Initiative filed in dustbin

ROSS Fitzgerald's opinion ("Another time around the Block for urban revival project", 20/2) neglects to detail how Frank Sartor's plan will radically alter Redfern's urban landscape. Of the eight key sites designed to "kick start the urban renewal process", six of them are re-zoned as business zones of varying descriptions. In many places, build­ings up to 18 storeys will be permitted. This is not so much urban renewal as the creation of a second CBD, along the lines of development at North Sydney and Chatswood.

Urban renewal should suggest a process that is compatible with, and benefits, the community. In the case of Redfern, any urban renewal must recognise Redfern's unique heritage; built, cultural and indigenous. On this point, Fitzgerald consigns the innovative Pemulwuy initiative to the dustbin of history before a sod of earth has been turned. This is very unfair.

The team behind Pemulwuy have worked assiduously to avoid the mistakes of the past. Their redevelopment would mix affordable housing with community facilities and indigenous-controlled enterprises that would create employment opportunities for local residents. The Pemulwuy initiative is not infallible but for the revitalisation of Redfern to work, the voice of the community must be acknowledged. So far, this has not been the case.

Verity Firth

Deputy Lord Mayor City of Sydney