Pemulwuy Project update – Supreme Court sets date for trespassers to leave the Block
27 August 2015
Final orders were today made by the Supreme Court of New South Wales requiring trespassers to vacate land in Redfern owned by the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) by 10am next Thursday, 3 September.
Pemulwuy is an innovative award winning development that will significantly benefit both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Redfern and the broader community.
AHC Chairperson Alisi Tutuila said trespassers had prevented work starting on the Pemulwuy Project, but it was now hoped work could progress over the coming months.
“A key part of this project is, and always has been, the inclusion of 62 affordable homes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Tutuila said.
“Despite some differences in the past, one value we have always shared with the community is the need for more affordable housing for Indigenous Australians.
The protestors have had their day in court, they have had their opportunity to be heard, the court has made its decision and now they should peacefully leave”.
This follows Monday’s (24 August) Order for Possession requiring trespassers to leave the Block.
“We are also grateful that today the Commonwealth Government has offered to make a $5 million grant to the Aboriginal Housing Company if construction of the affordable housing component of the Pemulwuy Project starts and progresses at the same time as the commercial development. We have always wanted to build affordable homes on the Block as soon as possible, but the reality was that funding was not available. We hope that the Commonwealth grant will assist AHC to secure funding for the balance of the Pemulwuy Project.” Ms Tutuila said.
Media enquiries: AHC office 02 9319 1824
