LORD MAYOR CLOVER MOORE's LETTER TO THE HON. BRAD HAZZARD; MP

THE LORD MAYOR OF SYDNEY
CLOVER MOORE


2 7 APR 2015

The Hon. Brad Hazzard MP

Minister for Family and Community Services
Minister for Social Housing
GPO Box 5341
Sydney NSW 2001
By email office@hazzard.minister.nsw.gov.au

Dear Brad

Congratulations

I write to congratulate you on your appointment to the Family and Community Services and Social Housing portfolios.

I look forward to working cooperatively with you for the benefit of our residents on the critical issues of housing affordability, provision of social housing, and homelessness within the City of Sydney Local Government Area (I-GA).

Sydney is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis that is threatening its economic and social sustainability. The cost of buying or renting private market housing in the inner-city is increasingly beyond the reach of low and middle-income earners, there is limited supply of key worker affordable housing; a lengthy, growing waiting list for social housing; and, rising homelessness.

I would like to offer you a briefing on the City of Sydney's Housing Issues Paper, which contains a range of proposals for Local, State and Federal Government to work together to improve housing affordability and diversity. The City is currently working with Urban Growth NSW to investigate opportunities for affordable housing on a number of urban renewal sites.

I read with interest your comments in the Sydney Morning Herald that you would consider retaining some public housing in Millers Point, recognising the impact of relocation on long-term elderly residents.
I strongly encourage the retention of some public housing in Millers Point, especially the Sirius apartment building, which was purpose-built for social housing and is home to mostly elderly residents.

I would also like to bring a delegation of Millers Point residents to meet with you.

The social impact study undertaken by SGS Economics and Planning for the Government stated that removing older residents from their homes could have negative health impacts. City officer's delivering services in Millers Point and The Rocks have reported significant levels of distress amongst tenants who do not want to relocate because of a long term commitment to the area and their wellestablished connections to neighbours and support services.

Sydney Town Hali 483 George Street Sydney NSW/ 2000
Phone 02 9265 9229 Fax 02 9265 9328 cmoore@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
O OLM2015 002348 HAZZARD CONGRATULATIONS MEETING REQUEST

The City remains concerned that the Government hasn't made a commitment to build new housing in inner Sydney or that plans for spending the proceeds of the sale on new social housing stock have not yet been made public.

Your staff can contact Julianne Brewer, Manager Executive Support on 9265 9591 or at jbrewer@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au  to arrange a meeting.
Clover ore

Lord Mayor of Sydney

MILLERS POINT: CITY COUNCIL of SYDNEY NOTICE of MOTION. MON. 27th APR. 2015‏

ITEM 14.7 Millers Point 27 April 2015 

It is resolved that: 

1. Council note: 

 

1. the new Minister for Social Housing, Brad Hazzard, has stated his commitment to transparency for the Millers Point sell-off process through setting up a bank account specifically for the proceeds; 

the Minister has recognised the importance of maintaining the older residents within the community of Millers Point; and 

the City's recommendation for continued commitment to providing support to the Millers Point community through financial aid to the Redfern Legal Centre; 

2. Council welcome the Minister's statement that he would consider retaining some public housing in Millers Point; and 

3. Council note that the Lord Mayor has written to the Minister for Social Housing, to. 

reconfirm the City's commitment to working with the State Government on the critical issues of social housing provision, homelessness and housing affordability in the City of Sydney; 

2. request that the Lord Mayor and a delegation of Millers Point residents meet with the Minister; 

3. strongly encourage the retention of some public housing in Millers Point, especially the Sirius apartment building; and 

reiterate the City's concerns that the NSW Government has not made a commitment to build new housing in inner Sydney or release details on how the proceeds of sale will be spent on new social housing. 

Calling on Minister Hazzard to open the door to Millers Point Residents

Posted on April 24, 2015 | Leave a comment   

      

This Council cycle my Notice of Motion will call on new Minister for Social Housing, Brad Hazzard, to meet with Millers Point residents and place their health ahead of the Government’s asset sales.

 Recent comments by the new Minister indicate that he is willing to consider the human impact of this sale. I remain hopeful that the Minister will recognise the strong case presented by the residents and find a way to compromise on the remaining homes.

Around half of the residents have been moved out in the last year. The psychological strain placed on these vulnerable residents, both those who have already moved and those who are fighting to remain in place, has been immeasurable. It is vital that we seize the opportunity to establish a working relationship with the new Minister.

Aside from this my notice of motion also calls on the Minister to make public the Government’s detailed plan for how the money from the property sale will be spent. To date $27 million has been raised.

Last week it was announced that some of the money has been used to finance new public housing units in Lurnea. Moving inner city public housing tenants to the fringes of the metropolitan area isn’t the answer.

While I support the creation of new public housing stock the Government needs to create more right across Sydney, especially in inner-city areas where there is better public transport, health services and employment access. The Macquarie Fields riots of 2005 sent a strong message that moving large public housing estates on the suburban fringes is poor social policy. Ten years on the Government needs to understand that location and design play a strong element in the social outcomes of public housing estates.

Sydney is a city of strong socio-economic divides. If we are going to meet the challenges of the future it is critical that place diversity at the front and centre of all our communities.

You can read my notice of motion here.

RESOURCED: https://clrdoutney.wordpress.com/2015/04/24/calling-on-minister-hazzard-to-open-the-door-to-millers-point-residents/ 

Grant to Redfern Legal Centre for Millers Point Residents

Posted on April 24, 2015 | Leave a comment      

      

When former Family and Community Services Minister Pru Goward announced the sale of public housing properties in Millers Point in March last year, she began the process of destroying the Millers

Point Public Housing Community. In the past 12 months half of the public housing residents have been moved to other properties. For many of these residents it has meant leaving their friends and community behind and often finding themselves socially isolated.

Last April the City gave the Redfern Legal Centre, who are specialists in public housing related issues, a grant of $100 000 to provide advocacy and advice to the affected tenants. During this time 130 tenants have received support from the Centre. They are now seeking an additional $50 000 funding for another six months.

Of the remaining residents a large number are elderly and have disabilities and complex needs. There will be considerable pressure on these vulnerable residents to leave within the next year to fit in with the Government’s sale deadline. This support is critical when you consider the issues some tenants face including finding appropriate properties to meet their mobility needs in terms of physical access and transport, psychological impacts and social isolation, as well as domestic support needs. Some of these residents may also be finding that they no longer meet the Department of Family and Community Services’ criteria for public housing.

I will continue to support these residents in their fight to stay in their homes. It is critically important that these residents receive this independent support. I want to thank the staff at Redfern Legal Centre for their ongoing work and dedication to these residents. Given the scope and complexity of this work I believe this grant is not only appropriate but also excellent value for money in terms of the services it provides

For those of you wishing to support the residents you can sign the following petitions:
Save Myra from eviction
Save Flo from eviction
Save Mrs Vo from eviction
Save the Millers Point Workers Flats

RESOURCED: https://clrdoutney.wordpress.com/2015/04/24/grant-to-redfern-legal-centre-for-millers-point-residents/ 

A dozen Millers Point homes to hit the market as State Government’s public housing sell-off continues

This property at 39 Kent St, Millers Point, is expected to fetch more than $1.6 million. Source: Supplied

A FURTHER 12 properties will soon be sold as a part of Government Property NSW’s Millers Point sell off, with the first three of the lot currently on the market. 

        

A three-bedroom terrace at 39 Kent St is expected to sell for more than $1.6 million at auction, in line with the prices fetched for some of the previously sold properties.


A four-bedroom terrace at 51 Kent St and a five-bedroom terrace at no. 49 are also currently on the market and are expected to fetch well above $1.6 million.



McGrath agent Peter Starr is selling two former public housing properties in Millers Point. Source: Supplied

McGrath Edgecliff’s Peter Starr, who is listed as a selling agent on two of the three properties, said the homes had received a good number of inquiries since being listed on April 13.

