By William Buck

Mistakes in your financial records can cause a string of problems. Whether it’s higher taxes as a result of exaggerated profits or making your business look worse with underestimated profits.

William Buck reveals the top 10 errors they discovered during audits over the last year. Find out the steps you can take to make sure your financial reports accurately reflect your companies value.

Click here to access the webinar, using the password ghz7?MP. to view the recording.

By Western Sydney Airport

Getting behind the wheel of an excavator, designing and painting a plane and sampling traditional bush tucker were just some of the activities on offer at Western Sydney Airport’s Community Open Day on Sunday.

For the first time since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the Western Sydney community had the rare opportunity to step on to the grounds of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and learn about its construction, history and future in Western Sydney.

More than 400 local residents and families visited the construction site compound to get up close to some of the largest machines building Western Sydney International and experience the progress of Sydney’s new airport.

“We are excited our neighbours were the first through the gates to see for themselves the results of more than 1.5 million hours worked on the airport site so far to level the ground in preparation of terminal and runway construction,” Katy Hannouch, General Manager Community Engagement and Partnerships said.

“The Community Open Day was the first time since the easing of COVID restrictions we were able to welcome the next generation of engineers, pilots and travellers to the project, with family friendly, fun filled activities, and informative and engaging experiences for parents and residents alike.

“We are more than halfway through earthworks and we have already moved more than 13 million cubic metres of earth across the 1,780 hectare site on this once in a generation project.

“WSA is proud to be able to support the community through its investment in local businesses, partnerships with local organisations and creating high skilled jobs, with 59 per cent of our workforce from right here in Western Sydney.

“This was a great opportunity for the community to experience what it takes to build a world-class international airport and to step inside and touch the ground of the future airport.”

Children received an activity passport to guide them through the day, during which they designed and painted their own plane, enjoyed face painting, sampled some local bush tucker and had their picture taken with a bulldozer, dump truck and water cart.

For those ready to get behind the wheel of the giant machinery moving 26 million cubic metres of earth across the site, training simulators provided a hands-on experience of operating an excavator and a grader – no hard hats were required!

Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council hosted an archaeological dig and boomerang painting, and WSA experts answered questions about the construction of the airport.

Conservation Volunteers Australia constructed nesting boxes, to demonstrate how they are working in partnership with WSA to protect and preserve native species and how the community can play its part.

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Millions of pedestrians and cyclists can now enjoy more than 20km of continuous off-road paths along both sides of the Parramatta River with the completion of the new Escarpment Boardwalk.

The much-anticipated $18 million project was officially opened by City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer and Member for Parramatta Dr Geoff Lee.

The impressive river-level path is a critical missing link in the Parramatta Valley Cycleway, connecting Parramatta Park to the burgeoning Melrose Park precinct and Sydney Olympic Park. Two new sets of stairs connecting the path to Stewart and Macarthur streets have also been installed.

“The new Escarpment Boardwalk is going to be a game-changer for the nearly two million people who use our riverside paths through the Parramatta CBD every year,” Cr Dwyer said.

“Since the pandemic hit, more pedestrians and cyclists than ever are accessing the Parramatta Valley Cycleway, so the opening of this vital link could not have come at a better time.

“The boardwalk and two new sets of stairs will halve the current travel distance, remove steep inclines, and avoid a number of road crossings – providing much safer access for all users, including students at Macarthur Girls High School.”

Located opposite the Parramatta Ferry Wharf, the project was co-funded by City of Parramatta Council and the NSW Government, through the Cycling Infrastructure Fund and Transport for NSW’s Active Transport Program.

Dr Geoff Lee said the State Government and Council have built Sydney’s best continuous pedestrian and cycleway along the Parramatta River, which includes the impressive over-water escarpment boardwalk.

“Residents will now have the opportunity to walk or ride to work from Parramatta CBD to Melrose Park without going on the road,” Dr Lee said.

“This will transform the way people move around our City and suburbs, and enable everyone to explore and enjoy our beautiful area safely.”

The boardwalk is part of the multi-million dollar transformation of Parramatta Quay – the river gateway to Sydney’s Central City. This includes the redevelopment of Charles Street Square, the area adjacent to the wharf, which will have an improved riverfront walk, new garden terrace, and an amphitheatre with views over the Quay by the second half of 2022.

“We want to turn the picturesque Parramatta riverfront into a true destination,” Cr Dwyer said.

“Whether you’re travelling by bike, foot or ferry, these projects will make the Parramatta CBD more connected and accessible for the many thousands of locals and visitors to our great City.”

