Media Conference / Photographic Opportunity

Where: Parliament House: Rear Gates under the Knowledge Tree, Domain Lawn

When: 10am, Wednesday 2^nd May 2012

Speakers: Member for Heffron Kristina Keneally

Interview Opportunities: Other parliamentarians; mobility-challenged community members

Joel Pringle from the campaign said “despite Redfern being one of the cityʼs busiest stations, with over 42,000 people using it every day, its accessibility issues continue to be ignored. Last week the Minister for Transport released a $100 million blitz list of urgent station upgrade works, but Redfern was once again overlooked and ignored. Not even one lift to one platform.

“With 12 platforms Redfern Station is second to Central for inter-change possibilities and the sixth busiest station for entrances and exits. People with disabilities, older people, parents with young children, pregnant women, people with short-term mobility issues, and people with luggage or shopping have great difficulty in accessing or cannot access the station at all. Redfern Station needs to be on the accessibility upgrade list and at the top, so that these vital works can commence.

“Public transport should be available to everyone. It is unacceptable that a key station on our rail network is shut off to some members of our community.”

“It’s great to have so many varied groups within our broader community working together to achieve an outcome we all need. When the government’s infrastructure report is released later this year, Redfern Station must be at the top of the list,” said Pringle.

A parliamentary debate on access at Redfern Station is expected by the end of August 2012.

Supporters of the 'Lift Redfern Station' campaign include the University of Sydney; local community organisations: The Factory, South Sydney Community Aid and The Settlement; South Sydney Business Chamber; Gadigal Information Services; South Sydney Rabbitohs; full supporters list at: http://liftredfernstation.wordpress.com/about-us/

For more information: http://liftredfernstation.wordpress.com/

Revised plans for the University of Sydney’s new Business School at the Abercrombie Precinct in Darlington have been submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure. The plans are expected to go on public display on the Department’s website within the next 2 weeks.

Features of the revised plans include a reduction of the overall bulk and scale of the proposal and a significant setback from Codrington Street and from the Darlington Public School, a major reduction in overshadowing, an increase in green space public access and an emphasis on pedestrian safety.

Project Director for the Abercrombie project, Mr Cris Johansen said the University welcomed the feedback it had received from the community and from groups such as REDwatch and RAIDD, as well as the constructive discussions held with the Darlington Public School, the Department of Education, the City of Sydney and the Department of Planning.

“The University listened carefully to the community and other groups and with their involvement we developed a set of principles to guide the new development,” he said.

The key principles of the project are to reducing the overall bulk and scale of the original proposal, significantly increasing setbacks to Codrington Street and Darlington Public School, increase pedestrian access throughout the development, integrating the joinery workshop building to keep a meaningful heritage connection to previous uses of the site, and maintaining the large Sydney Blue Gum tree as a key part of the landscape strategy.

The new plan provides for an underground car park for 82 vehicles, which will replace the existing car spaces in the area. The entrance on Abercrombie St has been moved away from the school, and will allow for service deliveries to be made to and from the building.

“We have been concerned to make this a safe area for school children and other pedestrians,” said Cris Johansen.  The plans include a new safe school drop off zone, a path across the site to the school which avoids the entry to the car park and fewer car spaces within the site than originally proposed to further reduce the number of car movements in and out of the precinct.

Complete details of the plans can be found at: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=search&page_id=&search=abercrombie&authority_id=&search_site_type_id=&reference_table=&status_id=&decider=&from_date=&to_date=&x=0&y=0

In a subsequent email update from Project Director Cris Johansen he advised that:

A model of the proposed development will be on display in the foyer of the University’s Services Building at 22 Codrington Street during the exhibition period. The University will also be hosting a community information day at Eveleigh Markets over the coming weeks.

Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness Brendan O’Connor and NSW Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Brad Hazzard today announced $7.2 million for 61 new affordable housing dwellings in North Eveleigh.

The North Eveleigh housing project will be fully supported through the Australian Government’s Housing Affordability Fund, which provides grants to local governments, local government associations, State and Territory governments and the private sector to build the infrastructure needed for housing developments and bring the costs down for homebuyers.

“The Gillard Government believes all Australians deserve a safe and affordable home, so they can find and hold a job, raise a family and keep children in school,” Mr O’Connor said.

“That’s why we have invested an unprecedented $20 billion in measures to help people with home ownership and affordable housing, and to tackle homelessness.

“We are supporting 74 projects right across Australia - 21 in New South Wales - through grants to make housing more affordable by reducing infrastructure and planning related development costs.”

The North Eveleigh project will be part of a larger mixed residential and commercial property development and is located close to the Sydney CBD and Redfern train station.

“North Eveleigh’s proximity to the city and Redfern Station means it has the potential to become one of Sydney’s key inner-city urban renewal precincts,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This Housing Affordability Fund allocation will assist the revival of the area by providing affordable housing for workers close to the city and employment areas in the city’s southern gateway.

“We welcome this funding to provide the road works, utilities, remediation and landscaping needed for this 61-unit housing development.

“Without this Commonwealth funding, we would have had to build the infrastructure for this project using the levies we’ve already collected from developers for affordable housing in the area.

“Because of the Commonwealth’s contribution, the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority’s affordable housing funds can now provide more affordable housing in the Redfern-Waterloo area in future projects.”

Mr O’Connor said addressing housing affordability was a challenge that required the combined effort of all governments, as well as the wider private and community sector.

“The $450 million Housing Affordability Fund is one of many measures we have delivered to reduce housing-related infrastructure and planning costs, and to pass these savings on to new home purchasers,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It is about helping families and individuals to be able to afford to buy a home.”

The Fund complements other government initiatives to improve the community’s access to affordable housing, including the $4.3 billion National Rental Affordability Scheme and the $100 million Building Better Regional Cities program.

Further information on Affordable Housing: Renting Affordable Housing Fact Sheet (PDF, 126KB)

Although upgrades were promised over 20 years ago, ministers have failed to provide a timeline or start date.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP urged Central Sydney Traffic and Transport Committee to resolve the lack of wheelchair access to the station as one of its first tasks.

“I welcome and support the Lift Redfern campaign and I ask that Council also endorse it and give its full support,” she said.

Despite being the seventh busiest station of the CityRail Network, there is no wheelchair access to and around the station, even though the station’s east end platform has room to insert a lift.

