Yiu Ming Temple still in trouble

Nov 2006 - A letter of concern is sent to City of Sydney and the Heritage Department regarding the effect the neighbouring construction site may have on the Yiu Ming Temple and the unacceptable vibrations felt on Wyndham Street.

Mid 2007 - The footpath on Botany Road starts to fall away.

Nov 2007 - Subsiding footpath on Wyndham Street is cosmetically filled with tar.

Dec 2007 - Photographs are submitted to Council with suggestions the construction site may have subsidence issues.

Feb 2008 - Reply from Council stating a Council officer has inspected the site and the developer has carried out maintenance to the footpath. The Council officer is to monitor the footway and arrange for repairs as needed.

Mar 6, 2008 - Water main bursts. Botany Road is closed.

Apr 16, 2008 - South-bound lane reopened.

Apr 24, 2008 - North-bound lane reopened.

The Iron Duke Hotel and other local businesses suffered during the closure of Botany Road, but the problems facing the Chinese Temple are still there and getting worse. Certain buildings on the temple site, including accommodation for the elderly, remain uninhabitable.

Last month Andrew Ferguson from the CFMEU (Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union) along with Henry Tsang, Labor Upper House MP, visited the construction site adjacent to the Temple.

Mr Ferguson told the SSH: “The Chinese residents and the builder haven’t been on speaking terms for months. We visited the site to facilitate a meeting between them. Both sides came away with a much better understanding of the other’s issues and concerns.

“As a result of that meeting, Baseline’s insurance company will be asked to conduct an inspection of the Chinese temple buildings and find an appropriate way to compensate them for any damage.

If this does not happen, the CFMEU will organise protest action against the insurance company in solidarity with the Chinese residents.”

Photo: Andrew Collis - CFMEU flags on Botany Road construction site

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au