RANDWICK
,
New South Wales
Message
1) I wish to object to the policy of Compulsory Acquisition.
Compulsory Acquisition instills enormous anxiety in people, especially
those who are approaching or are in old age, at a stage of life when
they are most vulnerable. I have observed at close quarters the
devastating effect that this has had on residents who were displaced
from their homes for the Randwick Campus Redevelopment.
However, the anxiety of not knowing whether or when, compulsory
acquisition might take place also produces considerable anxiety and
can never be put to rest until and if the State Government publicly
announces compulsory acquisition.
I'm nearing my 80s and facing uncertainty at a vulnerable stage of my
life. I wanted to age in my own home instead of taking up a bed in an
ageing facility and so I have followed the Ageing in Place policy and
made alterations to my house accordingly. I've tried to act
responsibly - to make plans for my future - but they could have been
totally misplaced.
I need to make decisions about my living circumstances while I'm
competent to do so but I find myself stuck in a state of limbo not
knowing when or if the axe might fall. I dread receiving a letter that
results in having to up-end my life within 12 months. This is no way
for people to live out the remainder of their lives.
I can only conclude that there is conflict between two Government
policies; Compulsory Acquisition on the one hand and Ageing in Place
on the other.
2) There has been no mention of affordable housing for the many
support staff who will be needed as the hospital expands. Where will
they live and how far will they have to travel? The Newmarket
development in Barker Street will not fulfil that need although it was
a problem raised by the residents at the DA stage at a Randwick City
Council meeting.