Blacktown. Demand for mining equipment

Mining and equipment and services supplier, Atlas Copco, is increasing production facilities overseas to meet demand from Australian mining companies for underground trucks, loaders and drill rigs for surface and underground operations. “When the (GFS) downturn came, everyone was very quick to put a stop to equipment purchases. Some 14 mines went into maintenance mode and we all suffered because of that,” said Sergio Camozzi, MD, of Atlas Copco Australia, based at Blacktown.

Region. UWS program recognised

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the University of Western Sydney and the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) which acknowledges a post graduate program in bushfire protection at the university and sets a foundation for exploring future collaborations The UWS Bushfire Protection program will form an integral part of FPA Australia's Bushfire Planning and Design Certification Scheme. "The university's bushfire protection program is already delivering graduates who make a tangible contribution to building safer communities in bushfire prone areas,” said Associate Dean (Academic) of the UWS College of Health and Science, Dr Betty Gill.

Homebush Bay. Hospital company collapses

Owen Ferguson Health, the company that ran Canada Bay Private Hospital, has collapsed less than a week after the state government expressed confidence in working with it on a $51 million hospital at Homebush Bay. ANZ Bank has appointed the receivers Ferrier Hodgson to take over three of the group's hospitals, in Lismore, Mackay and Melbourne. The same day the directors, Kerry Ferguson and Daniel Owen, called in voluntary administrators, who will take control of the closed Canada Bay hospital. A spokesman for the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, which confirmed last week it would continue to deal with the pair, said the state government would now ''monitor the situation'' and assess its legal options.

Parramatta. DA lodged for hotel

Victor Alan Mally has lodged a DA with Parramatta City Council for alterations and additions to the ground floor of the existing industrial premises, at 229 Victoria Road, Rydalmere, for use as a licensed hotel and associated signage. Approval is sought for the internal layout of the unit including provision of a bar area, outdoor beer garden, bathrooms and kitchen. Approval is sought to operate Monday to Saturday 11am to 11pm and Sunday 11am to 10pm.