Parramatta. Premier to meet Prime Minister

Premier Barry O’Farrell will meet Prime Minister Julia Gillard today. The most contentious part of the discussion will focus on the $2.6 billion rail link between Epping and Parramatta, Mr O'Farrell wants the commonwealth's $2.1 billion contribution to the project, and the $500 million committed by former NSW premier Kristina Keneally, to be diverted to the rail link to outer-northwest Sydney

Region. Chancellor to head enquiry

The Premier, Barry O'Farrell, has installed Professor Peter Shergold, recently appointed Chancellor, of the University of Western Sydney, as chairman of the board of the new Public Service Commission, which is charged with overhauling the culture of the public service.

Region. Extent of rental crisis

The survey of affordable rental properties undertaken by Anglicare Sydney on April 8 and 9 reveals the extent of the rental crisis facing those reliant on government benefits.Even areas once considered good value for renters, such as Blacktown, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Parramatta and Bankstown, had no affordable properties. For a single parent with one child there was only one suitable and affordable property for rent - in Gosford-Wyong - with nothing in once low-cost havens such as Macquarie Fields or Minto.

Region. Capital works for hospitals

“We announced a $185 million boost to upgrade Western Sydney hospitals before the election, and the community can expect to see real improvement at their local hospitals during the first term of my government,” Premier Barry O’Farrell said, when inspected construction work on Nepean Hospital’s new East Block. The Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, Jillian Skinner, said the capital works at the hospital, were only part of the plan to rebuild Western Sydney and improve patient care for residents. Blacktown Hospital and the Westmead Millennium Institute would be redeveloped and more funding would be granted for the Children’s Medical Research Institute, at Westmead.

Region. Workshops to boost sector

The finance, property and professional business services industry across Western Sydney has the potential to deliver high returns for the area, its economy and its people – more jobs closer to home. A greater representation of these industries is needed in areas such as Sydney’s booming Western districts as well as the further development of the finance and business services hubs located in Parramatta, Norwest, Penrith and Liverpool. To increase of the development and population in the Greater Western Sydney region, RDA Sydney has partnered with key local councils, business organisations and agency stakeholders to develop relevant solutions.

Region. Travel agents go West

China Southern Airlines has selected a group of 20 of its best performing travel agents to participate in a familiarisation tour of Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The tour aims to increase sales to Sydney on the airlines. Tourism NSW has arranged the tour which includes the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Scenic World, Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, Fairmont Resort and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden.