'Brand new day': Green light for Block overhaul

The State Government has approved a $60 million concept plan by the owners of the neglected site, the Aboriginal Housing Company, to transform The Block into a 16,000-square-metre residential, commercial and cultural precinct.

Announcing the decision today, Planning Minister Kristina Keneally said it was an important day for the local Redfern community, which has long been wracked by drugs, unemployment and poverty.

"It's a step forward to creating a modern and a vibrant and a sustainable community," she said.

The plan, named the Pemulwuy Project after a renowned Aboriginal warrior, includes a gym, an elders' cultural centre, 500 metres of public open space and 62 new apartments that Aboriginal people will be able to buy.

Aboriginal Housing Company chief executive Mick Mundine says the approval is a step towards reconciliation for Redfern's Aboriginal community.

"Man, she's been a hard road," he said.

"A lot of people said we couldn't do it. You've got to have faith, be humble and stick to your principles.

"Our people have struggled and suffered so long in this community. It's a brand new day."

Construction is still some way off; the Aboriginal Housing Company has to submit detailed project plans and get financial backing.

Mr Mundine says he is confident of securing funding.

"People say, 'Where's the money coming from?' Hey, I don't know yet," he said. "But just have a bit of faith in life and the money will flow in."

But Opposition planning spokesman Brad Hazzard says it is a tough time to be seeking finance and the project should receive government assistance.

"Redfern and The Block mean a lot to Aboriginal people all across Australia," he said.

"They have fought this Government for 10 years to get a development approval. It is time that this Government came to the party in terms of supporting with funding."

The state and federal governments are refusing to say whether they will chip in.

Local community leader Shane Phillips says the decision is an opportunity for residents to take ownership of the area.

"The Block is the epitome for some time of what went wrong," he said. "We're going to turn that around. We're going to show people how we can solve it."

The area has made huge steps in cutting crime in recent days but long-time Block resident Margaret Blair has her doubts the project will go ahead.

"I've been here since I was a child and look at it," she said. "There's no change and there'll never be a change."

The State Government says the project will create 200 construction jobs, as well as 100 full-time positions once the redevelopment is complete.

Source: www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/02/2615114.htm?section=australia