Parramatta. Paul Broad is first CEO

Paul Broad, a former MD, of Sydney Water, based in Parramatta, has been appointed the first CEO, of the government advisory body, Infrastructure NSW. Legislation would be introduced to Parliament to establish the Infrastructure Fund, Restart NSW. “Infrastructure NSW will determine the priorities for how the funds are spent with 30 per cent of the fund to be reserved for projects in regional areas,” said Treasurer Mike Baird.

Region. Boosting business efficiencies

An innovative program to help practising accountants and managers wrestle energy costs and boost business efficiencies will be developed and piloted by the University of Western Sydney. The project is being funded by a grant of almost $350,000 from the NSW Government's Office of Environment and Heritage as part of their Energy Efficiency Training Program. Architect of the “Energy Efficiency Matters” training project, Dr Anne Abraham, says rapidly rising energy costs and moves towards a low carbon economy are concerning many businesses. Partners in the program are: accountancy firm, Moore Stephens Sydney West; energy consultants Energetics Pty Ltd; the Institute of Public Accountants; the Western Sydney Business Connection; the NSW Business Chamber; and eLearning specialists, Cadre Design.

Parramatta. EOI in large land holding

Expressions of interest have been called for a large land holding with a 20-metre frontage, at 286-290 Church Street in the heart of the retail strip. Tenants include Parramatta Central Medical Centre, Gloria Jean’s and Flight Centre on long leases.

Region. Expanding the partnership

Researchers from the UWS Solar Energy Technologies Group, Professors Tadeusz Bak and Janusz Nowotny, are expanding the partnership with the researchers from the Solar Fuel Institute of the Helmholtz Centre in Berlin, Professor Sebastian Fiechter and Dr Peter Bogdanoff, to combat some of the world's most pressing environmental problems. The collaboration will apply photosensitive oxide semiconductors for the generation of solar fuel and water disinfection. The two scientists from Berlin recently visited UWS to work on long-term research collaboration. "Here at UWS, we are leading Australia's research effort in the field of solar technologies. Similarly, the Solar Fuel Institute is the leading European organisation involved in researching the use of solar energy conversion devices," said the dean of the College of Health and Science at UWS, Professor Celler.

South West. Rental suburbs in demand

Because prices for properties closer to the Sydney CBD rise, people are clamouring to find homes to rent in and around Liverpool and Bankstown, with Bass Hill, Glenfield, Bonnyrigg and Sadlier the most in demand, according to data from SQM Research.