North Ryde. University in the 'top group'

The Australian government’s inaugural Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative has given Macquarie University 5 out of 5 for scientific research. The ERA assesses research quality within Australia's higher education institutions using a combination of indicators and expert review by committees comprising experienced, internationally-recognised experts. "In achieving the maximum ratings for these five key disciplines, Macquarie has demonstrated that it is in the top group of Australian universities," said Professor Jim Piper, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). "Only five larger institutions have done better overall, and even fewer have matched Macquarie across the experimental sciences."

Penrith. Business group's issues

The Penrith Business Alliance has unveiled its "5 Key Advocacy Issues" that will underpin a campaign to remind government of its obligations towards Penrith and some 500,000 people that rely on the services the city provides. “The NSW government can no longer disregard or deny its responsibility towards Penrith’s growth as a regional city”, said Paul Brennan, PBA chairman.

Erskine Park. Demand for industrial space

DEXUS is moving to capitalise on increased tenant demand for industrial space with the construction of a 21,000-square-metre office warehouse facility on a newly acquired site at Erskine Park. Construction is expected to commence in the coming weeks. CBRE’s NSW industrial director, Jason Edge, said there was over 150,000 square metres of current enquiry for facilities in the Erskine Park/Eastern Creek precinct