Mark Beyer

The state opposition plans to shake up planning laws to support the development of community hubs across Perth, creating jobs close to where people live.

Private equity funds are turning into long-term owners of some major WA businesses, after being unable to complete their planned exits.

In a rare interview, Byrnecut executive chairman Steve Coughlan spoke to Business News about the growth of the low-profile mining contractor into one of WA’s biggest private companies. Click through to see our comprehensive BNiQ list of private companies.

The third daughter of late mining heir Michael Wright has succeeded in her bid to extract much more than she was left from his will, with a judge ruling she should get $25 million.

Macmahon Holdings’ shares have been smashed in early trading, falling by about 40 per cent after it was disclosed late on Friday that it had lost a major contract at Fortescue Metals Group’s Christmas Creek mine.

Power generation company Pacific Energy has trimmed its full-year earnings guidance after reporting a lower than expected interim profit, but says a contract at the Tropicana gold mine will help it return to growth in 2016.

Sixteen years after establishing Asphar Survey Group, and then building it into one of Western Australia’s largest surveying firms, Anthony Asphar is heading back to the jobs market after the demise of his business. Click through to also see the updated BNiQ list of WA's Top 10 surveying firms.

Mineral Resources has highlighted its focus on its services business, including the development of innovative bulk transport solutions, after reporting interim results that were dragged down by its iron ore mining operations.

Sirius Resources managing director Mark Bennett said today the company could be a gold miner before it becomes a nickel producer, following positive drilling results at its Baloo deposit.

Nedlands company Proteomics International Laboratories is hoping for increased support for its initial public offering after finalising an agreement with a Chinese drug development business.

Engineering and construction contractor Monadelphous Group is continuing to look overseas for growth opportunities, after reporting a drop in interim profit and foreshadowing a substantial slide in full-year revenue.

The Wirrpanda Foundation, which is one of nine Western Australian groups pioneering a new indigenous training and employment program in the state, has put contractors who over promise and under deliver on notice.

Facing a slowdown in mining-related construction work, indigenous contractors are diversifying into new fields, establishing joint ventures and highlighting their Aboriginal credentials. Click through to also see our BNiQ list of 25 major indigenous contractors in WA.

Chile-focused gold miner Lachlan Star has been placed into administration after it was unable to complete negotiations for the sale of its major subsidiary.

A planned backdoor listing by Perth technology business Cloud Lands Digital Fortress, which was established by prominent company promoter Ross Smith, has been cancelled.

Astron Environmental Services has merged with its smaller, associated business, Astron Soil and Water, as the Perth group adapts to a tougher market and tighter margins.

Specialist oil and gas services company 3B Survey has bucked the gloomy mood in the sector by shifting its Australian head office to Perth to pursue growth opportunities.

Accounting firm KPMG is launching a business ‘accelerator’ that is designed to assist early-stage technology ventures and bring them together with major companies in the energy and resources sector.

The Gorgon gas project, which is due to be completed this year, is continuing to deliver work opportunities for local contractor AusGroup.

The number of people working on the Gorgon gas project on Barrow Island has jumped to 8,000, as project operator Chevron strives to meet its targeted start-up around the middle of this year.

The strong rise in the Australian dollar gold price has encouraged gold companies to press ahead with low-cost mine developments, despite uncertainty over royalties.

Internet service provider iiNet has recruited Officeworks chief financial officer Michael Howard to fill one gap in its executive team, as it seeks a replacement for another senior executive role.

Perth company Atlantic, which is in the midst of rebuilding its Windimurra vanadium plant after a fire last year, has received a big cash boost this month in the form of further insurance payments

Perth company WPM Group anticipates revenue growth of more than 35 per cent this year after securing three major contracts in its specialist niche of print management.

The Water Corporation has announced plans to sell its in-house engineering and construction services team, which has 152 permanent employees.

Metals X is aiming to become one of Western Australia’s biggest gold miners after announcing updated plans to develop its Central Murchison project, with mining to set to commence in July this year.

Gindalbie Metals has commenced a review of its strategy and investment options, after reporting that the Karara iron ore project is still not cash flow positive despite achieving a solid lift in production volumes.

Gold miner Silver Lake Resources has cut its production guidance for the current financial year and reported higher costs, triggering a 23 per cent dive in its share price.

Galvin Engineering is hoping a recent acquisition will provide a welcome boost to business.

Perth-raised Naomi Brockwell has carved out a most unusual career in the US, combining her twin passions for the arts and free-market economics.

Mining entrepreneur Nik Zuks has put four Perth properties up for sale as he deals with the sharp slump in the iron ore market, which has slashed the value of his flagship company Bellzone Mining plc.

The break-up of once-prominent law firm Rockwell Olivier is expected to result in the opening of three ‘new’ firms in Perth, with the Civic Legal brand being revived, Taylor Olivier being launched, and Melbourne-based Mills Oakley Lawyers coming to town.