Parramatta. Express RiverCats to Sydney CBD

The State Government will announce the introduction of an express RiverCat service to move commuters between Parramatta and Kings Street Wharf, rather than Circular Quay, as part of the State Budget, the Sunday Telegraph reported. The paper said the Government’s decision comes after failed attempts to find a private operator to run the service. Premier Rees said $4 million would be invested per year over two years to deliver the service. The service would be operational before the new year.

Region. Funds for controversial panels

The NSW Government has allocated $2.4 million in the 2009/10 budget to establish, operate and administer six new Joint Regional Planning Panels across NSW, from July 1. The panels will consist of three State Government appointed members and two nominees from the relevant local council. “It will be the job of the panels to stand in the shoes that previously would have been occupied by a council or myself, and make decisions on projects significant to a region,” the Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, said. “The stripping away of councils’ basic planning authority by expanding the powers of these panels, is not on,” said Clr Alison McLaren, president, of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC).

Penrith. City exempted from levy cap

The NSW Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, has exempted Penrith City Council from a $20,000 cap on developer levies. The review panel recommended Section 94 contribution plans for Glenmore Park 1, Glenmore Park 2, WELL Precinct and Claremont Meadows be exempted from the threshold, subject to the ongoing review. The Glenmore Park 2 plan should incorporate council’s identified savings of $2000 per lot. The remainder of the contributions plans can remain unchanged, subject to conditions.

Region. Annual report winners

A number of organisations in Western Sydney have been acknowledged for their annual reports in the Australasian Reporting Awards: The Hills Shire Council (gold award), Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority (silver) and Landcom (bronze). Penrith City Council was one of five finalists in the public sector category, which was won by Port of Brisbane Corporation.