Parramatta. NSW is in a 'recession'

Tony Pearson, deputy chief economist with ANZ Bank, said NSW was in a recession "although the State Government may not tell you that." He was speaking on the current financial crisis to the Asia Business Connection function, where he told 80 business people he was confident that at the global, policy makers understood what they had to do. "I am confident, also, that Australian policy makers know what to do but, nevertheless, the outlook for the next couple of years will be rocky," he said. Referring to NSW he said business would be in for "an extremely tough time" for the next couple of years. Parramatta City Council is the major sponsor of the Asia Business Connection.

Harris Park. Ninety per cent of units sold

Crown International Holdings has sold over 90 per cent of its 240 apartments and penthouses in the two-tower, 16-story Gallery by Crown, in Cowper Street, Harris Park. "Parramatta's growth rate and predictions of strong future investment, make the area an extremely attractive investment prospect," said Kym Rogers, Crown marketing manager. The building is expected to be completed early in 2009.

Parramatta. Wait for High Court decision

Parramatta City Council and several property owners involved in the controversial $1.4 billion Civic Place redevelopment project may have to wait until early next year before learning of the outcome of a hearing in the High Court. Owners of properties in Darcy Street took their case to the High Court following a NSW Court of Appeal decision gave the council the right to compulsory acquire the properties for the project. "A decision will be handed down in the new year, probably in February," a council spokesperson said.

Parramatta. EOI for bus depot

State Transit has called for proposals for the establishments of a Western Sydney bus depot within five kilometres of the Parramatta bus-rail interchange. The site, capable of accommodating a fleet of 80-160 buses, should be to the north, east or south east of Parramatta. Other purpose-built facilities include bus wash bay, maintenance pits workshop bays, refueling stations, and an administration and amenities building.

Eastern Creek. Dragway gets funds of $1.7m

$1.7 million of State Government funding for the Western Sydney International Dragway, at Eastern Creek, would see a significant economic boost to both the sport and Western Sydney, Sport and recreation Minister, Kevin Greene, said. The dragway has secured the rights to host the sport's national titles for the next three years.

Parramatta. Scrap firm plans relocation

Parramatta Scrap Metal plans to relocate from rented premises, at 12 North Rocks Road, North Parramatta, to a 695-square-metre site, at 21 Darking Street, North Parramatta, currently occupied by Aus-Audio Warehouse. The proposal seeks a change of use to a metal recycling plant with a capacity of handling up to 15 tonnes of non-ferrous metal products. The facility will employ six people.

Region. Rail cuts big and small

The State Government, in addition to cancelling the $12 billion North-West Metro and the $1.4 billion south-west rail link, has also cancelled the proposed $432 million duplication of the Richmond rail line, the $38 million Carlingford line passing loop and the election commitment to build a train station to serve the University of Western Sydney, at Werrington, on the western line.