AFTER considering a list of 655 possible names, NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian this week announced that Sydney's new electronic public transport ticket will be named Opal.
With the first roll-out of the new ticket scheduled for Sydney Ferries late next year, Ms Berejiklian said it was time to name the card, which will be used by passengers in Sydney and the Hunter, Illawarra and Blue Mountains regions.
THE Transport Legislation Amendment Bill 2011, which amends the Transport Administration Act 1988 and other transport legislation to establish new arrangements for the administration of the NSW transport sector, has now been passed by both houses of NSW Parliament.
The passing of the Bill allows for the establishment of a new statutory corporation to be called 'Transport for NSW' that will be responsible for the coordinated delivery of transport services.
THE New South Wales Planning Review, led by former Environment Minister Tim Moore and former NSW Public Works Minister Ron Dyer, this week embarks on a two-month 'listening tour' across the state.
The review, which the government says is the most comprehensive in over three decades, will examine reforms to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 as well as the broader planning system.
THE New South Wales Government said its Budget for 2011-12 has affirmed its commitment to an overhaul of the state's planning system to restore fairness and integrity in planning and to address the severe housing shortfall.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Brad Hazzard welcomed the 2011-12 Budget allocation of $37.1 million in an effort to stimulate housing growth.
TRANSPORT Minister Gladys Berejiklian has blamed the former Labor Government for cost blow-outs and inadequate planning for the 5.6 kilometre extension of light rail from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill Interchange.
This week's State Budget delivers funding for the inner west light rail extension but the associated walking and cycling path, known as the 'GreenWay', has been deferred. No date has been provided as to when the project will resume.
AIMING to deliver on their commitment to rebuild New South Wales, the State Government yesterday handed down its first Budget since gaining power in March.
"Rebuilding New South Wales means repairing what was left behind, improving services, and building the infrastructure we so desperately need," Treasurer Mike Baird said in his speech to Parliament yesterday.
THE Department of Planning and Infrastructure is seeking public feedback on a proposal for a new mixed-use retail and commercial development within the Warnervale Town Centre, on the NSW Central Coast.
Fabcot Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Woolworths, is proposing to construct 33,610 square metres of floor space, a new main street and civic square, 1,380 car parking spaces and other infrastructure such as loading dock facilities, new access roads and intersections.
A NEW report on the future of urban development in the Lower Hunter region highlights serious problems in the Lower Hunter's supply of new housing and the social and economic repercussions for the local community.
The report, 'There's no place like home', was released this week by MacroPlan Australia and property development industry group, Urban Taskforce. It provides a report card on the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy, introduced by the previous NSW Government in 2006.
THE Restart NSW Fund Bill 2011, introduced to establish the Restart NSW Fund to set aside funding for major infrastructure projects, has been passed by State Parliament.
NSW Treasurer Mike Baird today said the passing of Restart NSW Fund legislation through all stages of Parliament delivers on an important election commitment to establish a fund dedicated to delivering essential infrastructure.
NEW South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell today announced a peer review into site remediation plans for Barangaroo, adopting a recommendation of the recent Barangaroo Review.
The peer review will be undertaken by an independent Contaminated Sites Auditor and be selected by a panel chaired by the Office of Environment and Heritage and including the City of Sydney, Australians for Sustainable Development, Lend Lease and the Barangaroo Delivery Authority.
A NEW City of Sydney plan will introduce more street trees, green walls and community gardens to create a greener city, improve air quality and provide more habitat for wildlife.
The projects, contained in the City's draft Greening Sydney Plan, include six new key programs to encourage people to make green lifestyle choices such as greening shared gardens, verges and median strips and get involved in community gardens, junior rangers and land care groups.
A DRAFT State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) is now on exhibition following the passing of legislation in NSW Parliament that repealed the Part 3A development assessment system and replaced it with a new system to assess projects of state and regional significance.
The draft State and Regional Development SEPP has been prepared to give effect to the policy statements once the legislation commences.
THE New South Wales Government has launched a new website as part of its review process to deliver a new planning system for the state.
The new website (http://planningreview.nsw.gov.au) follows a forum held last month by Planning and Infrastructure Minister Brad Hazzard where he launched the review of the state's planning system.
