Parramatta. Population up by 2.5 per cent

The population of the Parramatta local government area, approximately 161,912 in 2008, increased by 4020 persons, or 2.5 per cent, from that in 2007. The increase was significantly higher than the averages for the Sydney region, 1.3 per cent, and NSW, 1.1 per cent. Over the past five years, Parramatta’s population has been growing at an average annual rate of 1.8 per cent, higher than the growth rates for Sydney and New South Wales over the same period, according to Biz Facts, a Parramatta City Council publication.

Region. New degree at UWS

The University of Western Sydney is expanding its urban management and planning programs and from 2010, will offer a new Bachelor of Social Science/ Master of Urban Management and Planning degree "GWS is one of Australia's most diverse, dynamic and profitable regions, and is expected to significantly change over the next decade as businesses, industry and residents are drawn into the area. In the coming years, employers will be seeking out urban planning professionals who have an understanding of the local region and can respond to the community's needs," Professor Dunn, from the School of Social Sciences, said.