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The latest news from REDWatch
Landcom's Stakeholder Consultation Workbook 0905
You will see references to this report online but the report itself disappeared in late 2015 so we have put it up for easy access. In the Inner Sydney Voice of Summer 2015/16, Wendy Sarkissian, an experienced engagement practitioner and Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), said “For practitioners like me, that Workbook provided direction and reassurance and it is definitely a good starting point.” She suggested the workbook be updated and went on to make some suggestions on how UrbanGrowth NSW could improve their community consultation. UrbanGrowth NSW, who controlled Landcom at the time, did not take kindly to advice and the workbook was removed within days from their website, last being mentioned in the 2016 UrbanGrowth NSW Annual Report.
Federal Election 2025 - Statement on lack of Candidate's Forum
For the 2025 Federal election REDWatch along with Alexandria Residents Action Group (ARAG) and Friends of Erskineville (FOE) attempted to organise their regular candidates forum. The forum in the end had to be cancelled as it was not possible to get participation from the local member. This statement explains some of the difficulties of organising local candidate's forums in safe seats like Sydney and calls for all political players in future to work with local community groups to facilitate local candidate forums.
Confirmed Waterloo South Consortium delivers homes from 2031
The article below was produced for the South Sydney Herald and it sets out what has been learnt about the Waterloo South Redevelopment now that the Consortium and Homes NSW have finalised their redevelopment agreement. On 3rd June 2025 it is hoped that more information will become available when the Consortium presents to a REDWatch public meeting.
Retain Repair Reinvest Waterloo high-rise refurbishment and infill draft proposal
This is a draft proposal from OFFICE that was shown to people on 5th April at the BBQ held by OFFICE of how the Waterloo high-rises could be refurbished and in-fill buildings included around them to meet the Waterloo redevelopment goals stated for Central and Northern areas of Waterloo Estate. You can provide feedback on this proposal to hello@OFFICE.org.au - The RRR project is independent from Homes NSW and separate to the redevelopment plans for Waterloo South. Homes NSW say that it will be many years before they develop this area and 10 years before people have to relocate.
Waterloo renewal reaches new milestone to deliver Australia’s largest social housing project - Media Release
The following media statement was released to announce the signing of the of contracts for the redevelopment of Waterloo South on 10 April 2025
REDWatch Meeting on Waterloo Metro’s new plans – 27 March 6pm
REDWatch has had to move its April meeting forward a week so we can get the relevant people from Mirvac / John Holland to present on their new plans for the Waterloo Metro Over Station Development. These plans will increase overshadowing over the Waterloo Park to the east of the Metro.
REDWatch submission on amendments to Sydney LEP and Sydney DCP including return of some RWA areas.
This is the REDWatch Submission of 14 March 2025 on the Amendments to Sydney Local Environmental Plan and Sydney Development Control Plan. This submission includes issues related to Heritage issues on the Former Eveleigh Railway Workshops including the exclusion of important heritage items from the map and a request for the former yards to be covered by a Heritage Conservation Zone. The submission also objects to the exclusion of Rachel Forster site from the Heritage map, the exclusion of Gibbons Street reserve coming to the LEP and concerns about the 2007 late night trading areas between the Pemulwuy Project and Cleveland Street being retained.
Waterloo Relocations start in south west of estate
Waterloo South tenants living in the two block surrounded by John, Cope, McEvoy, and Mead Street to the South of the estate were hand delivered relocation notices on 27 February advising them that they will be relocated within the next six months.
Waterloo Metro - Developer goes for fourth tower
With only the Southern portion of the Waterloo Metro Over-Station development in construction WL Developer Pty Ltd, the Mirvac and John Holland venture, applied in December 2024 for planning requirements to change the rest of the development.
REDWatch Submission on Homes NSW Discussion Paper - January 2025
This is a copy of the REDWatch submission in January 2025 in response to the Homes NSW Discussion Paper to inform the Homes for NSW Plan. With input cutting off in February for both a Homes NSW Homelessness Strategy paper and an Audit Office enquiry into Homelessness and Social Housing, this submission may assist some people interested in making submissions on this topic. It was not possible for REDWatch to hold a public meeting for this submission as a result of Homes calling for feedback in December and then requiring feedback by mid-January.
Community Tributes
These tributes record the story of key people in the life of REDWatch and the community that have died.
