VICTORIAN Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week announced that a $100 million, 100-metre high apartment building has been approved for Docklands, becoming the first tower in the prime riverside Bolte Precinct.

Mr Guy said the 30-level development, which is located at 160-186 Lorimer Street and forms part of the ongoing Yarra's Edge development, will enhance the Docklands area, connecting the city's iconic river with the thriving central business district.

VICTORIAN Deputy Premier Peter Ryan last week announced the release of the 2009 Bushfire-Affected Communities - Five Year Consultation Report along with the Victorian Coalition Government's response.

The Victorian Government commissioned former Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority CEO Ben Hubbard to write the independent report, which examines the progress in rebuilding and recovery made by Victorian communities affected by the February 2009 bushfires.

VICTORIAN Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week said an extension to Greater Geelong's northern growth front has been put in place, with the residential rezoning of the 62-hectare Manzeene Village area in Lara West.

Mr Guy said the rezoning under Amendment C285 to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme would provide for the subdivision of around 650 lots to accommodate much needed homes and provide a vital link between central Lara and the Lara West growth area.

NEW South Wales Premier Mike Baird and Planning Minister Pru Goward last week announced the State Government will host an international summit later this year, to hear from world leading urban renewal experts about the best ways to revitalise the area in Sydney's inner harbour known as The Bays Precinct.

New housing and areas for recreation, retail, tourism, commercial and maritime use will be created along more than 5.5 kilometres of waterfront land in The Bays Precinct as part of the city's largest single urban renewal program since the Sydney Olympics.

FEDERAL Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Jamie Briggs and New South Wales Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay last week invited communities to have their say on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the $3 billion NorthConnex project.

The Australian and NSW governments, Transurban and M7 Shareholders are planning to build 9-kilometre twin tunnels under Pennant Hills Road linking the M1 to the M2. The project also includes interchanges to the north and south to accommodate connections to Pennant Hills Road.

THE City of Sydney last week said around 2,000 new jobs a year will be created off the back of the council's record $1.94 billion infrastructure program, which includes major financial commitments for projects at Green Square, George Street, Barangaroo and Harold Park.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the 10-year corporate plan included more than 400 projects across the City's local government area that would provide a boost to the city's economy, businesses and employment.

AUSTRALIAN company Traxion was last week announced as the preferred proponent to directly negotiate the development of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Australian Government's $14.5 million contribution towards the $54 million project was a strategic investment in economic and business growth for the region and the nation.

WEST Australian Premier Colin Barnett and Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron last week unveiled the winning Perth Stadium design, which will be a world-class five-tiered stadium with roof coverage over 85 per cent of its seats.

Mr Barnett said contractual negotiations between the State Government and WESTADIUM to design, build, partially finance and maintain the new Perth Stadium and Sports Precinct were successfully concluded, with the signing of the contract to soon follow.

THE West Australian Government last week announced that all overhead powerlines and related infrastructure in Karratha, Roebourne and Onslow will be moved underground, as part of a project that aims to improve the safety and reliability of power supplies in the Pilbara.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman and Energy Minister Mike Nahan said an additional $75 million in Royalties for Regions funding would be made available for phase two of the Pilbara Underground Power Project (PUPP).

THE Northern Territory Government last week announced that development approval has been given to construct a $50 million hotel that will form Stage One of the Maluka Views development in the heart of the Palmerston CBD.

The Palmerston Hotel will be located right behind 'the Hub' on Roystonea Avenue and consist of 161 hotel rooms, including 32 suites and also 41 short stay apartments.