Greens Councillor and Redfern resident Irene Doutney fully backs the cause. “I think people have been campaigning for the last 10 years,” she said.

“There have always been promises from the state that something was going to happen but they say there are engineering difficulties because of the narrow platforms.”

The Big Issue vendor Eddie suffers from Spina Bifida and has been in a wheelchair all his life.

To make a living, he sells the magazine which involves travelling fortnightly to the Redfern office from his Campbelltown home.

“I take the train to Central Station – which is fully wheelchair accessible – and then have to backtrack, because there is no way I can access Redfern Station without a lift,” he said.

“I have no other choice but to do this longer commute, even though it increases my journey time by half an hour.

I have thought about chucking in the job a few times because of this,” he said.

Spokesperson for community group RedWatch, Geoff Turnbull said: “The campaign is our way of saying we have had enough.

With all but one rail line running through Redfern Station, it is not just used by locals, but serves Sydney University, the National Centre of Indigenous Ecellence and many community centres.

“We are trying to drive that point home to the government. People are annoyed, because it is a campaign that should not have had to happen in the first place.”

Source: www.altmedia.net.au/council-escalates-lift-redfern-campaign/51719

The campaign also received backing from the University of Sydney, which sees large numbers of students using the station. “This is a really important issue for the university and we stand here in support for this campaign,” said Professor Stephen Garton, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney.

In response to parliamentary questions to the Transport Minister from Clover Moore about the time frame for station development, the Minister Gladys Berejiklian said: “The government is in the process of determining where future upgrades to stations will take place and Redfern station will be considered as part of this review.” This response has angered campaigners who believe that the state government has ignored the issue for too long.

The campaign is now aiming to force the issue into the spotlight by focusing on a petition drive in and around Redfern station. Ten thousand signatures would see the issue debated in state parliament. Geoff Turnbull, spokesperson for Redfern community group REDWatch, said that gaining the right numbers was only the start of the fight. “We don’t think that 10,000 signatures is going to be the be all and end all, it’s just basically part of getting pressure on the government ... It’s really about trying to just ratchet up the pressure so it’s just embarrassing not to deal with such a large and important conversation,” he said.

Equitable access to Redfern station has been raised for the last 20 years but successive state governments have brushed aside the issue. “We have heard so many promises,” said Greens Councillor Irene Doutney. The issue has regained momentum recently after a Mayoral Minute supporting the campaign was fully endorsed by the City of Sydney. The Council will also ask the soon-to-be established Central Sydney Traffic and Transport Committee to make equitable access at Redfern a priority issue.

Petitions will be collected in and around the station until April 18 and community members and transport users are encouraged to support the campaign to help collect the 10,000 signatures. As of Friday March 30 the count was 5,768, with two weeks to go.

Photo: Andrea Srisurapon Clover Moore, Graeme Innes and campaigners for equal access at Redfern station  & Photo: Bill Yan: Laura Kelly from South Sydney Community Aid collects signatures for petition  

A coalition of disability and community groups are demanding action to ensure access at one of Sydneyʼs busiest stations.  

Disabled and less mobile members of the community continue to be shut off from the transport network according to community campaigners “Lift Redfern: Make Redfern Station Accessible Now” which will tomorrow launch a renewed push to see lifts installed at the station. 

Joel Pringle from the campaign said that despite it being one of the cityʼs busiest stations, with 50,000 people using it everyday, its accessibility issues continued to be ignored. 

“Redfern Station is the second busiest station for inter-changes and the seventh busiest for entrances and exits. 

“Yet, people with disabilities, older people, parents with young children, pregnant women, people with short-term mobility issues, and people with luggage or shopping have great difficulty in accessing or cannot access the station at all. 

“Public transport should be available to everyone. It is unacceptable that a key station on our rail network is shut off to some members of our community.” 

Mr Pringle said over the next few weeks the campaign would be gathering signatures to a petition calling for the installment of lifts at the station.  
“Our aim is to collect 10,000 signatures and force a debate on the issue in the State Parliament. This issue simply can not wait any longer.” 

Supporters of the 'Lift Redfern Station' campaign include the University of Sydney, local community organisations - The Factory, South Sydney Community Aid and The Settlement, resident groups, and the South Sydney Business Chamber.  

For more information: http://liftredfernstation.wordpress.com/

Correspondence from REDWatch to Nigel Sharpe -A/ Director, Project Development Housing & Property Group Department of Finance and Services

I write to follow up a number of matters regarding the HAF Preliminary Master Plan we have previously raised through Kathy Roil and in discussion with Greg Dowling.

Hopefully now after a few month’s work and successful community workshops in November the shape of the Masterplan, the issues and the process are a little clearer.

Firstly I would like to thank HNSW for suppling REDWatch with a copy of the HAF funding agreement. At the time of the receipt of this we did not press for the supply of the HAF project reports to the Commonwealth. Now that the December 2011 report is finalised we would like to renew our request for a copy of all the reports provided by HNSW to the Federal HAF Fund. This will help us better understand what work has been undertaken and reported to the Federal Government.

As you will be aware the SMDA have made public the details of the reports they are undertaking in relation to BEP2. They have made available details of the consultants doing the reports and in doing so they have asked for any input that the community wishes to make in terms of areas that should be covered in these studies. When we requested similar information on the HAF project earlier we were advised that rather than separate reports that the Masterplan would have specialist consultants writing chapters but that this had not been finalised. The Housing NSW - Redfern and Waterloo Preliminary Masterplanning - Areas of Responsibility earlier supplied did not detail out what studies / chapters were being done and only detailed Principal Consultants without allocating their areas of responsibility. Given that we are dealing with a Preliminary Masterplan, which by definition will not cover everything in a Masterplan, we would like to clarify precisely what is now planned to be covered and what is not. We have earlier supplied a list of what was promised at various times would be covered and what we want to now clarify is what will actually be covered.

We are also concerned that we can see nowhere in the schedule for the work done on the final preliminary Masterplan to be made available for community comment and feedback prior to it being signed off to the Federal funding body. We note an intention to present the Masterplan to the community in the second half of 2012 but also note there is no reference to exhibition. While we understand there is not a statutory requirement to exhibit the final Preliminary Masterplan we fail to understand how the Preliminary Masterplan can be said to have been the product of community consultation if the community do not get to see the final Masterplan and have the opportunity to comment on what has been proposed. We are particularly concerned given that this might be the only opportunity for community input before the interest of private partners are introduced for a broader Master Plan.

REDWatch is of the view that the non-statutory BEP2 exhibition, despite of its deficiencies, was extremely important in providing community comment on the proposal and in so doing it was instrumental in refining and improving aspects of proposal. It is one thing to seek community input about some aspects of the plans as they are drawn up but this needs to be followed by an opportunity to see what has been done with the input and the consultants work and to reality test and comment on areas covered in the draft plan. We are sure that such a process will both improve what is made available to Government for their consideration as well as improve community understanding of the proposal. We strongly urge you to make available a draft of the proposal and supporting studies for feedback prior to the Preliminary Masterplan being finalised for Government.

We also wish to discuss with HNSW the role the community can play in each of the subsequent steps as this project is refined and delivered. Community Engagement and input should not end in this project when the HAF Preliminary Masterplan comes to its end. The community engagement that has been built up needs to continue for the life of the broader project. I also needs to cover a broad range of issues not covered in the Masterplan discussions to date.

REDWatch appreciated the opportunity to discuss the project with Greg Dowling and feels it would be useful to have a follow up meeting with Greg and HNSW staff. However on this occasion it would be helpful if we could get clarification of the matters raised above prior to such a discussion so we can use the meeting to explore some of the issues in the Masterplan that have not been the subject of community consultation to date.

REDWatch at its meeting on March 1^st we will be having a round table discussion on Community Facilities, which we have been advised by the SMDA are now included in the Social Impact Assessment Scoping rather than proceeding with the earlier standalone report. We are also arranging a planning 101 Planning for Residents public workshop with Prof Peter Phibbs on 13 March to help educate people about basic planning.

I await your response to these issues and I would be happy to clarify any of the issues raised further if required.

Geoffrey Turnbull - Spokesperson - REDWatch

Correspondence from Nigel Sharpe to REDWatch A/ Director, Project Development Housing & Property Group Department of Finance and Services

Thank you for your email of 22 February and apologies for taking longer than planned to get back to you.

We have received strong responses from the broad community to the various engagement events that have been staged since last August; this information has been very useful in informing our work. I congratulate REDWatch on also helping to build community capacity through your initiative with Professor Phibbs.

You may be aware we have a number of further community engagement activities scheduled for March, culminating in the design workshops on the 21^st and 28^th.

The SMDA are advancing their work under State Environmental Planning Policy (Urban Renewal) 2010; the formulation of a planning framework and development controls being the targeted outcome. It is understood that the SMDA studies and planning framework will be submitted to the DP&I with recommendations to the Minister. We note your close liaison with the SMDA which is appropriate as it is the outcomes of their work that will determine future directions for Redfern and Waterloo.

We are liaising with the SMDA through our own work. However, the preliminary masterplanning is an internal working document exploring options for Housing and Property Group’s major sites and is in a constant state of development; it does not represent a final position. Further, it is subject to amended scope and revision reflecting normal masterplanning practices and is not suitable for sporadic release.

We understand the outcomes of the SMDA’s work will be placed on public exhibition for comment, it is therefore important that our work, which has no formal status, is not confused with theirs, which will.

As per normal planning processes, formal proposals for our sites will follow the establishment of controls, with associated opportunities for the community to make submissions thereon.

I am happy for Greg Dowling to discuss this further with you.

The reports you refer to that Housing and Property Group submits to the Commonwealth as required under our agreement are undertakings on the meeting of milestones and general project progression; we do not provide professional reports or working documents.

I am away until 10 April. If you have any queries in the interim please contact Josh Brandon in my absence

Nigel Sharpe

A/ Director, Project Development
Housing & Property Group
Department of Finance and Services

ITEM 7.7 ABERCROMBIE STREET IMPROVEMENTS – DARLINGTON VILLAGE – PROJECT SCOPE (S086664)

At the meeting of Council, it was moved by Councillor Doutney, seconded by Councillor McInerney –

It is resolved that:

(A) Council endorse the design scope for Abercrombie Street, Darlington as described in Option A in the subject report and included in the drawings at Attachments A and B to the subject report, amended to increase to include a flush road threshold treatment at Ivy Street, for progression to construction documentation and tendering;

(B) Council note community feedback and the City’s response regarding the developed design plans, as detailed in Attachment C to the subject report;

(C) Council note the estimated project cost of Option A and that additional funding will be required in the 2013-2016 Corporate Plan, as detailed in confidential Attachment D to the subject report;

(D) Council note the additional funds for inclusion of a flush road threshold treatment at Ivy Street of approximately $40,000;

(E) the additional funds for inclusion of a flush road threshold treatment at Ivy Street be included in future corporate plans and a scoping report be prepared for Council. This includes works to the north side of Abercrombie Street, paving from Abercrombie Street to Ivy Lane, undergrounding of the northern side overhead wires and the undergrounding of wires in front of the Glengarry Hotel; and

(F) Financial Implications, Attachment D to the subject report, remain confidential in accordance with Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.

Carried unanimously.

Source: Meeting Minutes - 20 February 2012 | PDF 229Kb Page 28 & 29

Letter from Clover Moore re Abercrombie Street Upgrade on 19 April 2012

I refer to your email about the City’s proposed upgrade to Abercrombie Street. I apologise for the delay in responding.  

At its meeting on 13 February, Council voted to expand the scope of this project.  

City staff will now develop a design proposal for the northern side of Abercrombie Street, including the intersection of Abercrombie and Lawson Streets. We will make our designs available to the public and ask the community for feedback later in the year.  

I note your five recommendations for the upgrade. Rob Mueck, the City’s Project Manager tells me that: 

• the southern footpath between Ivy and Lawson Street is now part of the expanded proposal; 
• Council has resolved to undertake a scoping report for the northern side of Abercrombie Street, between Shepherd Street and Ivy Lane. This will include the intersection of Abercrombie and Lawson Streets as well as the area outside the Glengarry Hotel; 
• the project now includes a raised road threshold at Ivy Street. The kerb width will need to be altered or realigned as the threshold will be level with the pavement surface on both sides of the street; 
• City staff will consider the feasibility of providing level access from Little Eveleigh Street to Shepherd Street in the scoping report; and 
• City staff will also address placing all electrical connections under the ground in their scoping report.  

