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Tracing the Troubled Past of the Waterloo Incinerator in Zetland

The Waterloo Incinerator, also known as the “Zetland Monster”, was a source of controversy and public outrage in the Sydney suburb of Zetland for over three decades. Built in the 1960s, the incinerator was finally closed down in 1996 after being found to be operating in serious breach of international pollution standards.

Spewing pollution and foul odour 24/7, the incinerator owned by Waverley and Woollahra councils was found to have violated international pollution standards for dioxin/furan and heavy metal emissions, as per a 1990s report by the NSW EPA, leading to its closure.

The site of the Waterloo Incinerator became a topic of debate among developers, councils, and residents after its closure. In 2007, the incinerator was demolished to make way for the Green Square town centre, a large urban renewal project by the NSW Government.

The Waterloo Incinerator: A Controversial History

The history of the Waterloo Incinerator is rife with controversy and public opposition.

In 1965, Waverley and Woollahra councils applied to build an incinerator in Botany Road, Waterloo, but the City of Sydney Council refused the application.

The case went to the Land and Valuation Court in 1966, and the incinerator was approved. It opened in 1973, but a year later residents began demonstrating against the odour, dust, and air pollution.

The South Sydney Council sought an injunction against the owners, and the State Pollution Control Commission (SPCC) ordered the plant closed by November 1974.

Opposition and Closure Campaigns

There were several campaigns launched by the community to close the Waterloo Incinerator due to its harmful effects on the environment and public health.

The incinerator underwent a major overhaul and reopened in July 1976, but the problems did not end there.

In 1989, tests found dioxins in emissions 30–60 times above global standards, causing public outrage. In 1990, SPCC said there was no threat to public health, but ZCAG campaigned to close the incinerator.

Then in 1992, additional tests discovered dioxin levels up to 153 times beyond overseas standards. Greenpeace blockaded the incinerator for a day in August, of that same year. However, the environment minister permitted the incinerator to keep running after an upgrade was completed to meet German dioxin emission requirements.

The owner councils established a Community Liaison Committee in April 1993 to garner community support for the incinerator’s upgrade. In August of the same year, the Department of Planning launched the Green Square Strategy for an urban village to be built on old industrial land just east of the incinerator, accommodating up to 30,000 new residents.

In September 1994, South Sydney Council and ZCAG started a campaign to close the incinerator, followed by the establishment of a “dioxin hospital” by Greenpeace and ZCAG in November. The Community Liaison Committee was later abandoned.

In March 1995, Environment Minister Pam Allan pledged to phase out the incinerator, and the Eastern Suburbs Waste Management Inquiry was formed in June. Despite the inquiry recommending shutting down the incinerator within two years, the owner councils suggested upgrading it.

However, in 1996, the EPA deemed the incinerator ash hazardous and sent it to a landfill in western Sydney. Additionally, internal reports indicated that the incinerator required $2.5 million in urgent repairs as it was on the verge of collapsing.

By May, tenders for upgrading the incinerator lapsed, and the owner councils abandoned their upgrade plans.

Allan intended to shut down the plant before the operating license expiration deadline. However, the EPA director-general extended the license and proposed upgrading the incinerator again.

Published 18-April-2023

Neighbour Outbids First-Home Buyers to Secure Redfern Terrace for $1.86M

Photo credit: Google Maps

A Redfern terrace has been sold to a neighbour for $1.86 million. The winner outbid several other investors, first-home buyers and builders at a hotly contested bidding that began at $1.3 million and quickly increased to $1.5 million.

The auction, which had five active bidders, was held 25 March 2023. The bidding war quickly came down to bids between a first-home buyer couple and an investor who owned a neighbouring property.

One of the bidders who bowed out of the race said that they’re conscious of avoiding a situation where they might overstretch their budget for a property purchase, particularly in light of recently publicised struggles of some individuals who have found themselves in difficult circumstances, necessitating a lifestyle change to maintain their mortgage payments.

In the end, the neighbour won the auction and secured the 130-square-metre block at 815 Bourke Street, along with DA-approved plans for a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. The house last changed hands in 2012 for $825,000.

The single-level floor plan boasts three bedrooms, generous living space, and a courtyard escape, making it suitable for both up-sizers and downsizers.

The property has a classic central living area with a green marble fireplace, an arch in the hallway, rich hardwood floorboards, and pressed metal ceilings in the lounge and bedroom 3.

The eat-in kitchen has been renovated and now features stylish timber benchtops and subway tiles. It also has modern lighting pendants, mirrored built-in robes, internal laundry with storage, and pedestrian access from the rear lane.

This Redfern terrace is an impressive property that offers ample space, character, and convenience and is just 400 metres from Surry Hills and local amenities.

Moreover, it is located in close proximity to city buses, a light rail station, Waterloo supermarkets and Danks Street cafes and restaurants.

Published 10-April-2023

Alexandria Office Space with Multi-Level Warehouse Development to Proceed

Photo Credit: Charter Hall/YouTube

Did you know that there could soon be a new, multi-level warehouse development in Alexandria?

Located at 520 Gardeners Road and named Ascent on Bourke, the development will replace a former hardware and building supplies store as it no longer meets the requirements of modern industrial uses.

Charter Hall, one of Australia’s leading property investment and fund management groups, has received approval to proceed to redevelop a redundant site as a new multi-level warehouse and distribution centre, operating 24/7.

Urbis, a leading planner, stated that the site’s location makes it ideally suited for freight logistics and last-mile facilities, given its strong tenant demand and access to major infrastructure hubs. This is part of a broader trend of increasing demand for logistics facilities, driven by the growth of e-commerce and the need for fast, reliable delivery.

Once operational, Ascent on Bourke should provide 659 jobs, a significant boost to the local economy. The development is part of the Southern Enterprise Area, which has seen progressive renewal over the past 5 to 10 years.

Published 4 April 2023

How New Restrictions Have Drastically Impacted the Eveleigh Hotel

It’s far from business as usual at the Eveleigh Hotel in Redfern, after incessant noise complaints from the neighbourhood prompted local officials to impose certain restrictions.

Read: Coloured Diggers March: Commemorating the Contributions of Aboriginal War Veterans

Based on planning restrictions proposed by the Sydney City Council on 27 January 2023, future live music will be banned and outdoor seating up to 8:00 p.m. will be reduced to a maximum of six people on two tables.

According to the hotel, these new restrictions are having an adverse impact on the hotel’s business which could be detrimental to the future viability of the family-run enterprise.

Hoping to reverse Sydney City Council’s proposed restrictions on outdoor seating and live music at The Eveleigh, the hotel’s shift manager Danny Leyland has launched an online petition, which already received over 3,000 signatures out of the target 5,000 in just three weeks since it started.

“Actions taken by the council have caused great damage to the essential character of The Eveleigh Hotel. It is difficult to explain in this petition the degree of stress and anxiety experienced by the staff who, as one member of the front of house team put it, ‘feel constantly on edge’ as a result of the ever-anticipated complainant,” the petition reads.

According to Mr Leyland, the incessant complaints they have been receiving for the past year or so from a neighbour is considered to be both unfounded and fair.

The pub insisted that the only live music they present is distinctly family-friendly, both in noise levels and character. Their live jazz events take place on Saturday afternoons and finish at around 7:00 p.m.

Read: William Redfern: Get To Know the Man Who Lent His Name to Redfern

Customers were also alleged to have caused disruption outside, including drinking in the street, shouting, and smoking in anti-social areas. As a result, the hotel is already on a final warning.

“We at The Eveleigh Hotel completely and utterly reject these proposals, and we hope that you – the public – will help support us in this action,” Mr Leyland wrote.

Published 20-March-2023

18-storey Redfern Student Accommodation Building Gets Green Light

An 18-storey purpose-built student accommodation building will soon rise at Regent Street in Redfern after its Singaporean developer received the go-ahead for the project.

Read: Locals Continue Fight Against Privatisation Of Explorer St Public Housing

The subject site, located at 104-116 Regent St, Redfern spans 1,366 sqm and was once a service station. Singapore-based Wee Hur acquired the site from BP Australia for $46.1 million through Sydney investment management group Intergen Property Group.

Designed by Antoniades Architects, the student accommodation building being planned for the site will feature 409 student beds in 307 studio rooms, 37 two-bedroom rooms and 21 ensuite rooms. It will have communal facilities such as BBQ, outdoor cinema, seating and tables.

It is easily accessible to tertiary institutions such as the University of Sydney, University of Technology and TAFE NSW.

The approval came from the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) who stated that the project would facilitate the renewal of one of the last remaining sites within Redfern Town Centre.

Community Feedback

Council initially opposed Wee-Hur’s plan, with some concerns about the potential oversupply of student accommodation in Redfern and its construction and amenity impacts.

The project site adjoins another Wee Hur-owned property, located at 13-23 Gibbons Street, which is another student accommodation development.

student accommodation building — Photo credit: Wee Hur/DPE

In total, DPE received 16 submissions, comprising three public submissions (all objecting), an objection from Council, and advice from 12 Government agencies.

