Edited announcement

Three new land development opportunities have been announced for Port Hedland as part of the State Government's accelerated land release program in the Pilbara.

Engineering company RCR Tomlinson has cut its forecast 2008 financial year net profits by $4.5 million, citing delays in a major contract project, as well as the increase in costs of several fixed price contracts.

For the second year in a row, Police & Nurses Credit Society has won the Australian Banking & Finance magazine's "Best Credit Union" award.

North Perth based biomedical company pSivida has announced that enrolment for a clinical trial of their Medidur product has begun.

Recruitment professionals are nervous about a slowing economy in the longer term but remain confident about the next quarter, according to a survey by the industry's peak body.

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, has awarded nine exploration permits, representing a $425 million investment in Australia's offshore petroleum sector.

The State Government's failure to provide meaningful tax relief to business in today's state budget suggests it is trying to future-proof its prospects at the next election, rather than safeguard the economy and reinforce business growth.

Business conditions among small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) in Western Australia decreased by 13 index points to 19 in the 2008 March quarter, but remain well above the national average of 15 index points, the latest NAB SME survey says.

Perth-based carbon offset provider Carbon Conscious Ltd has closed its IPO after raising more than $7 million and is expecting to list on the Australian Securities Exchange late next week.

Rio Tinto subsidiary Hamersley Holdings has increased its interest in AusQuest to 6.9 per cent following the exercise of five million options at 40 cents per share.

Murdoch University and a Malaysian clinical research organisation Info Kinetics have announced a joint venture to deliver accredited drug analysis services to the Western Australian market.

West Perth based mineral exploration company Lachlan Star plans to issue 300 million new shares at three cents per share in an effort to raise $9 million.

Perth based mineral exploration company Gryphon Minerals, has entered a trading halt pending an announcement on Monday.

Subiaco based company Atlas South Sea Pearls has estimated its current year harvest at $6 million, with a further harvest due in June and September.

Perth based company Advance Energy Limited aims to raise $3.5 million for debt repayment and working capital.

Engineering services company, Neptune Marine Services has announced the amalgamation of Perth based Allied Diving Services and Darwin based Territory Diving Services to form the new business entity, Neptune Diving Services Under the new structure, Neptune

Westpoint promoter Neil Burnard has been found guilty on nine criminal charges in the NSW District Court.

South Perth based carbon steel producer and developer Aquila Resources Ltd hopes to start construction on its $4.13 billion ($US3.9 billion) West Pilbara iron ore project after reporting positive results at a pre-feasibility stage.

Perth based company Amcom Telecommunications Ltd has had its shares halted from trading ahead of an announcement on Thursday regarding proposed capital raising.

Clinical Cell Culture Ltd has proposed a company name change to Avita Medical Limited, whilst planning to undertake a 1 for 10 share consolidation.

Olympian and former Ironman Grant Kenny has acquired Western Australia's largest privately owned aviation company.

Nickel miner Sally Malay Mining Ltd is to purchase Liontown Resources Ltd's Cowan Nickel Project assets in the easter Goldfields in a deal worth about $2 million.

Steel group Posco Australia has acquired a 19.99 per cent stake in West Perth based exploration company Sandfire Resources through a proposed share placement.

Chinese steel company Shougang Corporation has agreed to invest up to 19.9 per cent in Perth-based Prosperity Resources Ltd via a share placement.

Financial services major Commonwealth Bank is to remain the Western Australian Government's sole supplier of transaction banking and related services, representing about $45 billion a year in transactions.

West Perth based mineral exploration company Metex Resources Ltd, has secured $11 million through share placement with chemical and fertilizer group Incitec Pivot Ltd.

Pilbara iron ore explorer FerrAus Ltd has become the latest resource company to attract the interest of China, with mining and smelting company Western Mining Co Ltd to take a 10 per cent stake.

DVD rental group Quickflix will go back to the market with a new offer after its rights issue fell short by a considerable margin.

Midwest Corporation Ltd said it does not need shareolder approval to nominate preferred infrastructure provider Yilgarn Infrastructrue Ltd to develop the $1.5 billion Oakajee Port, following ASX consultation.

Mermaid Marine Australia Limited has completed an institutional placement to raise $36.3 million, including a $8.9 million conditional component which is subject to shareholder approval.

Western Australian exploration company Focus Minerals Ltd has acquired a further 50 per cent interest in the Coolgardie Gold Project.

NRW Holdings Ltd has announced $35.4 million in new or varied contracts in the Pilbara's iron expansion.