Staff reporter

The City of Perth has extended its rates relief program for owners of buildings listed in its register of cultural and heritage significance.

Fisheries Minister Norman Moore has committed $14.5 million over the next four years to seek sustainability certification for the state’s commercial fisheries.

The Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre has signed Willie Creek Pearls as its cornerstone tenant for a boutique retail precinct within the centre.

Western Australia’s key industry group has predicted further strengthening in the Western Australian economy over 2012, after a sustained period of patchy conditions and global economic uncertainty

Perth hotels are now the most expensive in Australia, with average room rates rising 17 per cent to $184 per night in 2011, according to new research.

The Australian Retailers Association has called for Sunday penalty rates to be halved to reflect the demands of the modern retail environment.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore executive Joanne Farrell has been named the Women in Resources Champion for 2012 by Western Australia’s Chamber of Minerals and Energy.

Global architecture firm Woods Bagot has unveiled its design for Perth Airport’s new $515 million international and domestic terminals.

Leighton Contractors is the latest firm to sign a framework agreement with Rio Tinto, as the mining giant pushes towards its target of exporting 353 million tonnes of iron ore per year by 2015.

In a surprise turn of events, former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr will join the Senate and take the role of Foreign Minister in the wake of Kevin Rudd’s failed leadership challenge.

Perth’s housing market is on the cusp of a comeback, with home values up nearly one per cent over the past three months despite a weak monthly result for February, new data says.

Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting and mining giant Rio Tinto have gained state government approval to build a 53 kilometre railway and 220 kilovolt powerline for the Hope Downs 4 iron ore mine in

Matrix Composites and Engineering has reported a $2.4 million loss for the six months ended December 31, after moving its headquarters from Malaga to Henderson.

Residential developer Peet has experienced a 61 per cent dip in profit for the half-year ended December 31, illustrating the difficult conditions prevalent in the residential property market.

Ampella Mining has raised $47 million to continue exploration and complete feasibility studies at its Burkina Faso gold projects.

Hartleys head of corporate finance Grey Egerton-Warburton has been named First Amongst Equals at the eleventh instalment of the WA Business News 40under40 awards.

Wealth Management group Entrust has bolstered its management ranks with the appointment of former Snap Group boss Grant Vernon as its new chief executive.

Contractor Macmahon Holdings has won a $100 million contract to design and construct the Darwin Marine Supply Base.

Imdex has lodged a record-half year result, raking in $22.7 million in net profit, up from $12.1 million the previous corresponding half year.

Gindalbie Metals has awarded Downer EDI a $64 million contract for electrical and instrumentation works at its Karara iron ore project in the Mid West.

Monadelphous Engineering has become the fourth contractor to announce a framework agreement with Rio Tinto, giving it preferred contractor status for structural, mechanical and piping work as well

The state’s peak real estate body has scoffed at claims of a rental crisis in Perth, with its latest research showing the vacancy rate for rental properties steady at 2.5 per cent.

Forge Group has posted a steady profit for the half year ended December 31, pulling in $21.3 million after tax.

The federal government's move to abolish a building industry watchdog will lead to an increase in unlawful industrial behaviour on construction sites, major industry groups say.

Packer’s $1bn plan for WA casino - The Fin; RBS to lose half its Australian businesses - The Fin; Push to privatise Rottnest villas - The West; Gillard’s threat to dock states - The Aus; ASIC casts an eye over Salter’s reign at Paynes Find - The Aus

Car handouts split Libs - The Fin; Fortescue speaks up - The Fin; Perron buys in - The Fin; Equatorial off Exxaro radar - The West; Ripper hits back at detractors - The West

South African mining company Exxaro is set to buy African Iron, an Australian-listed company with iron ore operations in the Republic of Congo, for about $388 million.

The Ichthys liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, which will develop gas reserves off WA's northern coast, has moved closer to a final go-ahead after the partners finalised three new sales agreement

Seven West Media has appointed Tim Worner as chief executive of Seven Network Television.Mr Worner will be responsible for the management of the Seven Network Television business.

INDUSTRY groups have applauded the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to cut interest rates for the second time in two months, with the focus turning immediately to the willingness of banks to pa

Coles and Bunnings were the top first-quarter perfomers among Wesfarmers' retail businesses, with the Perth-based conglomerate also reporting weak performances by its Target and Kmart divisions.

The foreign ownership of Western Australia's two coal miners raises concerns about the long-term security of the state's power supplies, Premier Colin Barnett says.