REDWatch is concerned that the REF process is preceding the preparation of the Concept Plan and rezoning. It is important that this development be closely coordinated to avoid the problems experienced in the past.

Recommendation 1: Alignment with Concept Plan

REDWatch requests that the findings from the Concept Plan consultation and the draft Concept Plan inform the Demolition REF and that as far as possible the demolition be aligned with the findings of the draft Concept Plan.

Recommendation 2: Alignment with the SIA and SIMP

REDWatch requests the implementation of the demolition be in accordance with the findings and recommendations from the Waterloo South Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and its preliminary Social Impact Management Plan (SIMP) to ensure that the demolition is in line with what has been learnt from the concept plan SIA consultation. Any Concept Plan identified social impacts requiring mitigation should also be mitigated similarly during the demolition.

This should be possible given the time line for the preparation of the Concept Plan and the timeline of the REF and the appointment of contractors.

Recommendation 3: Worker training on dealing with people with complex issues

Of particular concern to REDWatch is that all people working on the demolition site receive training that prevents adverse interactions with tenants and others with complex issues. Such training should take a trauma informed approach and focus on conflict avoidance, de-escalation and where possible provision of supports.

Supports and respite may be required those in proximity to the site for people with complex issues or those on shift work that sleep during the day.

This will be the first work on the Waterloo Estate site and it will need to overcome the legacy of interactions between locals and the Waterloo Metro site developer that saw off-duty police needing to be paid by the developer so that work on the site could be undertaken. From the start the Waterloo redevelopment needs to handle this much better.

REDWatch has suggested that this provision should be part of a draft SIMP.

Recommendation 4: Rodent and Vermin Control

Rats were a major problem during the Waterloo Metro demolition and Homes NSW needs to have a control process in place prior to and during the demolition to minimise impact of vermin migrating of the demolition site and impacting those who live around the demolition site.

This should be done in coordination with the City of Sydney and may require a heavy baiting program leading up to demolition as well as demolition controls.

Recommendation 5: Keep the surrounding community informed

REDWatch would expect there will likely be periods where there are breaks when the site is not working. REDWatch recommends to keep the community advised as to when there will be work and breaks on the site. This is important as it lets people know when they may be impacted by noise, dust and lights and allows them to organise their time and activity accordingly. This predictability can provide useful respite periods when people know there will be no work on the site.

This is especially important for neighbours who may be shift workers, have sound sensitivities or who are operating with health isssues. Think about how you minimise the impact of the demolition and maximise respite opportunities for those living around the site.

Recommendation 6: Demolish the buildings but not the trees

As it is not known how long it will take to get DA approval and Homes NSW has indicated an intent to lay turf to create an interim park, REDWatch suggests that the tree demolition be left until the area is excavated for basement construction. The tree cover will make the place more desirable and also help provide shading to the turf.

Consideration needs to be given to how the turf will be watered and maintained when the area is operating as a park.

Recommendation 7: Recycle materials

To help minimise the carbon footprint of the demolition all materials should be recycled rather than go to landfill. Homes NSW should have a process in place to ensure its contractor meets this requirement.

Recommendation 8: Have a Green travel Plan

Explore provision of on-site tool lockers that allow workers on the site to use public transport or car-pooling to get to the site and to minimise the impact of worker parking on surrounding streets. Disagreements over parking between locals and construction workers has been an issue on developments in the area due to the areas limit parking and competition for it.

Recommendation 9: Truck movements

Enforce requirements for no queuing or marshalling of trucks on public road, especially around the estate. Also ensure entry and exits via Wellington Street and Botany Road and that all loads are covered to minimise impacts along the travel route.

Make sure that traffic wardens have received training in dealing with people with complex issues. This is especially important for those who will operate away from the site on Wellington Street who will be in close proximity to Oz Harvest crowds and public housing.

Recommendation 10: Explore the extension of Meanwhile Use

REDWatch supports public housing waiting for redevelopment being used for meanwhile use and would like to see this practice expanded as the CHP manager gains more experience. Ideally, we would like to maximise the housing used for meanwhile use and to keep properties occupied up to the point immediately prior to redevelopment. This is especially important given the homelessness and emergency accommodation problem in Sydney.

Ideally knocking down housing to prevent vandalism and anti-social behaviour should be replaced by a mechanism to better use the existing stock for temporary accommodation.

Recommendation 11: Be transparent

While Homes NSW has access to the REF process we encourage Homes NSW to use processes that take the community with them on the redevelopment journey even if those processes are not usually part of the REF or acceleration process.

Tenants around the site should be made aware of what is proposed and be given the opportunity to comment on what is proposed even if this is not required as part of the statutory process.

Homes NSW and Stockland, working in a community with many vulnerable people need to be a best practice developer and be seen to be making an effort to involve people and take their situation into consideration.

Conclusion

REDWatch welcomes the opportunity to make a submission on the Waterloo South Stage 1 Demolition REF and trusts that the above recommendations will be given due consideration if they are not already covered in Homes NSW’s planning for the demolition.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposal.