Waterloo South Renewal Project: Stage 1 Tenant Relocations Start

The long-anticipated renewal of Waterloo South is now officially in motion, as Stage 1 of tenant relocations has commenced. This marks the first step in the broader Waterloo Renewal Project. The project is set to transform Waterloo South over the next 10 to 15 years. The transformation will take double that time for the rest of the estate.

Stage 1 impacts tenants living in the area bounded by Cope Street, John Street, Mead Street, and McEvoy Street. These tenants received formal notice on Thursday 27th, along with a relocation fact sheet outlining essential details about the process. Meanwhile, tenants in other parts of Waterloo South were advised that relocations for them are not scheduled yet. The same advice was given to those in Waterloo Central and Waterloo North. They will find out within the next two years. For Waterloo Central and North tenants, moves are not expected for at least another decade. The phased approach is intended to guarantee minimal disruption, with relocations occurring in stages rather than all at once. While Homes NSW state it is committed to providing comprehensive support. They aim to help tenants throughout this process. Nonetheless, reactions within the community have been understandably mixed.

Tenants and agencies have been offered information sessions over the next two weeks. The Waterloo Connect office at Shop 2/95 Wellington St, Waterloo, will be open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for personalised support.

Guides and factsheets

Guides and factsheets are available from Waterloo Connect or can be found online at www.nsw.gov.au/homes-nsw/waterloo

The direct links to the materials are:

• Waterloo South – stage 1 relocations map (PDF, 706 KB) (1 Page)
• Relocation process explainer (PDF, 593 KB) (2 pages)
• Relocation fact sheet for tenants (PDF, 256 KB) (4 Pages)
• Relocation frequently asked questions (PDF, 167 KB) (6 Pages)
• Relocation and support guide (PDF, 1733 KB) (26 Pages)

Redfern Legal Centre has received funding to offer an Independent Advocate to support tenants facing relocation in stage 1. The advocate can attend relocation interviews and guide tenants.

The City of Sydney Council has also provided part funding for Redfern Legal Service to support tenants independently. They also provided funding to Counterpoint and Kinchela Boys Home. This funding is meant to give social and community development support to tenants. No extra social work/case management support is being supplied.

Michael Shreenan is the Co-Chair of Waterloo Human Services and CEO of Counterpoint Community Services. He expressed this sentiment: “Many will be glad this process has finally commenced. They view it as a long-overdue step in progress. Yet, there will also be others who are extremely opposed and deeply stressed by these changes.” He emphasised the importance of ensuring that appropriate support is provided to the entire community. This support is crucial during this significant period of transition to tackle varying needs.

This is a chance for the Waterloo Human Services Collaborative to step up its game plan. Homes NSW should integrate their plans with the Collaborative. This ensures everyone gets the support they need during this disruptive time for the community. The Waterloo Renewal Project signifies a crucial period of change for the area. Shreenan noted the human element can’t be overlooked. “It’s essential that the entire community feels heard and supported during these changing times,” he said. Agencies plan to continue listening and responding to tenant concerns. They hope this will smooth the path ahead as this long-term transformation begins.

For any questions, tenants are encouraged to contact:

Waterloo Connect team at 9384 4134 or via email at Waterlooconnect@homes.nsw.gov.au

Redfern Legal Service (02) 9698 5975 info@rlc.org.au

Kinchela Boys Home (02) 9051 1690 office@kbhac.org.au

Counterpoint Community Services (02) 9698 96569 info@counterpointcs.org.au

You can view the relocation process explainer video here:

Relocation Explainer Videos:
• Relocation explainer video (English)
• Relocation explainer video (Simplified Chinese)
• Relocation explainer video (Russian)