Key issues raised in the public submissions related to the student accommodation land use, construction impacts, amenity impacts from operations, and a range of design and technical matters.

Developers eventually amended their plans, which include removing a section of rooms above the podium to increase the northern tower setback and building separation, incorporating external privacy louvres into the northern facade, and reconfiguring the ground floor to improve activation and increase retail floor space.

They will also step up the height of the podium to follow the site’s photography and will provide a public art zone on the southern elevation of the tallest, northern tower.

Read: Consortium Selected For $230M Elizabeth Street Renewal Project

The tower, which is expected to cost $53 million, is predicted to generate up to five operational jobs and 220 construction jobs.

Published 28-March-2023

Have Your Say: New Resilience Strategy

Photo credit: City of Sydney / cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Have your say on developing a resilience strategy that will strengthen the city’s ability to prepare for, withstand and adapt following major disruptions.

Published in 2018, Resilient Sydney is a collaboration of all 33 metropolitan councils of Greater Sydney that aims to develop a city-wide resilience strategy. The strategy provides the framework and guidance for councils to develop a local area-specific strategy.

The new resilience strategy the City of Sydney is developing describes the challenges communities face and opportunities for action across five areas:

An inclusive and connected community – How we address homelessness, perceptions of safety, lack of affordable housing, access to food, digital inclusion, social cohesion, loneliness and isolation.
A climate resilient city – How we adapt to a changing climate including heat, drought, storms, flooding and rising sea levels, and create solutions for those who are most impacted.
Places, buildings, and infrastructure for resilience – How we manage our infrastructure and buildings to withstand shocks and stresses and improve community resilience.
A prosperous local economy – How we build the wealth of our communities through diversity, inclusiveness and revitalisation of our city.
A prepared community – How we’re working with communities and government to prepare organisations, services and people to respond to and recover from shock events.

To give your feedback you can:

Visit the interactive map
Complete a survey
Come to a drop-in session
Green Square Library, Anything Room – Tuesday 21 March, 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Juanita Nielsen Community Centre – Thursday 23 March, 10 am – 1 pm
Redfern Community Centre – Wednesday 5 April, 3 pm – 6 pm
Glebe Library lawn – Thursday 6 April, 10 am – 1 pm
Email of post your feedback
give feedback by email to sydneyyoursay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or post to:
Senior Project Manager
City Engagement
City of Sydney
Town Hall House
Level 7, 456 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Talk to a City of Sydney officer

Leonie Hancock
SENIOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Phone: 02 9265 9333
Email: sydneyyoursay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Consultation is open until 21 April 2023.

Feedback received from this consultation will be combined with information from technical reviews and evidence-based research. A draft strategy and action plan will be developed for public consultation later in 2023.

Published 21-March-2023

William Redfern: Get To Know the Man Who Lent His Name to Redfern

Photo credit: State Library of New South Wales / dictionaryofsydney.org

The suburb of Redfern borrowed its name from Dr William Redfern, a surgeon from England who arrived in Sydney at the turn of the 19th century as a convict. He later became friends with then-Governor Lachlan Macquarie and was granted 100 acres of land in 1817.

Redfern’s early life

Born in 1774, Redfern was raised in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England. He worked as a surgeon’s apprentice to his older brother Thomas before passing the examination of the London Company of Surgeons in 1797 and was later commissioned as a surgeon’s mate in the Royal Navy.

He was aboard H.M.S. Standard when its crew participated in the Nore mutiny to seek redress for their special grievances. For being part of the ill-fated mutiny, Redfern was among those who were tried by court-martial. He was later sentenced to death but was granted reprieve because of his youth.

After four years of being in prison, Redfern was sent to New South Wales and reached Sydney in 1801. He was immediately granted pardon and transferred to the newly established colony at Norfolk Island where he worked as an assistant surgeon.

On 19 June 1803, he was granted a full pardon by Governor Philip Gidley King. He remained on the island for five years, performing his role as an assistant surgeon before returning to Sydney.

Life in New South Wales

Upon his return, Governor Joseph Foveaux appointed him the role of an assistant surgeon but at the time he had no documentary evidence to show his professional qualifications.

A special tribunal consisting of Principal Surgeon Thomas Jamison, Surgeon of the New South Wales Corps John Harris, and Assistant Surgeon to the Corps William Bohan examined his level of knowledge in “Medicine, Surgery and other necessary collateral Branches of Medical Literature”.

William Redfern was found “qualified to exercise the Profession of a Surgeon etc.” and was given a certificate on 1 September 1808, the first medical diploma issued in Australia. That examination established a system of testing that has been used for many years.

