Parramatta. Technology initiative praised

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, praised Parramatta City Council’s approach to new technology, at the launch of its ParraConnect initiative, which explores ways digital technologies can improve communities. It evolved from a partnership between CivicTEC and council. “From big business to small business, ParraConnect will work with all members of the community to build a better future,” Lord Mayor Paul Garrard said.

Baulkham Hills. Division sold for $18.5 million

AV Jennings has sold its contract building division for $18.5 million to Japan’s largest private home builder, Sekisui House, which entered the Australian market last year and trades as Sekisui House Australia Holdings. The 200 building staff will keep their jobs.

Castle Hill. Gloria Jean's in breach of contract

Owners of the Gloria Jean’s Coffee franchise have been ordered, in the Supreme Court, to pay $8.4 million in damages to US coffee exporter, Western Export Services, for breach f contract. Jireh International director, Nabi Saleh, said the company would consider its options. The company, based in Castle Hill, has 917 stores across 35 countries worth about $500 million annually.

Sydney Olympic Park. GPT buys fourth site

Century Funds Management has sold a 4144-square-metre industrial property in Sydney Olympic Park to the GPT Group for $12 million. Rail Corp has leased the underdeveloped site until 2012. Under the Sydney Olympic Park Masterplan 2030 the site has the capacity for more than 29,000 square metres of floor space, according to The Australian Financial Review. This is the fourth site GPT has bought in the area.