Waterloo and other State Significant Development sites

Last week the NSW Ministers for Housing and Social Housing - Anthony Roberts and Pru Goward - announced that Waterloo has been nominated as a State Significant Precinct. This is the third time the idea of State Significant Developments has come up in an area that includes large tracts of land owned by the Land and Housing Corporation - the others being Riverwood North and the Ivanhoe Estate.

The Ministers explained State Significant Precincts as "areas where the NSW Government takes the lead role in the approval of planning proposals, which are of state or regional significance due to their social, economic and environmental characteristics."

We've previously said, in relation to Riverwood:

State Significant Precinct's are a creature of planning law - specifically the State Environmental Planning Policy (State Specific Precincts) 2005. Determining an area to be a State Significant Precinct allows the NSW Government to override local government planning processes by either adjusting applicable Local Environmental Plans (as has happened with areas around Macquarie Park), or adjusting the SEPP to include zoning and planning controls within the document itself (as has happened with the Redfern-Waterloo area). More information about State Significant Precincts can be found in this document: here.

Colleagues at Shelter NSW have since drawn our attention to a 2017 amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) 2011 - at clause 10 of schedule 2. This provides that a project to develop land identified as a Land and Housing Corporation Site that is within the State Significant Development Sites Maps will qualify as a State Significant Development if the project is carried out on behalf of the Land and Housing Corporation and has a capital investment value of more than $20 million.

That is, if land on public housing sites within a State Significant Development Site is to be "recycled" - as is the current buzzword - at a cost of $20 million or more, the NSW Government gets to oversee the planning process, rather than local government. This would also apply to land that is vacant, as long as it owned by the Land and Housing Corporation and falls within the State Significant Development Sites Map in the SEPP.

At the moment, there's not a lot of land outside of the Waterloo and Ivanhoe areas that would meet this criteria. But as we can see from the Riverwood North announcement of late last year, it's not out of the question that Government will, from time to time, seek to pull land on which public housing estates are built into this State Significant Developments scheme.

We're told that the Riverwood North site straddles a couple of different Local Government Areas, and that's what makes it necessary to treat is as a State Significant Precinct. No such concern seems to apply to the Ivanhoe Estate, or the land at Waterloo. In fact, where the Waterloo site is concerned, the Ministers' announcement says:

“Proposals to rezone the land will be assessed under a new collaborative arrangement between the Department of Planning and Environment and the City of Sydney Council, reflecting a commitment to work together to ensure good planning and design outcomes.”

Overriding a local council's planning mechanisms and then entering into a new "collaborative arrangement" to rezone and redevelop is an interesting move. We wonder if this commitment to working together comes in the form of a binding agreement, with clear lines of delegation?

Two other matters of importance to note from last week's announcement:

Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward said the Department of Family and Community Services would spearhead the future redevelopment of the Waterloo Estate through a series of master planning workshops, which will be held over the next 12 months.

So residents can expect to be consulted by FACS, on planning. And:

“Under the Communities Plus program, the revitalisation of Waterloo will see no loss of social housing dwellings and a new community of social, affordable and private housing,” Ms Goward said.

So a further commitment to retain the current level of social housing in the area, as part of increasing density.

Proposed 'State Significant Precinct' at Riverwood

Minister for Social Housing, Brad Hazzard, recently announced a $3.4billion renewal of Riverwood in Sydney's south east, that will draw on the apparent success of the Washington Park project of Riverwood North. The announcement is reflected in this article from 'The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader' - 1600 new social and affordable homes to be mixed with private housing at Riverwood.

Image from http://washingtonpark.com.au/

The announcement says "The remaining 30.5 hectares of the Riverwood estate is being submitted as a State Significant Precinct (SSP), which will involve planning to identify all types of housing, community amenity, services and infrastructure needed for the local population."

State Significant Precinct's are a creature of planning law - specifically the State Environmental Planning Policy (State Specific Precincts) 2005. Determining an area to be a State Significant Precinct allows the NSW Government to override local government planning processes by either adjusting applicable Local Environmental Plans (as has happened with areas around Macquarie Park), or adjusting the SEPP to include zoning and planning controls within the document itself (as has happened with the Redfern-Waterloo area). More information about State Significant Precincts can be found in this document: here.