He said buyers were attracted to the style and location of the homes and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to buy the heritage properties, despite some of them being in a dilapidated state.


“No. 39 would probably require a bit more work than the other two, the other two are definitely
livable,” Mr Starr said.


He said the heritage conservation guidelines that came with the properties had not deterred buyers.



The home at 39 Kent St, Millers Point requires a bit of work. Source: Supplied

   

Late last year, City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore proposed a plan to change the guidelines and prevent buyers from extending the homes in any way.


As a result, the NSW Heritage Council has asked for the area’s planning controls to be reviewed.


NATIONAL TRUST: MILLERS POINT SALES WILL DEVASTATE AREA’S HERITAGE


RESIDENTS RALLY TO SAVE HOMES


“The City’s view is that the existing height and floor space of a property within the Millers Point Heritage Conservation Area should be used as the new planning control. Minor changes to properties may be considered if the changes don’t jeopardise their heritage value,” Ms Moore said.


“These new planning controls will help protect these buildings as they move into private ownership. The proposal has the strong support of the Central Sydney Planning Committee — a joint City of Sydney and NSW Government planning body.”

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has proposed a plan preventing buyers from adding floor space to the existing properties. Source: News Corp Australia

Currently approval must be sought from the NSW Heritage Council if the new owners of the heritage homes wish to make any changes that affect the physical fabric of the place, including the buildings themselves.

A spokesman from the department of Family and Community Services said if a property is listed as a heritage item at both the State and local level, approval for any change to the property is required from the City of Sydney Council and Heritage Council of NSW.


“These properties are listed on the State Heritage Register, and under Section 118 — Minimum standards of maintenance and repair, requires that the owner must ensure the ongoing protection, weatherproofing, security and ongoing maintenance of the property,” the spokesperson said.



For sale: 49 Kent St, Millers Point. Source: Supplied

    

For sale: 51 Kent St, Millers Point. Source: Supplied

    To date, Government Property NSW has sold 12 out of the 293 propertiesthat were used as government housing, making just under $26.8 million.

The terraces along Kent St, Argyle Place, Windmill St and Lower Fort St have sold for between $1.624 million and $3.95 million.


Minister for Family and Community Services, Brad Hazzard, recently announced that the money made from the sales so far has been put into building 10 new two-bedroom seniors living dwellings in Lurnea in Sydney’s south west. The apartments are nearing completion with 99 new properties also underway in another 11 suburbs.


The three Kent St properties will go under the hammer on Thursday, May 14 at 6pm.

39 Kent St, Millers Point

MILLERS POINT FOR SALE: RESULTS SO FAR


26/08/2014: 29 Lower Fort St - $2.56m
21/08/2014: 119 Kent St - $1.911m
25/09/2014: 86 Windmill St - $2.27m
11/09/2014: 11 Lower Fort St - $3.95m
11/09/2014: 23 Lower Fort St - $2.685m
8/10/2014: 30 Argyle Place - $1.71m
5/12/2014: 24 Argyle Place - $2.35m
5/12/2014: 28 Argyle Place - $2.302m
5/12/2014: 32 Argyle Place - $2.15m
17/03/2015: 41 Kent St - $1.624m
16/03/2015: 43 Kent St - $1.625m
5/03/2015: 47 Kent St - $1.64m


LET US KNOW: DO YOU AGREE WITH HOW THE SALES PROCEEDS ARE BEING SPENT?

FACS banks Millers Point sales

The first homes built from the proceeds of Millers Point public housing have been unveiled by the Minister for Family and Community Services, Brad Hazzard.

 

The Minister said a separate bank account had been established for the Millers Point proceeds and the account of sales and capital outlays on new dwellings will be reported in the Family and Community Services (FACS) annual report.

"The projected proceeds from the Millers Point property sales, expected to be about $500 million - will be re-invested into some 1,500 new social housing dwellings, allowing more people on the waiting list to be housed faster," Mr Hazzard said.

