Approvals for the construction of new homes have jumped by 11.7 per cent in November, boosted by a spike in apartment and townhouse construction activity in Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania.
Perth-based Volt Resources has raised $4.7 million through a strongly supported exercise of listed options, with the proceeds to be used to develop the company’s Tanzanian graphite project.
Engineering and construction group Valmec has tapped investors for $5.1 million through a strongly supported share placement that will strengthen the company’s balance sheet.
Australian shares have closed slightly higher despite the market giving up most of its early gains, lifted by support for big banks, telcos and healthcare stocks.
City of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi says she is focused on diversifying the city’s economy away from the mining industry as she returns to work after a four-month absence.
Troubled sandalwood producer Quintis says its board intends to advise shareholders to vote against a series of resolutions to spill the board, while also announcing a one week extension on its forbearance agreement.
Mustang Resources has secured a $19.9 million funding package from US institutional investor Arena Investors LP through a multi-tranche convertible note facility, while also announcing plans to raise up to $4 million via an entitlement offer.
The state government has announced six more local businesses that will operate at the new $75 million Yagan Square development, set to be opened next month.
Australia have completed a 4-0 Ashes series win, with Pat Cummins' express pace easing his side to victory by an innings and 123 runs in the SCG finale.
Australia is in a commanding position after the second day of the final Ashes test, sitting at 2-193 with Steve Smith unbeaten on 44 and Usman Khawaja on 91.
The state government has approved an application from local business Old Salt to install a $2 million event barge on the Swan River near Elizabeth Quay.
Belmont-based Pindan has been awarded an $18 million state government building contract in Carnarvon, while Bunbury-based Perkins Builders has received an $8 million government contract.
Struggling gold producer Blackham Resources has released positive production results for December after being given a two-week reprieve on a $14 million debt repayment earlier this week.
Australian shares have opened comfortably higher, following strong gains in commodities and US markets where the Dow Jones index broke above the 25,000 mark for the first time.
Gold has steadied around a 3-1/2-month high as prospects for further US interest rate increases put the brakes on a recent rally, while palladium touched record highs on tight supplies.
Oil has risen to its highest since May 2015, on concern about supply risks due to unrest in Iran and another decline in US inventories as refining activity hit a 12-year high.
Hobbled spearhead Mitchell Starc has struck late on day one of the Ashes series finale, denying Joe Root a century and reducing England to 5-233 at stumps.
