Moorebank. $71 million for freight terminal

$71 million has been allocated in the federal budget to complete the detailed planning on the Moorebank intermodal terminal project. The staged development is expected to start in 2013, with a completion date by 2016,subject to final approval. The Department of Defence would be given $32.5 million over the next two years to work on moving the School of Military Engineering, on the site, to barracks at nearby Holsworthy by 2015. The money comes out of $300 million already allocated for the development of the terminal to improve the flow of international and domestic trade, expanding freight-handling capacity in Sydney and alleviating congestion around Port Botany.

Blue Mountains. Donations for pilot program

Visitors to the Blue Mountains will be asked to dig into their pockets as the cash-strapped council seeks funds to boost tourism. Councillors have voted to go ahead with a voluntary tourist contribution scheme, a step back from the controversial consideration of a tax late last year. A small-scale pilot program will go ahead that will initially target overnight visitors, who will be invited by participating accommodation providers to have a small donation added to the cost of their stay. Collected funds would be used by the council to upgrade tourism infrastructure. The council’s report into the scheme estimates it would take less than $5000 to set up the program which would include the production of promotional material explaining to guests what their contribution would be used for, according the The Blue Mountains Gazette.

Fairfield. Economic development strategy

An integrated economic development strategy and to guide decision-making for the area's economic development into the future will be prepared, according to Fairfield City Council's draft management plan for the next four years. An Inward Investment and Industry Development Program will provide opportunities for local business operators to expand operations to address supply and/or industry gaps, or attract businesses to establish or relocate to the area.

Region. New study for second airport

The federal government would consider selling land which was set aside for a second airport, at Badgerys Creek, as part of an investment strategy to fund a second airport for Sydney. The government has provided $8.5 million, for 2001-11, for a strategic aviation plan for suitable sites in the Sydney region. The NSW government would match the funding. Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, said further delays in finding another site would hinder economic growth and tourism.