If you would like to speak with a Council officer about the Abercrombie Street upgrade, you can contact Rob on 9265 9333. 

Below you can find the background to this decision:

Council Upgrade Options

These were considered by Council’s Environment & Heritage Committee on Monday 13 February 2012. You can see the documents for the committee on http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/MeetingsAndCommittees/2012/Committiees/130212/environment.asp

The report links are:

Abercrombie Street Improvements – Darlington Village – Project Scope | PDF 89Kb

• Attachment A1 | PDF 5.9Mb (Exhibition Panels)
• Attachment A2 | PDF 8.0Mb (Exhibition Panels)
• Attachment B | PDF 941Kb (Developed Design Plans)
• Attachment C | PDF 284Kb (Summary of Community Feedback)

Some Concerns Raised

Following feedback Geoff and Lyn Turnbull sent the following email to the committee and these concerns were referred to the CEO for consideration before the 20 February Council Meeting:

Dear Councillors

We write to support in principle Option A being proposed by Officers for the Abercrombie Street Improvements to be considered by the Environment and Heritage Committee on 13 February 2012.

This is a good first step, but there is concern from those we have talked to that contrary to the report this option does not “consolidate the Darlington Village precinct”, as the treatment being proposed has not explored treatments for both sides of the road but only for the area on the Southern side. There are also some concerns about some omissions from the Southern side plans.

We urge the Committee to approve the necessary funds to provide a more comprehensive rollout for this village centre.

Issue 1 

The City’s responses to Community Feedback note that “subject to approval of budget, the proposal could extend to the southern footpath between Ivy Street and Lawson Street” but no recommendation for this is contained within the report.

To create a whole of village treatment, the treatment proposed for the Southern footpath needs to be also made to cover the other retail areas on the Northern side of Abercrombie and around the Glengarry Hotel. These retail areas are situated on corners so paved corner treatments around Shepherd Lane, Ivy Street and Ivy Lane would unify them into the village if finished with a similar paved treatment.

Recommendation:

• That the committee requests Council Officers to prepare a proposal for the upgrade of the northern side of Abercrombie Street, between Shepherd Street and Ivy Lane, that would include complimentary works for the non-widened side of the street to incorporate the northern side of the upgraded street into a village feel around the retail areas on both sides of Abercrombie St. This proposal should also deal with a recommendation for the area outside the Glengarry Hotel.

Issue 2

We welcome the raised thresholds on Shepherd Lane, but do not understand why this treatment has not been proposed for Ivy Street.

Recommendation:

• That Council Officers explore the feasibility for a raised threshold at Ivy Street.

Issue 3

If a raised threshold is not possible pedestrian flow at high peak volume times will be slowed if someone needs to seek out the ramps in the crowd.

Recommendations:

• That the committee request Council Officers to prepare a proposal to increase the width of the kerb ramps to the full footpath width to accommodate pedestrian traffic use of the ramp, rather than for someone needing to seek the ramp out in a crowd.
• Council Officers should also explore the possibility of changing the alignment of the blister curb at Ivy Street to the west  to facilitate wider kerb ramps.

Issue 4

It is not clear why the South side treatment currently proposed should not extend to Ivy Lane rather than cut off a few metres before it.

Recommendation:

• That the work on the Southern side be extended to Ivy Lane and that Council Officers explore the feasibility for a raised threshold in Ivy Lane to provide level access across the entire route from Little Eveleigh Street to Shepherd Street.

Issue 5

The report refers only to undergrounding of electricity on the Southern side of Abercrombie Street. It does not make clear if delivery to the northern side is to also be undergrounded. Electricity supply on the Northern side of Abercrombie Street is delivered via the Southern side. Electricity on the Northern side should also be undergrounded in subsequent works. This would complement the undergrounding in Lawson Street and provide undergrounding along the entire high pedestrian movement route.

Recommendations

• All electrical connections from the Southern to Northern side (including in front of the Glengarry Hotel) are to be undergrounded.
• Undergrounding of the Northern side of Abercrombie Street is to be explored in the recommendation for issue 1.

Finally we support the suggestion that a seat at Darlington shops be dedicated to Trevor Davies. We also support the reuse of the sandstone curbs in the widening.

We trust that it will be possible for the committee to consider this written feedback when this matter comes before you. At this stage it looks like Geoff will be unable to attend the committee and speak to this matter but he is happy to provide any further clarification that might be helpful.

Regards,

Geoffrey and Lyn Turnbull

Source:  Item 7.7 Attachment A | PDF 89 Kb

Council Officers Response in the Relevant Information for Council

SUBJECT: Information Relevant To Item 7.7 - Abercrombie Street Improvements - Darlington Village - Project Scope - At Council 20 February 2012

ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATION

It is resolved that:

• (A) Council endorse the design scope for Abercrombie Street, Darlington as described in Option A in the subject report and included in the drawings at Attachments A and B to the subject report, amended to increase to include a flush road threshold treatment at Ivy Street, for progression to construction documentation and tendering;
• (B) Council note community feedback and the City’s response regarding the developed design plans, as detailed in Attachment C to the subject report;
• (C) Council note the estimated project cost of option A and that additional funding will be required in the 2013-2016 Corporate Plan, as detailed in confidential Attachment D to the subject report;
• (D) Council note the additional funds for inclusion of a flush road threshold treatment at Ivy Street of approximately $40,000; and
• (E) the Financial Implications, being Attachment D to the subject report, remain confidential in accordance with Section 10A(2)(c) of the Local Government Act 1993.

Background

A recommendation was proposed to the meeting of the Environment and Heritage Committee held on Monday 13 February to endorse the design scope for Abercrombie Street, Darlington Village. The project sought to deliver projects from the Newtown, Darlington, Erskineville and Camperdown Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming Plan 2010 that enhanced amenity of the local area and provided a safe and convenient walking and cycle access.

Community consultation and exhibition of the scope of works and concept plan was held in

October 2011.

Reference was made to an email submitted by Mr Turnbull on 12 February 2012 (attached)

Below is a summary of issues raised in the email:

• That the southern footpath between Ivy Street and Lawson Street be recommended for inclusion in the proposal.

