Kemps Creek. No dumping of waste

The NSW government has backed out of using Kemps Creek, near Penrith, as a dumping ground for 6000 tonnes of radioactive waste from Hunters Hill after community opposition. The Keneally government was expected to sell each of the three contaminated blocks at 7, 9 and 11 Nelson Parade, Hunters Hill, for $3 million.

The Hills. Call for fewer councils

The Hills Shire Council will start a debate at the Local Government Conference in Albury today to slash the number of councils. “If there is to be a comprehensive approach to planning, infrastructure provision and improved public transport, then there needs to be fewer councils in the Sydney metropolitan area," the Hills Council said.

Blacktown. $135 million expansion of markets

The owner of Parklea Markets, Almona Pty Ltd, proposes to redevelop the site as a special uses precinct. The existing markets will be retained. Development plans include a 19,200 square-metre, 336-room hotel, an exhibition/convention centre of approximately 21,000 square metres, a 17,000-square-metre growers market and parking for more than 3800 cars. The expected capital investment value is about $135 million

Liverpool. Council seeks move of terminal

Liverpool City Council has voted to support moving the proposed rail and freight terminal, at Moorebank, to federally-owned land at Badgerys Creek. At Monday night’s meeting, the council Council will work with Penrith and Camden councils to lobby the federal and state governments on moving the terminal to the former airport site. The federal government allocated $70 million in this year’s budget for planning the Moorebank terminal. A total of $300 million will go towards the freight hub. A spokesman for federal Infrastructure Minister, Anthony Albanese, said the government was committed to the Moorebank site. “However the project is still in the early stages of development,” the spokesman said.

Springwood. OK for $9.5m revitalisation

The federal government has confirmed it will provide $9.5 million funding for the Springwood revitalisation project over the next two years. Confirmation came at a meeting between Blue Mountains Mayor, Daniel Myles, GM, Robert Greenwood, and the senior adviser to the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean..