Region. Employment up in three regional cities

Reports have noted that Western Sydney, compared to Sydney as a whole, is underrepresented in the finance and insurance (FI) sector, and the professional, scientific and technical services (PST) sector. The latest forecasts by the Transport Data Centre show the variation in employment forecasts, in these sectors, in the 30-year period, 2006-2036.period, in the three regional cities. Parramatta: FI up 47.7 per cent to 14,258; PST up 32.5 per cent to 7742. Penrith: FI, down 14.5 per cent to 911; PST up 24.1 per cent to 2886. Liverpool: FI up 38.6 per cent to 1360; PST up 40.6 per cent to 2899.

Parramatta. Comaprison with Baulkham Hills

Parramatta and Baulkham Hills are the two local government areas in Western Sydney with the greatest number of workers in the finance and insurance (FI) sector, and the professional, scientific and technical services (PST) sector. The latest forecasts by the Transport Data Centre highlight the significant increase in both sectors over the 30-year period, 2006-2036. In the Parramatta LGA, the number of workers in the FI sector will increase from 9653 to 14,258, up 47.7 per cent, and that in the PST sector from 5845 to 7742, up 32.5 percent. In Baulkham Hills, the FI sector will increase from 2255 to 3094, up 37.3 per cent and that in the PST sector from 6244 to 8259, up 32.3 per cent.

Region. Short list for South West Rail Link

The Minister for Transport and Roads, David Campbell, has announced the shortlist of tenderers for another component of the South-West Rail Link: Leighton Abigroup Joint Venture, John Holland Pty Ltd and Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd. The contract covers the design and construction of the section of the project between Glenfield south and Leppington, including: new stations at Edmondson Park and Leppington, commuter car parking at both new stations and a train stabling facility at Leppington. The successful contractor would be named later in the year.

Region. EOI for delivering govt programs

Expressions of interest are being sought from local councils, chambers of commerce, business enterprise centres, industry associations and not-for-profit organisations to register to deliver streams of Industry and Investment NSW’s Business Mentoring Program. The program is aimed at improving business development, networking and growth opportunities for small businesses in NSW. Organisations can register their interest to deliver any or all of the following streams: MentorMate - Young Entrepreneur Mentoring, Women in Business Mentoring and Small Business Mentoring. Information packages including the registration form are available from http://enews.tourism.nsw.gov.au/link/id/18454454be11e1f0a42a/page.htmlor by phoning 1300 134 359. The closing date for expressions of interest is 5.00, on Friday, May 21.

Region. Reba Meagher lobbyist for AHA

The former MP for Cabramatta and health minister, Reba Meagher, has returned as a lobbyist for the NSW branch of the Australian Hotels Association..Ms Meagher has listed her new company, RPM Counsel, of which she is the sole director, in Parliament's register of lobbyists. She names as a client the Australian Hotels Association (NSW), which is campaigning against the extension of licensing restrictions in pubs to address alcohol-related violence. Among Ms Meagher's final duties as health minister, in 2008, was the launch of a responsible drinking campaign aimed at young people After 14 years in Parliament, she received an entitlement of more than $120,000 a year, tax free, and indexed for life, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Region.