Community Working Party Newsletter JUNE 2015

Where We Are At…..

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 The Community Working Party had a productive meeting with Minister Brad Hazard on Friday 22 May. The meeting was facilitated by our Local Member, Alex Greenwich and included the Lord Mayor Clover Moore. We were also accompanied by Flo Seckold, one of our older tenants who has lived in Millers Point for many years.   

The Minister agreed to consider and respond to the alternative plan for Millers Point put forward by Millers Point Public Housing Tenants’ Group Convenor Barney Gardner who said the State Government could retain around half of its public housing portfolio in Millers Point, Dawes Point and The Rocks and still make around $300 million for investment in new housing stock.

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“So far the State Government has raised around $38 million from the sale of just 16 properties million. Just last week the State Government collected $4.23 million from the sale of a single Millers Point heritage dwelling.

“If these sales values are maintained, the State Government could stop the selloff at 143 of the 293 Government owned properties in Millers Point and still make around $340 million. The State Government could retain purpose built, low maintenance and low value properties for people who are elderly, frail or have a disability to age in place in their community while selling higher value

The Minister indicated that he would meet the Working Party again to consider the alternative plan.

The Minister also agreed to visit Millers Point with members of the Working Party (WP)  the first to do this since previous Minister Greg Piece over two years ago.

The WP is working to have everyone who lives here now remain in Millers Point and only to move out at their express wish.

 

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Community Afternoon Tea

Come and join the fun when the Community Working Party holds an afternoon tea at the Harry Jensen Community Centre on Saturday 20 June, 2015 between 2.00 and 4.00 pm.   

Bring a plate if you are a keen cook!

Do you know a Community Angel? Someone who has made life in Millers Point better, safer or more interesting?

We should take the time to think about these people and organisations and give them recognition in our Newsletter so please let the Working Party know of your nominations. We will need to know why you re making the nomination, of course.

Paul Upham  Highgate

The WP can start by thanking Paul Upham at Highgate. Paul has kept the Secretary informed of press releases and information gleaned from elsewhere about Millers Point and has also sent us photographs of events taking place outside Highgate. Highgate has also helped the RAG with archive storage.

 

Thank you, Paul.
We also take this opportunity to congratulate Highgate on their 20th anniversary.

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 Lord Mayor’s Meeting

The Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, with representatives from Police, Housing NSW and other groups, held a community meeting in the Abraham Mott Hall on 20 May. While Housing NSW was unable to supply answers to those basic questions which we have been asking for over a year, there was a positive attitude to the meeting that was to be held on Friday 22 May.

On another matter, Inspector Tony Bell made the point that residents who are worried or frightened by noises in adjoining vacant public housing properties should ring the Rocks Police Station. While there has been little evidence of squatters in the area in recent months the Police would prefer to be notified so that they can check out any possible breakins. While the noises may have been generated by Housing NSW security guards it is better to be sure that the tenant and the adjoining property are safe.

Barney Gardner publicly acknowledged the fine work done by the Redfern Legal Service (RLS) and expressed the community’s appreciation for the work carried out by Local Member Alex Greenwich to promote the solution of the Millers Point ‘problem’. The Council’s financial support for the RLS was also warmly welcomed.

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RESOURCED: http://www.millerspointnotforsale.org.au/community_working_party_newsletter_june_20152