Redfern’s future prospects

Pedestrians and traffic are scarce, doner kebabs, fish and chips and pizzas are plentiful and the pub on the corner proudly displays a Rabbitohs banner. An old-fashioned shoe repair shop fits in with the quaint, low-roofed hardware over the road.

The Redfern Business Precinct study commissioned by City of Sydney Council has just been released. The 114-page report concentrates on the Redfern town centre and suggests strategies for bringing the area back from a 40-year economic decline.

At the August 10  City Council meeting, Greens Councillor Irene Doutney moved a point-by-point motion, seconded by Independent Councillor John McInerney, to implement the recommendations of the report. The motion was carried unanimously.

“Council has committed $17,880 that was remaining in the Business Support Program funds to the Redfern project,” Cr Doutney said. “We are about to appoint a Local Business Co-ordinator who will work out of Redfern. We will look at giving permission for monthly markets in Redfern Park and encouraging Aboriginal enterprises such as an art gallery and bookshop to showcase contemporary Aboriginal culture.”

“The Redfern Waterloo Authority (RWA) is writing to local business owners urging them to ‘come on board’. We will ask for shop shutters to be removed or have public art displays on those that can’t be,” she added. “I have lived in Redfern for a long time and I am very optimistic about the area.”

Photo: Ali Blogg- Redfern Street from Regent Street

Source: South Sydney Herald September 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au