Parramatta. Film resource launched

The Parramatta-based Information and Cultural Exchange Inc has launched SCOUT!, a filmakers guide to Parramatta, a free 16-page online resource for filmmakers containing the information required to get screen projects up and running in Parramatta “Whether you represent an established production company or are just starting out in the industry, Parramatta City Council has committed to faster and more streamlined processes to make it easier than ever before to make your film,” said Parramatta Lord Mayor, Paul Garrard. SCOUT! is a joint project between ICE’s Parramatta Screening Initiative and Parramatta City Councils Arts and Cultural Grants Program. ICE’s film and digital media projects have been designed to support local film and screen-based artists to produce, exhibit and distribute their work, build skills and capacity and connect emerging artists to the profession.

Bonnyrigg. $773 million urban renewal project

The NSW Government and a consortia including Becton Property Group, Westpac, St George Community Housing and The Spotless Group, have completed stage one of the $733 million Bonnyrigg urban renewal project. It includes:39 social dwellings and 67 private dwellings, a new park and sporting facilities and local roads throughout the development. Under the 12-year project, the 81-hectare social housing estate will be redeveloped to include new community facilities and 2332 private and social homes. Once the redevelopment is completed, the proportion of private homes at Bonnyrigg will increase to about 70 per cent overall, compared to the previous level of 10 per cent.

Prospect. Economic impact of $80m proposal

An independent economic impact assessment, commissioned by Village Roadshow, of its proposed $80 million Wet ‘n’ Wild state-of-the-art theme park, on a 25-hectare site at Prospect, concluded that the theme park would support more than 300 local full-time jobs during construction, support more than 278 jobs once operational, bring more than $340 million in tourism expenditure to Sydney during the first 10 years of operations, contribute more than $500 million to the NSW economy during the first 10 years of operations, and attract 900,000 people every year, including 175,000 international and interstate visitors. As part of its planning application, Village Roadshow will propose to contribute $5.2 million towards the upgrading of road infrastructure in the vicinity of the park The NSW Government, through Industry and Investment NSW, worked with Village Roadshow to secure its decision to make this investment in Sydney.

Minto. Receivers claim mall

Insolvency expert, KordaMentha, has stepped in as receivers of Minto Mall Shopping Centre and has appointed Jones Lang LaSalle to manage the complex. The owner, World Best Holdings, has gone into receivership. Accountants, RSM Bird Cameron, are investigating the assets and working with creditors. Campbelltown Mayor, Aaron Rule hopes the mall can be transformed into a complex reflecting the redevelopment occurring in the area.