Parramatta. Link to boost Parramatta jobs

“This … helps to reinforce Parramatta as the city’s second CBD,” said Ken Morrison, executive director, of the Property Council of Australia, NSW, when commenting on the Government’s decision to proceed with the South-West Rail Link. “This is a good decision (as it) will boost jobs in the Parramatta CBD by running trains into the Parramatta not just the Sydney CBD, " he said in The Sydney Morning Herald.

Richmond. Commercial planes possible

The Rudd Government is expected to pave the way for the Richmond air force base to be opened up to commercial airline traffic when it releases its long-awaited aviation white paper next month, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. As part of the revamp of aviation policy, the blueprint will renew the search for a permanent site for a second Sydney airport after 63 years of political wrangling. The base is expected to be announced as a temporary solution while the Government intensifies its search for a permanent location. Richmond is capable of handling most long-haul aircraft and would suit low-cost airlines such as Jetstar and the Singapore Airlines-backed Tiger Airways. Hawkesbury Council has objected.

The Hills. Council to resign from lobby group

The Hills Shire Council (formerly the Baulkham Hills Shire Council) has resolved to cease being a member of the lobby group, the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), on June 30, 2010. “I am firmly of the view that the population size and demographics of WSROC has reached the stage whereby it is impractical for one organisation the emphatically represent the views, desires and aims of all the individual councils plus, at the same time, taking a regional approach,” council GM, Dave Walker, said in the letter of resignation,” Council will form a Memorandum of Understanding with Hawkesbury and Hornsby councils. WSROC has deferred the matter. The council pays an annual membership fee of $64,759.65

Liverpool. Boost for regional centre status

The South-West Rail Link would strengthen the growth of Liverpool CBD into a major regional centre, which has the third-largest growth rate in Australia, according to CBRE’s associate director, in Parramatta, Frank Oliveri. “The line will provide greater access to public transport and will be the lifeline to the future of Western Sydney (and) will provide greater employment opportunities in Parramatta because of easier access into the CBD,” he said in The Sydney Morning Herald.

Region. NSW Tourism Awards

Gold medal winners in the 2009 NSW Tourism Awards were: Featherdale Wildlife Park, Doonside; NSW Caravan, Camping, 4WD and Holiday Supershow, Rosehill; Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba; Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Leura; Old Leura Dairy, Leura; and the Epping Club, Epping. Phil Hammon, owner and CEO, of Scenic World, Blue Mountains, received the Contribution by an Individual Award.

Bankstown. Activity at airport

Five Sky Cranes will be based in Australia during the bush fire season, with two based at Bankstown Airport, two in Melbourne and one in Adelaide. Pickles Auctions Pty Limited has agreed to lease a new parcel of land, in a recently released greenfield site, as part of an expansion of its business activities at the airport.