It is not clear which of the options will apply to the Riverwood site. However, in either case there is a process that needs to be followed and we understand this to be as good as underway. Responding to our enquiries, Minister Hazzard's office has confirmed that the Planning Minister has instructed the Department of Planning and Environment to provide the NSW Land and Housing Corporation - the Government entity that owns our public housing, and current owner of the Riverwood site - with an outline of what would be required to have the site considered a State Significant Precinct. The Land and Housing Corporation will then produce a submission, against which the matter will be considered. This will take some time, as it will involve a process of "consultation, design and planning".

It appears there will be opportunities for residents, the community and other stakeholders to have their say in the coming months. We can expect public exhibition of the resulting plans in the second quarter next year.

In the meantime, Minister Hazzard's announcement gives us a little more to go on. It says that “conservative estimates tell us we can get at least 1600 new social and affordable homes but there is a lot of planning and community consultation to do before we settle on final figures.” It also promises that "current residents in social housing will be able to continue to live in Riverwood, in the new housing. It will be two years before any resident will have to temporarily relocate to allow new building works to begin."

We can also expect involvement from the Community Housing sector in the renewal of Riverwood, and the management of any new social housing properties. SGCH, a Community Housing landlord that has worked with Government and the private sector on the Washington Park project, has noted Minister Hazzard's announcement in a recent newsletter (and a slightly reworded press release). CEO Scott Langford, said: “We very much look forward to having an input into the plans for the redevelopment and to seeing the next stage deliver housing that caters for the diverse needs of all people in our society.”

Telopea redevelopment overview

The NSW Government has announced a 'master plan' for the redevelopment of a large portion of Telopea, north of Parramatta, over the next 10-15 years. 

Public Housing is a prominent feature of Telopea. According to 2011 Census figures, Telopea contains 468 Public Housing dwellings, making up 20% of the suburb as a whole. 

An information sheet provided to Public Housing tenants by FACS Housing confirms that Public Housing tenants will be relocated for works completed under the scheme, without precisely indicating who will be moved or when. It states, "The first relocations will not take place until late-2017...", and "[Affected] tenants will have the opportunity to return to Telopea after redevelopment".

Above: the boundaries of the master plan area, taking in almost half of Telopea

Indeed it appears probable that redevelopment of Public Housing sites will be a major component of the project. Social Housing Minister Brad Hazzard's announcement says the project "will deliver an estimated $2.5 billion of new social, private and affordable housing and housing infrastructure". FACS Housing's Telopea Master Planning Team has provided that the Government will deliver estates with a mix of Social, Affordable and private market housing, in partnership with developers and the not-for-profit sector. And a Parramatta Advertiser report posits that such construction will comprise approximately 70% private dwellings and 30% Social Housing. This strongly resembles the Public Housing estate redevelopment strategy utilised in Communities Plus projects (as well as the preferred development style of the Social and Affordable Housing Fund). 

However, it also appears that redevelopment may stretch beyond NSW Land & Housing Corporation sites. The tenant information sheet provides that "all land within this [master plan] area will be considered by the master plan, regardless of who owns the land".

Little beyond the boundaries of the precinct to be affected by the master plan appears to have been finalised. The Master Planning Team have said that the plan will continue to be developed through 2016, with local stakeholders invited to participate. 

Why Telopea?

The Telopea Master Planning Team has provided a dual rationale for development and implementation of the scheme. 

First, the Parramatta Light Rail Project will include construction of a northern line between Camellia and Carlingford. Whilst stations and their locations have not been set at this time, the line is expected to run through Telopea. Construction of the line will commence in 2018-19 and conclude by 2036. 

Second, the planning team has determined that current Public Housing stock in the suburb, "does not meet the needs of many of the tenants". It cites the age of the stock, inappropriate bedroom configurations, and a lack of circulation space in reaching this conclusion.* This position is strongly reminiscent of the position regarding under-occupancy of Social Housing expressed in the Future Directions strategy for development of the State portfolio as a whole. One of three strategies proposed to reduce under occupancy therein is the construction of "more smaller, fit for purpose dwellings to match the needs of new and future tenants". The Master Planning Team also notes that the cost to NSW Land & Housing Corporation of maintaining the stock is rising as the properties age.

Current redevelopment

The team provided that the pre-existing Communities Plus project for redevelopment of public housing sites at Moffats Drive and Sturt Street, Telopea, will "be taken into account" in the ongoing development of the Government's plan for the suburb. However, the master plan project has no direct relationship to the project or to Communities Plus in general. 

Our response

The announcement that Telopea is to be redeveloped appears broadly familiar to Communities Plus, though far less detailed at this stage. The bold red line denoting the boundaries of the 'master plan' encircles half the suburb, and evokes a sense of dramatic change. But the truth is that little beyond a general intention, to be realised over a period of decades, has been revealed. 