2004-2012 Statements
The Redfern Waterloo Authority operated until 2011-12 when it was taken over by the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority. Here we have captured some of that history as it happened in Redfern Waterloo Issue Updates and statements from REDWatch and Government.
Other Events
While REDWatch seeks to keep community events up to date, we are a volunteer community group and can not cover everything that happens in the area. Below we have provided links to other organisations who also have event listings covering events in the Redfern Waterloo area. So if you have not found the event you are looking for on the REDWatch site we suggest you try some of the links below.
Consultation Links
These are short term links for counsultations
Homes for NSW discussion paper – Have your extended until 17 January 2024
Homes NSW released on 3 December 2024 its much awaited discussion paper on its future operations. Tenants and agencies now have until 17 January 2025 to comment on a range of important questions. The close off date has been extended from 20 December which was a very short period in normal circumstances, but ridiculous during the silly season. This timeframe over Christmas and new year still makes it difficult for many agencies to consult and prepare submissions on the important questions raised and an extension of the time will likely be requested.
Homes NSW Long Discussion Paper December 2024
This is the Long Discussion Paper released by Homes NSW on 3 December 2024 for feedback until 20 December 2024. Homes NSW say this 28 page document is most relevant to to partners and housing or homelessness providers and contains 10 questions Homes NSW wanted feedback on.
Homes NSW Short Discussion Paper December 2024
This is the Short Discussion Paper released by Homes NSW on 3 December 2024 for feedback until 20 December 2024. Homes NSW say this 2 page document is most relevant to community and consumers and contains 5 questions Homes NSW wanted feedback on.
Elizabeth Street / PCYC Redfern Plan Public Meeting 26 Nov 2024 at 6pm
Bridge Housing will explain its development to the community for this Homes NSW site. Come along to find out how your suburb is about to change and bring your questions. The proposal is On Exhibition until 4th December. It proposes 355 social, affordable and disability homes, Bridge’s head office and a new community building (including PCYC). Building heights are 14, 10, 5 and 3 storeys.
Elizabeth Street & PCYC Redfern Plan Explained REDWatch Meeting 26 Nov 24 Flyer
Bridge Housing will explain its development to the community for this Homes NSW site. The proposal is On Exhibition until 4th December. It proposes 355 social, affordable and disability homes, Bridge’s head office and a new Community building (including PCYC). Building heights are 14, 10, 5 and 3 storeys. This is the flyer for the public meeting.
New DA with ambition to deliver more social and affordable housing in Redfern
The following media release was issued on behalf of Bridge Housing and Homes NSW on 8 November 2024 regarding the 660 Elizabeth Street Development Application which is on exhibition until 4th December 2024.
660 Elizabeth St Redfern (PCYC site) Redevelopment - Exhibition until 4 December 2024
The documents for the Bridge Housing / Homes NSW redevelopment of the PCYC site opposite Redfern Oval have gone on exhibition today for 28 days until December 4 2024. This is the initial advise REDWatch supplied to its supporters about the exhibition.
Resources on Loneliness and Social Prescription
On 3 October 2024 REDWatch held a meeting on Loneliness Social Prescribing and Wellbeing (see link to slides below). In preparation for this session REDWatch spoke to a number of people with experience in Loneliness and Social Prescription. Below, based on our preparation for this meeting are some suggestions for resources people can access if they need specialized help or need to find activities. This list was correct as at 31 October 2024.
Ending Loneliness in the City Community Forum Summary Report
On June 8 2023 at the Sydney Town Hall around 60 people including representatives of resident action groups, social and community organisations, and researchers from the City of Sydney Local Government Area, attended a forum about loneliness in the city. This report summarises some of the main points from the discussion on the day, along with some highlights from relevant research about loneliness and examples from other countries about what is working to address loneliness, including local councils. It includes recommendations and suggestions for action that could be taken at the local level to address loneliness and increase social connection. The forum was co-hosted by Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore (City of Sydney), Sydney Alliance, Wayside Chapel, the Coalition of Caring for Community Centres (4CCCs), Inner Sydney Voice and the Greens. The forum focused on three themes: • What is known about loneliness, particularly as it impacts those in the inner-city? • What works to prevent loneliness? • What opportunities are there at the local level, for those living and working in inner city, City of Sydney Council, to address loneliness?
Nomination for Office-Bearer Position Form
This form is used by REDWatch members when nominating for Office-Bearer positions with in REDWatch.