First homes built from proceeds

"Developments will occur in areas of identified need for more social housing." The initial phase will focus on Sydney's south-east and south-west and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven area and Nepean-Blue Mountains areas.

Speaking during a site visit to Lurnea where 10 new two-bedroom dwellings for seniors are nearing completion, Mr Hazzard said the sales proceeds and savings in maintenance were vital to the supply of new and additional housing.

"Here at Lurnea and in another 11 suburbs, construction is under way on 99 new dwellings which include easily-maintainable one and two-bedroom units designed for singles and the elderly and three-bedroom homes for families," he said.

Mr Hazzard said 12 Millers Point properties had been sold, generating $26.8 million and a further three properties were now on the market.

"The Government will sell 293 properties in Millers Point to help finance a more sustainable public housing system," he said.

The Minister said new housing funded by the proceeds was under way in Condell Park, Padstow, Warilla, Mount Warrigal, Chester Hill, Yagoona, Gymea, Kingswood, Casula, Beverly Hills and Miranda.

#‎savemillerspoint‬ 

RESOURCED: http://www.psnews.com.au/nsw/Page_NSWpsn4096.html 

Millers Point state government terrace sell-off resumes post-election

Jonathan Chancellor | 21 April 2015

Three more surplus government-owned property at Millers Point have been listed.

#‎savemillerspoint‬


They are all on Kent Street including 51 Kent Street (pictured above), which is an 1855 terrace.

The Georgian-style terrace is listed for 14 May auction through Peter Starr at McGrath Estate Agents.
The terraces at 39 and 49 Kent Street are also for sale. The 39 Kent Street was built for solicitor/politician Sir George Wigram Allen

The 47 Kent Street was auctioned last year at $1.64 million.

Properties sold late last year included 24, 28 and 32 Argyle Place fetching $2.3 million, $2.35 million and $2.15 million respectively.

The NSW government is proceeding with plans to sell the remaining 284 properties so funds can be reinvested back into the public housing system.

The government-owned properties in Millers Point secured a total of $21.9 million from the initial nine sales.
















RESOURCED: http://www.propertyobserver.com.au/finding/location/nsw/42063-millers-point-state-government-terrace-sell-off-resumes-post-election.html 

Millers Point homestead to fetch $4 million

Grimes Cottage at 50 Argyle Place is a Colonial Georgian freestanding home with six bedrooms, north-facing gardens, a self-contained studio flat and views of the Harbour Bridge and The Rocks from a sprawling verandah at the rear. 

Located less than 10 minutes walk to the CBD and set across 416 square metres, the 1830s home is regarded as a jewel within a portfolio of social housing in the area now being offloaded for private ownership.

The controversial sales campaign, which is expected to generate more than $500 million for new housing projects outside the city, has been criticised as a backflip on goals of social integration and for uprooting elderly residents and families who have been in the area for decades.

Despite a fiercely fought campaign by residents and high profile supporters including Lord Mayor Clover Moore, activist Jack Mundey and artist Dare Jennings, the sell-off has progressed and raised more than $27 million to date from the sale of 12 homes - averaging $2.2 million each.  

Grimes Cottage is one in a slab of four terraces that are the latest to come to market this month, and one of just two freestanding homes within the Government's Millers Point portfolio.

McGrath agent Richard Shalhoub holds the listing. 

"It offers scope to restore a charming cottage into a substantial six bedroom family home in a historic Harbour front precinct," the agent said.

in early April that some of the proceeds from Millers Point sales will go to building 10 public housing units at Lurnea, in Sydney's south-west.

Units in the $2.8 million complex are among about 1500 new public housing dwellings built from the proceeds of the controversial sale, which is expected to reap upwards of $500 million.

According to the Government, every Millers Point property sold can fund the construction of five properties elsewhere.

