Manufacturers Network
The Parramatta-based Western Sydney Business Connection has established the Western Sydney Manufacturers Network (WSMN). The aim is to help regional manufacturers improve their business practices and outcomes through a range of activities and opportunities,” said WSMN facilatitor, John Pearson, former regional manager of the NSW Business Chamber in Western Sydney. WSMN also aims to be an effective voice for manufacturers in Western Sydney, to promote the region as a manufacturing centre and preferred place for investment and the focus for other regional economic development outcomes.
National Foods will close its yoghurt factory, at Wetherill Park, in March 2012, with the loss of 240 jobs. The company, owned by Japan's Kirin Holdings, said it would close the plant as part of a broader ''consolidation'' that also involves its Baulkham Hills factory and two plants in the Victoria.
$690,000 pledged for research
Panasonic Australia has pledged $690,000 to fund environmental research and public education as part of a new Macquarie University eco initiative. The company said it would support the university’s commitment to climate-risk research and education during the next three years, including the creation of the Panasonic Chair in Environmental Sustainability. Professor Tim Flannery, an internationally acclaimed Australian scientist, explorer and conservationist, has been appointed as the inaugural chair.
Woolworths plans project
Woolworths has lodged with Auburn Council an application to build a shopping arcade at Berala station, at a cost of approximately $10 million. The project, which includes speciality shops, would include three levels of car parking, two of which would be underground.
$200m proposal sent for approval
Parramatta City Council will submit to the Department of Planning the Part3A project application by Crown International Holdings Group for the construction of 26-storey mixed use development comprising 339 residential units, 1903 square metres of retail space, 5488 square metres of commercial space and six levels of basement parking for 506 vehicles. The building, to be known as Macquarie Place, is on a 4879-square-metre site on the corner of Macquarie, Marsden and Hunter streets. The cost of construction is expected to be $200 million.
UWS joins forces to drive efficiency
The University of Western Sydney has joined forces with Business Enterprise Centres (BEC) Australia, Pinstripe Media, Fairfax Community Newspapers and Net registry to empower 20,000 small business operators with the knowledge to use online technologies to help drive business efficiency, build capacity and seize new markets.
Wattyl accepts bid by Valspar
Paint maker Wattyl, based at Norwest Business Park, has entered a scheme of implementation deed with Valspar after the US group raised its initial $1.30 a share bid to $1.67, valuing Wattyl at $142 million. The Wattyl board has recommended shareholders vote in favour of the deal, on September 6, according to The Australian Financial Review.
NBN trial underway
Residents of Middleton Grange, in Sydney’s south-west, are being given a glimpse into the future under a high-speed National Broadband Network trial, which would run until the end of the year. Up to 40 households at Parkbridge Estate will use high speed fibre optic cabling towards four applications, which include: A smart metering system that will allow families and businesses to track their energy consumption in real time and adjust energy use accordingly.
Academic awarded fellowship
The University of Western Sydney's Head of School of Education, Associate Professor Steve Wilson, has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship of the Australian College of Educators (ACE). The fellowship is a national award, and one of the highest honours that the college can bestow.
Sanyo major campaign partner
Sanyo, one of the world’s leading consumer electronics companies, will take the role of major campaign partner to Team GWS, the first AFL team for Greater Western Sydney. Sanyo will sponsor the team in the 18 months prior to the club’s entry to the AFL and the Sanyo brand will take pride of place at all key club events including the announcement of playing and coaching personnel, and all venue announcements.
Champagne site sold
A former Penfolds 1.2-hectare vineyard, famous for its Great Western Champagne, in Minchin Drive, Minchinbury, has been sold for $1.2 million by Minchinbury Developments as a residential development, through Collers International. A heritage order has been placed on the winery.
Firm buys site for $7.2 million
Goodman Group has sold a 2.4-hectare development site, in Mamre Road, Erskine Park, for $7.2 million to Liebberr-Australia, a subsidiary of a German-based company, a manufacturer of cranes and earth moving machinery.
$150 million printing centre
Independent Print Media Group’s printing division is currently setting up a new $150 million-plus printing centre, at Warrick Farm. The Department of Planning recently approved the construction and operation of a rail siding to connect the centre to the Southern Sydney Freight Line.
