Region. Blacktown tops

Blacktown local government area had an estimated population of 307,000 last year, an increase of 8300 people on the previous year – the biggest increase in the state. Parramatta had an increase of 5100 people, Sydney 4500 and The Hills and Liverpool both 3400.

Penrith. Business growth

Penrith Business Alliance chairman, Paul Brennan, said NSW Treasuser, Mike Baird, was open to discussing opportunities for business growth in the area, including possible changes to the rigid development legislation.“We had discussions around co-operating with Treasury over the revitalisation of the CBD, how we might look at some new and innovative funding models to make it more attractive to developers to come into the area,” Mr Brennan said.

St Clair. Woolies buys pub

Woolworths-backed ALH Group has bought the Blue Cattle Dog Hotel, at St Clair for $23 million from the Waugh family., which bought the property for more than $20 million in 2006.