Parramatta. Senior appointments made

Graeme Beattie and Brian Barnes have been appointed to the corporate recovery division and the assurance division, respectively, of Moore Stephens Sydney West (Parramatta). Managing partner, Michael Hilliard, said the senior appointments were part of his firm’s growth plan. “The firm is now the largest independent accounting firm in the Western Sydney region …. it’s critically important for our clients and our staff that we continue to develop our service offerings and deepen our expertise in key areas,” he said

Region. Tolls to rise

Distance-based tolls on the Westlink M7 will increase on July 1. The per kilometre rate will increase from 33.85 cents to 34.15 cents. The maximum and minimum tolls will by $6.83 and 46 cents respectively. Tolls on the M2 will rise from $13.80 to $14.20.

Blue Mountains. Paragon for sale

One of the Blue Mountains famous restaurants, The Paragon in Katoomba is on the market. Established in 1918 and remained unaltered since 1926 and classified as a national treasure, its sale price is $200,000

Eastern Creek. Approval for $49m upgrade

The Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly has approved a $49 million concrete and asphalt production and recycling facility. The approval will also allow existing facilities to remain on Hanson’s Eastern Creek site for the next three years, securing 147 current jobs and will create 64 new jobs while the upgrade is being implemented. A condition is the contribution up to $1.9 million for regional road infrastructure to be made progressively as the site is redeveloped. The Minister for Western Sydney, David Borger, said the concept plan would allow Hanson to modernise its existing facility, which offers essential concrete and construction material supply and recycling at a central location.

Parramatta. Proposal for 26-storey building

Parramatta City Council will consider, at its meeting on June 28, the endorsement of a submission to the Department of Planning regarding an application by Crown International Holdings Group for the construction of a high-rise residential building, on the corners of Hunter, Marsden and Macquarie streets, in the CBD. Crown proposes to construct a 26-storey mixed-use development comprising 339 residential units, 1903 square metres of retail space, 5488 square metres of commercial space, six levels of basement car parking for 506 vehicles, communal residential amenities including a pool and gym. The application includes a public plaza with a viewing area of archaeological remains on the site.

Parramatta. Workshop on al-fresco dining areas

Parramatta City Council will hold a workshop to look at information related to the impact of a ban on smoking in al-fresco dining areas in Parramatta, and that the workshop explore the legal aspects from council’s perspective as a landowner, if and when, council may impose such a condition on its leases.

Region. Manufacturers network

The Parramatta-based Western Sydney Business Connection has established the Western Sydney Manufacturers Network (WSMN). The aim is to help regional manufacturers improve their business practices and outcomes through a range of activities and opportunities,” said WSMN facilatitor, John Pearson, former regional manager of the NSW Business Chamber in Western Sydney. WSMN also aims to be an effective voice for manufacturers in Western Sydney, to promote the region as a manufacturing centre and preferred place for investment and the focus for other regional economic development outcomes.