Parramatta. Epping rail link still on

The federal Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, said yesterday the Parramatta-Epping rail link would be built. Work on the 14-kilometre line, which would take 25 minutes off the trip from Chatswood to Parramatta, is due to begin next year and be finished in 2017. Labor pledged to contribute $2.1 billion for the $2.6 billion link. Ultimately, the construction will depend on the outcome of the state election in March. The state government has pledged $520 million for the project but with Labor expected to lose the poll the incoming Liberals would have to match the pledge for the project to proceed, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Norwest. Shareholders accept US bid

Shareholders of paint supplier and manufacturer, Wattyl, based at Norwest Business Park, overwhelmingly voted in favour of a $142 million takeover offer from the Valspar Corporation, at $1.67 a share. More than 99 per cent of Wattyl shareholders voted in favour of the takeover by the US-based paint and coatings manufacturer.

Parramatta. Home unit number increases

Parramatta City Council has approved a modification to increase the number of residential units by 11 to 105 approved in a part 7 and part 13 storey mixed use development on the former Blockbuster Video site, at 459 Church Street.

Campbelltown. GM on new taskforce

The general manager of Campbelltown City Council, Paul Tosi, has been appointed as an independent member of a new five-member taskforce established to examine the issue of land supply for housing and employment. “This taskforce will play an important role in pushing ahead the government’s reforms to the development contributions system,” said the NSW Planning Minister, Tony Kelly. He said the taskforce had already commenced work overseeing the roll out of various funding packages to assist councils in the release of land and housing.

West Pennant Hills. $880 for food breach

The NSW Food Authority has issued Compass Group Australia Pty Ltd, at Rose Bay, with an $880 penalty notice for failing to maintain easily accessible hand washing facilities in IBM’s canteen, at West Pennant Hills. Previous warnings had been given.