Region. WSROC pleased but has reservations

The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has welcomed the release of the Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036 but noted much more work needed be done. WSROC president, Cr Alison McLaren, said the review had identified many of the issues of critical importance to Western Sydney, but lacked detail in how they would be successfully implemented. “In addition, we are concerned that, although Western Sydney is expected to absorb over 60 per cent of the projected population growth, it is only going to be supplied with 50 per cent of the new jobs,” she said.

The Hills. Private hospital to expand

The Hills Shire Council has approved plans for an additional ward and operating theatre, at the $140 million Norwest Private Hospital, which opened at year ago. The work is due to be completed in May. Council’s GM, Deborah Fogarty, said the hospital had experienced 26 per cent growth in patient volume since relocating from the Hills Private Hospital. She said beds would increase from 170 to 213.

Parramatta. Lord mayor is optimistic

Parramatta Lord Mayor, John Chedid, expects the long-awaited $1.6 billion Civic Place redevelopment project to be launched in early 2011.”This will combine with several promising developments aimed at revitalising areas along the (Parramatta) river foreshore generating … optimism about our city’s growing role as the regional capital (of Western Sydney) in the years ahead,” he said.

Region. Acquisition of Yellow Brick Road

ITS Capital Investments plans to acquire Yellow Brick Road Wealth Management, which has seven branches in Western Sydney, in return for up to 99.3 ITS shares, subject to shareholder approval and the completion of a public capital raising. Mark Bouris, of Wizard Homes, established YBR in 2007.