Badgerys Creek. Development site

A decision to abandon Badgerys Creek as the site of Sydney’s second airport could release for eventual development 1700 hectares of commonwealth-owned land, 490 hectares owned by Sydney University, 344 hectares owned by the Medich Corporation and 40 hectares owned by the Damjamovich family, The Australian Financial Review said. On today’s values, and with current Special Use zoning, the Joint Study on Aviation Capacity in the Sydney Region estimated its worth at $50 million to $180 million. With business zonings in place it would be worth much more, the paper said.

Bella Vista. Govt to demolish centre

Superannuation-backed group, ISPT has sold the bulky goods Totally Home Bella Vista shopping centre to the NSW government for $50 million plus. The government will demolish the centre to make way for a station at the start of the 4-kilometre “skytrain” that will form part of the $8.5 billion North West Rail Link.

Bella Vista. ResMed speaks on R & D tax

Medical devices company, ResMed Limited, at Bella Vista, has spoken out against the rumoured cuts to the R & D tax incentive. ResMed CFO, Brett Sandercock, told media that it had factored in the tax incentive when it built its R&D department. If the incentive is cut, it will incur increased costs if it continues to develop its products in Australia. ResMed is heavily R&D-focused, as are other medical devices and pharmaceutical companies in Australia.

Region. UWS hospitality study

A University of Western Sydney study will investigate the employability of university graduates in an industry that places high value on customer service skills and experience. Karina Wardle, a PhD candidate from the UWS School of Business, is conducting a study of the value of ‘Work Integrated Learning’ (WIL) in the hospitality industry. The aim of Ms Wardle’s PhD study is to demonstrate the practical implications of WIL to the enhancement of graduate attributes and employability, and to provide a framework for universities, private colleges and TAFE when integrating WIL into their hospitality programs.

Parramatta. Mantra hotels for sale

The sale process for the CVC Asia Pacific-owned Mantra group, which has the Mantra hotel in Parramatta, is underway. The potential sale of the hotels and resort business is likely to fetch $400 to $500 million, according to The Australian Financial Review.