On June 21,a select number of Randwick residents received a letter in the mail from local state MP Dr Marjorie O’Neill. The letter referenced an upcoming Defence development at the barracks that had been approved by Randwick council in 2001,unbeknownst to the local community.
The first stage of the “Sydney Live-In Accommodation” project would start in 2023 with the development of 64 two-storey units facing Bundock Street, A year later,a further 991 dwellings will begin to be developed on the site. The accommodation will house Defence staff based at Garden Island in Woolloomooloo.
After an outcry from Randwick residents who received her letter,O’Neill wrote to the Defence Minister Richard Marles to request all planning be halted until “proper” consultation could take place. O’Neill,the Member for Coogee,did not respond to a request for comment.
The residents are concerned about the size of the project,potential contamination and the lack of community consultation.
“The size and scope of the project is out of proportion with the quiet residential area and will definitely negatively impact the quality of life of residents,and while I accept they will consult us at some point we should have been approached before planning began,” Canberra Street resident Anthony Ryan said.
NSW Labor MP Marjorie O’Neill,the Randwick Barracks site,and resident Anthony Ryan.Supplied
“The impact of large numbers of additional vehicles using the streets every day will cause further congestion on already heavily congested streets that see up to 10,000 cars pass per day,” Ryan continued.
A Commonwealth risk assessment of the site conducted in May 2016 stated the barracks has two known contamination issues. “So long as the fill materials are not excavated,there is no significant risks to human health,” it stated.
In light of this,Ryan and many other Bundock Street residents would like Defence to consult with the NSW Environment Protection Authority and publicise the results of any poison testing ahead of the build.
A spokesperson from Randwick Council said that while the council is in the process of providing feedback to Defence,they have no approval role because the site is on Commonwealth land.
A masterplan for the site was agreed to by the council and Defence in 2013 after the land was dedicated by Defence for the community centre,reserve and environment park as part of the initial development of the site.
According to Defence,both projects are in the preliminary stages of planning and detailed site plans are not yet available to share with the public. When plans are ready,a Defence spokesperson said community engagement will be an “important” component of both projects.
“Prior to any works commencing,Defence will consult with the local community to inform the development and proposed plans,and provide opportunities for community members to ask questions and raise any concerns about the projects,” the Defence spokesperson said.
“Defence will provide opportunities for community members to ask questions and raise any concerns about the projects.”
Defence also committed to undertaking environmental,traffic and heritage studies as part of the process and confirmed the proposed development will also be subject to approval by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
Saving Sydney’s Trees chair Margaret Hogg is concerned the further removal of trees for the site would affect the broader ecosystem of Randwick and,more specifically,the Randwick Environmental Parklands governed by the council. She said the 2015 construction of the light rail has left Randwick with one of the lowest tree canopy covers in the state.
The residents of Bundock Street have long campaigned for improved safety measures and parking restrictions on the street and are concerned the development will exacerbate the issue.
Earlier this year,an eastern suburbs anaesthetist was convicted of assault after attacking one Bundock Street resident.
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