Hawkesbury. First private sewerage system

The first private sewerage system is being installed in a new housing development on Sydney's fringe. At Pitt Town, on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, a small company called the Water Factory will recycle sewage from more than 900 homes for reuse in their toilets, washing machines and gardens in the part-built housing development called Vermont. While other housing developments in Sydney, including some at Rouse Hill and Homebush Bay, have recycled water it is provided by Sydney Water not a private company.

Minto. Potential buyer for mall

Director of Stonebridge Property Group, Carl Molony, said a potential buyer had inspected the Minto Mall "We are now in an exclusive due diligence period with a party to exchange contracts," he said. Stonebridge Property Group's website said the mall had great potential. "This outstanding offering has been coveted as one of the few remaining sites within Sydney capable of becoming a substantial sub-regional shopping centre," it said.

The Hills. Ban on smoking

Smokers will not be allowed to light up when they are dining outdoors on Castle Hill’s main street. Hills Shire councillors have voted to ban smoking in alfresco dining areas on the Old Northern Rd between Showground and Crane roads.This will extend to all side passages leading to carparks within 10m of the main street footpath. Council will install 12 no-smoking signs at a cost of $745 and a compliance officer will be employed at a starting wage of $38,826 a year.

Castle Hill. $285 million centre expansion

The Hills Shire Council has approved Queensland Investment Corporation’s $285 million plan to expand Castle Towers by 60,000 square metres The expansion will include: a new 16-screen cinema complex; an eat-street area; 3085 additional carparking spaces; and more department stores, supermarkets, restaurants and retail stores.

Penrith. Major plan for the city

A major plan ‘‘strategically significant’’ to Penrith evolving into a regional city is currently in the planning process. Landcom is proposing to develop the North Penrith Urban Area,, the vacant former army land just north of the railway station, providing residential, employment and open spaces. The plan prepared for Landcom states the capital investment value of the project was in the order of $423 million.

Blacktown. Council says no to inquiry

The Labor-controlled Blacktown Council has blocked a public inquiry into the accusations of maladministration levelled at it by a former director. The motion for an inquiry raised by councillor Nick Tyrrell also called for a review of the council's internal audit committee, which the general manager Ron Moore confirmed did not adhere to Department of Local Government guidelines.

Parramatta. GM steps down

President of the Parramatta-based Western Sydney Business Connection, Dr David Low, has thanked Keren Lavery, the organisation’s long-serving GM for her service. The new GM is Peter Dunphy,