Arabic version: الشرطة تزيل مخيم الاحتجاج في موقع هدم الإسكان في واترلو
A protest camp disrupting the demolition of public housing in Waterloo, Sydney, was cleared by police on Friday morning. One protester, a 22-year-old woman, was arrested for trespassing during the operation. According to ABC News, the camp had been established on the site since May 25, as activists voiced opposition to the planned demolition of 150 public housing units.
The NSW government intends to replace the existing units with a total of 3,300 new homes, which will include a mix of private, social, and affordable housing. Activists argue that the current homes should be refurbished instead of demolished, emphasizing the need for public housing. Waterloo public housing resident Grant Donohue expressed disappointment at the police action, advocating for the preservation of existing homes.
NSW Housing Minister Rose Jackson defended the police’s actions, stating that the protesters had engaged in illegal activities, including trespassing and vandalism. She highlighted concerns raised by local residents regarding disruptions caused by the protest.
In response to the police clearance, Action for Public Housing spokesperson Suelin McCauley criticized the operation as an “ambush” and vowed to escalate community efforts to defend public housing. The demolition of the 150 units is set to commence soon, with tenants having been relocated to newly-built homes above the Waterloo Sydney Metro station.
