RWA Statement on Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority

Redfern-Waterloo Authority Statement: Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority

On 23 September 2010, the NSW Government announced its intention to establish to the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA). The purpose of the SMDA is to drive housing and employment opportunities in specific areas serviced by public transport and infrastructure, and build economies of urban centres.

As a priority, the SMDA will focus on areas currently administered by the Redfern-Waterloo Authority (RWA), including North Eveleigh and Australian Technology Park.

CEO of the RWA, Mr RoyWakelin-King, will perform the role of Acting CEO of the new SMDA and he will sit on the interim Board, comprising:

• Chair – Dr Col Gellatly (Chair of RWA)
• Lucy Turnbull – former Lord Mayor of Sydney, and Deputy Chair of the Commonwealth Expert Panel for the review of capital city strategic planning systems;
• Shane Phillips – a prominent community leader representing Aboriginal interests;
• The Directors-General (or their nominees) of Planning, Transport NSW, the Department of Premier and Cabinet and NSW Treasury; and
• A nominee of the Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Transport

The CEO of the RWA advised that the work of the RWA will continue as per the current plans. This includes:

• Redfern Station
• North Eveleigh
• ATP
• Built Environment Plan 2
• The Aboriginal Employment Program
• Human Service Reform

The urban renewal process that the RWA has undertaken in the Redfern Waterloo area has resulted in lasting benefits for this key area of Sydney and it also serves as a model for the work that will be undertaken by the SMDA.

Mr Wakelin-King further advised that the plans for the SMDA and how it will continue the above activities are currently being developed, but the work on these important initiatives will not stop.

Mr Wakelin-King also advised that the Australian Technology Park will remain part of the RWA and will ultimately be transferred to the SMDA.