SYDNEY'S SLUM PROBLEM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23013, 16 October 1936, Page 6

SYDNEY'S SLUM PROBLEM

PREMIER'S SWEEPING PLAN

(From Our Own Correspondent) SYDNEY, Oct. 8.

An attempt to deal with the growing problem of Sydney's slums will be made by the State Cabinet following a report which is being prepared by the Premier (Mr B. S. Stevens). The plan will involve the building of wide arterial roads, and the eventual rebuilding of Woolloomooloo, Erskineville, Newtown, Alexandria. Pyrmont, and Ultimo, all low-class and congested areas. , n - During his visit to England Mr Stevens visited the distressed areas, particularly those where schemes of slum clearance have been inaugurated by the British Government, and investigated the methods adopted. In his report, which will be one of a number he will present to the Cabinet at a series of meetings, he will recommend that many features of the British schemes should be incorporated in the promised legislation here. He is satisfied that, if necessary, money could be borrowed in Britain for the ourP °The Bill, which will probably be brought down in the coming session of Parliament, will embody strict regulations for the erection of flat buildings and residentials. and will probably constitute an authority to take charge of the whole scheme. The first task of this body will be to prepare a "master" plar of those areas of the city which need rebuilding. Included in this plan will be a series of wide arterial roads leading out of the city, and involving demolition of many rows of slum buildings, particularly in Pvrmont and Ultimo. . Financial considerations will preclude more than slow progress with this scheme, but once the "master plan has been completed and the new building regulations passed, no more potential slums will be erected, and those now existing will slowly disappear.