Edited announcement

The state government will increase funding to the private sector for apprenticeship training to $57 million, on top of the existing $20 million already available to private providers of traineeships.

A new $360 million wastewater infrastructure project is set to underpin the future development of Perth's burgeoning northern corridor.

The disruption to state gas supplies following the Varanus Island gas explosion has prompted the state opposition and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA to renew their calls for the development of a comprehensive state energy policy.

East Perth-based Fleetwood Corporation Ltd has agreed to provide Woodside Energy Ltd an additional 144 rooms at its Searipple Village in Karratha at an estimated value of $12 million.

Ten innovative Western Australian small businesses will have the opportunity to pitch ideas covering industries including mining, construction and biotech, to investors in the Pitch 08 event.

Trading conditions across Australia have fallen to a seven year low, yet Western Australian small businesses are continuing to perform strongly, according to a Sensis survey.

Henderson-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine is making the most of the current high demand for offshore vessels in international shipping markets by building eight aluminium crew boats on a speculative basis.

West Perth based company Minemakers Ltd has gained full ownership of the Wonarah Phosphate Project from Indo Mines Ltd.

South Perth based bamboo flooring company Style Ltd has appointed Peter Torreele as chief executive officer effective immediately.

Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland experienced the highest salary increase in Australia, a survey has found.

Vmoto has raised $7 million through a share placement, with funds to be used to complete the acquisition of CSR Motorcycles in Spain, as well as to finalise payment for Stage 1 of its manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China.

Grains producers are in a strong position to expand production and boost productivity because of recent capital investments in land, plant and machinery, according to a new ABARE report.

Welshpool based RCR Tomlinson has seen a tangible reward for its long-term support of apprentices, with WA based third-year apprentice Sean Coffey last week being awarded the Coregas/Welding Technology Institute of Australia (WTIA) "Young Tradesperson of

New home sales in Western Australia rose by 21.8 per cent in April, while the national figures were flat, recording a slight increase of 0.1 per cent, figures from the Housing Industry Association Ltd showed.

Private equity manager, Ironbridge Capital, has acquired three specialist drilling businesses valued at $200 million that operate in the high growth mining and infrastructure services sectors.

Professor Ian Constable AO was the recipient of the inaugural Sir Charles Court Inspiring Leadership Award at the 2008 Western Australian Citizen of the Year Awards presentation last night.

Perth based Strike Resources Ltd has exercised its Options to purchase a 38.5 per cent interest in Peruvian company Apurimac Ferrum S.A. for a total cash sum of over $36.2 million ($US34.5 million).

Platinum Australia Ltd have raised $31.8 million through a private placement to acquire an additional 10.75 per cent stake in its Smokey Hills platinum project.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia has appeared before the Full Bench of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission in pursuit of a new modern and flexible industrial awards system.

Nedlands based Portman Ltd has again denied speculation it will bid to takeover Golden West Resources Ltd, despite applying for approval to increase its interest in Golden West from 14.9 to 19.9 per cent.

The merger of Lihir Gold Ltd and Equigold NL has been approved by Equigold shareholders.

National Accounting firm, RSM Bird Cameron, has announced the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer to support its national partnership structure and its future growth plans.

Mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd has signed up YMCA of Perth Inc to develop a childcare strategy for the Pilbara, the centre of its iron ore operations.

The number of private art collections in Australia is growing, with Perth and Melbourne holding the highest number and value, says Chubb Personal Insurance.

Perth based Montezuma Mining Company Ltd will acquire an 85 per cent interest in a mining lease owned by Grange Resources, which contains the Durack gold deposit.

A delegation of leading Australian solar companies, including Welshpool based Solco Ltd, have taken their concerns about the Rudd Government's means test on the Solar PV (photovoltaic) Rebate Program directly to Environment Minister Peter Garrett, Shadow

China Metallurgical Group Corporation has received no objection from the Foreign Investment Review Board for its proposed acquisition of the Cape Lambert Iron Ore project.

The Acting Chancellor of The University of Notre Dame Australia, Dr Michael Quinlan, announced today the appointment of Professor Celia Hammond as its third Vice Chancellor.

A national government funded parental leave scheme should not be committed to without first undertaking a comprehensive investigation into the impact on business, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia said today.

Perth based Eden Energy Limited has announced encouraging results in the development of the Hythane/diesel dual fuel powered generators for the Indian electricity market, with trials showing a 40 per cent drop in diesel generator costs.

Alchemy Resources Limited has entered into an agreement with Troy Resources NL to acquire the Three Rivers Gold Project for $2 million.

Skywest Airlines Ltd today signed a scheduled charter contract with Fortescue Metals Group Ltd for air charter services from Perth to Cloudbreak and return.