North Ryde. Uni shares funding

The Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) announced a project, by Macquarie University researchers, as one the successful applicants to share in $4.2 million of funding. Awarded in the category of Terrestrial Biodiversity, the project will determine future invasive plant threats under climate change

Region. Infrastructure fund

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Treasurer Mike Baird today announced legislation would be introduced to Parliament to establish the NSW government’s Infrastructure Fund, Restart NSW. “No government in the country’s history did less in terms of building infrastructure than the previous Labor Government. They promised no less than 12 new rail lines, seven in Western Sydney, and failed to deliver one of them,” Mr O’Farrell said

Sydney Olympic Park. Reducing footprint

Sydney Olympic Park Authority and SOPA Sports Venues have been recognised as Bronze Sustainability Advantage Partners, awarded by the NSW government’s Office of Environment and Heritage, for their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint SOPA’s Sustainability Advantage Program helps businesses improve their environmental performance while reducing a company’s bottom line. It has been operating since 2009.

Region. Levy rise postponed

An expected rise in the levy paid by developers in Western Sydney to fund the cost of roads, bus depots and open space in the south-west and north-west growth areas has been postponed for six months pending a review. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Brad Hazzard, said the government would ''examine the efficiency of the SIC (Special Infrastructure Contribution) and determine the best approach to supporting industry in building new homes''. It was supposed to rise from around $12,000 per home to $18,000 per home from July 1, when a concession introduced by the former Labor government. The NSW executive director, of the Property Council of Australia, Glenn Byres, welcomed the announcement.