Staff Reporters

The West Australian (Business section)BHP still holds the crownThe Australian mining giant is tipped as the top investment pick for 2007 by local brokers.

The team at WA Business News extends their best wishes to all our readers and hopes 2007 will be just as fruitful at the 1`2 months just gone past.

Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran has granted an export permit to Co-operative Bulk Handling for the export of 500,000 tonnes of wheat to Indonesia, and to Wheat Australia, for 300,000 tonnes to Iraq.

Linq Group ceased to be a substantial shareholder.

Deutsche Bank AG increased its relevant interest from 23,057,376 ordinary shares (13.66%) to 31,442,251 ordinary shares (15.19%).

Monterrey Investment Management Ltd increased its relevant interest from 16,769,961 ordinary shares (8.4%) to 20,543,634 ordinary shares (10.3%).

Shanghai Merchants Holdings Ltd changed its relevant interest from 76,373,197 ordinary shares (12.59%) to 76,373,197 ordinary shares (11.43%).

Has agreed to place 11 million shares at $2.10 per share to raise A$23.1 million, principally to Toronto based institutions.

PLANS are under way to redevelop the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre after a feasibility report last month found usage of the existing facility had reached capacity.

ASX code: GRB, Issue price: $0.40, First days close: N/A, Principal activities: brewing, Corporate: Michael Perrott (director), Peter Nolin (director), Bill Hoedemaker (director), Paul McKenzie (direc

130 Edward Street, PERTH, WA 6000; PO Box 8535, PERTH BC, WA 6849

VICTORIAN telcommunications player Silk Telecom is set to buy Western Power's telecommunications arm, Bright Telecommunications.

The Western Australian Trade Enquiry Service is operated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCI) w

Macquarie Bank Ltd became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 3,000,000 ordinary shares (5.13%).

AMP Ltd increased its relevant interest from 27,980,224 ordinary shares (8.74%) to 39,351,173 ordinary shares (9.73%).

Manifest Capital Management Pty Ltd changed its relevant interest from 38,921,483 ordinary shares (7.47%) to 5,846,434 ordinary shares (8,978%).

Advises that 350,000 fully paid ordinary shares will be released from escrow 10 business days from today.

THE University of Western Australia's professor of zoology Lyn Beazley has been appointed as Western Australia's chief scientist.

Pleasant Swan Valley located restaurant with function facilities.

Dr Brendan Peachey and Chris Juhasz have been promoted to associate level with local patent and trade mark attorney firm Wray & Associates.

Summary of the September 2006 CEO meeting between CEO's of the recognised professional associations and the Commissioner of Taxation.

Troika Securities Pty Ltd ceased to be a substantial shareholder.

Morgan Stanley & Co International Ltd became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 3,185,160 ordinary shares (5.09%).

Eskdale Petroleum Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest from 23,785,039 ordinary shares (11.89%) to 33,689,298 ordinary shares (16.85%).

Ausbil Dexia Ltd decreased its relevant interest from 28,851,690 ordinary shares (6.2%) to 24,073,053 ordinary shares (5.18%).

Issued 10,500,000 shares as a placement to Investors to raise approximately $2,625,000.

FORTESCUE Metals Group Ltd has denied prior knowledge of the Federal Court decision announced earlier this week, which favoured its case for access to BHP Billiton Ltd's Pilbara rail network.

ASX code: CXG, Issue price: $1.00, First days close: N/A, Principal activities: interests in large diesel engines maintenance, service & parts supply.

Level 3, 1 Adelaide Terrace, EAST PERTH, WA 6004

Events management and public services, on behalf of the Office of Road Safety.: Impact Communications Pty Ltd - $3.04 million

JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 21,795,825 ordinary shares (5.02%).

Hyflash Holdings Pty Ltd, John Clinton, Wildcross Nominees Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest from 12,426,476 ordinary shares (10.47%) to 13,974,032 ordinary shares (11.76%).