Region. UWS schools program

The University of Western Sydney is looking to try to ease school students into tertiary study through the Fast Forward Program which is part of the university’s schools strategic plan..It involves years 11 and 12 students attending a series of awards evenings, skills days and in-school mentoring. They get the opportunity to be matched with a UWS student whose studies relate to their interests and shadow them on a typical university day. “Fast Forward recognises the importance of engaging students with the concept of lifelong learning and the benefits of post-school education as early as possible so that students have the knowledge to plan their pathways in the senior years of schooling and beyond,” said the university’s manager of schools engagement, Anne McLean. About 600 year 9 students across Greater Western Sydney will be welcomed into the program this year.

Liverpool. 200 researchers at centre

LiverpoolThe Ingham Institute will be a focal point for medical research in south-western Sydney, bringing together more than 200 researchers in the one modern, purpose-built centre on the grounds of Liverpool Hospital. Ground work on the new $46.9 million institute building has begun and will include a wet research lab, a school simulation centre to train doctors and medical professionals, a research linear accelerator for cancer research and a clinical skills centre. Construction is due for completion in mid-2012. "We are fortunate to be on the Liverpool Hospital campus which, following the completion of its $390 million redevelopment, will become the largest hospital in NSW,” said the institute chairman, Terry Goldacre.

Leppington. Pig farm closes for railway track

Bringelly Pork and Bacon, which has been in the Leppington area for more than 50 years, is one of many farms in the south-west that will disappear with the development of the 11.4 kilometre South-West Rail Link through the property. David and Richard Bligh, owners of the property, were offered about $1.2 million for the acquired land. Property assessors estimated the full farm value at $10.3 million. The brothers have lodged an appeal in the Land and Environment Court.

Liverpool. Review of planning document

Liverpool councillors have decided to review the Liverpool Local Environmental Plan 2008 — the legal document for controlling development throughout the local government area. Mayor ,Wendy Waller, said Liverpool was identified as the regional city for the south west and would play a pivotal role in planning for the state's rapidly growing population. "Over the next 25 years, it is anticipated that the population will almost double from 180,000 to 325,000.Reviewing the [local environment plan] is important for our planning and helps to achieve the long-term vision and growth for Liverpool,” she said.

Region. Ray Williams promoted

Hawkesbury State Liberal MP, Ray Williams, has been appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney. “This appointment is further evidence the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is determined to deliver on our commitments to the people of Western Sydney, who Labor took for granted for 16 years. Working together we will ensure our key policies for Western Sydney are delivered on time and on budget,” said Premier Barry O’Farrell.

Horsley Park. Murals along the M7

Austral Bricks, at Horsley Park, has a top way to promote its products by building massive murals outside its facility, on the M7. The latest example is two 100-square-metre murals depicting the faces of the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It took about 11 days to complete the walls using almost 16,000 bricks chrome bricks. "It is a testament to Australian brickmaking and bricklaying that we can produce Brick Art like this,” said Brett Ward, GM. Marketing. The majestic murals are now visible from the M7 and will stay at the Walgrove Rd site for three to four months. Previous murals have depicted Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jackson and Barack Obama.

Schofields. Mixed use for airport

The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure has included the historic 148-hectare Schofields Aerodrome site, at Nirimba, in its planning process for the Schofields Precinct. A DOP spokesman said technical studies were nearing completion and a precinct planning report would be finalised along with proposed zoning maps and a draft development control plans. The aerodrome site, built during World War II and owned by the federal government, is set to be developed into a major residential and commercial area.

Blacktown Solar panel installation opened

Federal Energy Minister, Greg Combet, has unveiled a 276-panel solar installation, at Blacktown City Council’s works depot, which reduce greenhouse emisions at the site by 70 tonnes per year. The new installation is the fifth solar system installed at council facilities. The others include the Civic Centre, the William Lawson Childcare Centre, Max Webber Library and the administration building at Grantham Herritage Park.

Bankstown. Quickstep signs airport lease

Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown has completed the leasing arrangements with aviation manufacturer, Quickstep Technologies Pty. The agreement includes a 10-year lease with two by 5-year options over 4370 square metres of building area, formerly occupied by Boeing Australia. In February 2011, Quickstep secured a long-term agreement, with Northrop Grumman Corporation, to manufacture parts for the international F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program over the next 20 years,. After an extensive fit out, the Perth-based company aims to transfer its operations throughout 2012.