Parramatta. $8.1b rail link a possible project

The Federal Government’s Infrastructure Australia body is expected to release in the coming weeks details of its final priority list of projects, according to The Weekend Australian Financial Review. The paper said it was understood that the list has singled out the $8.1 billion Sydney West Metro, a high-speed rail project linking Parramatta to the Sydney CBD

Penrith. Industry should speak up

The lack of an industry “voice”, resources and professional expertise were holding back the development of the local tourism sector. “Penrith had the most exciting opportunity of any region in Sydney and one priority was get the ``big players'' to work together on its strengths, namely, history, art, natural features, the Blue Mountains and sport,” said Kim Currie, the executive officer, of Brand Orange, in the NSW Central West, when addressing representatives of the Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce, Panthers World of Entertainment and Penrith City Council. Panthers GM, Don Stewart, said the opportunity existed to drive the tourism dollar. Chamber, CEO, Jill Woods, said the passion was evident but resources and professional expertise were lacking. Council’s Paul Page, said industry stakeholders should collaborate and have a voice.

Parramatta. Upgrade works for wharf

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is seeking tenders from maritime contractors to undertake works to upgrade the Charles Street RiverCat wharf. Tenders close on May 7. The wharf was opened in 1993.

Parramatta. Boost for night time economy

Parramatta City Council has been advised to establish a policy and regulatory framework that is 24-hour focused and which transcends internal departmental divisions in its drive to develop a night time economy. “What is clear is that the established methods of policy, planning and management have not been wholly effective in creating diverse, vibrant and safe spaces,” said a UWS report. “Through a combination of imagination and judicious cultural planning, after-dark life in Parramatta can develop into a significant civic asset for residents and as a major locus of attraction for visitors.” The report, “After Dark. Cultural Planning and Governance of the Night Time Economy of Parramatta”, was prepared for council by the UWS Centre for Cultural Research.

Parramatta. Local economy 'relatively stable'

Parramatta’s economy is “relatively stable”, according to Mike Thomas, council’s, manager, economic development, in its latest Biz Facts publication. “Around 33 per cent of all employment in Parramatta is in the areas reliant on public funding. While it is not inconceivable, it’s highly unlikely there will be large-scale job restructuring in these sectors. This means that we can anticipate a reliable supply of people in the local economy will continue to spend as they believe their jobs are secure,” he said. Parramatta's gross regional product in 2007/08 was $11.7 million.