Parramatta. Funding for heritage site

The NSW Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, has announced funding of $75,000 to assist with conservation work at the Old Government House, in Parramatta Park, as part of $5.3 million of funding for 73 heritage projects and programs across NSW for 2009 - 2011.

Penrith. 'Only one in four councils'

NSW Water Minister, Phil Costa, has congratulated Penrith City Council for reaching Sydney Water’s prized “five-star rating” for water management. Council’s annual water use has dropped by more than 94 million litres over the past six years since joining the Every Drop Counts Business Program. “This is a great achievement. Penrith is one of only four councils to achieve the maximum five-star rating,” he said. Sydney Water has attracted more than 400 businesses to the Every Drop Counts Business Program since 2001, saving over 40 million litres of water a day.

Picton. $97 million investment

Allied Mills has invested $97 million in a new flour mill, in Picton, which will operate 24/7 processing about 200,000 tonnes of wheat and maize annually.. The state-of-the-art plant supports Allied Mills’ plans to grow its domestic market share and aim for larger exports, expected to be worth about $20 million annually. The plant’s proximity to major transport routes will support its growth plans. The size of the site will also cater for future expansion needs. Thirty people are employed in the plant which is expected to stimulate other jobs in local service industries.

Westmead. $30 million additional funds

The NSW Government has provided $30 million in additional funding towards the development of a new building, estimated about $89 million, to consolidate Westmead Millennium Institute’s research at one location, and employ more than 900 workers. Major construction could commence in January 2011. The building could be operational late in 2012.