Mark Beyer

The rapid expansion of Western Australia’s iron ore industry and the emergence of several aspiring producers have prompted the negotiation of an increasing number of joint venture agreements.

When Western Power formally split into four separate businesses on April 1, it marked the end of a long-established reform plan by the state government.

Big corporate collapses such as Sons of Gwalia, EG Green Group, Henry Walker Eltin and most recently Westpoint Corporation have provided plenty of work for insolvency lawyers, but a much smaller deal has been hailed as the best restructuring of 2005.

The establishment of new firms, some prominent partner moves and a plentiful flow of new work have characterised the past year in Perth's legal fraternity.

A booming economy, militant construction unions and the biggest regulatory change in a century have combined to make workplace relations one of the busiest practice areas for Perth’s law firms.

Law firms Clayton Utz and Blakiston & Crabb have been at the forefront of one of the major trends in the mining industry in the past two years: the move to Canada by miners looking to raise large amounts of money.

Most people know of Pacman as an early computer game, but for takeover lawyers the term has been applied to the unusual circumstances surrounding the battle between Alinta and The Australian Gas Light Company.

The state government has endorsed the findings of an independent review panel which found that transporting water from the Kimberley to Perth would be too costly and fraught with technical and environmental problems.

Last week marked the end of an era in Western Australian education when Curtin University of Technology vice-chancellor Lance Twomey retired after nine years in the position and 37 years at the university.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has defended management of the New MetroRail project despite announcing another cost increase and delays in completion.

Investors looking for Fleetwood Corporation to make a quick return to its halcyon days as a booming stock should not hold their breath, though people looking for dividend income and a solid growth outlook should be happier.

A new producer in Western Australia’s caravan industry, Henderson-based Trailcraft, is making rapid inroads into the sector, which has traditionally been dominated by Fleetwood subsidiary, Coromal Caravans.

Production of caravans, camper trailers and transportable homes has grown rapidly over the past decade, creating plenty of opportunities for industry players such as Fleetwood but also posing some big challenges.

The success of Perth company National Lifestyle Villages has played a notable part in the growth of Fleetwood Corporation’s manufactured accommodation business.

With Western Australia’s resources boom exceeding all expectations, the three big manufacturers of portable accommodation are enjoying unprecedented demand.

Curtin University’s council has given final approval for the development of a Resources and Chemistry Research and Education Precinct, which is expected to attract $200 million of capital spending over the next five years.

Pharmaceutical company Advance Healthcare Group is hoping a $10 million funding deal with Sydney firm Hawkesbridge Private Equity marks the start of its revival after a difficult three years.

Optus parent company Singapore Telecom (SingTel) is one of two private sector groups currently developing plans for a $140 million sub-sea communications cable linking Perth with Asia.

The state tax review is considering two radical reform proposals that would dramatically widen the state government’s tax base but would allow it to substantially cut tax rates.

After nearly 18 months of formative work, a group of local business people has launched a committee that is designed to foster the cultural, creative and economic development of Perth.

An economic review commissioned by the state government has endorsed planned liquor licensing reforms and made a scathing assessment of an earlier critique by the Australian Hotels Association.

Wesfarmers is boosting its executive team in readiness for an expansion of its energy business, including a possible move into electricity retailing and generation.

Science and innovation minister Francis Logan has outlined an ambitious plan to develop a series of technology parks across Perth to foster the growth of targeted industries.

Curtin University of Technology has made two high profile appointments, with the recruitment of Gordon Martin as chancellor and Professor Linda Kristjanson as pro vice chancellor research and development.

Former Woodside Petroleum managing director John Akehurst is making a return to the oil and gas sector as deputy chairman of Gordon Martin’s Coogee Resources, which is planning to develop a $450 million oil project in the Timor Sea.

The latest financial results from Perth-based debt collection company Repcol have highlighted the dramatic impact of new accounting standards on reported profits.

The Cliff Head oil project has reported a three-week delay and a further 7.5 per cent cost increase, adding to a long and expensive list of cost increases.

Coogee Chemicals' oil and gas sister company Coogee Resources has announced it is "keen to move quickly" towards development of its Timor Sea oil fields following a "significant" discovery at its Swift North-1 field.

Sweeping reforms to building industry apprenticeships have belatedly been finalised after industry groups and the Construction, Forestry, Mining & Energy Union reached agreement on technical definitions.

Mid-tier accounting firm PKF has bolstered its tax practice by recruiting experienced PricewaterhouseCoopers partner John Murray.

Many accountants and lawyers aspire to leave the big firms and set up a boutique practice but recently there have been some notable moves in the opposite direction.

The state government has provided funding and planning support for the development of a visionary oil and gas precinct at the Australian Marine Complex at Henderson, south of Perth.