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Unions block Sirius demolition as protests ramp up
Unions block Sirius demolition as protests ramp up
SARAH KEOGHAN, The Daily Telegraph
UNIONS have slapped a Green Ban on a social housing block in The Rocks 40 years after the same action prevented much of the area’s historic buildings being demolished.
The Sirius building, with its million-dollar views of Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge, has been slated for sale and demolition by the State government with all its residents to be relocated.
In the latest backlash against the Baird government’s contentious decision-making, critics have called the move ‘social cleansing’ of poor residents from the inner city.
The government says an estimated $100 million windfall from the sale will be put to better use building more social housing in western Sydney.
Sydney mayor Clover Moore shows her support for the Sirius building ahead of a Save Our Sirius rally on the weekend. Picture: Richard Dobson
Sydney mayor Clover Moore joined former union leader Jack Mundey to announce that Unions NSW and CFMEU will sanction a ban against the demolition of the iconic structure.
Under the green ban, no company associated with either union will be involved with the demolition process, with the threat of the site being picketed if any work goes ahead.
The ban will be a huge obstacle for the NSW government, who want to evict the last remaining residents and replace the 79 social housing apartments with 250 luxury apartments.
Former union leader Jack Mundey and Sydney Mayor Clover Moore outside the Sirius building today. Picture: Richard Dobson
Moore said: “We want a healthy city that has a mix of population. We don’t want it just to be an enclave for the wealthy and we are very, very strongly calling upon the government to not go ahead with the sale and demolition of this important building.
“I will remind you the QVB was under risk by a former mayor of being demolished for a carpark.
“The Heritage council have said this is important, the institute of architecture have said this is important, the National Trust have said this is important, and the City of Sydney with our expertise have said this is important and we should be taking that advice.”
Reacting to the announcement NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman said: “Usually a heritage listing won’t be knocked back on financial grounds, but this is an unusual case.
“The building’s technical heritage value is contentious. Whatever that value at its highest, this doesn’t justify giving up something like an extra $70 million for social housing that can be gained from not listing Sirius.
“Let’s face it, Sirius is hardly the Opera House or the QVB.”
A Save Our Sirius rally on the weekend will protest government plans. Picture: Richard Dobson
In the past two years the government has netted $180 million from selling off social housing and other properties in Miller’s Point, where the Sirius is located.
The new ban comes 40 years after union leader and environmental activist Jack Mundey formed Sydney’s first ever Green Ban against development in Miller’s Point, which led to the original erection of the Sirius to rehouse displaced tenants.
Between 1971 and 1974 unions and residents joined together for 42 Green Bans to stop what they considered the unwarranted demolition of key Sydney buildings.
Mundey said: “It’s important to save special parts of Australia,” he said.
“I think that what is required now is the rebirth of the green ban movement, to be able to get people involved in saving our city.”
In July Environment and Heritage Minister Mark Speakman rejected heritage listing the modernist building.
Designed by government architect Tao Gofers, it is regarded as one of the best examples in Sydney of the Brutalist style of design, and with its prominent location next to the Harbour Bridge has become a symbol of Australia’s commitment to social welfare.
The Save our Sirius Campaign has raised over 35k through crowd-funding to mount a legal challenge against the government’s decision.
One thousand people are expected to join a protest rally and march this Saturday (September 17) in The Rocks.
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