Bankstown. 'Great news for airport'

Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown has completed the leasing arrangements with aviation manufacturer Quickstep Technologies Pty Ltd. “The completion of this deal is great news for the airport and the local economy. The addition of Quickstep to the Bankstown Airport precinct complements the existing array of world leading aviation manufacturers.” said Colin Grove, CEO, Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown. In February 2011, Quickstep secured an agreement with Northrop Grumman Corporation, to manufacture parts for the international F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, over the next 20 years, he said. ”Quickstep anticipates a local workforce at the site of 150 people. After an extensive fit out of the premises, the company aims to begin transfer of operations [from Western Australia] to the site throughout 2012,” Mr Grove said.

North West. Premier's truce with PM

Although the North West Rail Link project remains a priority, it will also be "developed in parallel" with the federal government's $2.1 billion Parramatta to Epping line, according to new tender documents obtained by The Daily Telegraph. The documents reveal six new stations over a 23-kilometre route from Epping to Rouse Hill, with the intention to extend the line and eventually link it with the Western Line, near Schofields. Premier Barry O'Farrell appeared to reach a truce last month when he stopped demanding the Prime Minister shift the $2.1 billion in funds she had earmarked for the Parramatta to Epping line to his election promise to build the North West Rail Link. There is a belief both will be built, with a compromise to be reached on specific timelines. Sources said Infrastructure Australia has also asked for all route possibilities to be examined, the paper said.

Parramatta. 'Complete rubbish'

"Infrastructure Australia has had a look at that project (the Parramatta to Epping Rail Link) and the North West (Rail Link) and said ... should the North West Rail Link run through Parramatta?" a senior government source said in the Daily Telegraph "The state government thinks that's complete rubbish, so there are different feelings about the route." Although the North West Rail Link project remains a priority, it will be "developed in parallel" with the federal government's $2.1 billion Parramatta to Epping line, according to new tender documents obtained by the paper. "We think the Parramatta to Epping Rail Link is a good project for the future and will continue to plan for its eventual completion," Premier Barry O'Farrell said. Sources said Infrastructure Australia had asked for all route possibilities to be examined.