Energy

Austal Ltd John Rothwell has stepped down from executive duties to become non-executive chairman.

Investors looking for sure and steady Western Australian stocks offering capital growth and consistent dividends have limited choices.

The underserviced and ageing rail infrastructure in the eastern states has created an attractive market opportunity for niche wagon and rail maintenance player Gemco Rail Pty Ltd, based in Forrestfield.

WESTERN Australian businessman Rory Argyle has been awarded the top honour from the Australian Institute of Company Directors for his wide ranging achievements in business and in the community.

The state Labor Party has announced plans to introduce a gross feed-in tariff for household solar power systems in what's seen as a step towards boosting its green credentials ahead of next month's election.

Fremantle-based oil and gas services company Mermaid Marine Australia Ltd has reported a net profit of $17.9 million for the 2008 financial year, up 43 per cent on the previous corresponding period.

Rio's electricity division is the conduit that may give BHP hope; One senator holds key to North-West tax grab; Opes Prime takes toll on small brokers, stock lending; Woolies' new card will trail shoppers; Fairfax sheds 550 jobs and quality journalism

The state Labor Party has sought to capitalise on community concern over uranium mining, promising to introduce legislation banning the controversial practice if re-elected next month.

Unprecedented growth in the Pilbara region looks set to continue according to new population projections from the Pilbara Industry's Community Council.

Transfield Services has secured a $120 million three-year contract to provide asset management services to BHP Billiton Nickel West in Western Australia.

Babcock and Brown Infrastructure Ltd has reported a full year net loss of $51 million and a cut in distributions, despite acquisitions over the past year including Alinta boosting revenue up 85 per cent.

Yilgarn back in port play on Golden deal; Ailing Centro bids to extend life support; Condensate tax added to Lib hit list; Minister hides key gas crisis evidence; US investors get direct access to local shares

Oil and gas producer Amadeus Energy Ltd's bottom line has been impacted by adjustments to its hedge portfolio, with the company reporting a full year net loss of $1.3 million.

With the state set to go to the polls on September 6, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA has issued an election policy blueprint it wants the elected government to take on board "to secure WA's long-term prosperity".

Balcatta-based clean energy technology group Orbital Corporation Ltd has confirmed plans to continue to expand in aligned business sectors after today announcing a $500,000 net annual profit.

The state's gas crisis and a stronger Australian dollar have cut mineral sands miner Iluka Resources Ltd's 2008 half-year result by 63 per cent.

Engineering company Clough Ltd has turned around its 2007 financial year loss into a net profit of $67 million while its order book stands at $1.2 billion.

Jessica Machin CEO of Country Arts WA (3 months)

There is fascinating debate currently underway over whether the global economy and commodities markets are heading for a major slide.

The Labor government entered the state election campaign with a carefully crafted plan, but despite its best efforts, the second week of campaigning was dominated by unexpected twists.

Western Australia will need to make significant investments upgrading electricity infrastructure to meet the federal government's mandatory renewable energy target, as the true cost of the scheme begins to emerge.

Electricity generation hopeful Western Energy is a step closer to bringing its Kwinana power station proposal to fruition, after West Perth-based CTEC signed on to engineer, procure and construct the facility.

The Australian Institute of Company Directors has named Rory Argyle the 2008 WA Gold Medal Award recipient in recognition of his outstanding achievements in business and the community.

Contrary to media reports, plans for development of a multi-user outer harbour facility at Port Hedland do not depend on a commitment by BHP Billiton Ltd to develop a new export facility.

Newcrest Mining Ltd has revealed the state's gas crisis has cost the company nearly $10 million as gas supply at it Telfer gold operation in Western Australia returns to normal.

Earnings in Nedlands-based software provider ISS Group Ltd has skyrocketed over 300 per cent for the 2008 financial year thanks to major contracts secured with mining and oil companies and inroads made by its Singapore office.

BHP throws WA port expansion into doubt; Babcock board under siege as power drains away; ASIC moves dog Forrest and Fortescue; Burston takes sudden leave of Cape Lambert; Alinta, BankWest sales loom as parents scramble for cash

BHP Billiton Ltd is close to sanctioning another stage of its Pilbara iron ore expansion but chief executive Marius Kloppers kept quiet on plans to build an outer habour in Port Hedland.

Perth-based green energy company Eden Energy Ltd is set to receive a $5 million cash injection from a Mumbai-based company as both companies look to form a series of joint ventures.

The Liberal Party has cheekily posted a call for the whereabouts of Energy and Resources Minister Francis Logan, who has been conspicuous by his low profile during the election campaign and the Varanus Island gas crisis.

Babcock & Brown Power Ltd's share price has collapsed to a low of 20.5 cents today after the company said it faced impairment charges of $452 million, had sold one of its main assets for a loss and was reviewing its distribution policy.

Fears grow of an end to boom; CBA could move on BankWest; Territory claim in jeopardy; BHP iron ore port expansion plans face investor scrutiny; LNG prices tipped to rise 80%