Factory Community Centre Supports Aldi for Waterloo

RE: City of Sydney Council DA D/2009/633

I am writing from within the Redfern and Waterloo area to highlight my community’s’ support for the above DA application.

As the Community Development Worker for Redfern and Waterloo for the Housing Communities Programme (HCP), and on behalf of the Factory Community Centre (which is one of the leading agencies servicing this community) continuing to represent and advocate for the wider range of community groups and individual residents in the area.

Through both informal and formal networks, I have experienced an outstanding wave of support for the above application and therefore request that the City Council give the application the positive consideration that it deserves - being mindful of the level of local support.

We believe the proposal has many benefits; particularly to the social housing residents of Redfern and Waterloo, and ask Council to consider the following supporting arguments including the overwhelming local support expressed to us:-

• The potential employment opportunities within the local community.
• Affordability of groceries that a discounted store would bring contributing to policy of alleviating the documented problem of food insecurity in the Waterloo/Redfern area.
• Increase in competitive pricing between the current duopolies that currently dominate the grocery market.
• Assist in the revitalisation of other small local business, as an Aldi store would attract more trade to the area.
• Reduce commuting by local residents particular those who have accessibility challenges, both private and social housing.
• Credible research conducted by The Factory on food insecurity in 2007 evidenced the need for an increase in affordable retail. Documentation available upon request.

Thanking you for your time and consideration. Should you require further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours,

Michael Mackenzie Shreenan

Community Development Worker HCP

The Factory Community Centre