GM to leave council

Parramatta City Council' s general manager, John Neish, will not re-apply for his position when it is advertised. His five-year contrasct expires in August 2008. Although councillors invited him to re-apply he has decided to move on. "I certainly feel thatI will leave the council in better shape than I found it. I am extremely proud of this place and I shall always watch what happens to the city with great interest," he said.

Illegal brothel out of business

Parramatta Local Court has granted the city council the first order in NSW to cease water and electricity services to an illegal brothel in Toongabbie. "This decision reinforces our zero tolerance policy for illegal brothels and massage parlours in Parramatta. It also sends a message to operators of illegal brothels that they will be pursued. We have several matters also before the courts and there are more to come," said council's GM John Neish.

Support sought for RiverCat service

The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce seeks support from Western Sydney politicians and the business sector for the continuation of the RiverCat ferry service between Rydalmere and Parramatta, which a report into State Ferries recommneds cessation of the service. Chamber president, Roman Dechnicz, wants to hear of businesses adversely affected by the current service, and of business growth and developlment opportunities which a service devoted solely to tourists could offer.

Chamber challenges MP over RiverCat

The Parramatta Chamber of Commerce has urged the State Member for Parramatta, Tanya Gadiel, to join the fight to ensure the future of the RiverCat ferry service which a report has recommended the cessation of the run betwen Rydalmere and Parramatta. Chamber president, Roman Dechnicz wants her reinforce her statement in 2004 that "the RiverCat is here to stay". Ms Gadiel said: "I absolutely stand by that comment ... and will tell Premier Morris Iemma and Transport Minister, John Watkins, that people in Parramatta will not cop that recommendation."