Dan Wilkie

THE state government has released a new planning and infrastructure framework to guide urban development in the Pilbara for the next 25 years.

NEXTGEN Networks has completed a 426-kilometre fibre optic cable link from Perth to Geraldton, built as part of the $250 million National Broadband Network Regional Backbone Blackspots Program.

The state government says it will push for the redevelopment of the decrepit South Fremantle power station after it rezoned 91 hectares of North Coogee land for residential development.

West Perth-based explorer ZYL says it has gained the support needed to become a metallurgical coal producer by late 2012 after it received backing from institutional investors to the tune of $30 million.

Focus Minerals says it will lift its yearly gold production by 40,000 to 60,000 ounces, after it announced the start of mining at its underground gold project, The Mount.

Perth-based Perron Group has secured five new leases for its office tower on Melbourne's St Kilda Road, despite vacancy rates in the area rising above expected levels.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier is pushing for changes to skilled migration that go further than the reform package announced yesterday by the federal government.

Mid-tier gold miner Navigator Resources says it will generate a maiden profit over the 2011-12 financial year, despite lodging an interim loss of $4.2 million.

Magellan Metals has voluntarily delayed the resumption of lead shipments through the port of Fremantle after trains from its Wiluna mine deviated from the allowed route.

Highway Construction Pty Ltd has won a $58 million state government contract to widen Kwinana Freeway between Leach Highway and Roe Highway to three lanes.

Western Australia's peak industry group is lobbying for the removal of English language competency requirements and skills assessments for temporary migrants in order to fill "hundreds of thousands" of new jobs that will be created over the next decade.

The Environmental Protection Authority has given its conditional approval to two major infrastructure proposals for the Oakajee deepwater port project.

Western Australian tourism industry stalwart Ian Laurance and the Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat near Broome have taken out top honours at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.

Alinta Energy has withdrawn its application to the Takeovers Panel to limit security holder Coastal Capital International's voting rights at an extraordinary general meeting next week.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion has moved to ease community concerns over dust emissions at Cockburn Cement, which is spending $24 million on emissions reduction before March next year.

Nextgen Networks has completed a 426-kilometre fibre optic cable link from Perth to Geraldton, built as part of the $250 million National Broadband Network Regional Backbone Blackspots Program.

Perth-based NRW Holdings has announced it will expand its exposure in Queensland, after entering an $84 million deal with Comiskey Earthmoving.

Cape Lambert Resources has slipped to a $17.5 million loss in the half-year to December 31, after a busy period of asset acquisitions.

Equinox Minerals has reported an after tax profit of $US269 million in the 12 months to December 31, on the back on increased copper production and improved operational performance at its Lumwana copper mine in Zambia.

The state government has released a new planning and infrastructure framework to guide urban development in the Pilbara for the next 25 years.

West Perth-based Signature Metals says it has secured $16.2 million to fund its South African Konongo gold project through a rights issue and share placement.

WESTERN Australia’s business community has increased its focus on maximising its opportunities in Asia, with the establishment of a council to promote two-way trade with the Republic of Korea.

FREMANTLE Ports says it still wants a commercial development at Victoria Quay, after ING Real Estate abandoned its contentious $350 million redevelopment plans.

BUILDING approvals fell in Western Australia over January, but WA fared better than most of the rest of the nation, according to the Housing Industry Association.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering has announced a board shakeup, with current chairman Frank Tomasi stepping down, to be replaced by former Clough chairman John Cooper.

Perth-based Hunnu Coal has continued its stunning run with the announcement of a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Banpu Minerals to develop its Mongolian coal tenements.

BHP Billition Area C mine manager Kate Sommerville and Alcoa maintenance group leader Kym Jones have taken out the top honours at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy's Women in Resources awards.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry says urgent action is needed to grow the size of the workforce, with further signs emerging that Western Australia is facing a severe labour shortage.

Engineering and construction firm Forge Group is searching for a new managing director, after its current boss, Peter Hutchinson, stepped down in a move he says will drive the company's next phase of growth.

The Conservation Council of Western Australia has launched a campaign against the ANZ Bank, saying its ongoing investment in coal mining and coal-fired power stations is an investment liability.

Sandfire Resources says it will take a 17.1 per cent stake in Chile-focused copper-gold explorer Whinnen Resources.

The state government's discussion paper to shape the next 20 years of energy supply has been blasted by environmental groups, which say it is a "disappointing plan for increasing pollution".