The project prioritised the southern side of Abercrombie Street to address the higher pedestrian activity between Redfern Station and Sydney University, and the commercial premises.

Footpath works between Ivy Street and Lawson Street (southern side) are included in the proposed scope as outlined in the scoping report.

• That a design proposal be prepared for the upgrade of the northern side of Abercrombie Street, between Shepherd Street and Ivy Lane.

A second stage of works for a comprehensive upgrade of the northern side of Abercrombie Street could be considered for inclusion in future Corporate Plans, and is discussed further below.

• That a raised threshold at Ivy Street be considered.

The feasibility of raised thresholds at intersections was investigated during design development and two raised thresholds are currently proposed at Shepherd Lane. A raised threshold at Ivy Street was not considered feasible due to stormwater drainage constraints and Roads Authority technical requirements.

• If a raised threshold at Ivy Street is not possible, that the width of kerb ramps to the full footpath width be increased, and the possibility of changing the kerb alignment be explored.

Pram ramps at Ivy Street will be reviewed with a view to making them as wide as possible in accordance with site constraints and access requirements.

The kerb at Ivy Street is required to remain in the current alignment to enable stormwater flows to travel around the corner into Abercrombie Street.

The current design could incorporate a road level threshold treatment at Ivy Street. A detailed cost plan has not been prepared for this item. However, a benchmark review indicates that in the order of $40,000 additional funds would be required to incorporate into the current scope of works. This is recommended.

• That the project scope of work on Lawson Street to Ivy Lane be extended.

The extent of new pavement in Lawson Street responds to the Abercrombie Street alignment. The new pavement will align with the footpath on Abercrombie Street.

Paving works in Lawson Street, between Ivy Lane and current proposed extent of works at Abercrombie Street intersection, could be included in a second stage of works, discussed further below.

• That undergrounding electricity supply on the northern side of Abercrombie Street and on the southern side in front of the Glengarry Hotel (corner of Lawson Street) be considered.

The current scheme proposes undergrounding to the southern side of Abercrombie Street only as the existing overhead wires and electrical supply are located on this side. Overhead wires on the northern side of Abercrombie Street consist only of building connections and do not interfere with the established tree canopy.

Feasibility of undergrounding of the building connections on the northern side of Abercrombie Street could be considered in a second stage of works, discussed further below.

Undergrounding of wires and paving works to the southern side of Abercrombie Street outside Glengarry Hotel could be considered in a second stage of works. This is discussed further below.

• That a seat be dedicated to Trevor Davies.

Future dedications will be referred to Council’s Plaques group for consideration.

• That the reuse of sandstone kerbs in the footpath widening be considered.

Existing sandstone kerbs are being re-used.

A detailed cost plan has not been prepared for the additional work requested. However, a benchmark review indicates additional funds would be required. Should an expanded scope for the precinct be considered, it is recommended that it be implemented as a future stage to the project, rather than incorporated into the current project, for the reasons outlined below:

• If incorporated into the current project, the design program would increase by approximately eight months to allow for procurement, design and consultation. The construction phase would increase from 5 months to approximately 9 months, with a higher level of disruption to the local community during the extended construction stage
• A future stage of the project could be funded and implemented separately to incorporate the additional works. This will allow the identified areas of highest priority to be implemented to the earliest timetable. The additional works could be considered for inclusion in future Corporate Plans, design and consultation undertaken and a scoping report prepared for Council.

Attachment A – Correspondence dated 12 February 2012

Michael Leyland, Director City Projects and Property

Prepared by: Lisa Dodd, Landscape Architect

TRIM Document Number: 2012/044643

Approved Monica Barone, Chief Executive Officer

Source: Memo Relevant to Item 7.7 | PDF 80 Kb    

At Council

Following feedback Councillor Doutney, at the Council Meeting, made an addition to the resolution which recorded the second stage in the minutes and asked for “a scoping report be prepared for Council. This includes works to the north side of Abercrombie Street, paving from Abercrombie Street to Ivy Lane, undergrounding of the northern side overhead wires and the undergrounding of wires in front of the Glengarry Hotel;” (see full wording of resolution at the top of this page)

Follow Up Issues

The works in the first scoping report will now be prepared for tender.

Residents may need to keep enquiring about the stage 2 scoping until something is prepared for community consultation just in case it does a long way back in Council’s priorities.

The council “Relevant to” did not really clarify what was planned regarding the electricity supply from the corner of Ivy Street and Abercrombie. This electricity supply is not just to buildings across the other side of Abercrombie Street.

Also the “Relevant to” by explaining why changes could not be made at the Ivy Street South footpath references the need to manage storm water on the road which indicates that the new treatment does not address the flooding problem at this intersection which impacts on the high pedestrian traffic. This is a major cause for concern.

Prepared by Geoff Turnbull REDWatch Spokesperson – Updated 23 February 2012

Redfern Waterloo is changing and we want to hear your ideas about how to make it a great place for everyone to live.

The Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) is undertaking a Social Impact Scoping and Assessment to understand the potential social impacts of the revitalisation of Redfern Waterloo. GHD Australia is undertaking this work on behalf of SMDA.

Community input is an important component of this project and GHD is hosting a series of focus groups with public housing tenants, community members and key stakeholders to identify the potential social impacts of the revitalisation and discuss opportunities to address these impacts. The information gathered will inform the Social Impact Scoping and Assessment which is currently being undertaken by SMDA. This project is a preliminary assessment, and will inform more detailed and ongoing social impact assessment and master planning work into the future.

Background

The Redfern Waterloo area has been identified by the NSW Government as a priority area for revitalisation and redevelopment to accommodate the rapidly growing need for housing and employment in Sydney. Redfern Waterloo has been identified for a number of reasons, including its close proximity to the CBD, public transport links and amount of government owned land and assets.

SMDA is the agency responsible for driving housing and employment opportunities in Redfern Waterloo, working in partnership with other government agencies and key stakeholders to implement urban renewal initiatives.

The Draft Built Environment Plan Stage Two (BEP2) provides options to revitalise existing Housing NSW sites in Redfern, Waterloo and South Eveleigh to increase density and improve social mix. Currently the Redfern Waterloo sites accommodate 3,500 public housing dwellings, with 100 public housing dwellings on the South Eveleigh site. Draft BEP2 proposes a mix of 2,800 public dwellings, 700 affordable homes and 3,500 private dwellings for Redfern Waterloo and an additional 200 in South Eveleigh over the next 25 years.

