Libs back Pemulwuy, more police and transport

On a visit to Redfern to talk with the SSH, having visited the AHC months before at The Block, Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell said he was appalled Frank Sartor was now the obstacle to the Pemulwuy Project. “Why Sartor and the Department of Planning (DoP) are standing in the way of the AHC, a reputable company with reputable directors, who have a vision for Redfern, is beyond me,” the MP said. “I think it reeks of paternalism, and it’s getting in the way of being able to deploy police across the region.”

Mr O’Farrell said the AHC’s plans address the fundamental problems at The Block and called for Sartor and the DoP to waive the $60,000 development application fee that is currently causing a stand-off in activity between the local housing company and government.

Mr O’Farrell, who finished schooling in Darwin where he visited Aboriginal communities, and took Aboriginal studies at university in Canberra, said he believes in the right of a local community to make decisions for themselves. Not knowing the Pemuluwy Project in detail, he did say, “There is probably more work to be done” on the finer detail.

The father of two and North Shore resident said policing in the area had dropped off since the State election, pointing to statistics showing a 30 per cent fall in the number of Redfern police men and women. “Whether it’s blitzes on highways or in suburbs, it’s a 365-day effort,” he said. He supports more local patrolling that provides police with a “corporate knowledge of the area”.

On public transport, Mr O’Farrell compared Sydney to international cities and implied people should be walking more and using more public transport. “We need to be more innovative with public transport,” he said, pointing to Green Square as an example where there are not enough transport options for locals. Calling himself the ultimate pragmatist, Mr O’Farrell said the private sector should be used by government for matters like transport and other infrastructure, where the community gets the most benefit. 

He said he would not support a local Redfern injecting room, and that his major focus was resurrecting the public education system.

Photo: Ali Blogg- Caption: Barry O’Farrell and Duncan Gay