Auburn. Council wins top award

Auburn Council has won the local government's top award for excellence, the AR Bluett Memorial Award. The award was presented to Mayor Irene Simms, at the Local Government Association's annual conference, at Broken Hill.

Merrylands. First stage of $170m project open

The first of the $170 million three-stage redevelopment of Stocklands Merrylands is open for business. It includes new major tenants and 17 specialty stores. Work is expected to commence soon on the second stage, with a completion date of late 2009. The stage will include a 750-seat food court and 70 specialty outlets. When the project has been completed, the largest retail development by the Stockland Group, will integrate the shopping centre with the town centre.

Region. Mini budget on the 'wrong track'

WSROC president, Clr Alison McLaren has criticised the State Government's mini budget as being on the "wrong track" and failing to meet the needs of Western Sydney residents. "Cancellation of infrastructure projects and the increased costs imposed on Western Sydney families will also have negative effects on the region's economy, just at the time we are facing a recession. The restoration of the rail infrastructure projects will be a key priority in the run up to the next State and Federal elections," she said.