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Artists rendering, The Village Green Community Garden - Communities Plus

SHOUT-OUT FOR WATERLOO HOUSING RESIDENTS COUNTERPOINT COMMUNITY SERVICES AND INNER SYDNEY VOICE ARE SEEKING INTERESTED AND PROACTIVE SOCIAL HOUSING RESIDENTS WHO ARE EAGER TO ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF THEIR COMMUNITY THROUGH THE WATERLOO REDEVELOPMENT GROUP (WRG) AND THE WRG TENANTS-ONLY SUBGROUP.

The WRG is attended by relevant government agencies, non-government agencies, Waterloo tenant representa tives and other interested parties. It meets the third Wednesday of every month to discuss all matters relating to the redevelopment process. The WRG provides an opportunity for residents to stay informed, seek information and to hold government to account.

The tenants-only subgroup meets the first Wednesday of the month to discuss rede velopment matters without the presence of government agencies. This enables tenants to feel free to speak openly about the redevelopment and to cultivate a community voice. The tenants only subgroup is facilitated by Counterpoint Community Services and Inner Sydney Voice.

“It’s been five years since the government announced plans to redevelop the Waterloo social housing estate. During this time, there have been setbacks, delays, and poor engagement with the community. Under standably, residents have grown tired,” said Counterpoint’s community development officer, Adam Antonelli. “However, it is vital that residents continue advocating and having their voices heard by government so that the redevelopment can result in the best possible social outcomes for the Waterloo community. We urge residents to join the conversation, have their say and help shape the community’s future.”

Interested social housing tenants can call Counterpoint Community Services on 9698 9569 or email Adam at wrcd@ counterpointcs.org.au In December 2015, the NSW government announced redevelopment plans for the Waterloo estate. The aim of the redevelopment is to create a socially mixed community of public, private and affordable housing. Completed in stages over 15-20 years, the redevelopment is currently in the master planning stage. The proponent of the redevelopment, the Land and Housing Corporation, lodged plans to the City of Sydney to redevelop 65 percent of the Waterloo social housing precinct — called Waterloo South — in May 2020. Plans for the remainder of the estate, Waterloo Central and Waterloo North, have not yet been lodged. In addition to the redevelopment of the Waterloo estate, a new metro station is currently in construction to be completed in 2024. It is expected that plans for Waterloo South will go on formal statutory exhibition early next year. The City of Sydney will lead community engagement during the public consultation period for the Waterloo South planning proposal. Updates, and technical studies and reports, can be found at cityofsydney.nsw.gov. au. (See pages 7, 22 & 25.)