Parramatta. Program for business sustainability

A partnership between Parramatta and Auburn councils is developing an innovative program for business sustainability in the Silverwater and Camellia industrial areas. Funded through a NSW Environmental Trust grant, the Duck River Catchment Sustainable Business Program will facilitate practical solutions for businesses to implement environmentally sustainable business practices. “The Camellia and Silverwater industrial precincts provide significant and valuable resources to the NSW economy and society, however valuable changes can be made to significantly reduce the production of waste, water use, increase recycling and prevent the pollution of Duck River,” said Amanda Carroll, environmental planner, with Auburn Council.

Parramatta. Lobbying for rail line conversion

Parramatta City Council has welcomed the preferred route and stations for the proposed 24-kilometre West Metro underground rail link between Westmead and the Sydney CBD, although State Government funding has not been allocated for construction. “Council supports the West Metro and is lobbying State Government to investigate converting the Carlingford Line to Metro to deliver the scrapped Parramatta to Epping Rail Link,” said David Gray, council’s senior project officer, transport planning.

Region. Plea from community TV

TVS, Sydney’s community TV station, based in Penrith, along with similar stations in other capital cities, have lobbied the Federal Government for funding to help with the changeover to digital transmission. The not-for-profit stations have an estimated national audience of four million people, but they say without government help the industry will be dead in two years. The Australian Community Television Alliance's Laurie Patton is the secretary and chief executive of TVS told the ABC it was ironic that while the Federal Government was actively encouraging people to switch to digital television, it was leaving a vital part of the television broadcasting community behind.

Parramatta. Bus family split $10 million

A long wait for former owners of the Parramatta-based Westbus bus service is close to ending with more than $10 million to be split between a former UK shareholder and a Bosnjak family consortium. Westbus 6, salvaged by ComfortDelGro Cabcharge, for $106.7 million, in 2005, was established by the Bosnjak family in 1955. Administrator, Deloitte, said more than $180 million has been paid to creditors. National Express and the Bosnjak Group would split the remaining $10 million, according to The Daily Telegraph. Associated Australian Press reported in January 2005, that Westbus went into voluntary administration after failing to renegotiate with major financier National Bus Company Pty Limited.