Penrith. Relocation will cost the city

The relocation of two of Penrith's District Courts to Parramatta, from July 2009, would impact on local businesses, the professional sector, the community and the economy generally, according to the Nepean Hawkesbury Law Society. The society believes hundreds of people would be required to travel daily to Parramatta at a significant cost to themselves, the relocation would severely inconvenience victims, police, witnesses, doctors and lawyers involved in hearings.

Sydney Olympic Park. BP Solar to close down

BP Solar, at Sydney Olympic Park will cease production of solar photovoltaic (PV) power, in March 2009, because the company is seeking to focus its operations at large scale plants in lowest cost manufacturing countries, in order to drive down the cost of solar power for consumers. Approximately 200 jobs will be lost. BP supplies about 30 per cent to 40 per cent of Australia's PV market. The Australian sales and marketing teams will remain.

Region. Federal Govt grants to councils

The Federal Government has made grants of $85 million to NSW councils to stave off a recession. Councils in Greater Western Sydney received a total of $13.9 million The amount received by each council is Blacktown $2,140,000, Penrith $1,706,ooo, Campbelltown $1,517,000, Fairfield $1,360,000, Blue Mountains $1,313,000, Liverpool $1,258,000, Parramatta 893,000, Baulkham Hills $860,000, Bankstown $771,000, Wollondilly $638,000, Camden $606,000, Holroyd $479.000, Auburn $401,000