Region. Continuation of commitments

The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has urged the NSW Government to reaffirm its commitments of key public transport infrastructure in the region, following the resignation of John Watkins, deputy premier and minister for transport. “We urge the Premier to reaffirm his Government’s commitments to these projects and to assure the Western Sydney community that there will be no going back, despite Mr Watkins’ departure,” said WSROC president, Tony Hay. He warned that the new minister should not become “captive” of established transport lobby groups.

Parramatta. $14 million upgrade underway

The $14 million upgrade of Parramatta Court House, currently underway and expected to be completed by June 2009, includes the refurbishment of the ground floor and all public areas, videoconferencing/remote witness facilities in five courtrooms, four additional holding cells, five new non-contact interview rooms, enhanced disability access, new prisoner transfer lifts and stairs, a new roof. Earlier this year, the $330 million Parramatta Justice Precinct, opposite, was completed. The precinct features the largest children’s courthouse in NSW, a high security trial court complex and a new headquarters for the Attorney General’s Department.

Penrith. $13.5 million retail centre opened

Ropes Crossing Central Village project director, Natalie Jones, said the recently opened Coles supermarket completed a significant phase in the community’s development. The supermarket employs more than 100 staff, which was recruited through the Ropes Crossing Skilling and Employment Centre. The supermarket is one of four in Australia that uses lower greenhouse emission refrigeration cases with twin-air screens, night blinds and LED lights to reduce energy consumption.

Parramatta. Council opposes V8 Supercar races

Parramatta City Council has opposed the conversion of Sydney Olympic Park into a V8 Supercar racing circuit.on environmental grounds and the adverse impact on residents. “The holding of the V8 Supercar race in Sydney Olympic Park is the antitheses of the environmentally friendly and sustainable built environment of the park,” council resolved in part. Auburn and Ryde councils and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority have opposed the proposal also. The Minister for State Development, Ian Macdonald, supports the proposal. The government has commissioned a feasibility study of the project.

Parramatta. Landcom wins prestigious award

The NSW Government agency, Landcom, headquartred at Parramatta, has won the prestigious Excellence in Masterplanned Residential Lifestyle Development award for Prince Henry at Little Bay, and Best Concept Design award for its Bungarribee Precinct project, at Doonside. Landcom, with its partners, also won the sustainability and professional consultancy categories: Hyder Consulting Pty Ltd, on behalf of Lend Lease, for The New Rouse Hill; and Lean & Hayward for Macarthur Garden. Landcom, MD, Sean O’Toole, said the awards confirmed Landcom’s standing as a leader in the field of urban development. “This was an outstanding achievement for Landcom in its drive to deliver visionary urban design for new residential developments in NSW on behalf of the NSW Government,” he said.