Tuesday 30 March 2010

The Hills. International tourists return

Over 600 Japanese, Chinese, American and French tourists visited the Hills Shire in March – a welcome indication that international tourists are returning. “It is refreshing to see these groups coming back in 2010. The international and educational groups supply the real economic boost for this region, said Nick Hermann, owner and director of Tobruk Sheep Station, the region’s largest attraction for inbound tourists. “For international tourists wanting to get a slice of real Australia, Tobruk Sheep Station is the perfect venue in the Hills area of Sydney,” said Mayor Dimbrowsky.

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Rouse Hill. Group wins two awards

Lend Lease/GPT - The New Rouse Hill has won two awards at the Planning Institute Australia’s National Awards, held in Canberra. The award categories were: Social and Community Based Planning Award and Presidents Overall Award.

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The Hills. Council in top 10 in NSW

TheHills Shire Council has been listed amongst the state’s top ten out of 152 councils for DA processing and determination times, according to Department of Planning statistics. During the 2008/2009 financial year, the council determined 1508 DAs and 189 complying development applications. A total number of 1697 DAs and CDC's were determined in the LGA which placed council eighth highest in the state. The total estimated value of DA's and CDC's approved in the LGA was $567.2 million which placed council fifth highest in NSW.

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Emu Plains. Upgrade $1.9 under budget

Emu Plains railway station has undergone a $4.1 million upgrade, which included the design and construction of two lifts. Other improvements have included a new platform canopy to provide protection from the weather, the extension of the footbridge and platforms and new family-accessible toilets. Dwayne Purcell, customer service manager, for the Lithgow to Kingswood area, said the project was completed two months ahead of schedule and $1.9 million under budget.

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Ryde. University may sell bonds

Macquarie University said it may seek to sell bonds after receiving a first-time rating of Aa2 from Moody’s Investors Service. The university got the third-highest grade from Moody’s due to its “sound operating performance, positive liquidity level and strong market position,” and because the Australian government would likely offer financial support in a “crisis situation,” the ratings company said in a statement today. The university’s debt is forecast to peak at about A$357 million ($323 million) this year as it increases borrowings to help fund its capital program, according to Moody’s. “We are examining our financing options including the possibility of a bond sale.We should reach a decision in the next month,” said Greg Welsh, the university’media manager, in the Bloomberg BusinessWeek.

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Parramatta. EOI in CBD strata floor

Expressions of interest in a whole floor strata suite of approximately 654 square metres, on the second floor of 85 George Street, in the corporate precinct of the Parramatta CBD, have been called under instructions from John Lord & Atle Crowe-Maxwell as receivers and managers appointed Premier Parking (NSW) Pty Ltd (in liquidation). Income is available from car parking spaces: 54 leased, 33 managed and seven owned.

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