Region. 50 per cent not engaged

Despite growing wealth in the region, there is continuing social disadvantage and disparity in Western Sydney, which represents a loss of opportunity and productivity. The combined effects of lower workforce participation rates, higher rates of unemployment and higher levels of part-time work mean that as much as 50 per cent of Western Sydney’s potential workforce is not engaged in effective work. This represents a significant untapped resource, said a WSROC Future Directions report.

Westmead. 900 PhD students

Approximately 900 PhD students are engaged in research in the Westmead medical precinct which includes four major hospitals and medical institutions. The precinct is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in medical research and bio-technology. The precinct services 43 per cent of Sydney’s population,

Liverpool. Encouraging business

Liverpool City Council said in its end of term report that it established an economic development portfolio to encourage business to Liverpool and to the city centre in particular. Council commenced a review of the Liverpool Centres and Corridors Strategy.

This would assist council to better respond to increasing demand for large format and bulky goods retail development in Liverpool and support expansion and development of this industry in South West Sydney and increase job opportunities. Council made representations to the state government to offer incentives to encourage private business to locate within the city centre and is continuing to explore options to support this initiative.

Camellia. Regeneration opportunity

Parramatta City Council has identified the potential of existing freight lines in the Camellia industrial area as a light rail link between Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park. Council see this as an opportunity in the long-term redevelopment of the Camellia peninsula – it is one of council’s “Big Ideas” for investigation. With the impending closure of Shell’s Clyde Refinery, council has allocated $55,000 to help fund the studies necessary for the master planning of the peninsula. The link is part of council’s proposed Western Sydney Light Rail Network

Penrith. Boost to the economy

An analysis of the social and economic benefit of athlete training at Penrith Whitewater Stadium and the International Regatta Centre shows that in the 2011-12 financial year, athlete training, together with major regattas and other rowing and canoeing events conducted at the two facilities, increased the economic output of the Penrith economy by $37 million dollars per year and created 177 jobs.

“There is no doubt that both the International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium are two of Penrith’s most valuable brand assets. The value they add to the economy and the jobs they create are of great value to the Penrith community. Jessica Fox’s silver medal in the K1 Women’s event in the recent London Olympics has again highlighted the immense value that this facility brings to the Penrith brand, “a council report said.

Parramatta. Only one of its kind

Parramatta City Council has taken a lead role in the social enterprise sector and in the past five years has invested $439,700 (up 263 per cent) in 24 social enterprises in the local area, according to a council report. Social enterprises are business trading for social, environmental and cultural purposes. Council says its social enterprise program is the only one of its kind in local government in Australia, and, has been recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in its field, the report said.

Liverpool. Plea to adopt fair approach

Liverpool City Council has resolved to lobby the Local Government Association to adopt a more fair and consistent approach to the spread of intermodal, freight and logistics facilities around the Sydney metropolitan area, rather than focus significant intermodal, freight and logistics centres in only a few locations.

Castle Hill. EOI for shopping centre

Expressions of interest have been called for the 11,620-square-metre Castle Hill Homemaker Centre, which has a net income of $2.3 million. The centre, within the main Castle Hill trading strip, is anchored by national retailers plus 14 speciality shops.

Liverpool. Top award for young lawyer

Ajay Khandhar has been awarded the Trudie Rogers Medical Lawyers Young Gun Award at the 2012 Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards his professional work and commitment to the community. He is an executive officer of the NSW Young Lawyers.