Kellyville. Land rezoned for development

Over 5000 new lots in North Kellyville have been planned and rezoned for development. The North Kellyville Precinct is the first precinct within the North West Growth Centre to be completely planned, exhibited and rezoned via the government’s successful precinct planning process. A development control plan accompanies the rezoning. The Hills Shire Council will finalise its s94 Contributions Plan early in 2009. This means these lots will be ready to be developed as soon as the market picks up, according to the Government Gazette.

Parramatta. Asbestos campaigner honoured

Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has honoured Bernie Banton, who died of mesothelioma, in 2007, after campaigning for many years against James Hardie Industries to secure compensation for those who developed asbestos related illnesses, with the creation of a Centre of Research Excellence, in his name. A $2.5 million National Health and Medical Research Council Fellowship will be created for funding research into asbestos related diseases. Earlier this year, Parramatta Council passed a motion to dedicate the bridge in Marsden Street to Mr Banton, who grew up in the area.

Regions. Funds for UWS indigenous course

UWS has allocated $900,000, from the $7.05 million received from the Federal Government’s Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund, to develop and implement a university-wide framework that will enable every UWS graduate to appreciate the distinctive culture of indigenous Australia and gain skills for working productively with Indigenous
communities.

Parramatta. RiverCats get ' black boxes'

RiverCats, which ply the route from Sydney to Parramatta, will be equipped with THE black box technology used to unravel the mystery behind plane crashes. The devices, vessel data recorders (VDRS), record mechanical, geographical and other trip data. NSW Transport Minister David Campbell said all 28 Sydney Ferries vessels have been equipped.