The National Trust strongly opposes terms in the Redfern Waterloo Authority’s draft legislation which would bypass heritage laws that protect Redfern, Eveleigh, Waterloo , Darlington and Alexandria , some of the most historic neighbourhoods in Sydney .

The Trust intends to fight the enactment of the bill establishing the authority which is now in the Legislative Council after it was rushed through the lower house 11 days ago.

“The proposed bill can nullify the operation of the Heritage Act and give “development” absolute priority. Any semblance of “balance” in the planning system is swept away. Public consultation, transparency, protection of our history – all are sidestepped,” said Trust Executive Director Elsa Atkin .

In the Redfern/Waterloo area there are four conservation areas that have been classified by the Trust and entered on the National Trust Register. Forty three percent of the total area is classified by the Trust with an expectation that it will be conserved for future generations.

Two hundred and five individual buildings and parks are also entered on the National Trust Register including Redfern, Waterloo and Darlington Primary Schools and Redfern Railway Station considered by the Trust to be unique among the state’s train stations and dating back to the 1870s.

“The Trust totally opposes any idea that this station could be torn down,” said Ms Atkin.

“The area is about more than buildings, it’s about people. The significance of these places is not just an architectural issue. These buildings and places tell the history of the people who lived and worked in the area. Many of their descendents still live in Redfern-Waterloo,” said Ms Atkin.

“Redfern is culturally vital for the Aboriginal community and the Trust will work in collaboration with the community with a view to classifying “The Block” for its cultural significance to this community.” (see Register of The National Estate)

A number of years ago the Trust objected to the absorption of South Sydney Council into Sydney City Council concerned that the City Council would not be sympathetic to protecting the large number of heritage items listed by South Sydney Council. The Trust’s fears have been confirmed with this bill now threatening this same heritage.

As with Callan Park and the North Head Quarantine Station the bill would result in private gain over public good with public open space per head of population disastrously reduced.

“The bill tolerates no obstacles to a “Strategic Vision” – a vision without any public input and which admits defeat in solving social injustice by simply “moving people on.”

“Well, in the Trust’s view that’s just not on,” concluded Ms Atkin.

For more information:

Kim Carter
National Trust
9258 0131
0407 771 698