Region. A '$10' Christmas

George Trittis, who runs a House franchise, in Parramatta, and Wednesday’s Homewares, in North Ryde, it would be a “$10 and $20 Christmas” following the latest hike in interest rates. “I can’t discount anymore to sell more”, he said in The Australian Financial Review. Greg Smith, CEO of whitegoods and electronics retailer Clive Peeters, which has outlets across Western Sydney, said the rate rise was premature. “Consumers are still uncertain and a rate rise this close to Cvhristmas could have a negative effect,” he said. A discount outlet in Church Street, Parramatta, is offering clothing at $5.

Penrith. Launch of new business body

The Penrith Business Alliance (PBA) will be launched on Thursday, December 3, to replace the Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation (PVEDC) in name, scope and function. PBA is representative of the key industry sectors in Penrith and includes small business and the community. Chairman, Paul Brennan, said the PBA board had deliberated extensively in crafting an economic plan that would encourage job creation in the city, particularly in sectors in which the city has strengths and in the Penrith City Centre. By 2014, PBA aims to be a highly effective architect and first port of call for sustainable growth in the Penrith Valley Region

Greystanes. Approval for $150 million project

The Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, has approved the $150 million Dexus Estate Industrial Park, at Greystanes. The estate includes about 220,000 square metres of warehouse space and 21,000 square metres of office space, turning the former quarry into a modern complex. It has potential to create up to 800 construction jobs and accommodate 2000 workers. Plans include a dedicated bus transitway. Ms Keneally said the approval was for one part of larger parcel of land identified as strategically important employment land through the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Strategy.

Camellia. Temporary container site

Parramatta City Council has approved a DA, lodged by the Billbergia Group Pty Ltd, to use 1 Grand Avenue, Camellia, as the site of a container terminal for a period of two years. James Hardie formerly occupied the site for production and research purposes, until 2001. Elsewhere, the Camellia Business Group has commissioned a study on traffic congestion in the industrial estate.