A community group operating in the Telopea area has confirmed that local tenants are scarcely better informed on the particulars of how the project is to proceed. This should be addressed as a matter of priority, with tenants informed and engaged at every step. Such an approach would minimise the rumours and feelings of uncertainty that such projects stimulate, as well as provide valuable local perspective to those overseeing the redevelopment.

One of the precious few details confirmed is that at least some, and possibly many, Public Housing tenants will be relocated. And in this regard we note the same concerns as apply to estate redevelopments across NSW. Relocations are inherently stressful for those losing their homes. The needs and interests of affected tenants should be prioritised throughout the process, and the right to return under the same conditions should be upheld for those that wish to do so.

Moreover, if NSW Land & Housing Corporation sites are to be demolished for mixed tenure communities, this ought to facilitate an increase in the total number of both Social and Affordable housing dwellings in Telopea. At present there is no guarantee that stock will be increased or even retained at present levels.

Will its close proximity to Parramatta, expanding rail connections, and high quantity of publicly owned land, it is not difficult to see why Telopea has been targeted for renewal. But any properly realised vision of the suburb as a modern part of the burgeoning "Capital of Western Sydney" needs to account for tenants both current and future. 


* We welcome feedback from Social Housing tenants on the suitability and condition of their homes, or any other redevelopment issues. Contact us at clearinghouse@tenantsunion.org.au. Your anonymity will be respected.

The Telopea Master Planning team are also available for contact on 1800 761 434 or TelopeaMasterPlan@facs.nsw.gov.au. 

Communities Plus update

A paper released by the NSW Government in relation to the tender process for Communities Plus has revealed new details about the scheme. The document, published on NSW e-tendering and entitled 'Expressions of Interest: First Six Sites of the Communities Plus Program', is intended for developers and community housing providers with an interest in participating in the scheme. It concerns the sites at Gosford, Warwick Farm, Glendale, Seven Hills, Telopea, and Tweed Heads. A standalone equivalent is expected to be released for the larger Macquarie Park site. 

The Communities Plus Telopea site

Build characteristics

The paper most comprehensively discusses build characteristics. It describes the project as consisting of "medium and high density" construction. At present, the Seven Hills, Telopea, and Warwick Farm blocks are zoned for high density residential, Glendale and Tweed Heads are zoned for medium density residential, whilst Gosford is designated mixed use. It is provided further that “The program is predominantly seeking one and two bedroom dwellings as social housing, with a preference for more two bedroom dwellings. A number of dual key dwellings could be attractive as they provide greater flexibility.” 

Regarding the quality of residences to be delivered, the paper states that “as a minimum, the social housing will be required to meet the Silver Level of the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines as published by Liveable Housing Australia.” Liveable Housing Australia describes itself as a "not-for-profit partnership between community and consumer groups, government and the residential building industry". Its primary function is to "advocate the mainstream adoption of liveable housing design principles in all new homes..." - especially housing that "better respond[s] to the changing needs and abilities of people over their lifetime". It has not made its housing design guidelines publicly available. 

The residences constructed will also incorporate energy efficient design features; “Passive environmental design, which maximise solar access, orientation and cross flow ventilation to reduce energy heating, cooling, lighting and clothes drying costs...will be a requirement”.

Commercial arrangements

The paper also addresses anticipated commercial arrangements between LAHC, developers, and community housing providers - including the overarching commercial objectives of the project. LAHC will seek to optimise its commercial return for the land it contributes to the project, whilst adding to the overall supply of social housing and "seamlessly integrating" social, affordable, and private market housing.

The paper contemplates the manner in which the Government will dispose of and/or retain the sites earmarked for development in some detail. Although there will be no mandatory commercial structure, it outlines two "non-binding" arrangements. Under 'Contract for Sale of Land', LAHC would concurrently "offer a Contract for the Sale of Land to sell the site and a Contract for the Sale of Land to purchase the completed social housing dwellings.” Under 'Project Delivery Agreement (PDA)', "LAHC would retain ownership of the land until the project is completed and would appoint a Proponent to develop the site at the Proponent's cost. The proponent earns a return through a development fee equal to the proceeds of sale...[and] will be responsible for and accept all risk selling the private dwellings".

The affordable housing component of Communities Plus developments is also discussed. The Government anticipates that affordable residences will be owned or controlled by the developers, and managed by a registered community housing provider. Further, “it is not intended the value of land contributed by LAHC will fund the affordable housing component.” These residences will be managed according to Department of Family and Community Service guidelines as to what constitutes affordable rental housing. 

