Region. The West left waiting - again

Western Sydney councils have praised many good initiatives for the region contained in the State Budget but are “disappointed” many crucial issues remain unresolved. “We are fully aware that the Budget has been brought down in very difficult economic times, but we in Western Sydney are disappointed to see no substantial resolution of the transport issues that remain a real problem for our residents,” said Clr Alison McLaren, president, of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC).

North Richmond. Shopping centre for sale

The neighbourhood shopping centre, at North Richmond, in a growing catchment area is for sale, containing a full-line Coles Supermarket and Liquorland plus 12 speciality shops, and ATM and five first-floor tenancies. The Coles lease expires in 2022. The centre was refurbished and extended in July 2007. Fully leased the net income is approximately $1.6 million. CB Richard Ellis is handling the sale.

Rhodes. Work on Meriton block halted

Meriton has stopped work on a 700-apartment block on a fomer industrial site, at Rhodes, because the Health Department and Canada Bay Council refuse to allow any one to move in. Some 300 apartments have been built and another 400 are planned A Meriton spokesman, who said the company had spent more than $40 million getting rid of toxic substances on the site, believed NSW Health’s concerns partly relate to a neighbouring development on the former Union Carbide site.

Region. Boost to home buyers

The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) said the reduction of stamp duty, in the State Budget, on the purchase of new dwellings costing less than $600,000, and the extension of the State Government first-home buyers tax break of $3000, until June 30 next year, would be a big boost to many people wanting to buy their homes in Western Sydney.