Parramatta. Regional development authority

The federal minister for employment, Bill Shorten, will launch an Urban Taskforce Redressing the Balance report, in Parramatta, today. It seeks a Western Sydney Economic Development Authority with the power to approve projects and be a single point of contact for development and investment in the region.

Parramatta. Deloitte lodges DA

Deloitte Services Pty Limited has lodged a DA with Parramatta City Council for the fit out and use of levels 16-16, in the Eclipse Tower, at 60 Smith Street, in the CBD. The estimated cost: $5.8 million.

Penrith. DA for 900-1000 homes

Landcom has lodged a DA for the approval of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, for Stage 2A of the North Penrith Development site, which is the subject of a Part 3A Concept Plan for a transit oriented mixed uses development to accommodate 900-1000 dwellings, employment generating uses, open space and associated infrastructure and facilities. The former use and development on the Stage 2A land was for an army camp. Stage1 is currently under construction.

Parramatta. Trust supports PhD students

The Judith Hyam Memorial Trust Fund for Cancer Research is supporting two new PhD students, Monica Brygula and Joyce Lee, in the Cancer Research Unit, at the Childrens Medical Research Institute. The Trust was established in 1996, six years after Councillor Judith Hyam—the wife of then Parramatta lord mayor, Allan Hyam—passed away from cancer. The trust funds two cancer research students every year, and the members of the trust take an active interest in the progress of the students and the discoveries they make.

Penrith. New residential figures

Approximately 27.5 per cent of all new residential subdivision approvals across Sydney’s greenfield release areas were approved in Penrith over the last year. Figures released under the Sydney Metropolitan Development Program Monitor show a total of 1161 approvals for future residential dwellings were approved in Penrith between May 2011 and May 2012. With an average Penrith household size of 2.9, these figures will lead to 3367 new residents in Penrith when construction of dwellings is completed – predicted over the next 18 – 24 months. “These are real plans for more detached dwellings that will see Penrith sustain its recent impressive rate of growth”, said Bijai Kumar, CEO of the Penrith Business Alliance.

Sydney Olympic Park. New GM for arena

Guy Ngata has been appointed the new GM at Allphones Arena, in Sydney Olympic Park Mr Ngata is currently GM, of AEG-OPG Culture and Sports Company managed Mercedes-Benz Arena, in Shanghai, China, a role he has occupied for the past two and half years. In that time, Mr Ngata presided over the venue opening in 2011. Before his appointment in China, Mr Ngata was the director of operations and then CEO, of Auckland's Vector Arena. He previously held roles with both the Auckland Rugby Union Football Union and Auckland Trusts Stadium.