Rosehill. Track's future is questionable

“To say we are going to sell Canterbury (Racecourse) is very, very premature,”said Bill Picken, chairman, of the Rosehill-based Sydney Turf Club, on reports that the 33-hectare Canterbury track could be sold as part of a merger between the STC and the Australian Jockey Club, to revitalise the sport. The Sydney Morning Herald notes that Canterbury, fully developed, could be worth more than $400 million.

Epping. $2.3 billion rail link opens

The first scheduled train along the $2.3 billion rail link will occur this weekend, providing a shuttle service between Epping and Chatswood. Ryde Mayor, Vic Tagg, said the service, running every 15 minutes, was vital to the long-term sustainable development of the 340-hectare Macquarie Park business precinct, along with Macquarie University and North Ryde. The business park curently has more commercial floor space than in the Parramatta CBD. “If it continues to grow as planned, Macquarie Park will become the fourth-largest business centre in Australia by 2031,” he said. Ryde Business Forum chairman, Andrew Bland, has reservations about the frequency of train services. “If (Macquarie Park) is presenting itself as an aternative to the the (Sydney CBD) and Parramatta, it needs more than train stations … services need to be more frequent enough so people will take up the option. If they are witing 10 or 15 minutes, they’ll question whether it’s really worth it”.

Parramatta. DAs before council

Parramatta City Council has approved an application by Global Projects (NSW) Pty Ltd, for alterations and additions to the Northmead Bowling, Recreation and Sporting Club including the provision of an external gaming terrace and changes to the internal layout. The Bavarian Hospitality Group Pty Ltd has had its application approved for alterations and additions to an existing restaurant including the addition of outdoor eating areas, shade structures and signage, at 2 Phillip Street. Council is currently assessing an application by Kalalski Pty Ltd for the fitout of a men’s grooming spa including hairdressing, waxing and laser hair removal, at 13/103 George Street..

Parramatta. Skilled workforce up 11 per cent

Professionals represent approximately 21 per cent of workers in Parramatta, which is marginally below that of wider Sydney, according to an economic profile prepared by Parramatta City Council. Skilled employees, defined as managers, administrators, professionals and associate professionals, represent 41 per cent of Parramatta’s workforce. These occupational groups grew by 11 per cent between 2001 ans 2006.