By Matthews Folbigg Lawyers

The year of 2020 has presented a multitude of challenges to the Family Courts of Australia. We have seen the Family Court respond to these challenges swiftly and boldly to ensure that Australian families are supported through the Family Law system in these difficult times. See below for some insight into some of the Court’s commendable innovations including:

1. The Virtual courtroom;

2. The COVID-19 List; and

3. The Lighthouse project.

The Virtual Court Room

In response to the COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing rules, the Family Courts are now operating on a virtual basis and are conducting Court hearings using two main platforms:

1. Video conferencing via Microsoft Teams; and

2. Telephone conferencing

This introduction of the virtual Court room has been bolstered by the implementation of an Online Court file which allows lawyers and litigants to file and access Court documents online.

Although hearings are now taking place virtually, the formalities of usual Court room etiquette and behaviour remain an expectation.

COVID-19 List

Due to the rise in urgent applications being made during COVID-19, the Family Court introduced a fast-tracked Court list known as the COVID-19 List to swiftly deal with urgent applications related to COVID-19. Applications that meet the criteria will come before a Registrar or a Judge within 3 business days of being assessed as urgent. Examples of situations where the COVID-19 List may be appropriate include:

1. Disputes about a child being vaccinated against COVID-19;

2. Parenting arrangements for when a parent or child has undergone a COVID-19 test;

3. Travel arrangements during border closures;

4. Difficulties relating to contact arrangements and changeovers arising from school or contact centre closures.

The Lighthouse Project

Another innovation of the Family Court is the launch of the Lighthouse Project, a $13.5 million Government funded pilot dedicated to improving legal responses to family violence or other risk behaviours including alcohol and drug abuse. Parties who file parenting only applications in certain Registries will now be asked to complete a confidential online questionnaire to assist the Court in identifying high risk cases early on in the proceedings. This will enable the Court to triage matters to an appropriate pathway based on the identified level of risk. Cases with high risk factors will be referred to the Evatt List, a specialised Court List where matters are heard before Judges with specialised experience and training in family violence and other risk. It is anticipated that this new innovative project will help to improve the safety of families and expedite appropriate urgent cases.

Construction on Parramatta’s new $88.6 million aquatic and leisure centre is officially underway following the appointment of a builder for the state-of-the-art community facility.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer today joined Dr Geoff Lee, Member for Parramatta, and representatives from construction firm Lipman to turn the first sod at Mays Hill in Parramatta Park, marking an exciting next step of the much-anticipated project.

“This is a historic moment for the people of Parramatta, as work begins on one of the country’s best public aquatic and leisure centres in Australia’s best city,” Cr Dwyer said.

“We know the community has been eager to get back into the water, so I’m excited that City of Parramatta Council has teamed up with respected and experienced builder Lipman to ensure we deliver a first-class facility as soon as possible.”

Dr Geoff Lee, Member for Parramatta, said Parramatta is ready to dive into building the new aquatic centre and that this is also the news that the community has been waiting for.

“Parramatta deserves a pool which caters for competition, learn-to-swim classes, recreation and relaxation. This aquatic centre will be the envy of communities all over the State. It will be a complex with versatility designed to meet the needs of Parramatta now and in the future for decades to come,” Dr Lee said.

Lipman CEO Rob MacKee said: "Lipman is thrilled to be delivering the Parramatta aquatic and leisure centre – a flagship project for Western Sydney. We look forward to working closely with City of Parramatta Council to help make it one of Sydney’s most iconic aquatic and leisure facilities, and seeing it thrive for many years to come."

Expected to be completed in early 2023, the project is being co-funded by Council and the NSW Government, which is investing $38.5 million from the Restart NSW Fund.

Council, on top of its initial commitment of $38.5 million, is investing an extra $11.6 million to increase the facility’s capacity and future-proof it to accommodate Parramatta's rapid growth.

The new 40,000 square metre aquatic and leisure centre has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the lush surrounds of Parramatta Park. It will include a 10-lane, 50m outdoor pool; 25m indoor pool; indoor learn-to-swim pool; indoor water playground; spa and sauna facilities; café; fitness centre; multipurpose community rooms; and up to 200 parking spaces.

Solar panels will also be installed on sections of the centre’s roof, generating approximately 142,000 kilowatts of power annually, while more than 500 trees indigenous to the area will be planted.

“This is a once-in-a-generation project and we are making sure it goes the distance. We are investing more to meet the growing demands of our City,” Cr Dwyer said.

“This state-of-the art facility will be a place the people of Parramatta and Greater Sydney can enjoy for many years to come – whether to train, compete or simply to have fun with friends and family.”

Australia’s first modern baggage handling system will be a game changer for anyone catching a plane from Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport when it opens in late 2026.

Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the baggage handling system will help deliver a fast and easy experience for passengers and airlines and make Sydney’s new airport one of the most advanced airports in the world.

“This innovative, convenient and secure system is the next generation in baggage handling, which will give passengers and airlines the confidence that luggage will arrive safely - at the right place and the right time,” Mr Hickey said.

