North West. High rise towers

At Kellyville, a rezoning plan which would allow five towers, two up to 25 storeys high, including almost 750 residential units, shops and a supermarket, has met with residents’ objections. The scale is unheard of in Kellyville, and matches that of major business centres, said The Sydney Morning Herald. Towers up to 18 storeys have been approved around Carlingford train station, with the same heights proposed for Castle Hill. A study has also flagged the need for 22-storey residential buildings around the Epping train station. A report prepared in support of the Kellyville plan, proposed by Centro, says it is the ''best means'' of accommodating jobs and living on the site, and is consistent with state and regional strategies. Hills Shire Council will consider the proposal in its next term, the paper said.

Region. Among the top ten

Parramatta, Liverpool and Blacktown council are among the top 10 big spending councils holding the key to the future of the NSW’s future by powering transport, retail and residential growth with a combined cash pool of $1.7 billion, according to The Sunday Telegraph. “Parramatta could be one of the most dynamic councils coming out of this election,” said Dr Richard Stanton, of Sydney University.

Penrith. Project not to proceed

Penrith City Council has resolved not to proceed with the proposed Managed Aquifer Recharge project because of ongoing operational costs were substantially higher than anticipated that customers are yet to commit to the project. “The project is extremely innovative and at the forefront of water management technology in NSW. It was initiated to provide an opportunity for council to demonstrate its leadership in sustainable water management and reuse The project also had the potential to afford Council an opportunity to establish an alternative water supply,” a council report said.

Parramatta. Tender accepted

Parramatta City Council has accepted the tender submitted by Mothership Music to stage council’s Australia day concert, in Parramatta Park The contract is for a period of three years, with an option for two extensions of one year period each,

Blacktown. BEC agreement

Blacktown City Council will enter into a new three-year agreement with the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) which currently occupy Suite 2 and 3 of a council-owned building, at 121 Main Street, Blacktown. This would be a subsidised rent to support the BEC which provides, with some government funding, important services to assist small business owners in Blacktown.

Parramatta. Square on public exhibition

Parramatta City Council will place on public exhibition its draft Parramatta Square DCP. Parramatta Square, formerly Civic Place, is at the heart of the Parramatta CBD located adjacent to the Parramatta Transport Interchange. “Its development will strength Parramatta as Sydney Central City, and as a centre for business, tourism, entertainment, culture and heritage,” a council report said.

Liverpool. Seeking manager

Liverpool City Council has advertised for an economic development manager to implement the city’s economic strategy.

Region. Renovating hotels

The publicly listed Lantern Hotels is undertaking major renovations – stripping back gaming and drinking lounges and installing dining rooms – at the Ambarvale Hotel, at Ambarvale, Uncle Buck’s Tavern, at Mount Druitt and El Toro, at Liverpool. All three are expected to be open by Christmas.