Clyde. Shell closes early

Heavy refining losses have prompted Shell to bring forward the planned closure of the Clyde refinery in Sydney to late September this year. Shell has 275 employees which is to be converted to a fuel terminal, employing 30 to 50 workers. Shell says the facility provides about 50 per cent of New South Wales's petrol supply and is the longest operating oil refinery in Australia. Caltex is reviewing the future of the Kurnell refinery. A decision is due as soon as next month.

Blacktown. $15 million super clinic

Federal government funding of $15 million will enable the Eastbrooke Medical Centre, in Blacktown, to become a super clinic. Plans, yet to go before Blacktown City Council, will include accommodation for 20 GPs, dentists, optometrists and a 100-space car park The centre could be open by June 2014. Mayor, Alan Pendleton said the centre would ease the pressure on Blacktown Hospital

Parramatta. Restaurants fight ban

Nine restaurants are fighting a Parramatta City Council ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas in the Land and Environment Court. The group is under the umbrella of the Parramatta Business Freedom Association argues the council did not have the authority to impose the ban. All nine restaurants were exempted from the May 1 ban on smoking in Parramatta Council-owned or controlled alfresco dining areas. Armani Restaurant, where water pipe tobacco can be smoked in a Middle Eastern-style outdoor tent, has launched a related Supreme Court challenge that is now being heard in the Land and Environment Court.

Blacktown. $30 million project

Blacktown City Council has on public exhibition an application by Universal Property Group for the demolition of existing structures and construction of a 20-storey mixed-use commercial and residential building, at 5 Second Avenue, Blacktown. The project, with an estimated construction cost of $30 million, would include 150 residential units.