North Ryde. $200+ million hospital on track

When construction and fitout of the $200 million plus Macquarie University Hospital is completed in the first quarter 2010, the 183-bed facility will become the first private hospital on a university campus in Australia, when it opens mid-year. The hospital would enjoy a close relationship with the co-located Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University's sub-specialty post-fellowship medical school, said Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Schwartz. The university purchased full ownership of the hospital and all rights relating to its operation from project joint venture party Dalcross Holdings Pty Limited in August.

Yennora. Aloca sheds workers

A restructure at Alcoa Australia Rolled Products reduction of around 150 jobs across the two operating locations in Yennora and Point Henry, in Geelong to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the business, the company said. The restructure was required to manage the ongoing impacts of the global financial crisis, rising costs and high foreign exchange rates which reduces the profitability of export sales and increases the competitiveness of imports.