Your ideas and participation is important for this project

Focus Groups

The purpose of the focus groups is to assist in identifying potential social impacts that could result from the redevelopment of the Housing NSW sites in Redfern, Waterloo and South Eveleigh. The focus groups will also work collaboratively to identify ways to address and manage these potential impacts to ensure that positive social outcomes are achieved for all current and future residents of Redfern Waterloo.

A series of focus groups will be held in early February 2012 with the following key community and stakeholder groups:

• Social housing tenants
• Indigenous residents
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse residents
• Private residents
• Local businesses
• Non-government organisations
• Government agencies
• Affordable and other housing organisations

The information gathered from these focus groups will directly inform the Social Impact Scoping and Assessment as well as future assessments of redevelopment plans for these Housing NSW sites, anticipated to be undertaken progressively over an extended time period. Participants will be provided with a brief report on the outcomes of the focus groups following completion of the project in mid 2012. SMDA is committed to working collaboratively with public housing tenants, community members and key stakeholders to ensure they are informed and consulted throughout the project.

More Information

For further information on the redevelopment of Redfern Waterloo can be found on the SMDA’s website at www.smda.nsw.gov.au
For more information about the Social Impact Scoping and Assessment contact:

Julie Parsons
Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority
(02) 9202 9117
julie.parsons@smda.nsw.gov.au

Lauren Harding
GHD
(02) 9239 7142
lauren.harding@ghd.com

Source:  Social Impact Scoping and Assessment for Redfern Waterloo - Focus Group Information Sheet PDF 490 KB PDF

The Redfern and Waterloo areas contains a major concentration of social housing in buildings ranging from 2-storey walk-up blocks to towers up to 17 storeys high in Redfern and 30 storeys high in Waterloo.  Redfern and Waterloo contain 3,500 dwellings owned by Housing NSW.

This area is suffering from a wide range of physical and social problems, including visually dominating buildings, uninviting public spaces, crime and anti-social behaviour.  Much of the housing is also in poor condition and not up to contemporary standards.

The Redfern and Waterloo Preliminary Masterplan Project will provide a plan to address these issues through the renewal of the social housing. It will provide for at least 3,500 additional homes resulting in a total of 7,000 dwellings, to be split approximately to at least 50% private housing, 40% social housing and 10% affordable housing. The plan will also provide for new shops and community facilities, and identify improvements to streets and public spaces.

During 2000 and 2011, Housing NSW has been talking with local residents and other stakeholders about their ideas for the renewal of the social housing area.

In November 2011, a series of Community Design workshops were held to provide local residents and other stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute to the plan for the renewal of Redfern estate. This report outlines the process and outcomes of these workshops.

Waterloo

Loved Aspects of Waterloo Summary

Amongst the aspects of Waterloo that the residents love identified through this activity, a series of common themes emerged. These included:

• Proximity to facilities and public transport
• Diverse people
• Sense of community
• Trees and parks

Waterloo Issues Summary

Amongst the concerns about Waterloo identified through this activity, a series of common themes emerged. These included:

• Lack of community facilities and services
• Feeling of insecurity
• Lack of sun and daylight reaching dwellings and open space due to dense tree foliage
• Lack of seats with backs
• Poorly maintained and cleaned paths
• Poor visibility of shops

Common Ideas for improving Waterloo

Amongst the ideas for the improvement of Waterloo identified through this activity, a series of common themes emerged. These included:

• Central hub of local shops, services, community and medical facilities on George Street south of Raglan Street
• Larger shops/    showrooms on McEvoy Street with apartments above
• Pedestrian plaza at the heart of a community focal point
• Varied building heights
• New parks of varied types
• More open-canopied trees
• Underground car parking

Redfern

Loved Aspects of Redfern Summary

Amongst the aspects of Redfern that the residents love identified through this activity, a series of  common themes emerged. These included:

• Proximity to the city
• Redfern Park
• Cafés
• Trees
• Parks
• Community

Redfern Issues Summary

Amongst the concerns about Redfern identified through this activity, a series of common themes emerged. These included:

• Uninviting and unused open spaces
• Feeling of insecurity in streets, open spaces and building entries
• Lack of seating along key pedestrian routes
• Poor lighting in streets and public spaces
• Lack of shops, community facilities and toilets

Common Ideas for Improvement of Redfern

Amongst the ideas for the improvement of Redfern identified through this activity, a series of common themes emerged. These included:

• A central hub of local shops, services, community and medical facilities on Morehead Street OR
• Shops and services on Redfern Street with apartments above  OR
  
• Shops and services on Elizabeth Street south of Redfern Street with apartments above
• A pedestrian plaza at the heart of a community focal point
• Business space facing Elizabeth Street north of Redfern Street
• New streets or paths through long blocks, particularly Poets Corner
• Varied types and sizes of park
• Communal open spaces between buildings
• Underground car parking

What HNSW Say about the Next Steps

The ideas generated by the workshops will now be used to formulate and refine concepts to deliver the best outcomes. This will result in preferred concepts which will identify the proposed location for new shops and facilities, new and upgraded streets, paths and open spaces, and new residential buildings.

The refined concepts will form the basis of the structure plan within the Preliminary Masterplan and will be presented to the community in March 2012. This will form part of a second series of community design workshops intended to develop more detail around the concepts.

Finally, a Preliminary Masterplan will be developed that will provide more detail about the nature of the proposed new and upgraded buildings, streets and open spaces. This will be presented to the community in the second half of 2012.

The full reports from which the above has been extracted can be found at:

Redfern - Redfern Nov 2011 Community Design Workshop Report - HNSW Masterplan

Waterloo - Waterloo Nov 2011 Community Design Workshop Report - HNSW Masterplan

Aboriginal Housing Company Limited has submitted Environmental Assessments (EAs) for the above proposed project application and associated modification to the approved concept plan. The applications involve the demolition of existing improvements on the land and construction of a residential, commercial, retail, community and cultural facilities, public Open space, landscaping and car parking development.

