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Babcock chief strikes back with 'orderly' rescue plan; New look, big ad campaign under way to lift E&T wines; Employers win in IR overhaul; Macquarie Capital goes private; EPA gives Atlas project the go-ahead

Two of Australia's resources-rich states, Western Australia and Northern Territory will continue to hire more employees than they lose in the next six months while New South Wales and Victoria employers have a bleaker outlook, according to Talent2 survey.

State Liberal leader Troy Buswell has today released a proposed new way forward for the State to build much needed public infrastructure in a faster, more cost-effective way.

Avoca Resources Ltd has completed construction of its new 1 million tonne per annum gold treatment plant at its Higginsville mine in Western Australia, on time and within the $49.2 million budget.

Applecross-based global education group Navitas Ltd has entered into agreements to acquire Melbourne Education Group Pty Ltd and most of the shares in Australian Institute of Public Safety Pty Ltd for $2.2 million.

Hazelmere fabrication company Specialised Welding Australia Pty Ltd will merge with Singapore-based engineering firm Profab International to create an entity that will service the global oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

Perth median house prices are predicted to increase by six per cent by fiscal 2011 with prices to remain flat this year, according to economic forecaster BIS Shrapnel.

West Perth-based oil company Tap Oil Ltd has restarted production at the Woollybutt field after technical and compliance issues cause it to be shut down earlier this year.

Engineering and construction company Clough Ltd has today been awarded a contract by Apache Energy valued at circa $200m for the installation of the Reindeer Gas Field Development offshore facilities.

Rio Tinto plans to invest $373 million to introduce driverless trains to its Pilbara operations as part of its plans to boost production.

Specialist mining and energy software developer ISS Group Ltd has branched out into the food and beverage sector following a deal with Mars Snackfood to utilise its BabelFish software.

West Perth-based Atlas Iron Ltd has completed another hurdle for its Pardoo iron project in the Pilbara, which is targeting first production in October.

Diversified base metals explorer Haddington Resources Ltd will not go ahead with its acquisition of Adelaide-based drilling company Underdale Drillers.

Subiaco-based resource company Kairiki Energy Ltd has raised $11.5 million to fund its Philippines drill program.

Subiaco-based resource company Comdek Ltd is now able to go ahead with its acquisition of South African company Isicebi Carbon Mining (Pty) Ltd after receiving approval from the Reserve Bank of South Africa.

Monarch Gold Mining Company Ltd has suspended mining activities at its Davyhurst open pit mine due to continued underperformance.

Babcock on knees to banks; Kiernan flags sale after mine mothballed; Poker ace seeks Centro's trump card; Deal sunk by Opes collapse, says suitor; ATO plan could curb deductions

Pankaj Oswal's Burrup Holdings Ltd has today announced it will postpone its $502 million initial public offer as it awaits further guidance from Apache Energy Ltd on the expected resumption of gas supplies.

Wineries may be forced to close their bottling operations within days as the gas crisis extends to more industries across the state.

Takeover target Ausdrill Ltd has upheld its rejection of Macmahon Holdings takeover offer as it enters into contracts potentially worth $US51 million ($A54.4m) in revenue.

Apache Energy Ltd has hired Clough Ltd to help with essential repairs at its Varanus Island gas plant as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry calls for more accurate and timely information to aid affected businesses.

Rio Tinto has brought forward routine maintenance plans at its Pilbara iron ore operations following the explosion at the Varanus Island gas facility last week.

Alumina producer Alcoa of Australia is backing the development of a major new gas project that involves an investment in excess of $100 million and could supply 10 per cent of Western Australia's gas needs.

Perth-based gold explorer CGA Mining Ltd has successfully raised $C35 million ($A36.5 million) with funds raised to contribute to the development of its Masbate gold mine in the Philippines.

The voluntary administrators of Palandri Wine Group today confirmed the completion of the sale of certain assets to the newly formed and privately owned, Global Wine Holdings Pty Ltd.

Dragon Mountain Gold Limited has finalised an agreement for a $20 million standby equity facility with the US-based investment fund YA Global Investments LP.

Perth-based uranium explorer Extract Resources Ltd has received commitments from investors to raise $30.5 million, with funds raised to support exploration and development activities in Namibia.

West Perth-based resource company Mundo Minerals has announced that its founding chairman, George Jones, will step down immediately.

Chinese steel making giant Sinosteel Corporation has edged closer in spoiling the proposed merger between takeover target Midwest Corporation Ltd and Murchison Metals Ltd, by lifting its stake in the iron ore producer.

Liberal leader Troy Buswell has called for the public release of the cause of the Varanus Island Gas explosion last week after the State Government indicated that the investigation report, currently underway, will remain confidential.

Babcock runs to banks as shares tank; Surprise job decline eases rates pressure; Pressure on HBOS to sell BankWest; BHP brings on nickel repairs amid gas cuts; Fairstar bid for Golden West ends in failure

Syringe company RTL Corporation Ltd has shifted its focus to the mining services sector following a deal with Every Day Mine Services Ltd to acquire the intellectual property of a specialised mining equipment.