Parramatta. CCTV cameras in Church Street

Parramatta City Council has launched extra closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the CBD, for a trial period, as part of the Safer City initiative aimed at curbing the incidence of anti-social behaviour. Through the “Eyes on the Street” surveillance program, four mobile cameras have been installed at key hotspots along the Church Street dining precinct, with more cameras soon to be deployed in other areas around the CBD. Council has applied for federal government funding to install a further 10 surveillance cameras.

Region. OECD survey on climate change

The Parramatta-based Regional Development Australia-Sydney (RDAS) is conducting a survey among the business community on climate change, employment and local development. “Business perspectives will be an important component of the OECD project to guide policy development and initiatives to enhance industry competitiveness. Sydney is one of a number of global city regions participating in this project. The partners in the project will be looking towards practical outcomes from the project, particularly in relation to industry innovation, sustainable technologies and skills,” said RDAS executive officer, Bob Germaine. The OECD team will be coming to Australia in November. The Sydney wide partnership comprises the City of Sydney, the four metropolitan institutes of TAFE, and Regional Development Australia Sydney, an agency that advises the NSW and Australian Government on economic development and employment opportunities in Sydney.

The Hills. Housing awards to local firms

NSW Housing Industry Awards have gone to six local businesses. Modern View Homes won the Project Home of the Year Award, Metricon Homes won the Display Home under $250,000 category for its Milano 30 Coastal project in Middleton Grange, McDonald Jones Homes won the Best Practice of Occupational Health and Safety award, Eden Brae Homes won the Professional Major Builder title, CABE Developments won the Apartment Project of the Year category for its Cronulla project and Attard's Cabinetry won the Large Kitchen over 18 square metres category for its Dural project.

Parramatta. Lanes policy on exhibition

Parramatta City Council has on public exhibition its draft Parramatta City Centre Lanes Policy. An extensive network of some 57 lanes exists in the CBD, many of which are in sites which could undergo extensive redevelopment over the next 20 years. The policy aims seeks to retain and improve the network by retaining well-located lanes, extending short lanes and creating new lanes as redevelopment occurs. It also recommends improving lanes safety and ambience by activating them with small businesses, entrances and cafes on the ground floor, in appropriate locations.