Eraskine Park.Link road underway

Work on the $55 million, three-kilometre road between Lenore Lane, in Erskine Park, and Old Wallgrove Road, Eastern Creek, has commended. It will link the Western Sydney Employment Area and the M7, slashing transport costs for businesses.

Region. Serious questions on CSG

Fiona Simson, president of NSW Farmers, said at a forum in Penrith, coal seam gas (CSG) mining in the Sydney basin raises serious questions as to how the agriculture industry will meet the region’s growing food needs. She said the agricultural industry in the Sydney basin was the “front line” of the conflict in relation to food growing. While the region produces 90 per cent of Sydney’s fresh vegetables, every fruit and vegetable grower falls under an exploration licence for CSG, she said. Resources Minister,Chris Hartcher, said there is no reason why CSG mining and agriculture can’t operate side by side.

Castle Hill. Committee manages CBD

Castle Hill's Main Street Steering Committee has drafted a community ownership structure which will guide the CBD into the future The committee has outlined its plan to develop a business-funded association to take over management of the CBD.

Wetherill Park. Firm wins award

Bumpers Online, an innovative workshop, in Wetherill Park, has won this year's Green Stamp Business of the Year award from the Motor Traders Association. Firm won the award for its commitment to buying damaged bumper bars from local smash repairers and recycling them into new ones. The firm, with a staff of 12 has been operating out of Wetherill Park for about a year.

Region. NBN hookup in 2013

More than 11,000 premises in Blacktown, and about 17,800 premises in Penrith will be connected will have access to the National Broadband Network by early 2013. The two cities are among 49 sites where the $36 billion rollout of high-speed internet will begin next year. “Initiatives such as the Penrith Health and Education Precinct, with its related tele-health projects, will now be more attractive and viable with this infrastructure roll-out,” said chairman of the Penrith Business Alliance,” Paul Brennan.

Region. Release of regional plan

The release of 2011 RDA Sydney Regional Plan, by the Parramatta-based organisation is an informative tool providing important perspectives on the economic, environmental and social status of Sydney’s regions. The document is an essential document in planning for the future growth and development of Sydney, as it captures a unique overview of a wide range of issues within the ‘whole of Sydney’ said chairman Alan Pendleton. Suggesting a 40- year development plan for Sydney, the document covers the strengths, challenges and opportunities within the Sydney region. A full copy can be found on the website www.rdasydney.org.au

Bankstown. Helicopters arrive

With the fire season fast approaching there will be an increase in large helicopter activity on both Bankstown and Camden Airports. The first helicopter will be on site from mid November and is contracted to be on the Bankstown Airport for three months.

Parramatta. Council to consider strategy

Parramatta City Council will seek endorsement of the the Parramatta Economic Development Strategy, at its meeting on November7. The strategy makes employment generation the overarching goal for Parramatta.. It aims to meet or exceed the Sydney Metropolitan Plan targets of 27,500 extra jobs by 2036

Kings Park. Noni B fills gap

Listed Australian fashion retailer Noni B, at Kings Park, has broadened its Australian Noni B webshop at www.nonib.com.au to offer shipping and service to New Zealanders. GM of buying and marketing for Noni B,, Rhonda Kilpatrick, says Noni B identified a gap in the New Zealand market for a fashion range that offers the mature women sophisticated clothing options that suit both their shape and lifestyle, while still being friendly on their credit card.