Minto. $20 million paid for half share

Listed infrastructure and stevedoring company Qube Logistics has paid $20 million to acquire a half share in Minto Properties, from Toll Holdings. The company has undertaken a preliminary feasibility study which has indicated there is future potential to develop the 29-hectare site at Minto. This site would complement another facility being planned for development by Qube and its partners at Moorebank, The Australian Financial Review reported.

Region. Toll on M4 could return

Previously secret cabinet documents reveal financial modelling for the $9.7 billion M4 East project includes a toll on part of the M4 between Church Street at Merrylands and Concord Road at North Strathfield, which would be widened from three lanes to four in both directions. The toll on the M4 was only lifted in February. At the time, the Premier, Kristina Keneally, was urged not to lift the toll by businesses, which argued the revenue could be spent on transport infrastructure. The documents, which formed part of the state government's funding submission to Infrastructure Australia in 2008 and 2009, were released to the Legislative Council in response to a call for papers by the Greens, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Penrith. Engineering works cost $39 million

Engineers are putting put the finishing touches to a network of ''fishways'' and modified weirs that are expected to boost flows along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Water will now be sent downstream in cycles timed with rainfall and drought, and in some years the environmental flows will increase tenfold on current levels, meaning up to 240 million litres a day will flow downstream into Broken Bay. The engineering work, which cost $39 million, will give native plants and fauna a fighting chance against invasive species.

Region. Franklins stores sold

Food wholesaler Metcash, supplier to IGA supermarkets will acquire the 85 Franklins supermarkets in NSW – 30 of which are in Western Sydney – to improve to improve its competitive position against the major supermarket chains. Metcash, based at Macquarie Park, has made an agreement with the South African company Pick n Pay, which currently owns the Franklins business, to buy the supermarket chain for $215 million. The market share of Metcash supplied retailers in the state from will increase from 11 per cent to 17 per cent. Regulatory approval will be required.

Parramatta. Council seeks one body

Parramatta City Council has welcomed moves from the Local Government Association and Shires Association of NSW to shape a new, unified body to represent local government in NSW. Lord Mayor Paul Garrard said a unified body would provide a stronger political voice for all local councils, especially when it came to important community issues such as public transport. One association would also provide better links and information sharing between city and country councils.