Tensions have de-escalated following a standoff at the Waterloo housing estate, where police surrounded a protest encampment with demonstrators refusing to leave buildings slated for demolition.
The protest centred on public housing units at the corner of Cope and McEvoy Streets, where activists have been attempting to stop contractors from fencing off sections of the estate ahead of demolition works.
A growing group of riot police sealed off both the front and rear of the protest site, while construction crews waited nearby for clearance to begin demolition works.
An estimated 30 to 40 protesters occupied an area at the front of the estate and refused to move on, creating tension with the police.
Some demonstrators were seen wearing Palestinian keffiyehs and carrying Palestinian flags.
as the police established a strong presence around the encampment.
Throughout the morning, multiple people were observed entering and leaving the protest camp, with one local resident describing the site as a “revolving door” over the past 15 days due to the constant movement of supporters and activists.
By late Tuesday afternoon, police had entirely left the area outside the protest encampment with the activists settling in for the night with a bonfire and barbecue.
In the absence of Riot Police, a small group of protesters had even set up a game of shuttlecock.
Nearby, controversial chalk statements were scrawled including, “We’ve seen 4 corners. Don’t trust the police,” and “12 dead in custody in 2025”.
Newtown Greens MP Jenny Leong was also seen visiting the site, checking on protesters and monitoring developments as the protest entered its third week.
Across the housing complex, both protesters and police remained dispersed throughout the area while construction and site preparation works continued for the Waterloo South Renewal project
The Waterloo estate redevelopment on McEvoy Street has been the subject of ongoing community opposition, with protesters arguing against the demolition of public housing and the displacement of residents.
Authorities have not yet indicated when demolition crews will be permitted to enter the site.
A leader of the protest group could be heard yelling insulting comments at the police.
A young male on a megaphone was heard repeatedly shouting: “You bunch of pigs, do something useful with your lives”.
Nearby, another protester continued graffitiing anti-police slogans on the ground while officers observed from only a few metres away. On the apartment grounds, dozens of activists gathered together in a courtyard area, where a small fire appeared to have been lit to provide warmth during the cold conditions.
Long-time Waterloo resident Karyn Bon, who has lived in the public housing complex for a decade, said she fears the redevelopment will destroy the strong sense of community residents have built over many years.
Speaking to reporters, Ms Bon said neighbours regularly looked out for one another and provided support when it was needed.
“There’s a great community here, you can rely on your neighbours you don’t have to be great mates with them … but if you need help someone will be there,” she said.
“The thing is there’s always been security, you know you’ve got a roof over your head, you’ve got a places to live and make that your home … now that’s gone.”
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