Next step for the Pemulwuy Project
The Pemulwuy Project has finally reached exhibition stage and it is now a waiting game for approval. According to Peter Valilis of the Aboriginal Housing Company, “the only reason the project would be knocked back is because the powers that be do not want Aboriginal people back on the Block”.
Opposition has been a major stumbling block. On September 6 the Redfern-Waterloo Authority paid the $68,750 fee necessary for the exhibition stage of the AHC’s Project.
If treated as a normal development Geoff Turnbull, RedWatch spokesman, sees no reason for failure. Turnbull states “it is much more likely that the Department of Planning would provide approval with attached conditions”, which the AHC is unlikely to agree to.
The project is a fully affordable initiative created by the AHC to regenerate the Block. 62 new houses are proposed as are areas for commercial, recreational and cultural activities. The AHC Social Plan, available on the AHC Website, states it will incorporate Aboriginal artist markets, a museum and cultural centre. Valilis pictures Redfern of the future as a “thriving extension to the CBD with a strong Aboriginal focus”.
The Block is a sacred and historically important site for Aboriginal communities but notorious for social problems; problems the project will fix. Turnbull agrees, “the alternative is the continuation of the problems on the Block and the marginalisation...of the Aboriginal community”.
According to Turnbull, an opportunity exists to transform Redfern to have “a contemporary Aboriginal profile”. Valilis agrees stating it will “turn Redfern in to a place of pride...rather than an eyesore and sense of embarrassment it is today”.
The quarterly annual International Visitors Survey places Sydney at the top of the list for tourist expenditure and visitation with $5.4 billion being spent last year. According to Tourism Australia, Aboriginal sites are one of Australia’s tourist drawcards. Aboriginal culture is unique to Australia and could create huge revenue. As a foreigner, it is startlingly obvious that Sydney has no specific Aboriginal cultural area.
I believe Sydney does not need another yuppie suburb, a transformation many would favour as Redfern is a developer’s goldmine due to city proximity.
We have the opportunity to change the face of Redfern, a chance to rebuild the community from within. Among many things, the project employs crime reduction strategies and creates job opportunities. Local Aboriginal business will be encouraged providing new opportunities. The Aboriginal community has been involved in project decisions meaning it meets their needs.
The project will benefit locals and the wider Australian community. Aboriginal communities can learn from it. Turnbull states, “it will...change the area to become one that can showcase successful Aboriginal housing and enterprise”.
The Pemulwuy Project is well constructed and meticulously planned. Objections will only come from the greedy and racist. I can see, without a doubt, the benefits outweigh the negatives. It is a chance to make a difference to a historically marginalised community and make tangible social change. It will create better race relations and, according to the Social Plan, will create “cultural pride, self respect and hope” for Aboriginal communities. We cannot deny this is desperately needed.
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