This is a benefit, as undertaking such works at the same time will minimise future impacts. The federal funding is $7.192 million, not $7.4 million. Your article indicates that the infrastructure works were approved by UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation (UGDC) without consultation. Public consultation for the works occurred in April 2012, with exhibition for more than 30 days. As a result of the consultation you provided a submission in May 2012. It is difficult to understand how you can state no consultation occurred when you made a submission.
The works are also generally consistent with the North Eveleigh Concept Plan that was subject to extensive consultation in 2008. The City of Sydney has been significantly involved in the technical aspects of the road and public domains areas, ensuring the development complies with the City’s technical standards. Your article suggests that the North Eveleigh affordable housing development is the reason for heavy vehicles using Burren Street and heading through Erskineville. UGDC is aware of a significant development in Burren St which has resulted in heavy vehicle movements in Queen and Forbes streets. It is possible, if not likely, that heavy vehicle movements in Burren St and Erskineville are associated with the Burren St site. Our contractor for the infrastructure works has been made aware of the need to use Golden Grove Street for heavy vehicle movements and UGDC has been laising with the City of Sydney to seek enforcement action against those heavy vehicles which do not comply with the approved heavy vehicle route.
In terms of alleged property damage, UGDC is aware of seven homes that have reported cracking, not 20 as has been suggested. The contractor responsible for the work on site is liaising with home owners and occupiers, and UGDC is assisting with this. External dilapidation reports were undertaken for adjacent dwellings prior to work commencing and more recently detailed internal reports have been undertaken in cooperation with residents.
The affordable housing development at North Eveleigh is a positive development for the community, providing 88 affordable housing rental dwellings. Without the infrastructure works, City West Housing’s housing development, and affordable rental accommodation for 88 households, could not be provided.
