Interest in ferry service to Parramatta

Parramatta may be a long way from Palm Beach but the Palm Beach Ferry Service has expressed its interest in providing a service if the RiverCat run to Parramatta ceases as recommended in the enquiry into State Ferries. "I would be very interested in looking at creating a new service. I believe with the growing population in the west that this service could be a viable option for a private operator," said Matt Lloyd, the company's general manager. Parramatta City Council has confirmd that it was approached by the company in 2005 in relation to a ferry service to and from Parramatta. The NSW Government is expected to announce its decision on the service to Parramatta in 2008.

BizBriefs

Harvey Norman will take on Westfarmers-0wned Officeworks with the first of100 OFIS stationery stores to open at Auburn and Albury in the new year ... Newington-based Ainsworth Game Technology has received positive feedback on a new suite of games. Revenue was $31 million in 2006-07 ... Rydalmere-based board game company, Crown and Andrews, has its "Sorts" product picked up by several game companies for release in Europe and the US ... The Epping Club won the Best Registered Club at the NSW Tourism Awards ... The Woolworths-backed ALH Group has bought the freehold of the Castle Hill Tavern for $54 million ... Geoff Gerard has been appointed to the Parramatta District Rugby League Club's board of directors, replacing Peter Miller who has stood down

DAs on public exhibition

Parramatta City Council has the following development applications on public exhibition: a) internal refurbishment of existing Parramatta Court House and amendments to the roof, estimated cost of construction $11.4 million; b) alterations to and use of the former heritage-listed St Andrews Uniting Church and former heritage-listed church hall as a restaurant and bar, $775,000; c) construction of a 4-storey multi-purpose teaching building at the UWS Parramatta campus, $30 million.