The EAs may be viewed on the Department's website (http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au). The EAs will also be on exhibition from Thursday 19 January 2012 until Wednesday 29 February 2012 during regular business hours, at:

• Department of Planning & Infrastructure, Information Centre, 23-33 Bridge Street, Sydney;
• City of Sydney Council, One Stop Shop, Level 2, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney; and 
• Redfern Neighbourhood Service Centre, 158 Redfern Street, Redfern.
  

If you wish to make a submission on the project, it must reach the Department by close of business on Wednesday 29 February 2012.
For further details on how to make a submission, please see below.

Persons lodging submissions are required to declare reportable political donations (including donations of $1000 or more) made in the previous two years. For more details, including a disclosure form, go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/donations.

Under section 75H of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Director-General is required to provide copies of submissions received during the exhibition period, or a report of the issues raised in those submissions, to the Proponent and other interested public authorities. It is Departmental policy to also place a copy of your submission on the Departments website. If you do not want your name to be made available to the Proponent, these authorities, or on the Department's website, please clearly state this in your submission.

Your contact officer for this proposal, Jane Flanagan, can be contacted on Phone: (02) 9228 6431; Fax: (02) 9228 6455; Email: jane.flanagan@planning.nsw.gov.au. Please mark all correspondence regarding the proposal to Ms Flanagan's attention.

Yours sincerely
Alan Bright
A/Director Metropolitan and Regional Projects South
Department of Planning & Infrastructure 23-33 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000 GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001 Phone 02 9228 6111 Fax 02 9228 6455 Website planning.nsw.gov.au

EXHIBITION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS - Pemulwuy Mixed Use Development, Redfern

Application No:    MP06_0101 MOD 1 & MP11_0093
Location:              Eveleigh, Vine, Louis, Caroline and Lawson Streets, Redfern
Proponent:           Aboriginal Housing Company Limited
Council area:       City of Sydney

Description of proposal

1. Modification of the approved concept plan for a mixed use development of the site comprising: affordable and student housing units, commercial, retail, community and cultural facilities, public open space, landscaping and car parking, to permit:

• a higher total gross floor area (GFA);
• less retail/commercial community and cultural facilities GFA;
• more residential and public open space GFA and more car parking; and
• no community re-use of 1-11 Vine Street.

2. A Project Application for:

Demolition of existing improvements on the land and construction of the mixed use development in accordance with the concept plan, incorporating the proposed modifications. 

Exhibition

A copy of the Environmental Assessments (EAs) may be viewed on the Department of Planning & Infrastructure's website (http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au). The EAs will also be on exhibition from Thursday 19 January 2012 until Wednesday 29 February 2012 during regular business hours at:

• Department of Planning & Infrastructure, Information Centre, 23-33 Bridge Street, Sydney; and
• City of Sydney Council, One Stop Shop, Level 2, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney; and 
• Redfern Neighbourhood Service Centre, 158 Redfern Street, Redfern. 

Submissions

Submissions on the applications must reach the Department by close of business on Wednesday 29 February 2012. Your submission should include:

• Your name and address;
• The name of the applications and the application numbers;
• A statement on whether you support or object to the project; and
• The reasons why you support or object to the project.

Your submission should be:

• Faxed to (02) 9228 6455;
• Posted to Major Projects Assessment, Department of Planning & Infrastructure, GPO Box 39, SYDNEY NSW 2001; or
• Emailed to plan_comment@planning.nsw.gov.au or via the entry for the project on the Department's website (http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au)

Persons lodging submissions are required to declare reportable political donations (including donations of $1000 or more) made in the previous two years. For more details, including a disclosure form, go to www. planning .nsw.gov.au/donations

Under section 75H of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Director-General is required to provide copies of submissions received during the exhibition period, or a report of the issues raised in those submissions, to the Proponent and other interested public authorities. it is Departmental policy to also place a copy of your submission on the Department's website. If you do not want your name to be made available to the Proponent, these authorities, or on the Department's website, please clearly state this in your submission.

Enquiries: 1300 305 695 or information@planning.nsw.gov.au

Links to documents on the Department of Planning & Infrastructure from REDWatch

There are two exhibitions happening simultaneously so there are two EAs - Environmental Assessment _ Project Approval Application No 11_0093.pdf and Environmental Assessment Modification of Concept Plan Approval No 06_0101.pdf. All the supporting Appendices are the same for both exhibitions and can be found under Pemulwuy Mixed Use Development Concept Plan MP06_0101 MOD 1.

The Department's website also shows the documents submitted by the AHC on two occasions to obtain the Departments requirements for the exhibition (the Director General's Requirements (DGRs). The initial documents submitted are difficult to follow on the departments website as there is no indication of what is in each file. For a list of contents of each file in the 2010 application see REDWatch's Pemulwuy Project Modification Details Publicly Available.

The application documents also contains a copy of the approval to submit from landholders covered by the proposal including the City of Sydney Council, Aboriginal Medical Centre, Housing NSW, The Australian Securities and Investments Commission and previously the Department of Aboriginal Affairs NSW these can be found under Section 75W application form.pdf (952.9 KB).

All documents will be available at:

• Pemulwuy Mixed Used Development, Redfern
• Pemulwuy Mixed Use Development Concept Plan MP06_0101 MOD 1

at 157-163 Cleveland Street Redfern was also expected in January 2012. It is not a part of the Pemulwuy Project but is a separate development proposed by Urbabest in the same precinct so keep an eye out also for this exhibition.

10 of the 12 busy platforms are accessable through steep concrete steps, the other 2 underground platforms are reachable by escalator, but there is no wheelchair access to any of the platforms.

Transport for NSW said 75 per cent of passengers across the rail network do have disability access, according to the Director of Disability Rights Policy at the Australian Human Rights Comission, David Mason, precise measurements are difficult to take and access to Redfern station is not yet required.

“The Disability Discrimination Act does not yet require access to all public transport: there is a required schedule for phased achievement of access as per the Disability Standards for Accessible Pubic Transport which commenced in 2002 and set out a series of targets from there,” he said.

“Given the importance of Redfern as an interchange and as a link to the university and other major facilities it would of course be desirable for Redfern to be accessible as soon as possible.”

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Cate Faehrmann asked questions of the government on notice during Budget Estimates hearings regarding improved access at Redfern station.

“From the Minister’s response it appears that the Easy Access upgrade for Redfern hasn’t even been scheduled yet. This isn’t good enough,” Ms Faehrmann said.