Following his appointment, he commenced performing his role at Dawes Point. The crowded hospital at the time was already in a state of disrepair and lacking even in basic necessities. At times, patients were without blankets and their diet would consist of ordinary salt rations.

As his first public works project, Governor Lachlan Macquarie built the Sydney Hospital to replace the old, dilapidated hospital. It was opened in 1816 with Redfern appointed in charge whilst its principal surgeon, D’Arcy Wentworth, occasionally visited it as a consultant.

The establishment of the new hospital, however, did not put an end to the awful conditions that existed in the old hospital including insufficient food rations, poor sanitation, and inadequate care provided by the unreliable and dishonest staff.

Redfern Did Not Become Principal Colonial Surgeon

In 1818, D’Arcy Wentworth resigned from the position of Principal Colonial Surgeon and Macquarie recommended Redfern for the position. The position was ultimately given to James Bowman, a surgeon of the Royal Navy.

Out of disappointment, Redfern resigned from the Colonial Medical Service in 1819. That same year, Governor Macquarie appointed him a magistrate for the whole of the colony which was strongly opposed by Commissioner Bigge.

Commissioner Bigge brought the issue with the Secretary of State for the Colonies claiming that Redfern “displays an irritability, or rather a violence of temper, both towards his inferiors and superiors” and hence not suitable for the magistracy. Redfern’s appointment did not get approval and he was removed from office.

His private practice and service to the community

Redfern was the most sought-after doctor in the settlement regardless of social class. He was also the family doctor for both Governor Bligh and Governor Macquarie. His professional skills were highly regarded even by his medical colleagues including the Principal Surgeon D’Arcy Wentworth.

William Redfern played an active part in the growth of New South Wales, actively participating in social, philanthropic and business initiatives. He was the Benevolent Society’s honorary medical officer, a member of its committee and that of the Aborigines’ Institution. He was also one of the first directors of the Bank of New South Wales.

He also played an active role in protecting the status of the emancipist class.

In 1817, a ruling of the King’s Bench denied persons who served their sentence in NSW and were already freed by governor’s pardon the right to maintain personal action at law or own property. This was followed by a decision by Judge Barron Field in Sydney in 1820.

The following year, Redfern and Edward Eagar sailed for England to appeal the ruling. The delegation was successful in their efforts and their petition was granted and the ruling was rectified via the New South Wales Act 1823.

Seven years after retiring from private practice, William Redfern died on 17 July 1833.

On his retirement, a farewell notice from the Sydney Gazette (September 6, 1826) stated that “his method, or his manner…may not be so winning or seductive as might be wished, but then his experience, his skill, and his practice, in our judgement, make ample amends for any apparent absence of overflowing politeness.”

Published 16-March-2023

Coloured Diggers March: Commemorating the Contributions of Aboriginal War Veterans

Photo credit: City of Sydney - Abril Felman / news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

First held in Redfern on 25 April 2007, the first Coloured Diggers ANZAC Day March serves to commemorate and acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of the First Nations peoples in our wars. Each year, more people join the march and 2023 marks its 17th year.

ANZAC or Australian and New Zealand Army Corps were formed in 1915 to fight in Gallipoli in Turkey during the first World War where an estimated 8,700 Australians and 2,700 New Zealanders were killed.

Anzac Day became an established national day of commemoration for the thousands of Australian soldiers who lost their lives during the war during the 1920s. And through the years, it broadened to include those who died in World War II and in all military and peacekeeping operations participated in by Australian forces.

But what is probably unknown to many, is that there were about 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who also served in the first World War, about 70 who fought at Gallipoli, and about 5,000 in World War II. These Aboriginal men and women chose to enlist themselves to fight for the county and their land despite being legally exempt from military service.

But upon returning from service, they didn’t get the recognition they deserve, their sacrifices were ignored, they were denied eligibility for returned servicemen land grants, could not become members of Returned Services League (RSL), did not get Government support for the wounded and mentally scarred, and some even found their children taken away.

Fast forward to 2007, Aboriginal people banded together to organise the first Coloured Diggers March on Anzac Day. Hundreds of Aboriginal veterans along with their descendants marched along Redfern Street to St Saviour’s church to let the general public be aware of the contributions of Aboriginal war veterans and get the honour, respect and recognition they have long been denied.

“I find it extremely encouraging that Australia, as a nation, is finally starting to open up and have the uncomfortable conversations about our true history,” Mr Zulumovksi, Aboriginal man who has served in the Royal Australian Artillery Corps, said.

