Mark Beyer

Debate continues over the best way to maximise returns from the state’s rapidly growing oil and gas sector.

Embattled miner Atlantic is once again set to obtain extra funding from major shareholder Droxford International, which has proposed a new $32.6 million loan facility.

Panoramic Resources’ share price rocketed higher today after the company reported drill results that it described as a “potential game changer” for its Savannah nickel project.

Alcoa of Australia has announced it will permanently close its Point Henry aluminium smelter at Geelong in August because it has "no prospect of becoming financially viable" in another blow to the nation's manufacturing sector.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science has teamed up with three universities for a major environmental study off the state's Kimberley coast that will be funded by gas project developers Shell

The spectacular collapse of Forge Group highlights some of the big differences between the resource states and other parts of Australia.

Mining services company Mineral Resources is close to implementing ambitious plans to develop new transhipment facilities in the Pilbara and in Cockburn Sound to support growth in iron ore exports.

Maintenance and construction contractor AusGroup has returned to the black in the December quarter, with a tax credit offsetting the adverse impact of falling revenue.

Former John Holland executive Adam Harry is planning to launch a new multi-disciplined construction business this week.

Stockland has selected Probuild as its preferred contractor for the $116 million redevelopment and expansion of the Baldivis shopping centre.

Kalgoorlie-based Phoenix Gold has opted for a low cost development option at its Castle Hill project, with plans to commence production using third-party milling capacity rather than build a stand-along project.

The University of Western Australia has recruited BHP Billiton executive Peter Lilly to head up its ambitious ‘engineering zone’ project, which comes with a likely cost of $250 million.

Woodside Petroleum is set to take a 25 per cent stake in the Leviathan gas project off the coast of Israel, under a conditional deal that involves up-front payments of $US1.2 billion.

The directors of US-focused Aurora Oil & Gas have recommended that shareholders accept a $1.84 billion takeover offer from Canadian oil company Baytex Energy.

Joe Hockey won plaudits this month for providing intellectual backbone to the federal government.

Owners of older office buildings in central Perth are struggling to find tenants, with the latest Office Market Report showing a widening gap between premium buildings and the rest of the market.

The state government is calling for extra private investment at the port of Dampier, following a major new development at the port by QUBE Holdings and a call for private development of new facilities at Fremantle.

Former Ezeatm chief executive Todd Zani has been ordered to stop working with a company established five months ago that operates in the same business as his old employer.

The operators of the Kalgoorlie Super Pit - Australia's second largest open cut gold mine - say they will extend its processing life by eight years.

Qantas has struck a deal with a restaurant booking service enabling customers to earn frequent flyer points when making a booking at the likes of Rockpool, 1907, Sushia Izakaya and Bar, and Must Winebar.

Mining services company Boart Longyear has taken the unusual step of awarding its recently appointed chief executive Richard O’Brien a US$5 million cash grant.

The Fremantle port authority is looking for a private sector company to develop and operate a new bulk liquids berth at Kwinana, at a likely cost of more than $100 million.

Australia’s top infrastructure adviser has challenged governments around the country to be more rigorous in their evaluation of projects.

Premier Colin Barnett has announced the appointment of Under Treasurer Tim Marney as the State’s next Mental Health Commissioner.

The granting of planning approval for a $400 million apartment project in Port Hedland has focused attention on environmental issues facing the Pilbara town.

Experience in the UK has delivered some good lessons on how to go about privatising government businesses.

Australia’s largest full-service fitness chain is planning big changes after admitting to major problems in the way the private equity-backed business has been run.

The office vacancy rate in Perth’s central business district has jumped sharply higher to 10.8 per cent, research by Jones Lang LaSalle has found.

The signing of two long-term leasing deals by BAE Systems has highlighted the defence sector’s role in the state’s economy.

Finbar Group has repositioned its stalled Port Hedland apartment project, announcing today that it has obtained ministerial approval to build more than 700 apartments in a 10-storey tower near the town centre.

SPECIAL REPORT: The biotech sector came to life in 2013 but pricing was critical to the success or failure of capital raisings.

The state government’s liquor licensing review has sparked a fascinating debate over corporate social responsibility, vested interests and Perth’s social and cultural development.