Region. Need to fight for local jobs

Western Sydney needs the business community to fight for local jobs, infrastructure and a local airport. Western Sydney is the solution to Sydney's growth problem but only if it is prepared to speak up, said Christopher Brown, chairman of Parramatta Economic Development Forum and member on the federal/state commission on Sydney's second airport

Region. Coming to a branch near you

Suncorp Bank has engaged a feng shui expert to advise on the fit-out of a branch in Sydney’s Chinatown. If it pleases customers, the bank will look to roll out the idea in its branches across the country, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Parramatta. Talks on OGH heritage listing

Parramatta City Council will hold talks this week with representatives of the federal government on council’s concerns regarding the impact on views from the World Heritage listed Old Government House, in Parramatta Park, which may affect proposed high rise building projects in the CBD, such as the $135 million Meriton Apartments’ redevelopment proposal of the former DJ’s store, in Church Street. It will include a 24-storey and 34-storey residential towers.

Parramatta. Injunction against council

A group of Parramatta restaurants, forming the Parramatta Business Freedom Association, plan to lodge a court injunction against Parramatta City Council’s new rule banning smoking in outdoor dining areas, three years before state legislation comes into force in 2015.

Parramatta. Studying climate change

To better understand the direction and ramifications of rapid global change, the University of Western Sydney has created the Institute for Culture and Society drawing on researchers from many disciplines to develop a ‘big picture’ research program. The institute is located at the Parramatta campus.

North Ryde. New head at Macquarie Uni

Professor S. Bruce Dowton has been appointed the next vice-chancellor and president of Macquarie University. Professor Dowton is currently clinical professor in pediatrics, at Harvard Medical School, and until recently was vice president and CEO of Partners Harvard Medical International.. Professor Dowton will take up his position later this year, becoming only the fifth vice-chancellor in Macquarie University’s 48-year history.

North Ryde. Honorary doctorates

Macquarie University has awarded honorary doctorates to former prime ministers, Paul Keating and John Howard

Parramatta. Review of planning controls

Parramatta City Council has initiated a review of its planning controls to ensure that the Parramatta City Centre is able to reach its potential as the second largest employment centre outside the Sydney CBD. This exercise is not a formal exhibition of any LEP or DCP amendments. Detailed planning controls will be the subject of further analysis and development and will be reported to Council in late June/July along with the outcome of this initial engagement exercise.

Liverpool. DA for DFO

Liverpool City Council has received a DA for a direct factory outlet (DFO) in Warwick Farm. This comes after the state government approved the planning proposal by property owners Gazcorp to rezone the site at the intersection of Viscount Place and Orange Grove Road. Fairfield Council has voiced its objections, claiming it will have a negative impact on local businesses but Gazcorp director Nabil Gazal Jnr said its economic studies proved different. It is now zoned as business development with retail use and will be on public exhibition soon, according to the Fairfield Champion.

The Hills. Facility to close

Lion Nathan, which owns the Dairy Farmers’ brand, said the closure of its Baulkham Hills factory would close in July following a re-evaluation of its viability. Forty-two employees will be affected. Opportunities may exist for them to be redeployed elsewhere in the region.