1 December 2011

The creation of Sydneys new 12-hectare convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour is progressing with three strong consortia shortlisted to build and operate the facilities. NSW Premier Barry OFarrell said the consortia were a mix of local and international players with a depth of experience in construction and maintenance as well as operations and events.

30 September 2011

The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has today called on the Federal Government to address the 'vertical fiscal imbalance' in Australia by reducing the reliance of state governments on Commonwealth grants, removing tax impediments to infrastructure projects, and sharing certain tax bases with the states and territories. NSW Treasurer Mike Baird said the submission argues that the Henry Tax Review did not focus on the 'vertical fiscal imbalance' in Australia which has resulted in the Federal Government having access to the largest and most effective taxes, while the states are dependent on fewer and less efficient taxes. "There is a fundamental mismatch in the service functions of the states and their revenue raising abilities," said Mr Baird.

28 September 2011

A comprehensive two-month listening tour across NSW, being held as part of the NSW Governments planning system review, will soon head to the Upper Hunter, Tamworth and Willoughby in Sydney. The review is being led by former Environment Minister Tim Moore and former NSW Public Works Minister Ron Dyer. Mr Moore said more than 150 meetings with stakeholders and the community were being held, including community forums in at least 44 locations over the next two months. Already, 45 stakeholder meetings have been held around Sydney.

26 September 2011

The NSW Home Builders Bonus (HBB) scheme was introduced to stimulate the construction of new homes in NSW. HBB provides exemptions and concessions for certain purchases of new homes, homes off the plan and vacant land on which a new home will be built. The Office of State Revenue issued a bulletin detailing the procedures for processing an off the plan purchase of a new home where construction has been commenced is now available.

06 June 2011

The Victorian Coalition Government has begun a series of regional roundtable discussions across the state ahead of the launch of its $1 billion Regional Growth Fund in July. Speaking to local government, business and community representatives in Sale today, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development Damian Drum said the Regional Growth Fund would support the implementation of locally identified priority projects across regional Victoria. "The Coalition Governments vision for regional development is to ensure our regions remain a key contributor to the states future growth and prosperity," Mr Drum said.

06 June 2011

The next key tender for the North West Rail Link will be called today, Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian announced. Ms Berejiklian said the North West Rail Link project team was seeking a financial and commercial services specialist to help the State Government ensure taxpayers get the best value for money. The successful tenderer will be responsible for providing advice on a whole range of finance options, Ms Berejiklian said. They will have significant contracting and finance experience and will explore various funding and contract models. This will assist the Government to ensure the new rail line is built by the best people at the best price.

06 June 2011

People in Redcliffe searching for affordable housing have new options after the Bligh Government recently opened a complex of 30 apartments in Jeffery Street. QLD Minister for Housing, Karen Struthers said the opening of the apartments was a reflection of the successful partnership between the Queensland and Australian Governments in the rolling out of NRAS across Queensland. NRAS engages investors to build affordable rental housing with rents set at least 20 per cent below the market rent for the properties. "Providing affordable housing for Queenslanders requires a joint effort from all spheres of government, business, the non-profits and the community," Ms Struthers said.

06 June 2011

Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy has approved the development of a 15-storey office building to house the operations of the National Australia Bank (NAB) at 700 Bourke Street, Docklands - adjacent to Southern Cross Station and Etihad Stadium. The development, valued at $200 million, will feature 64,000 square metres of floor area including a childcare centre, concourse level retail, a public auditorium and accessible public throughways. "The development will contribute to the diversity and vitality of Melbourne by responding to the ongoing demands for high-quality office space within Melbournes CBD," Mr Guy said.

05 June 2011

A report released by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, identifies more than $226 billion of assets in coastal areas nationally that are potentially at risk from climate change. The report, Climate Change Risks to Coastal Settlements and Industry, identifies significant risks to commercial and light industrial infrastructure, and road and rail systems in Australias coastal areas based on a sea level rise of 1.1 metres representing a high-end scenario for 2100. Mr Combet said coastal assets at risk from the combined impact of inundation and erosion include between 5,800 and 8,600 commercial buildings, between 3,700 and 6,200 light industrial buildings and between 27,000 and 35,000 kilometres of roads and rail. Governments at all levels need to be aware of the potential future costs of climate change, particularly as it affects the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, which currently cost around $1 billion per year on average, Mr Comb said.

 05 June 2011

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell discusses Public Sector Wages; NSW Upper House; Industrial Relations; Carbon Tax; Solar Bonus Scheme; Electricity Prices; Mining Tax and State Royalties; Commonwealth/State Relations; Clover Moore; Transport.