Paragon for sale
One of the Blue Mountains famous restaurants, The Paragon in Katoomba, is on the market. Established in 1918 and remained unaltered since 1926 and classified as a national treasure, its sale price is $200,000.
Approval for $49m upgrade
The Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly has approved a $49 million concrete and asphalt production and recycling facility, which will create 64 new jobs. The approval will also allow existing facilities to remain on Hanson’s Eastern Creek site for the next three years, securing 147 current jobs, while the upgrade is being implemented.
Older uni staff a financial concern
The proportion of older baby boomer academics is markedly higher at the University of Western Sydney, and four other of the state’s 10 universities, which face financial implications when they retire. Rhonda Hawkins, UWS deputy vice-chancellor, said it had been actively addressing its ageing workforce problems since 2006, targeting recruitment of under-40s.
$53 million expansion completed
The State Government has officially opened the new $5 million Visits Centre at Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre (formerly Mulawa), completing the final stage of the six-year $53 million upgrade of the maximum security facility, which houses up to 228 maximum security female offenders and is the state’s largest correctional centre for females.
$32 million project
The government has approved a $32 million project on Site 13, in Sydney Olympic Park, which boasts two commercial office buildings of five and four storeys. The Minister for Western Sydney, David Borger said the buildings would accommodate around 600 fulltime workers and a further 45 jobs during the construction phase.
.
$68.6 million tender won
Construction company, Laing O'Rourke, has won a $68.6 million tender to complete the next stage of the Nepean Hospital redevelopment which would include new operating theatres, intensive-care facilities and surgical wards.
Technology initiative praised
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, praised Parramatta City Council’s approach to new technology, at the launch of its ParraConnect initiative, which explores ways digital technologies can improve communities. It evolved from a partnership between CivicTEC and council.
Division sold for $18.5 million
AV Jennings has sold its contract building division for $18.5 million to Japan’s largest private home builder, Sekisui House, which entered the Australian market last year and trades as Sekisui House Australia Holdings. The 200 building staff will keep their jobs.
Gloria Jean’s in breach of contract
Owners of the Gloria Jean’s Coffee franchise have been, ordered to pay $8.4 million, in the Supreme Court, in damages to US coffee exporter, Western Export Services, for breach of contract. Jireh International director, Nabi Saleh, said the company would consider its options. The company, based in Castle Hill, has 917 stores across 35 countries worth about $500 million annually.
Call to bring back courts
Businesses were being “sucked out” of Penrith to Parramatta, said a local lawyer, Stuart Cole, when commenting on the government’s earlier decision to move district courts to Parramatta and the impending relocation of 11 members from the transcription service as well.
‘No’ to relocation
The Penrith Business Alliance (PBA) wants the NSW government's transport agency to relocate its 400 staff 55km in the Sydney CBD to boost the future of Penrith. Transport Minister John Robertson has rejected the idea.:
UWS professor wins grant
Associate Professor Ian Anderson, from the University of Western Sydney's Centre for Plants and the Environment and School of Natural Sciences, has received a grant from the Australian Academy of Sciences to conduct research in Europe.
The grant, awarded under the International Science Linkages - Science Academies Program, provides support to leading Australian researchers to collaborate with international partners on projects, which contribute to Australia's economic, social and environmental wellbeing.
Mutual agreement over sales
The controversial acquisition of properties by Parramatta City Council for its $1.4 billion Civic Place redevelopment project has been resolved regarding properties, at 20-22, 24 and 25 Darcy Street. A mutual agreement was struck to purchase the properties without invoking public powers for a forced acquisition.
New head for Aldi
In January 2011, Tom Daunt, Aldi Australia’s MD buying, will succeed Michael Kloeters, who has headed the German discount firm since it opened in Australia in 2001. Mr Kloeters has been appointed to the company’s international supervisory board. Aldi, which has distribution centres at Minchinbury and Prestons, has over200 stores operating across New South Wales, ACT, Queensland and Victoria.
$40 million redevelopment
The Wentworthville Leagues Club has plans to modify the club’s entrance, add a 600-seat function room and an outdoor dining area, and build a two-level car park to increase the number of vehicles by 45 per cent to 780. The cost of the project is expected to be $40 million.