Views to Die For

Murder, anarchy, and the battle for Sydney's future

By: Mark Skelsey

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eBook | 13 June 2025

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Views To Die For brings to life the 1970s urban warfare which changed the future of Sydney.

It tells the story of what has been called one of Australia's worst planning disasters - the botched attempt to turn the small suburb of Woolloomooloo to the east of Sydney's central business district into a future mini-Manhattan. This scheme attracted underworld figures, large property developers and a new breed of anarchists and activists.

In its wake, the scheme led to Nielsen's murder, along with a kidnapping and street violence, but also ushered in new laws which protected heritage, encouraged affordable housing and supported the right for communities to have their say.

Based on detailed archival research, and new interviews, Views To Die For re-creates the incredible stunts and shenanigans of the period, and throws a new light on Nielsen as a fighter for just causes. It's a clarion call to never let our city again be ruled by private interests, violence, corruption and incompetent government.