Latest Headlines

BHP Billiton’s $US40bn offer for a Canadian fertiliser maker has a few pundits scratching their heads.

While federal politicians squabble over who gets the keys to the Lodge, WA’s resources industry continues to keep the national economy motoring.

Those suggesting we’ve entered a new era in Australian politics seem to be forgetting the strengths inherent in the current system.

ONE decision has towered over all others in the Western Australian resources sector in recent months – the final go ahead of the giant Gorgon liquefied natural gas project at Barrow Island.

Not that anyone needed reminding, but the federal election clearly showed the divide between east and west is as wide as ever.

WHEN Kevin Rudd announced his plans for a super profits tax on the mining industry in May, local iron ore miners immediately feared it would make financing new projects impossible.

WESTERN Australia remains the undisputed leader of the national oil and gas industry following last year’s approval of the $43 billion Gorgon LNG project on Barrow Island and the imminent start-up of Woodside’s Pluto LNG project near Karratha.

SOARING gold prices above $1,400 per ounce have ensured a steady stream of gold mine developments across Western Australia.

The state’s major engineering outfits have experienced significant staff changes in the last 12 months as the sector stepped out from the gloom of the global financial crisis.

THE narrow win by Liberal candidate Ken Wyatt in the Perth metropolitan seat of Hasluck has swung momentum towards Tony Abbott as negotiations to form a federal government continue.

THE state government will have to provide more incentives for developers to reach density and urban infill targets set in the new state planning framework, Directions 2031 and Beyond, according to the Urban Development Institute of Australia.

RESIDENTIAL developer Satterley Group has responded to rising demand for residential land in the metropolitan area with the launch of two major new subdivision projects.

WA’s stockmarket-listed property investment firms and developers are predicting a bright outlook for the sector.

SMALL businesses can sometimes struggle to effectively connect with the not-for-profit sector – there may be a lack of focus as to which sector to support, or a feeling the presence of corporate players is overwhelming their contribution.

US company Monsanto, best known for developing genetically engineered seed, has taken a 20 per cent minority interest in WA-based cereal breeding company InterGrain.

Centamin’s move to the AIM in London last year has put it in the right place to attract British and European investment.

Don’t try and hide if you’re among the undecided 10 per cent come election time; they will find you.

The rise of the Greens nationally and the resurgence of the Nationals in WA has thrown down the gauntlet to the major parties.

THE first major piece of physical hardware for what will become a world-leading supercomputer has been delivered to Murdoch University.

NATIONAL glass recycler Colmax Glass is aiming to increase Western Australia’s glass recycling rates from about 25 per cent to more than 80 per cent within 12 months with the opening of its reprocessing plant in Kewdale.

The past year has been one of extreme highs and gut-wrenching lows for investors, as the global economy struggles to shake off the lingering impacts of the global downturn.

AS Australia struggled out from the shadow of the global financial crisis in 2009, investors were desperately hoping to do more than just recover their losses.

LOCAL firms are becoming more conscious of the benefits associated with green building design, and sustainable building principles are gaining momentum in the marketplace, according to the proponents of what will become one of Australia’s top environmenta

THE developer behind a proposed inland marina development at Rockingham says it will attempt to emulate the success of the Mandurah Ocean Marina as it transforms the Rockingham foreshore near Cape Peron.

SCORING an invitation to frock up for a fundraiser may not be the once-a-year thrill of years past, with a growing number of charity balls on the Western Australian events calendar.

One of the state’s tastiest franchises has set its sights on the global market. Russell Quinn reports.

The uncertainty immediately following last Saturday’s election is cause for celebration ... and concern.

The finance sector needs to be less ambitious for growth and more conscious of risk.

The federal election outcome could improve the quality of government in Australia.

A former investor in international surfwear brand Rusty has failed in his bid to recoup more than $2 million he sunk into the company in 2006 when employed as Rusty's in-house legal adviser.

Immigration policy is hurting an industry that not only earns big bucks for Australia, but expands our influence in the region.

Sometimes being a big fish in a small pond isn’t such a bad thing.