suburbs and create more jobs and opportunity for locals.
"The Government is currently investing more than $50 million to enhance the ATP, including a $5.5 million road improvement program and construction of a research building."
David Leckie, CEO of the Seven Network, said: "Our move to Australian Technology Park is a significant move for Seven and our magazines business, Pacific Magazines.
"We are delighted to be working closely with the NSW Government and Rebel Property Group in ensuring that this new centre becomes the leading creative hub for media in Australia."
Member for Heffron Kristina Keneally said the announcement would help bring more jobs and prosperity to Redfern and Waterloo.
"This development will help stimulate economic growth across this area and provide a range of benefits for the local community," Ms Keneally said.
"A project of this type and scale will have a flow-on effect by attracting related businesses to the area.
"It will also create new construction jobs and permanent positions, providing more job opportunities for locals.
"The Redfern-Waterloo Authority should be applauded for its hard work in attracting such a high-profile tenant."
Today's announcement follows the recent news that a tender has been advertised for design consultants to investigate the options for a redevelopment of Redfern station on behalf of the Redfern Waterloo Authority and RailCorp.
It will increase capacity to cater for the type of growth in the local residential and business communities that the ATP expansion will provide, and include:
Tenders are currently being assessed. The appointment of a successful consultant is expected by the end of July.
Scan copy 85Kb PDF http://www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/other/premiers_media_rel_280606.pdf
Today (June 9) I joined Minister for Community Services, Reba Meagher, at Poets Corner Preschool in Redfern, which will receive $110,000 in immediate funding under the package.
The NSW Governments $85.2 million investment will create preschool places for an additional 10,500 children, Ms Meagher said.
This is the biggest investment in community based preschools in over 20 years.
Around $8 million will be made available to around 300 preschools across the State by the end of this month - helping services which are under immediate financial pressure.
I welcome the local funding boost and the NSW Governments long term investment in community based preschools, having previously kick-started a community campaign for more funding to preschools like Poets Corner.
Preschool provides young children with a positive start to their education which research shows can have long-term benefits.
I am delighted the NSW Government has listened to our community campaign - recognising the value of preschool and making this important investment.
Information on the Preschool Investment Strategy can be found at www.community.nsw.gov.au
]]>The draft BEP shows that the
State Government’s intent is to use the RWA to create employment and educational
opportunities for residents in the local community.
In fact, the draft BEP
demonstrates that vast majority of the sites – 7 of the 8 – will be primarily
used for community and employment purposes.
I also stated that I
have been disappointed that many of the critics of the draft BEP – especially in
the Sydney media and the Lord Mayor – have failed to engage comprehensively with
the previous draft plans put out by the RWA: the Human Services Plan and the
Enterprise and Employment Plan. By
viewing the draft BEP as a stand alone document – that is, by not reading it in
context of the other plans for the area – its critics often miss the mark by not
understanding the outcomes the RWA is trying to achieve.
However, that is
not to say that all criticism of the draft BEP is invalid. Many residents have contacted me to express
their views on the future of the reserve at Marian Street, which the draft BEP
designates for an 18-storey building.
I
do accept the residents’ concerns that open space is a valued commodity in the
inner city, and their sadness at the potential loss of this reserve. However, I am less certain that the current
use of the reserve at Marian Street is the most appropriate, given the economic
and social challenges in the area. But I
would urge the RWA to ensure that the draft BEP reflects residents’ desires to
have access to appropriate open space within Redfern and Waterloo and in
particular in the Marian Street area.
I also spoke in the submission about Redfern Railway Station, the Redfern Public School site and North Eveleigh and the Block. For a full copy of the submission, contact me on kristina.keneally@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Ms Clover Moore MP
Lord Mayor, City of Sydney
GPO Box 1591
Sydney 2001
13 April 2007
Ref: 0406_4164kk
Dear Ms Moore
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the City of Sydney’s proposed Alcohol Free Zones in South
Sydney.
As you would be aware, the electorate of Heffron currently covers the
proposed Alcohol Free Zones in the advertised Area 4: Rosebery and Area 5: Waterloo.
The Area 2: Elizabeth
Street and Area 3: Regent & Cope Streets are
within both the electorates of Heffron and Bligh, whilst the Area 1: Redfern Street and
Area 6: Redfern East are wholly within Bligh.
However,
following the redistribution of state electoral boundaries in 2007, all
areas currently advertised will be within the electorate of Heffron.
I
ardently support the introduction of Alcohol Free Zones, particularly in
Redfern and Waterloo.
In
addition, I strongly encourage the City of Sydney to examine other measures it might
take to reduce the incidence and impact of street drinking – both for residents
and the drinkers themselves – by implementing the Lord Mayor’s own
recommendation that wet centres be created in inner city suburbs.
