Parramatta. Relocation of parking stations

Parramatta City Council’s comprehensive draft integrated transport plan for the Parramatta City Centre has a focus of moving away from the reliance of car use towards sustainable transport of walking, cycling and public transport. The draft includes investigating a) relocating long-stay commuter parking from the Horwood Place and Erby Place car parks to two new multi-storey car parks on the city periphery, near the arterial network and the Loop free bus route, and b) potential park & ride sites, including existing council car parks, at Fennel Street, North Parramatta, and Pine Street, in Rydalmere. The draft also includes cross-city bus services.

Parramatta. $225 million project

Parramatta City Council has endorsed a stand alone “planning proposal” by Frasers Property Australia, for the redevelopment of a partially completed industrial/warehouse development, at 2 Norton Street, Parramatta, for a mixed-use, residential project, with the potential for 580-640 dwellings, overlooking the Parramatta River. The construction value is approximately $225 million. The planning proposal will be placed on public exhibition.

Parramatta. Decrease in operating surplus

Parramatta City Council’s operating result decreased from a surplus of $5.8 million to a $4.5 million surplus in 2008/09, due to a reduction in investment returns of $1.1 million, because of global economic conditions and employee costs growing at a greater rate the rates revenue, according to a council report. Council’s loan liability decreased from $93 million to $89.2 million, of which $55 million was in respect to Civic Place; interest repayments are being services from leasing income and interest on the unexpected balance of the loan. Council’s cash position remained constant at $84.9 million

Region. Former Manly CEO for AFL spot

Former Manly premiership-winning chief executive, Grant Mayer, has become the first senior manager appointed to the AFL's new $200 million Western Sydney franchise, currently known as Team Greater Western Sydney. He will be GM commercial, overseeing all finances for the fledging club, including sponsorship, marketing and merchandise. The franchise will be based at Rooty Hill and will be part of the 2012 AFL season.

Penrith. Forum on water issues

The challenges of balancing the water needs of the environment, agriculture, industry and the community in Western Sydney will be explored in a public forum, Water in Western Sydney, convened by the University of Western Sydney and Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures, on Saturday 7 November 2009, at Penrith Council chambers. The forum is part of the Water and Irrigation Strategy Enhancement through Regional Partnership in Western Sydney (WISER) project which seeks to secure the future of the Hawkesbury-Nepean river system through innovative research and engaging with government, private stakeholders and the community.