Region. Bids for soccer base

Councils across the region are preparing their cases to be chosen by Federal Football Australia as the home ground for the Western Sydney soccer team, yet to be named, to make use of their relatively unused stadiums over the summer period, and gain from the contribution thousands of spectators would make to local economies.

Region. Risk of bankrupcty

Mt Druitt (2770), Campbelltown (2560) and Liverpool (2170) are the NSW postcodes most vulnerable to bankruptcy last financial year in a list compiled by the federal agency Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia. Mt Druitt had 163 bankruptcy declarations, Campbelltown 146 and Liverpool 144.

Region. UWS student profile

The UWS student profile shows it has the largest number of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds of any university in Australia; 70 per cent of students are from Western Sydney; 16 per cent of UWS students come through the Vocation Education and Training system; 33 per cent are over the age of 25; and 6.4 per cent are from non-English speaking backgrounds, representing 150 different nationalities, compared to 3.6 per cent across the sector.

Parramatta. 'Elite' group to attend forum

Parramatta City Council will bring an “elite” group of decision makers together to discuss the future of Sydney, at an invitation-only function in May.

Council’s CEO, Dr Robert Lang, said “Re-Thinking Sydney" would look at the structural and economic growth of Sydney in light of continuing population growth, the rise of new cities and centres, and the opportunity to recalibrate the way Sydney functions via the planning, transport and economic development resources of the broader city and government.

“In order to help Sydney become a truly sustainable global city Parramatta recognises it has a strategically important role to play. Our vision is to be the driving force and heart of Australia’s most significant economic region, a vibrant home for diverse communities and a centre of excellence in research, education and enterprise,” he said.

The function, the second of council’s annual economic forums, will be held at the Opera House, on May 16.

Parramatta. More residential towers

Construction will commence soon on Crown Group’s residential tower, V by Crown, a $300 million, 27-level building, bounded by Macquarie, Marsden and Hunter streets, in the Parramatta CBD. It will join the 25-level B1 Tower under construction at 118 Church Street, and the 25-level EsCen tower, on the former Parramatta Fire Station site, just down the road, and opposite Westfield. These are the tallest apartment blocks in the CBD. The tallest commercial towers are several levels lower.

Parramatta. Borrowing $10 million

Parramatta City Council has secured a 3.2-hectare site on Victoria Road, Rydalmere, to house its operational centre. The new development will be fully funded from the sale of existing properties that are at the end of their economic life, and primarily located in an incompatible residential precinct. A short-term borrowing of $10 million for up to 12 months will be required to allow the project to proceed Appropriate staff located in the Parramatta CBD will be relocated. A tender will be conducted in 2012.