The paper also notes that parties contracted to construct and manage the sites will not be able to draw on funding from other NSW Government housing initiatives, such as the Social and Affordable Housing Fund. 

Locals respond to Waterloo announcement

Local community organisations, politicians, and the media have made statements in response to the NSW Government's recent announcement that Waterloo is to be extensively redeveloped. Much of it is focused on the impact to the suburb's social housing tenants, and the public housing portfolio in NSW.

Aerial view of Waterloo

Community services

The Factory Community Centre auspices a range of social and community services for residents of Waterloo and Redfern. Many of their clients are public housing tenants. They are also based out of a Waterloo property owned by NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC). 

The centre's statement welcomed Social Housing Minister Brad Hazzard's announcement that there would be no loss of social housing dwellings in Waterloo, noting an "increase in social housing stock is desperately needed given the length of the current waiting list for public housing." It also acknowledged the Minister's assurance that relocated public housing residents would be allowed to return to Waterloo, and that services operating out of LAHC properties would not be evicted. However, the Centre was critical of the Government's failure to consult with it prior to announcing the project; "...again we find ourselves in the position that the community will be consulted after the decision has already been made."

Redfern Legal Centre is a Community Legal Centre whose catchment area includes the Waterloo area. Its services include the specialist Inner Sydney Tenants' Service. The Centre's statement expresses much the same concerns as Factory Community Centre; "These [concerns] include the lack of consultation with public housing tenants about the new plans and the concern that often final plans do not match assurances given at the outset. We hope the current and any future government honour commitment that there will be no reduction in social housing, all current tenants will be given the opportunity to return to the area and that the relocations will be done in a calm and considered way."

REDWatch is a community group based in Redfern, Waterloo, Eveleigh, and Darlington, with a longstanding interest in local social housing issues. In a statement, REDWatch questioned how the Government would ensure positive outcomes for current public housing tenants out of the redevelopment; "...where does the Minister propose to temporarily relocate the residents displaced during the construction of the new development?" The group asked further, "If tenants are to be moved from public housing to either affordable or community housing, how does the Minister propose to guarantee their existing tenancy and rental arrangements?" REDWatch is also collating public statements made by significant figures concerning the project, here. 

NSW politicians

Waterloo is located mostly within the NSW Electoral District of Heffron. The Member for Heffron, Ron Hoenig (ALP), has not made public comment on the redevelopment. A small section of northern Waterloo is located in the Electoral District of Newtown. The Member for Newtown, Jenny Leong (Greens), did issue a statement concerning the project. Ms. Leong says that the Government must ensure there is no decrease in the number of social housing residents in Waterloo, rather than simply provide for no decrease in dwellings; "Whilst we acknowledge the Government's commitment that the number of social housing dwellings will be maintained in the new development, we need to ensure that these dwellings will continue to house the same number of residents...As a minimum we need a commitment that there will be no reduction in the number of bedrooms or number of residents that can be housed." Ms. Leong's statement also says the area needs more social housing;  "Our community needs a significant investment in affordable housing, which needs to come on top of any commitment to maintain existing public housing..." 

NSW Greens spokesperson for Housing, Social Housing and Homelessness, Jan Barham MLC, issued a statement echoing Ms. Leong's call for more social housing; "With almost 60,000 people on the waiting list for social housing in NSW it's not enough to maintain existing numbers of social housing properties. The redevelopment around Waterloo is a prime opportunity to provide more inner-city social housing..." 

The Shadow Minister for Social Housing, Tania Mihailuk MP, published a comment on her Facebook page. It reads, in full, "On the 8th day before Christmas this cold and callous Govt has announced that 4000 people in Waterloo will have their homes torn down. This Govt simply wants to make money out of these sites - the winners are investors and developers yet again." 

Local politicians 

Waterloo is located within the City of Sydney Local Government Area. Councillor Linda Scott (ALP) issued a comment calling for the interests of public housing tenants to be protected throughout the redevelopment process; "The urban renewal of Waterloo...must be done with great sensitivity, in-depth community consultation, and with a commitment to invest in infrastructure...Current public housing tenants in Waterloo affected by these plans must be given iron-clad assurances of returning to the upgraded social housing dwellings." In a blog post on the announcement, Councillor Irene Doutney (Greens) said, "I will be scrutinising these plans closely to ensure that public housing remains in Waterloo."

