Infrastructure

TRANSPORT networks are crucial to Western Australia's ports, so it's essential that port planning applies the lessons learned from road and rail systems developed in the past.

WESTERN Australia's leading business groups agree that the state requires a solid infrastructure strategy in order to correctly prioritise the state's key projects.

Colin Barnett has shuffled priority infrastructure projects in lieu of the fading economy, but will the changes made now secure WA’s future or lead to further reprioritisation?

The premier is big on rhetoric but lacks a clear plan for infrastructure.

MANY Western Australian ports are either planning, negotiating or constructing additional projects and facilities with the aim of expanding their operations and improving capacity.

THE Royalties for Regions scheme couldn't have come at a better time for the state's rural areas, with the list of infrastructure projects being developed helping cushion the regions from the worst of the economic downturn.

The state opposition has urged the government to get its priorities right after Premier Colin Barnett admitted to axing the $1.3 billion Pilbara power project in favour of the $4 billion Oakajee port and rail development.

Premier Colin Barnett says he is prepared to commit up to $678 million towards the $4 billion Oakajee port and rail development if the federal government does not provide funding from its Infrastructure Australia fund.

The state government is expected to formally approve the $3.5 billion Oakajee port and rail project that is vital to mining developments in the Mid West region.

Shares in Aurox Resources have jumped as much as 56 per cent today as the company amends its convertible notes terms for an early cash injection of up to $47 million and modifies its port agreement.

The Perth director of global engineering company Connell Wagner hopes its merger with two South African companies will boost the chances of winning work on major projects.

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A decision on Fremantle’s outer harbour may be near after nearly a decade of delays.

The state government will create a new director position to oversee the expansion of the Ord River irrigation scheme and associated community and social infrastructure in the east Kimberley.

Golden West Resources says it is not seriously considering iron ore offtake offers it has received from China, Korea and Japan as it waits to get "visibility" on port and rail infrastructure before pursuing an arrangement.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien has revealed that the state government is seeking federal funding for transport projects in Perth and Port Hedland costing a total of $1.3 billion.

South Hedland is set for a revamp after the government announced it has allocated $23 million from the royalties for regions fund for a redevelopment plan.

The current backlog of ships has prompted grains handler CBH Group to implement a temporary system that will see grain marketers bid for shipping slots to export grain.

A new expert group has been established by the state government to guide the future expansion of Fremantle Port.

GORDON Martin may preside over one of Western Australia's leading private businesses, but it was his recent experiences in the public sphere that shaped his understanding of the current economic crisis.

A number of reform challenges lie ahead for WA's electricity sector.

Fortescue Metals Group has warned it could take at least a $US171 million ($A264 million) hit from suspended shipping contracts but says talks with Chinese entities for equity investment and a hybrid funding package are progressing.

Property developer Port Bouvard has described its interim results as "pleasing" despite posting a loss after tax of $1.2 million for the six months to the end of December 2008.

Electricity prices for households and businesses are set to rise at the start of April in a bid to reduce losses by Verve Energy by some $320 million.

Mining services company Brierty says up to 100 jobs could be on the line after Fortescue Metals Group suddenly terminated a contract six months early.

Globally, high-capacity broadband is the infrastructure on which 21st century business will be built.

Extensive, untouched coal reserves and increasing demand for power generation makes Tanzania an attractive prospect for WA miners.

Atlas Iron says it has the opportunity to defer $20 million in mine establishment costs after it entered into a deal to access infrastructure that can support its Abydos iron ore project in the Pilbara.

Civil contractor Brierty expects a steady second half despite softer market conditions as it posts a profit rebound for the first half of fiscal 2009.

The state government will spend over $100 million on new water infrastructure in Margaret River and surrounding communities while the Water Corporation will join forces with the locals to carry out an $800,000 water efficiency program.

The owners of the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline have taken direct control of asset management activities that previously were run by Babcock & Brown Infrastructure subsidiary Westnet Energy.

The owners of the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline have taken direct control of asset management activities that previously were run by Babcock & Brown Infrastructure subsidiary Westnet Energy.