The change most pertinent to Waterloo residents is that Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) will move from Family and Community Services (FACS) into a portfolio called Water, Property and Housing. The NSW government has not yet outlined what the implications of these changes will be for the redevelopment project. However, the restructure will delay the public availability and statutory exhibition of the full masterplan.
In the meantime, the Groundswell coalition of Waterloo agencies is pressing on with educational workshops designed to assist residents to participate in the master planning process. Two events are planned for May-June.
Integrated communities, SSPs and preferred plans? How to survive bureaucracy one buzzword at a time – Friday, May 17, 10.30am to 12.30pm, The Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan Street, Waterloo
Have you ever been confused about how government works and who does what? What the relationship is between elected representatives and public servants? Where the local council’s jurisdiction ends and the state government’s begins? Why certain issues seem to be talked about but others ignored? If you could do with some basics on how state and local government works in Waterloo and how you can best set yourself up to have your voice heard, this workshop is for you.
This workshop will feature talks and problem-solve real situations.
Presenters:
- Pam Jackson, Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Inner Sydney Voice, will discuss why government events often feature a Welcome to Country. She will explain this ceremony and the significance of related issues important to Aboriginal people. Pam has lived in the Waterloo community for many years and has extensive experience in Aboriginal adult education.
- Geoff Turnbull, REDWatch co-spokesperson, will explain the government hierarchy and who makes decisions about Waterloo. REDWatch is a community group that has represented community interests for over 15 years in response to government plans for redevelopment of Redfern and Waterloo.
- Charmaine Jones, Executive Officer at Inner Sydney Voice, will offer practical tips on translating “government speak” and using it to your advantage. Charmaine is a highly experienced community development worker with a grassroots understanding of social housing issues.
Independent workshop on transport and traffic in future Waterloo – Tuesday, June 11, 2pm to 4.30pm, The Factory Community Centre, 67 Raglan Street, Waterloo
If you want to understand how planning for major traffic changes happens, or have concerns about specific issues, come along to a special workshop led by an independent expert.
Experienced transport planner Mel Fyfe will provide an overview of the planning principles around transport and traffic in an easy-to-understand way. Mel has previously worked as director of transport and infrastructure at Barangaroo Delivery Authority and in senior positions at the City of Sydney and Transport for NSW.
She will talk about how traffic is likely to work in future Waterloo and consider the impact of surrounding developments.
The workshop will provide participants with fundamental information on traffic planning and how these apply to Waterloo. The aim is to help Waterloo residents and anyone interested to better understand what this will look like in their area under the government’s current plan.
The workshop will offer impartial, practical information and translate technical language to help you form your own opinion. This is an independent event that cannot affect government decisions.