The City of Sydney itself has not made public comment on the announcement. However, in its Housing Issues Paper published in April 2015, it identifies a redevelopment of Waterloo as one of four "Critical one off opportunities to delivering substantial [social and affordable housing] supply in the inner city."

Federal politicians 

Waterloo is located in the federal electorate of Sydney. The Member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek MP (ALP), has not made public comment on the announcement. Ms. Plibersek was also Housing Minister from December 2007 to September 2010 - the first time the Ministry had existed as a standalone portfolio since 1994. The position was abolished following the 2013 election. 

In September 2015, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull created the first Cities and The Built Environment Ministry at the federal level of Government. Prior to his resignation from Cabinet, the former Minister Jamie Briggs MP did not make any comment on the announcement. Nor did Shadow Cities Minister Anthony Albanese MP. 

News media

The Sydney Morning Herald published a masthead editorial which addresses the housing and tenancy ramifications of the announcement at some length: 

"Some potential problems need to be overcome to make this an urban renewal success. Existing public housing tenants will be relocated temporarily. This is a difficult logistical task and an emotionally fraught one for long-time residents. It is easy to forget that for all the bad reputation of the Waterloo tower blocks, most of the people who live there are law abiding, productive citizens. The key will be bringing them along with the process, thereby allaying their fears that they are being driven out for the sake of what one long term resident has called a "yuppie invasion"... But given the process is being conducted over two decades, future governments will be under enormous pressure to reduce the proportion of public or affordable housing and sell it for revenue."

Major redevelopment of Waterloo

The NSW government has announced an extensive redevelopment of the inner city suburb of Waterloo. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, a total of 10,000 new dwellings, accommodating 30,000 new residents, will be built over a period of 20 years. The project will be centred around a new railway station - part of the 'Sydney Metro' line that will link southwest Sydney through to Bankstown with northwest Sydney through to Rouse Hill. It will form part of the wider 'Communities Plus' project. 

Matavai and Turanga towers, Waterloo

The Herald story states that new dwellings will initially be built on a State-owned, 13 hectare site, held principally by NSW Land and Housing Corporation. The final redevelopment will cover 40 hectares. According to The Daily Telegraph, the 30-storey Turanga and Matavai towers on Phillip Street, and surrounding, lower-density public housing apartments, will be demolished as part of the redevelopment. This will require the relocation of approximately 2000 public housing tenants over the life of the project.

The Government has said that one third of the 10,000 new dwellings will be social and affordable housing, with the remainder for the private market. Premier Mike Baird told the Herald that there will be no loss in the number of social housing dwellings in the suburb from current numbers. The Premier did not speak on whether the social housing dwellings built to replace current stock will also contain the same number of bedrooms. 

On the subject of relocations, the Premier said, "Every single [affected] tenant will have the right to come back". This comment was echoed by Social Housing Minister Brad Hazzard. A letter sent to public housing tenants in Waterloo from the Minister, dated 16 December 2015, states, "I want to assure you that tenants who live at Waterloo can remain in Waterloo after the redevelopment. While some tenants may need to relocate on an interim basis into other housing in the local area, many will be able to move directly into the new social housing as the site is redeveloped."

The Telegraph states that relocations from public housing blocks marked for demolition are expected to commence in 2017, with construction to begin in 2018. 

According to a Transport for NSW statement, the precise location of the centrepiece railway station has not yet been determined. The station is not due to open until 2036. 

Our concerns

On the information available, the Waterloo redevelopment appears to be of substantially similar form to the Macquarie Park UAP, the smaller 'Communities Plus' developments, and the development on Cowper Street, Glebe. All involve the demolition of tenanted public housing blocks for larger mixed residential apartments, and thus the relocation of many households. 

Relocations are inherently painful experiences for those affected. FACS claims its staff are experienced in assisting tenants through relocation processes, having learnt much from earlier renewal projects. But testimonial from places such as Millers Point, Claymore, and Bonnyrigg give a different perspective. Independent research into the impact of relocation - and what specifically helped long-term tenants adjust to new homes, neighbourhoods and communities - should be commissioned and considered before proceeding with any projects involving the renewal or disposal of currently tenanted stock. We support the Minister's claim that tenants will be able to remain in the Waterloo area and believe it is important that this is adhered to. In this regard, we believe it is important that FACS formalises clear policies and processes concerning management of relocations. This did not happen in the aforementioned relocations. 

The stated timeframe for the project is also extremely tight; the Government intends to commence construction in just over two years. This is concerning as it indicates that tenants may be compelled to relocate to unsuitable properties to facilitate construction.

