RWA Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What is the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004?
Q2. What is the Redfern-Waterloo Plan?
Q3. What is the Minister doing about the redevelopment of The Block?
Q4. So what are the plans for public housing in Redfern and Waterloo?
Q5. I am a public housing tenant - will I have to leave my home?
Q6. Is it the Government’s intention to force Aboriginal people, public housing tenants and low-income earners out of living in the Redfern-Waterloo area?
Q7. How will the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) deliver affordable housing?
Q8. What will happen to heritage buildings?
Q9. What’s happening with Redfern Oval – green space or sports venue?
Q10. What’s happening with the Redfern Railway Station upgrade?
Q11. What does the Redfern-Waterloo Authority plan to do with human services in Redfern and Waterloo?
Q12. When will the Redfern Street upgrade proceed?

Q1.
What is the Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004?

The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 is a legal mechanism to facilitate the renewal of Redfern and Waterloo.

You can view the legislation on this website by following this link.

Q2.
What is the Redfern-Waterloo Plan?

The Plan is being developed by the RWA to cover a range of urban renewal, planning, human services, employment and enterprise issues covering a 10 year period. The first stage of the Plan will cover the first 3 years of the RWA’s operations and will be released for community consultation in late 2005.

Q3.
What is the Minister doing about the redevelopment of The Block?

The Minister for Redfern-Waterloo, Frank Sartor MP, has called for the RWA, the Aboriginal Housing Company and the broader community to work together to develop a sustainable solution for the Block and its immediate surrounds.The Government and many in the community wish to see this meeting place become a positive icon for the Aboriginal community. Under its Charter, the RWA will also facilitate affordable Indigenous housing in the area.There is common ground between the Government and the Block’s owner, the AHC, but there are also some differences about the amount of housing the Block can sustain. This issue can be resolved if there is goodwill on all sides, and the Minister has made a public appeal to the Aboriginal Housing Company to resolve these differences through constructive dialogue.

Q4.
So what are the plans for public housing in Redfern and Waterloo?

The Government will neither reduce the amount of public housing in Redfern- Waterloo nor disadvantage its current residents.

One of the key elements identified during community consultations in 2003 was the need to provide better housing options in the area. The renewal of public housing estates will be investigated. No decision has been made on their future. Public housing accounts for thirty-five percent of residents and fifty percent of the housing stock in the area.

The Government is looking at all the options for the long term future of public housing in Redfern and Waterloo. There will be substantial consultation with tenants, local organisations and other government and non-government agencies before any plans for the area are pursued. All tenancies are secure.

The RWA proposes to address the public housing issue in a detailed way in Stage 2 of the Redfern-Waterloo Plan.

Q5.
I am a public housing tenant - will I have to leave my home?

No, there are no plans to redevelop any public housing at this time, with the exception of the proposed Elizabeth Street development which has been the subject of extensive community consultation.

Q6.
Is it the Government’s intention to force Aboriginal people, public housing tenants and low-income earners out of living in the Redfern-Waterloo area?

No. The Redfern-Waterloo Plan is about improving the quality of life for all residents and encouraging community renewal.

Q7.
How will the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA) deliver affordable housing?

The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Bill 2004 provides that the Authority should provide and promote housing choice. Affordable housing levies will be obtained to assist the achievement of this.

Q8.
What will happen to heritage buildings?

The Redfern-Waterloo Authority Act 2004 lists important tests before the provisions of the Heritage Act 1977 do not apply. The site has to be declared as a "State Significant" development and the Minister for Redfern-Waterloo must be satisfied that the development is essential for achieving the strategic vision for the improvement of Redfern and Waterloo. The RWA is currently working on the refurbishment and adaptive reuse of a number of important heritage buildings.

Q9.
What’s happening with Redfern Oval – green space or sports venue?

Redfern Oval has a great sporting history and heritage which needs to be maintained. To this end, the RWA initiated talks about the future of Redfern Oval with the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) and the City of Sydney, which owns the site. The Minister and the RWA urged the Lord Mayor to seriously consider the ILC proposal to buy or lease the site for a centre of Indigenous sporting and cultural excellence, which would also respect the Oval’s proud rugby league history and heritage.(The South Sydney Rabbitohs are keen to see Redfern Oval once again be able to host some home games each year.) Unfortunately, the ILC has been advised the Lord Mayor does not support Indigenous management and control of Redfern Oval and wishes to see the Oval be essentially converted into a park, alongside the existing Redfern Park. Despite this, the RWA will continue talks with the ILC about investing in the area to benefit the local Indigenous community. The future of Redfern Oval will continue to be a matter for the City of Sydney.

Q10.
What’s happening with the Redfern Railway Station upgrade?

Redfern Railway Station is one of the busiest stations on Sydney’s metropolitan network and is close to full capacity.

As part of the infrastructure proposals, Redfern Railway Station will be redeveloped. When ready, an option for the design of the new Station will be released for public consultation. The redevelopment will improve access to the rail network, provide additional capacity to meet future patronage growth, and allow people with disabilities to use the service. It will help connect the Redfern town centre with the Station by creating a pedestrian plaza. An upgrade to the Station and adjoining land will provide better services for commuters, including those who are disabled, and create a range of retail and commercial opportunities for businesses.

Q11.
What does the Redfern-Waterloo Authority plan to do with human services in Redfern and Waterloo?

The RWA is working with NSW government agencies, local organisations and the community to develop a human services system that better meets the needs of the people in Redfern and Waterloo.

We are doing this by:

• Developing Stage 1 of a 10 year Human Services Plan which reviews structures, development of programs, access and funding.
• Undertaking broad consultation with the community on the development of the Human Services Plan.
• Focusing on outcomes for children, families, youth, Aboriginal people and disadvantaged people.

Q12.
When will the Redfern Street upgrade proceed?

The City of Sydney has allocated $20 m for the upgrades of Redfern and Regent streets. The City has advised the RWA that works will commence in 2006 and be completed the following year. The RWA will be liaising closely with the city and with the RTA on associated traffic management issues.

This text appeared on 7 October 2005 at http://www.redfernwaterloo.nsw.gov.au/faq/index.html