“We’re aiming to make lost luggage a thing of the past at Sydney’s new airport.”

Mr Hickey said Western Sydney International’s system will be a revolutionary leap ahead compared to older airports, using digital technology to track, load and move baggage more efficiently.

“Everyone knows baggage handling can be a real pain point at airports. Standing around, not knowing if and when your bag will arrive on the decades-old carousel is an anxious moment for any traveller,” he said.

“Our system will be faster and far more reliable, with potential for bag pick up and automated storage and the ability to track your bag via an app to know exactly when it’s going to arrive at your pick up destination.

“Comparing our baggage handling system to those at other airports, which are based on technology that’s been around for half a century, is like comparing a go-cart to a Tesla.”

The cutting-edge ‘tote’ system will also drive efficiency for airlines. Its ‘batch-building’ capability will automatically group luggage for easier delivery to the airside baggage make-up area for loading onto aircraft quickly and easily.

“This means reduced airline delays at departure gates, lower operating costs and more use out of aircraft”.

The system will be compatible with advanced robotics that will reduce the manual baggage handling burden on ground staff and create a safer working environment.

The contract to design, build and maintain the system has been awarded to Vanderlande Industries Australia, a subsidiary of Toyota, following a competitive procurement process.

Established in 1949, Vanderlande Industries’ baggage handling systems are active in 600 airports worldwide, including 12 of the world’s top 20.

“A baggage handling system is the heart of any airport passenger terminal. Awarding this contract is further proof our airport will offer passengers and airlines a more positive experience,” Mr Hickey said.

The baggage handling system design and construction will be integrated into the construction of the airport’s passenger terminal, which is due to begin at the end of 2021. Western Sydney International is on track to open for international, domestic and air cargo flights in late 2026.

Canterbury Bankstown is evolving with Bankstown CBD, a strategic central Sydney location being just 30 minutes from Sydney’s other major centres, emerging as ‘The Place of Opportunity’.

With a strong focus on environmental sustainability, and smart technology, Bankstown is being positioned as a new generation health and education precinct currently being driven by the construction of a world class university, new billion dollar hospital, and key metro connections.

Join Council for an exclusive preview of what’s planned next for the City, with the soon to be released Draft Bankstown and Campsie Masterplans, our long-term draft Economic Development Strategy, and our draft Night time Economy Action Plan.

A flythrough video will showcase the vibrant precincts and the multi-million dollar investments that are expected to spring up, in and around our town centres. The amazing transformation is just a small part of what will undoubtedly position Canterbury Bankstown, as the City to live and do business in.

This event is proudly supported by the City of Canterbury-Bankstown and Bankstown Sports

Event Details

Date: Friday, 19 March 2021

Time: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm AEDT

Location: Bankstown Sports, The Ballroom, 8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown

Bookings: Click here to book your ticket

Liverpool approved more than $1 billion of development applications in 2020 – the fourth consecutive year the total has topped the mark.

The $1.34 billion in approvals for the city was led by more than $800 million of regionally significant buildings.

Mayor Wendy Waller said the momentum was being driven by Council’s decision in 2018 to rezone the 25 hectares of its city centre and Liverpool’s projected population growth to 300,000 by 2030.

“Significantly in 2020, construction of more than $96 million of Affordable Rental Housing was approved, to further contribute to the existing supply of accessible housing for the community,” she said.

The largest developments approved in 2020 were:

• $105 million: 35-storey mixed use development on Elizabeth Street in Liverpool CBD;
• $95.4 million: Multi-storey warehouse complex at Prestons (6km west of Liverpool CBD);
• $93.5 million: Liverpool Westfield entertainment and leisure precinct and office tower on the CBD’s Macquarie Street; and
• $100 million: A mixed use development of 14-storey and 20-storey residential towers on Bathurst Street, also in the CBD.

Work also began in 2020 on the city’s biggest commercial redevelopment, Liverpool Civic Place, a partnership of Council and Built Development.

Council’s $195 million contribution will deliver it:

• New Council offices and Council Chambers;
• A new city library and community hub;
• A childcare facility;
• A new civic plaza; and
• Council and public parking.

Construction completion is scheduled for late 2022 or early 2023.

Vaccine rollout will ease pressure on the Australian and world economies.

Australia is one of just five nations – Taiwan, China, Vietnam, New Zealand and ourselves – who enter 2021 very well-placed. To be clear, although the damage of 2020 is winding back fast, it definitely hasn’t disappeared, and it will linger. Then again, a bit of perspective is handy. Australia is positioned for recovery provided vaccine rollout begins as announced, outbreaks remain contained and state borders stay mostly open. You’d rather be here than almost anywhere else. Learn more