My submission to the proposed Alcohol Free Zones is based on the
feedback I receive from the community in my role as the state member. I regularly attend the Police and Community
Team (PACT) meetings with the Redfern Local Area Command and I hold monthly
meetings with the Waterloo
office of the Department of Housing (DOH).
I also speak frequently with local residents through a variety of
methods, including mobile offices, community forums and representations to my
office. Finally, I liaise with the
Redfern Waterloo Authority’s Human Services staff and local community
organisations.
In
December 2005 I co-hosted a community safety forum with the DOH and the Redfern
LAC to provide local residents, mainly the elderly and those of non-English
speaking backgrounds, with information on proactive steps they can take to
protect themselves. One of the primary
concerns that arose from that forum was the harassment these residents received
from street drinkers and the fear that created in them as they sought to go
about their daily lives shopping and visiting friends.
Also in 2005 I worked successfully with the DOH, the Redfern LAC, local
businesses and local residents from the Peoples Precinct of Waterloo NAB and
private housing to reduce the incidence of street drinking adjacent to the Duke
of Wellington Hotel.
I know from this experience and from my other contacts in the local
community that street drinking is a real and continuing problem for the
residents of South Sydney because of the
following impacts:
o Obstruction of roadway and footpaths
o Public drunkenness and disorderliness
o Threatening behaviour
o Urination and defecation in public areas
o
Litter
and vandalism
This
anti-social, and at times criminal, behaviour means that local residents cannot
enjoy their tenancies and that they cannot make use of public resources such as
footpaths, roads and parks.
From my work with local service providers like the DOH, the Redfern
LAC, and the Redfern Waterloo Authority, I know that these organisations are
also keen to have in place tools that will assist them in stopping the
anti-social behaviour and criminal activity that often results around street
drinking.
Finally, I have consistently received representations from residents in
both public and private housing despairing of the impacts of street
drinking. Indeed, I believe it would be
fair to say that local residents would not only support the introduction of the
alcohol free zones, but also would ask why they had not been introduced
earlier.
In 2003
the Lord Mayor, in her capacity as the Member for Bligh, and I worked together
at the Alcohol Summit to support the introduction of Wet Centres as a way to
address the problem of street drinking.
I strongly supported the Member for Bligh when she spoke at the Alcohol
Summit in favour of Wet Centres:
A creative solution to this conflict for both the very marginalised street drinkers and inner city residents living at high densities can be seen in the United Kingdom where the Government’s Rough Sleepers Unit recommended "Wet Activity Centres" where chronic drinkers can go to safely drink, socialise, get help with accommodation, health/welfare, and to stop drinking.
Drinking is allowed on the premises, but the centres encourage alternative lifestyles to alcoholism and build up a support network to dissipate alienation and bolster clients’ self esteem. They are now operating in many major UK cities, with a national evaluation due in October.
Wet Centres provide a place where street drinkers and vulnerable people can go to feel safe without fear of reprisal from police or the public, and progress to get help – begin the process of addressing alcoholism which can lead to detoxification and re-integration into society. The Cities of Islington and Camden research found that most street drinkers welcomed a Wet Centre rather than drinking on the street.
Wet
Centres reach people who do not use other services, and relieve the boredom for
those who have little hope. Wet Centres target homeless or itinerant people who
drink to intoxication in public, often in groups, and are "embedded"
in this lifestyle.
The Lord Mayor also told the Alcohol Summit that “scarce police
resources are wasted dealing with this health and social problem, moving-on
intoxicated people, and removing their alcohol. Councils also have to respond
with cleansing.”
The Lord Mayor has also pointed out that evidence from the UK suggests
that communities support wet centres, as several wet centres reduces amenity
impacts, lower incidences of injury and violence, and few problems with public
liability concerns.
I spoke in support
of the Lord Mayor’s motion and shared her disappointment when the Summit failed to endorse
our proposal.
I believe
that a society is only healthy when the most vulnerable are protected,
supported and included. The Alcohol Free
Zones, particularly in Redfern and Waterloo,
will serve to protect residents in some of NSW’s most disadvantaged postcodes
from the negative impacts of street drinking.
But I also passionately believe that the Alcohol Free Zones are not
sufficient and that our approach to street drinking must also try to assist the
street drinkers themselves.
I strongly encourage the Lord Mayor to take
leadership on this issue. Since she
spoke at the Alcohol Summit
as the Member for Bligh in 2003 she has been elected Lord Mayor. From this position she could be a strong
advocate for wet centres; indeed, I cannot see why the Council could not
implement a wet centre in its own municipal area. As the Lord
Mayor points out in her speech as the Member for Bligh, street drinking is a
significant problem in the suburbs of Kings Cross, Woolloomooloo, Surry Hills
and Redfern – areas she now serves as the Lord Mayor.
I am happy to discuss any aspects of this submission further. I congratulate the City on taking this step,
and I look forward to the introduction of Alcohol Free Zones in South Sydney.
Kind regards
Kristina Keneally MP
MEMBER FOR HEFFRON
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