'Accurate' data wanted on RiverCat service

Council "insists" that Sydney Ferries collects and makes public accurate and meaningful data on the Parramatta RiverCat service before a decision is reached on its future. Council noted that the independent enquiry into State Ferries made its recommendations without and specific reference to any current or past figures, for instance, of patronage at the Parramatta wharf. Council "asserts that a reguar ferry service to Parramatta is a vital part of an integrated and sustainable transport service." The enquiry recommended the cessation of the ferry service between Rydalmere and Parramatta. NSW Government is expected to make a decision on this and other recommendations in 2008.

BizBriefs

Five of 10 Federal Government-owned properties which could be sold for housing developments are in Western Sydney. One in the Parramatta LGA is the 16-hectare former naval stores depot, at Ermington, on the Parramatta River. The site is masterplanned for 700 dwellings ... Department store chain, Myer, plans to open an outlet at Top Ryde ... Results of council's Resident Panel survey showed that 51 per cent of residents have confidence in where council is taking Parramatta, an increase of 3 per cent from 2006; 63 per cent agreed that recent developments added to the city's appeal, up 4 per cent from 2006.