Region. Increase in lots sold

Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, said the work the State and Federal Governments was doing to make houses affordable was paying dividends for first home buyers in North West and South West Sydney. “At The Ponds alone, at Kellyville Ridge, Landcom has sold 203 lots since the increase of the first home buyers grant, which is a 168 per cent increase on the same period last year (and) the Garden Gates Estate, at Mt Annan, has sold 76 lots over the same five months, an increase of 111 per cent compared to same time period last year,” she said. Landcom would bring forward another 335 Landcom lots ahead of time to meet increased demand.

Region. Supply of electricity tenders

The supply management group of the Blacktown-based Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) is hosting a joint tender for the supply of electricity, and green power, as required, to major buildings and facilities along with un-metered street lighting. Tenders close on April 28.

Sydney Olympic Park. OK for Supercar event

The Federal Department of Environment and Heritage has approved the holding of a V8 Supercar event, at Sydney Olympic Park, from December 4-6. The event is expected to contribute an estimated $100 million to the NSW economy. Parramatta, Blacktown, Auburn and Ryde councils and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority opposed the event.