Region. Drop in prison population

A record drop in the prison population has allowed the government to close Parramatta, Berrima and Kirkconnell prisons, cutting 350 jobs by the end of the year. Attorney-General, Greg Smith, said a disused section of Parklea Correctional Centre would be reopened to provide 80 beds for relocated inmates.

Parramatta. Arts centre axed

The NSW Government has denied funding for an arts centre, in Parramatta, which the former premier, Kristina Keneally, had pledged almost $25 million for the creation of an art gallery and studios on the site of the Old Kings School in the Parramatta CBD. ''The government is assessing all options for the arts precinct and will make a properly considered decision in coming months,'' said Arts Minister, George Souris. Opposition arts spokesman, Nathan Rees, said the arts budget in general was too heavily focused towards the major institutions in the centre of Sydney, and that the axing of the Parramatta project was a ''slap in the face'' to the people in the west.

Region. Funds for roads

Premier Barry O’Farrell said more than $348 million would be invested in Western Sydney roads in the 2011-12 Budget to improve safety and reduce frustration for motorists. “Western Sydney is a key growth area and this investment represents a strong commitment to improve the road network for the thousands of motorists who travel through the region every day,” he said. Funds include $16 million to start construction of the Erskine Park Link Road to service the Western Sydney Employment Area.

Region. Rail link funds

The Budget includes funding of $314 million to develop the 23-kilometre North West Rail Link between Epping and Rouse Hill ($222 million will be used to purchase land along the route) and $292 million to continue construction of the South West Rail Link, which includes 11.4 kilometres of twin track between Glenfield and Leppington.

South West. Demand remained solid

Demand in the South West industrial market has remained solid over the past six months as companies continue to plan for future growth and take advantage of competitive deals that exist in the market. Two major pre-leases have been signed in recent months at Mirvac’s Hoxton Park Airport development. These were 90,000 square metres pre-lease to Big W, which was signed in March 2011, and 43,000 square metres to Dicksmith.

Western Sydney. Demand remained strong

Colliers International Sydney Industrial Research and Forecast report for first half 2011, said leasing demand, in Western Sydney, has continued to remain strong over the past six months especially from distributors and importers who are increasing stock on hand to take advantage of the strong Australian dollar with the majority of demand being for quality existing freehold space. Speculative development has slowly started to return to Western Sydney with DEXUS, Australand and Goodman all looking to take advantage of the lack of prime grade space.