“This is a key station that services a very densely populated community. It should be treated with the utmost priority,” Ms Faehrmann said.

Spokesperson for Redfern community group REDWatch, Geoffrey Turnbull, said: “In 2003 we asked for at least one lift so at least people with mobility problems could access Redfern even if they needed to travel via Central to change to another line”.

REDWatch and other groups are renewing their call in 2012 for one lift to be built as a matter of urgency.

“We need to force the issue on Redfern Station otherwise it could be many more years before we see access problems addressed.”

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said they are undertaking a review into the way stations are selected for easy access upgrades, commuter car parks and interchanges and general station upgrades in order to ensure the best possible outcome for public transport customers and the taxpayer.

After the review is completed the Government will be in a position to announce new and additional rail station upgrades based on the updated criteria.

However, action is far from assured.

“We understand that nothing will happen until the new government finalises their Transport Master Plan. Redfern station will then need to compete for funding up against other transport projects” Mr Turnbull said.

Source: www.altmedia.net.au/wheelchair-access-denied-no-getting-off-at-redfern/46874

Council officers currently are compiling a cross-disiplinary list of initiatives completed, underway or budgeted in each area as an initial frame for what is going on locally. Brochures that include these lists should be on the website mid-January.

The village plans themselves will come together over the coming four or five months with input/suggestions/vision from groups like REDWatch and others in the community about projects where communities would like support or facilitation, or ideas that form part of a longer term vision for the community, things that may have been missed etc.

The timing at this stage is that we will be compiling all the suggestions /proposals over January and February, community forums will be run in each area in March, and draft plans will go to Council around May (and be exhibited for community comment) .

You can find out about the new "Village Groups" and how to make a submission at www.2030inyourvillage.com.au. You can also make a submission by filling in this form. 

One of the first studies done on the new boundaries was the Redfern Street Village Centre study (PDF 445Kb)

Council has circulated the flyer below to encourage community involvement. Please note that the wording used below was incorrect and there are as yet no finalised 'preliminary plans' these as explained above are expected in mid January.

2030 in Your Village

The City of Sydney includes diverse villages and neighbourhoods, each known for their distinctive characteristics.

These villages and neighbourhoods are at the heart of our Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan. When developing the plan, we envisioned them as places where you can walk or ride a bike for most of the shops and services you need, take time out in a leafy park or enjoy a community event.

We invite you to be involved in planning the next stage of the future of your neighbourhood and village.

Our villages are as equally important for the culture and economy of our city as the CBD.

In 2005/2006, we developed Local Action Plans (LAP) in consultation with you to honour our City of Villages commitment. Most LAP projects are underway or complete, including new facilities, parks and street improvements.

We again consulted in 2007 to develop Sustainable Sydney 2030 – our long term vision to make Sydney environmentally, economically, socially
and culturally sustainable.

Many new residents and businesses have made Sydney their home since 2007. As the City develops new community-based projects we again invite
you to work with us.

We have prepared preliminary plans for discussion and comment.

They reflect our work so far and capture what we already know about your neighbourhood.

You can see them at www.2030inyourvillage.com.au and follow the prompts to have your say or send your feedback to City of Sydney Village Planning Team, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Following your comment and feedback, we will prepare draft plans to discuss with you at a workshop in early 2012. After the workshops, we will
develop proposals for Council’s consideration and funding in future budgets.

Clover Moore MP Lord Mayor

Many of the 10 village groups the City of Sydney has identified share a major main street. Village groups will help Council manage how they work to provide services and fairly allocate funding. The Ten village Groups are:

• CBD & Harbour
• Chinatown & CBD South
• Crown & Baptist Streets
• Glebe Point Road
• Green Square & City South
• Harris Street
• King Street
• Macleay Street & Woolloomooloo
• Oxford Street
• Redfern Street

The Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) announced today that it has engaged the Government Architect’s Office to review draft plans for a major housing revitalisation project in Redfern-Waterloo, providing an additional 3,700 new dwellings. This review is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment for urban renewal in identified areas close to public transport to provide much-needed dwellings.

Mr Wakelin-King, CEO of the SMDA, said that the Government Architect’s Office will review the draft Redfern-Waterloo Built Environment Plan Stage 2 (BEP 2) which identifies a number of Housing NSW sites in Redfern, Waterloo and South Eveleigh to be re-developed, which was publicly exhibited in early 2011.

“This plan is not about re-locating existing residents but is about planning for the future in partnership with Housing NSW,” Mr Wakelin-King said “Our initial plan, which was released for public comment early this year, identified that these areas can sustain up to 7,300 dwellings, which includes 700 affordable housing dwellings and 3,500 private dwellings.”

Draft BEP 2 provides for a mix of social, affordable and private housing to achieve long term social sustainable outcomes. The provision of new dwellings within well-located sites close to jobs and public transport is one of the NSW Government’s top priorities.

Redfern-Waterloo is well serviced by major transport hubs, world-class tertiary education facilities, major health infrastructure, established employment lands and the evolving creative centres of the Australian Technology Park and North Eveleigh.

The review of draft BEP 2 will build on previous community feedback received and will include consultation with City of Sydney Council and state agencies, and will involve a number of targeted community workshops. The review will inform the draft plan which will be placed on formal public exhibition in 2012, in conjunction with a master planning process being undertaken by Housing NSW.

The review will focus on sustainable outcomes and the planning controls proposed in the draft plan including appropriate building heights, setbacks, landscaping and provision for public parks.

“The SMDA looks forward to the positive contribution the Government Architect’s Office will bring to this important urban renewal opportunity for the area,” Mr Wakelin-King said.

The draft BEP 2 sites form part of the Redfern-Waterloo urban renewal area which is currently being investigated by the NSW Government under the Urban Renewal State Environmental Planning Policy.

Source: www.smda.nsw.gov.au/downloads/bep2%20_media_release_011211.pdf

Customer Service Benchmarking – Service Delivery Solutions

Customer Service Service Standards

Housing NSW is undertaking a new way of ensuring the quality of service provided by the Housing Contact Centre and local offices is of the highest possible standard. Service standards have been developed in consultation with the Tenants Advisory Committee. An excerpt of the Standards is below. Assessments are conducted on services provided and the results of these assessments are compared to benchmarks to identify areas of good services and areas for improvement. 

Source: Housing NSW Document released on 22 November 2011