 

RESOURCED: RESOURCED: http://www.afr.com/real-estate/millers-point-homestead-to-fetch-4-million-20150421-1mp8eh

 

Millers Point residents continue to fight evictions as NSW Government argues sell-off will fund 'five-for-one' housing deal

By Thuy Ong  Posted Thu at 9:58pmThu 16 Apr 2015    

Some Millers Point residents have draped banners over their balconies protesting the Government's local housing sell-off.

       

Related Story: National Trust slams Millers Point public housing sell-off

Five new homes will be funded through the sale of each house sold at Sydney's Millers Point, the New South Wales Government says.

 

The Government has unveiled the first batch of housing built with the proceeds of the contentious sell-off, and also promised houses would be built in Sydney's south-east and south-west, the Illawarra region and the Blue Mountains.

The predominately elderly community at harbourside Millers Point has been fighting eviction from their homes, and some say they know of several residents who have taken their own lives.

However, the Government argues the lucrative properties must be sold to address the state's housing shortage.

According to the Social Development Council, there are more than 56,000 people on the NSW public housing waiting list.

Waiting times for houses depend on the location, but most inner city houses have at least a 10-year wait, government statistics show.



Millers Point resident Barney Gardner, 65, said he would fight his eviction in court

 

"Families, couples, singles who have been waiting for accommodation will now have a greater chance of getting accommodation in our social housing system," Family and Community Services Minister Brad Hazzard said.

The sale of 293 houses at Millers Point - some more than a century old - is expected to generate $500 million.

Twelve properties sold to date have raised $26.8 million.

One Argyle Street house is expected to fund 13 social housing properties. The home was built in the early 1830s by whaling captain George Grimes and boasts views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Local residents fighting the sell-off plan have draped protest banners over balconies on the street.

"My great concern is for the elderly people here," said 65-year-old Barney Gardner, who has lived at Millers Point all his life.

"They say we're getting special consideration, by picking the suburb we want to [live in], but there might not be a dwelling in the suburb we want to go.

"They'll have to evict me and I'll go through the court system.

"You can take a person out of their home but you cannot replace their health and safety."

Mr Hazzard today unveiled 10 new units funded by sales at Millers Point.

A unit complex at Lurnea in Sydney's west is worth $2.8 million.

He said the properties represented a better use of taxpayers' money than the Millers Points houses, many of which required costly ongoing maintenance due to their age.

"The balancing act here is trying to make sure we free up what is a vast amount of taxpayer's dollars potentially to address all the other folks who are waiting for social housing," he said.

He said he would try to ensure Millers Point residents did not have to move too far from their existing community.

"It is a tough ask in moving from places you've been for a long while and I'm certainly asking and instructing and engaging the department to do it in a sensitive way," he said.


RESOURCED: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-16/nsw-government-says-millers-point-to-fund-housing-deal/6398552 

Sydney Harbour Control Tower headed for demolition

by: GREG BROWN  From: The Australian       

• April 16, 2015 12:00AM
• Greg Brown

Property Reporter

Sydney

 

The NSW government has decided to demolish the controversial Sydney Harbour Control Tower. Source: News Limited

         

The NSW government has decided to demolish the controversial Sydney Harbour Control Tower at the Barangaroo-end of the Sydney CBD, sources say. The decision may force Millers Point public housing residents to move out earlier than expected. 
        

The government wanted to wait until after the state election to make an announcement, with the likelihood that the residents would have to leave because of safety concerns, sources said.

The state government is selling about 300 public houses near the tower, with residents initially expected to move out by the first half of 2016.

The government was coy when contacted yesterday.

“An application to demolish the Sydney Harbour Control Tower as part of the Barangaroo Headland Park project is being assessed by the department, but no decision has been made,” a spokesman said.

The NSW government-controlled Barangaroo Delivery Authority submitted a planning application in April last year to demolish the tower, which was built in 1974 to monitor ships on Sydney Harbour.

The tower has not been used since 2011 and has been criticised as an unattractive part of the skyline.

But it also has admirers and its demolition will draw intense criticisms from the National Trust, which has lobbied to have the tower placed on the heritage register. Its demolition may coincide with the construction of Barangaroo Point park.