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Pemulway project breakthrough
The large fee was holding up the AHCs Redfern housing and cultural proposal for the Block, with the not-for-profit organisation unable to foot the bill.
The AHC originally called on the department to waive the fee, which was rejected, stalling the plan that would see the area transformed into community and private housing, as well as a hostel, a new gym and a business training centre.
CEO Michael Mundine Senior said the Redfern Waterloo Authority had not put any conditions on the payment, which was an initial concern during discussions.
AHC project director Peter Valilis said the organisation was thrilled the RWA had paid the fee with out any conditions.
Now we can move forward to advertisement of the project and a public exhibition before the department makes a decision.
Mr Valilis said he believed the project had been held up in part by the opposition of former planning minister Frank Sartor, who was dumped from the ministry at the weekend.
Local community group REDWatch welcomed the breakthrough.
This project is crucial to sorting out many of the problems associated with Redferns Block and in making Redfern a place of hope and pride for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians in the future, REDWatch spokesman Geoffrey Turnbull said.
The Government and the AHC have been in a stand off since 2004 over the AHCs plans for Pemulwuy project.
The failure to progress the project has lead to four extra years of unnecessary sorrow for many on the Block.
The NSW Government and the RWA hopefully will work co-operatively with the AHC to ensure an outcome which is good for the Block and whole community.
Photo: AHC CEO Michael Mundine playing with children at the Block where the AHC hopes to build its Pemulway housing project.
Source: Central 10th September 2008 http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/news/story/pemulway-project-breakthrough/
