Dear friends,
I want to share a short and important update on the case in the Land and Environment Court.
On Thursday last week, members of our community were at the at the Court to hear the decision on the developer’s appeal to convert the boarding houses into luxury apartments.
The developer’s appeal was dismissed by the Court with the direction that the boarding houses are to be retained as boarding houses and as low cost and affordable homes for the most vulnerable in our city.
The men and our community are deeply grateful for the City of Sydney’s commitment and the skill of the City’s legal team to defend the developer’s appeal to overturn the original decision. This is a critical decision by the Court. While it’s too late for our mates, this ruling sets an important precedent for the many others who are in their situation.
It was the voices of the men that was the catalyst for this decision. In the face of eviction by the developer, the men bravely spoke truth to power. While it was not their natural place, over the last year, they have stood in front of politicians, public servants and journalists and have talked about the impact of the proposed development on their lives and the devastation that it has brought to them. Even after they have been forcibly moved out of their homes, they have continued to talk to the media and politicians about the need to stop developments like this and to help others that face what they have.
What has happened to our neighbours is shocking. This has to stop. No more. Compassion, care and safety for all of our citizens must guide our public policy on housing. It’s time that our most vulnerable are prioritised over the greed of developers.
Our community campaign will continue as there is more work to be done with our elected officials and policymakers around housing policy and the protection of our most vulnerable citizens. State planning policy has to materially change.
There will be more to follow in the coming weeks.
On behalf of the men, I would like to convey their heartfelt thanks for all of your support over these last months.
Warm regards,
Mike