NSW Premier, Nathan Rees announced the establishment of a broadband implementation taskforce to lead NSW’s bid to act as the headquarters for the federal government’s National Broadband Network. The Premier said NSW has the industry scale and skills to drive the implementation of the network.

NSW Premier, Nathan Rees has appointed Mr John Blackburn AO as the State’s Defence Industry Advisor to help NSW companies win more defence projects. In other defence business news, Newcastle company, Forgacs Engineering has won a major defence shipbuilding contract.

The Department of State and Regional Development attended the world’s largest carbon market trade exhibition in Barcelona from May 27-29. The investment mission to the 2009 Carbon Expo aimed to boost Sydney’s global profile as the Asia–Pacific’s carbon finance and trading centre.

NSW’s exporters have been urged to seek recognition for their success in global markets. Premier Nathan Rees launched the 2009 Premier’s NSW Export Awards at a packed business event in Sydney.

Businesses from Western Sydney’s biggest industry joined a range of events at Western Sydney Manufacturing Week during May. More than 1,000 people attended 23 events and seven sites visits in various locations in Western Sydney and at the Parramatta Business Centre.

Japanese-owned Cosmos Group has invested $10 million in the triple theatre The Edge complex at Katoomba. The complex also includes a hall dedicated to Aboriginal culture. The Edge complex will create 12 jobs in Katoomba and its Edge School Education Program will help teachers and students understand the cultural significance of the Blue Mountains to Aboriginal men and women.

The Department of State and Regional Development has sponsored a new high-quality publication to showcase the strengths and diversity of the State’s food and wine industry. Taste New South Wales 2009 is a 32-page magazine to support domestic and export sales of NSW food and wine, drive industry growth and promote tourism.

Sydney has been selected as the location for post production of Peter Weir’s new film, The Way Back. The film will employ about 100 post-production specialists from several of Sydney’s leading post-production companies. The Department of State and Regional Development provided an incentive package to secure post-production of the film for Sydney.

Yamba boat building company Yamba Welding and Engineering has secured a $2.6 million project from Maritime Safety Queensland. The Yamba company competed for the contract against some major Australian competitors.