“With that comes a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who volunteered to leave their country and kin to go far way to a distant land and defend a system that did not value or recognise them. One that in fact brutally oppressed them.”

“These are the tough facts that we will tell through the project. We will tell them so that this does not happen again, to any marginalised groups, and so that the nation, all of us, can properly heal and make our bonds stronger, giving fuller meaning to the Anzac spirit,” Mr Zulumovksi said.

The 2023 march, Mr Zulumovksi said, could be a record-breaking one with attendance expected to be between 1,000 and 1,500 people.

Published 2-March-2023

Redfern Renter Says Landlord Hiked Rent By $700 Without Warning

Photo Credit: Jens Neumann/Pixabay

A woman renting a three-bedroom townhouse in Redfern turned to social media to express her disappointment after her landlord hiked her rent by $700 without any warning.

Chantelle Schmidt posted the letter she got from her landlord in a TikTok video, drawing over half a million views. She explained that her rent ballooned from $1900 to $2600 a fortnight.

“Because we’re on a month-to-month (lease agreement), they’re allowed to do this, there is actually no limit to how much they want to increase,” Schmidt said.

“From what I’m hearing, the best thing we can try and do is negotiate or go to tribunal.”

But Ms Schmidt asked her followers if the increase was warranted and proceeded to show the water damage and mould, the loose flooring, and the hole below her refrigerator, which was only covered with cardboard.

@chantellecschmidt FML. #sydneyrent #sydneyrentals #help #housingmarket #housingmarket2023 ♬ original sound – Chantelle Schmidt

Ms Schmidt tried to negotiate through her real estate agent, who could not help her close a better deal.

TikTok users advised the Redfern renter to take the matter to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal because of the unreasonable rate increase. She was also told to find a new place but there are risks with this option as the supply in the market is currently tight. Those looking for houses usually expect to see long lines at an available rental property

It comes as a Domain rental report indicated the highest increase at 18.6 per cent in unit rentals in Sydney for the year ending December 2022, prompting renters across Australia to ask for a cap in increases.

Published 19 February 2023

Tacos Muchachos Brings Back Salsa Nights at Its Permanent Redfern Home

If you’re looking to unwind and spice up your midweek, Tacos Muchachos, the newest taqueria in Redfern, has brought back its fun Salsa Nights!

Set every Thursday, Salsa Nights at this Mexican fast food joint starts at 8:00 p.m. Have a wonderful time learning the moves from the best salsa instructors whilst you dance to the rhythm played by the DJ or a live band. The dancing and the music only stop at 11:30 p.m.

As you’re there, fill up and energise for more salsa dancing by sampling Tacos Muchachos‘ mouthwatering Mexican street food menu.

The eatery prepares batches of fresh house-made tortillas and slow-cooked beef served up on tacos, quesadillas, burritos and the popular quessabirria tacos, a hybrid crispy-fried creation oozing with meaty, cheesy and chilli goodness! Then drink up and refresh with glasses full of Margaritas or a serving of tequila and mezcal.

Tacos Muchachos first opened as a pop-up in Surry Hills during a limited number of days at the height of the restrictions and lockdowns, drawing a line of crowds every time. Because of its success, the Mexican restaurant’s owner, Daniel Hansen, sought a permanent location inside Redfern’s Hotel Hacienda along Cleveland Street. He took over the hotel’s breakfast kitchen and turned it into a buzzing taqueria.

Mr Hansen said that Sydneysiders love their Mexican food but there hasn’t been a food joint serving up the way it’s authentically done.

Follow Tacos Muchachos on Instagram for updates.

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“I was very disappointed about tacos in Sydney (I even gave up on looking for a good Mexican taco place) until I went to Tacos Muchachos to celebrate my bday with my friends and coworkers.
Daniel was super kind and friendly at all times, even before the event as he maintained great communication for us to have a good space at the venue and GOOD amount of food on the table- since we were more than 10 people dining. He offered a set menu for us and was super attentive. Tortillas are handmade and so well made and the PASTOR!!! Carne al pastor is 100% Mexican taste.
Would recommend this place to my Mexican gang and to anyone who wants to have a good taco/ margarita time 100%!”
Andrea

“If you love Authentic Mexican street food you’ll love this place. They have Mexican beers behind the bar and Margaritas ready to go! They had a dessert on special, Bunuelos with ice cream and dulce de Leche. What a great find! Will def be back.”
Beni

“Hands down the best Mexcian food in Sydney. Best burrito I have ever had and the tacos are superb. Very friendly and fun team. This is real Mexican style tacos! Make sure to get the Margaritas too.”
Russell

Published 17 February 2023