Liverpool. Amendment on airport site

Liverpool City Council will draft an amendment to the Liverpool 2008 local environmental plan to consider new residential developments on land around the Badgerys Creek airport site and alleviate the need for costly soundproofing. The Department of Planning would decide whether to place the draft amendment on public exhibition or not. The Federal Governments’s National Aviation Policy Green Paper, in 2008, confirmed the site would no longer be considered as an option for Sydney’s second airport. Federal Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, has indicated the Federal Government is reluctant to lift the restrictions. This is because it could lead to overdevelopment, which could clash with the site’s future use, the Liverpool leader reported..

Norwest. Wattyl outllook remains 'uncertian'

While the outlook remains uncertain, the company anticipates a modest improvement in sales both in Australia and New Zealand during the 2010 financial year. With the anticipated further $12 million cost benefit from the restructuring, other productivity programs and additional investment in brands, earnings are expected to improve, the Wattyl Group, based at Norwest Business Park, said in a report to the ASX. Sales in Australia were down 8.3 per cent from the previous year, primarily due to the deranging of some product lines at select retailers and a suppressed housing market. Sales in New Zealand were down 16.6 per cent on the prior period due to the challenging economic environment. Sales of $381.4 million were down 9.3 per cent on the previous year. Net profit in 2008 of $11.6 million fell to a net loss of $1.5 million in 2009.

Liverpool. $46.9 million for research institute

Federal Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, has confirmed the Ingham Health Research Institute will receive federal funding of $46.9 million to build the facility on the Liverpool Hospital campus. The institute will allow all health research groups in the area to coexist under one roof, as well as being linked to the hospital itself. Bob Ingham will donate $1 million a year for three years. Institute chairman, Terry Goldcare, said the federal funding would help commence the construction process. Ms Roxon said the facility would be “a premier research facility''.