Finally, given this development will be incorporated into the Communities Plus program, we also maintain the same concerns regarding loss of independence for social housing tenants as for other Communities Plus sites. Concepts such as 'mutual obligation', and burdensome tenancy management, further enmesh social housing tenants in the welfare system. Support services should of course be available to social housing tenants - not least in a period of relocations - but not mandated as a condition of tenure. Furthermore, the expectation that tenants eligible for social housing should promptly resolve their need for assistance and exit into an expensive and insecure private rental market is both unrealistic and cruel. 

Macquarie Park redevelopment update

The NSW Government has released further details of the Macquarie Park redevelopment.

According to a Department of Family and Community Services media release, construction works will take place on the site of the NSW Land and Housing Corporation's Ivanhoe Estate. It follows that State Property Authority land in Macquarie Park will not be utilised, and no private property will be acquired. Furthermore, the precise number of affordable housing dwellings to be constructed is 128.

An artist's impression of the Macquarie Park redevelopment

The redevelopment will also form part of a new FACS initiative called 'Communities Plus'. According to Fairfax Media's story on the announcement, the initiative will deliver approximately 550 social, affordable, and private dwellings in Gosford, Newcastle, Tweed Heads, Seven Hills, Telopea, and Liverpool, in addition to the Macquarie Park project. 

Precise details about the initiative are not yet available. It appears that all Communities Plus developments will contain a mix of social, affordable, and private residences. According to Fairfax, developers will hold the private dwellings, the NSW Government will hold social housing dwellings, and community housing providers will hold affordable housing. 

In the Fairfax story, FACS Minister The Hon. Brad Hazzard MP also describes Communities Plus as, "a new way of thinking in social housing. Many of the new social housing units will be a base for pilot programs that link housing assistance to education, training and local employment opportunities." And the FACS media release describes the project as a collaboration of "the very best in urban design, construction, community engagement and tenancy services."

Minister Hazzard will host an industry briefing on Communities Plus on 4 November 2015. 

Confusion in Macquarie Park

The Herring Road Urban Activation Precinct is causing some confusion amongst residents, with radical proposals around rent setting rumoured to be under consideration by the state government, but no confirmation of anything yet.

See for instance, this article which discusses the rumour of social housing tenants on full market rent within 5 years. Here is another article http://newslocal.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

Plans for the physical structure have been unveiled and comments form the community are sought by 10 August 2014.

Anzac Parade South: consultation

As we mentioned in our last post the NSW State Government is proposing to increase heights and density along Anzac Parade South.

Kingsford and Maroubra from the air (photo: Bidgee)

Some social housing estates are included in this process.

The Government is about to start consulting with the community on these projects and like Randwick Council, who provided this information in a recent e-news bulletin, we think it is important residents know what is going on and how to be involved.

Find out about the consultation processes in the Draft NSW Urban Activation Precincts Guideline.

We liked the following in the Draft NSW Urban Activation Precincts Guideline:

“Community engagement is important when investigating potential changes to a precinct. In addition to the formal public exhibition process, community reference groups may also be established where the Department considers it appropriate. These groups should include a broad membership from the local community. The purpose of these groups will be for representative members of all sections of the community to access information and provide better informed feedback throughout the investigation process. Other community engagement techniques may also be used, tailored to the individual precincts.”

We think major changes to social housing make it appropriate to have a community reference group. Local communities know what local communities need.

South Randwick Redevelopment Developments

The Anzac Parade South Urban Activation Precinct (UAP) was recently announced by the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. The UAP aims to revitalise existing areas to deliver homes, jobs and infrastructure.

Maroubra Junction, intersection of Anzac Parade and Maroubra Road ©Department of Planning and Infrastructure

The result of the process will be a proposed rezoning for some of the precinct. This may include medium or high density apartments within an easy walk of public transport.

Housing NSW have provided an update on what may or may not happen to 2,500 social housing dwellings in the UAP over the next 20 years. Read more what they say on a factsheet here.

Yes, it is important that governments and communities plan for the future.  However, it often seems to us at the TU that governments seem to take a much more detailed interest in the lives and homes of its citizens in social housing than other citizens.

While no one can argue with the need for appropriate development and increased housing, we hope the government agencies involved don't forget that research demonstrates the disturbing effects that dislocation can have for people living with disadvantage, the elderly and those on very low incomes.  The experts on these impacts are the members of the communities effected, whether that is Randwick, Minto, Airds, Erskinville or Riverwood.  We should all remember to listen to them.