We do that to (certain) people Mayor puts faith in convict town

MENTION the word archaeology to Joe Khattar, a property developer, and his grumble is audible. Late last year building was halted for three months on his retail and residential project on the edge of Parramatta's CBD, as archaeologists sifted through the site for signs of European and Aboriginal settlement.

They found nothing. "It's a waste of time," Mr Khattar said.

Parramatta is on the cusp of a big redevelopment. A newly published city plan aims to create 50,000 jobs in four years. Mr Khattar's 140 apartments and 9000 metres of office space are part of that plan.