No funds for Redfern's The Block yet

In the past, The Block has been known for high levels of crime, a thriving drug trade and the riot that followed the 2004 death of teenager Thomas "TJ" Hickey, who became impaled on a fence while being followed by police.

Known as the Pemulwuy Project, the redevelopment will result in the construction of 62 family apartments and over 9,000 square metres of commercial retail community and cultural space.

NSW Planning Minister Kristina Kenneally, Deputy Premier and local MP Carmel Tebbutt, federal Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore attended the announcement at The Block on Thursday.

The land to be redeveloped is owned by the Aboriginal Housing Company, headed up by Aboriginal leader Mick Mundine, who was also at the announcement.

"People say to me `where (will) the money come from' - I don't know yet," Mr Mundine told reporters.

But he estimated the completion of the project was probably five years away and said the money would somehow materialise in time for construction.

"The dream will come true - we will get the money," he said.

Mr Mundine hopes the completion of the project will improve the area and the lives of the residents and possibly inspire other such communities to do the same.

"The Block was such a hot spot in the past," he said.

"It was degraded, it was down the gutter.

"I think if we can do what we can do here we'd be a good role model for a lot of black organisations out there and a lot of our people."

Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/833007/no-funds-for-redferns-the-block-yet