Latest Headlines

Perth businessman Gordon Martin's bid to bankroll a rescue package for Great Southern's timber plantations has gained traction amongst growers while a US investment fund has given its financial support for the move.

The economic downturn has not dampened enthusiasm for exploration of the state's oil and gas assets, with expenditure up 33 per cent in the June quarter compared to a year ago.

Kimberley Land Council executive director Wayne Bergmann has been elected chairman of a new advisory group that will provide advice to the state government on indigenous matters.

The total number of owner occupier loans in Western Australia dropped 3.3 per cent during July, the first fall in nine months, and economists forecast the downward trend to continue over the next few months.

The much anticipated review of state electricity generator Verve Energy, prepared by former Western Power executive Peter Oates, will be tabled in parliament by Energy Minister Peter Collier this afternoon.

Premier Colin Barnett put the price of domestic gas firmly on the agenda last night, telling the Petroleum Club of Western Australia's annual meeting that a competitive domestic gas cost was part of doing business in the state.

Retailers can expect a tough 18 months ahead as the federal government's policy stimulus fades and growth in household income weakens, a leading forecaster says.

The state government has defended its approach to reforming the approvals system in the resources sector following a survey identifying Western Australia as a high risk for resources industry investment.

Stockbroking firm, Patersons Securities has launched a new specialist fixed income and hybrid securities joint venture based in Sydney called Davies & Partners.

The world's third largest mining outfit, Rio Tinto has exported its three billionth tonne of iron ore from its Australia operations, an historic moment for the company with deep roots in the Pilbara.

Shares in gold explorer Carrick Gold closed almost 12 per cent higher today after the company announced the start of pre-feasability studies at it's three open-pit mines north east of Kalgoorlie.

Avoca Resources has appointed three of its board members, including managing director Rohan Williams, to the board of 44.85 per cent owned company, Dioro Exploration.

Two new directors have been appointed to Compass Hotel Group, allowing the company to pick up the pieces nearly two months after three-quarters of the board walked out.

The state's job market is tipped to suffer a setback in the December quarter as hiring intentions by employers dip below the national outlook average, a new employment survey shows.

China has today expanded its presence in the state's junior iron ore sector, striking placement deals valued at nearly $40 million with two explorers that hold projects in Western Australia.

West Perth-based uranium explorer Energy Metals has recommended a proportional takeover bid by a Chinese firm, which will underwrite an $11.7 million rights issue.

The Australian Steel Institute has raised its concerns that local steelmakers could be locked out of supply contracts for the $50 billion Gorgon gas project after design standards were changed to Japanese levels.

The mining union has warned that WA's resources sector is not ready for the overhaul of the state's mine safety system and has called on the Barnett government to establish a steering committee.

Two Perth-based companies are a step closer to mining their gold projects in the Goldfields after receiving necessary government approvals from the state government.

South West-based Challenge Australian Dairy, which owns the Capel brand, has won two awards at this year's Westpac Food and Beverage industry awards.

Atlas Iron is on track to achieve an annual production rate of 12 million tonnes after it signed a native title agreement over its $9.5 million Wodgina iron ore mine in the Pilbara.

Perth-based Web Ace faces a $1 million fine after the communications regulatory body found the internet service provider had deducted money from customers' credit card accounts without permission.

Mirvac Group's The Point, a residential and commercial precinct in Mandurah, has taken out top honours at this year's Urban Development Institute of Australia's awards while the Town of Claremont received a rising star gong.

Perth-based oil and gas company Amadeus Energy has bowed to disgruntled shareholder CVC's demands, announcing today that managing director Geoffrey Towner will step down and two other directors will resign.

Local consumers are becoming increasingly confident about an economic rebound in Western Australia in the year ahead, according to a new confidence survey.

Western Australia has again retained the title of being one of the least desirable mining jurisdictions in Australia with inefficient exploration and mining approvals processes at the centre of the state's poor performance, a worldwide survey has found.

Wesfarmers has raised $500 million via notes with a five-year term which it will use for general funding and to repay shorter term debt.

LandCorp is seeking Expressions of Interest for a head contractor to construct and manage the delivery of the dynamic Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project's infrastructure.

The state government has announced two new appointments to the board of the South West Development Commission and named Augusta-Margaret River shire president Stephen Harrison as chairman.

Engineering and construction company Clough today announced that Andrew Walsh has resigned his role of chief financial officer and executive director and will terminate his employment on 30 September 2009.

The long-running saga of the Sons of Gwalia collapse has reached another milestone with the former mining company's auditor Ernst & Young agreeing to pay $125 million.

Aspen Group is pleased to advise that settlement of the hospital component of the Norwest Private Hospital development was completed on 3 September 2009.