North Ryde. California acquisition

Sonic Healthcare, based in Macquarie Park, has announced plans to buy the Calfornia-based laboratory, Central Coast Pathology Consultants, in its fourth acquisition this year and second in California.

Region. Catalyst for development

Although the report prepared by PriceWaterhouse Coopers for COAG found traffic flows along the M7 had fallen below initial forecasts, its building had “proven to be a catalyst for development in Western Sydney”.

Region. More housing on the fringe

The rate of development in established areas of Sydney would be cut in favour of development at the city fringe under a Coalition government, in a retreat from more than a decade of planning policy that has focused on increasing density to address population growth. Under questioning in Penrith yesterday during a leaders' forum on the future of Western Sydney, the Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell, said if he won next month's election he would alter the development mix in the government's metropolitan plan.

Parramatta. Office project commences

Leighton Properties and Grosvenor Australia have commenced construction of the landmark 19-level, 25,660-square-metre Eclipse Tower, on the corner of Station and Hassall streets, in the Parramatta CBD, after securing tenancy pre-commitments of approximately 70 per cent from two undisclosed major corporations. The development is drawing significant interest for the remaining space from the government and existing Parramatta tenants. The development is due for completion in August 2012

Region. UWS below world standards

The University of Western Sydney was among the two-thirds of 41 Australian institutions which performed below world standards, in an inaugural audit of the quality of research in business and management and applied economics. UWS with a rating of 2 was one 11 universities which performed below world standards. Fifteen universities with a rating of 1 performed “well below” world standards. Melbourne University, UNSW and UQ topped the list with a 5 rating. The ERA assessment was based on research over a six-year period. The results will inform the federal government’s new performance-based funding regime, including the allocation of $122 million this year, according to The Australian Financial Review.