Residents of Ivanhoe estate worried they are next on ’hit list’

Front: Esme Drew and Marie Sillers. Back: shadow housing minister Sophie Cotsis and Labor candidate for Ryde Jerome Laxale with concerned residents. Picture David Swift Source: News Corp Australia

Ivanhoe Estate residents are nervous about their future following the State Government’s announcement that it would sell public housing in Millers Point. 
              
Ivanhoe Estate Tenant Group secretary Marie Sillars feared there was a “hit list” of public housing the Government was getting rid of and that their community was next.

The 600-plus residents of Ivanhoe, in Macquarie Park, have long worried their community could face the wreckers ball after it was declared an Urban Activation Precinct in 2012, destined for redevelopment into high-rise apartments.

“We are now into our third year of not knowing,” Ms Sillars said.

“It’s very depressing for everybody and we need answers.”

Esme Drew, 80, said she would not cope if the estate was shut down because she would be separated from a friend who cared for her.

“I don’t think I’d survive to be truthful — I’m not steady on my feet and every year I get older, it will become harder,” she said.

80-year-old Esme Drew at her home at the Ivanhoe Estate in Macquarie Park. Photo: Dave Swift Source: News Corp Australia 

  

Labor candidate for Ryde Jerome Laxale, who visited the estate with shadow housing minister Sophie Cotsis, said it was clear the O’Farrell Government was on a mission to sell public housing.

They both called on the Government to rule out demolishing the estate.

“Society should work together to help those that are most in need and the Ivanhoe community is a perfect example of this,” Mr Laxale said.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Planning said plans for the precinct were being finalised and were expected to be released soon.

A spokesman for Community Services Minister Pru Goward said: “The Government has made no further decision on public housing estate sales.”