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Fortescue lashes out at MCA on rail access; Asian investors fuel iron ore stock rally; Opes deals for planners under fire; Unions seek broader IR solutions; Etrade fined over 'suspect' Allco dealings

A new processing centre for 457 business visas will be established in Perth, and employers with good performance records will have their visa applications fast-tracked, under changes to the temporary skilled migration program.

Rivervale-based Aurium Resources Ltd has acquired its second company for this year, following the takeover of Northern Territory-based Jarra Resources Ltd for up to $15.3 million.

Nickel miner Sally Malay Mining Ltd is to purchase Liontown Resources Ltd's Cowan Nickel Project assets in the easter Goldfields in a deal worth about $2 million.

Steel group Posco Australia has acquired a 19.99 per cent stake in West Perth based exploration company Sandfire Resources through a proposed share placement.

Chinese steel company Shougang Corporation has agreed to invest up to 19.9 per cent in Perth-based Prosperity Resources Ltd via a share placement.

Financial services major Commonwealth Bank is to remain the Western Australian Government's sole supplier of transaction banking and related services, representing about $45 billion a year in transactions.

West Perth based mineral exploration company Metex Resources Ltd, has secured $11 million through share placement with chemical and fertilizer group Incitec Pivot Ltd.

Pilbara iron ore explorer FerrAus Ltd has become the latest resource company to attract the interest of China, with mining and smelting company Western Mining Co Ltd to take a 10 per cent stake.

Big banks cut cash needs as loans slip; Centro scheme costs staff $265m; Tanner confirms budget on track; QBE to extend deadline; Fong, Birney floats on verge of ASX listing

DVD rental group Quickflix will go back to the market with a new offer after its rights issue fell short by a considerable margin.

Midwest Corporation Ltd said it does not need shareolder approval to nominate preferred infrastructure provider Yilgarn Infrastructrue Ltd to develop the $1.5 billion Oakajee Port, following ASX consultation.

Mermaid Marine Australia Limited has completed an institutional placement to raise $36.3 million, including a $8.9 million conditional component which is subject to shareholder approval.

Western Australian exploration company Focus Minerals Ltd has acquired a further 50 per cent interest in the Coolgardie Gold Project.

NRW Holdings Ltd has announced $35.4 million in new or varied contracts in the Pilbara's iron expansion.

Think tank the Committee for Perth has made two key appointments to its high-powered board - adding business leader John Langoulant and major accounting player Jeff Dowling - as it embarks on its first major steps to improve the city's amenity.

Western Australian gold exploration company Castle Minerals Ltd, has intersected shallow gold mineralisation at its Akoko North site in Ghana.

West Perth based Nickel miner Mincor Resources NL has intersected Nickel near its Otter Juan nickel mine in Kambalda, Western Australia.

West Perth based mineral exploration company Beacon Minerals Ltd has announced positive results from its Barlee Gold Project in Western Australia, saying it will provide confidence for further regional exploration.

A new $35million purpose-built submarine maintenance facility at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) will bring in millions of dollars to the State over the next 25 years.

Woodside worth $100: Voelte; Banks confront a sober new era; Allco signals $1.5bn loss; Administrators for Baraka; Santos surges on speculation it will be the next target for oil majors

National logistics giant Toll Group has bought Herdsman-based Courier Australia, taking 100 per cent of the Western Australian company which has been operating for almost 50 years.

Western Australian companies Quickstep Holding Ltd and Vortex Pipes Ltd have announced a joint venture to develop and market a new generation of high end pressure pipes, featuring improved strength and corrosion resistance.

A sponsorship agreement between Western Power and Curtin University of Technology will aim to improve skill shortages within the power industry.

Embattled state opposition leader Troy Buswell used a pre-planned address to a business lunch today to outline his policy agenda, which includes proposals for state-funded paid parental leave, a state energy strategy and improved approvals for projects.

Perth based company Amcom Telecommunications Ltd has announced a forecast 30 per cent increase in net profit for the financial year, in comparison to its 2007 result.

Industry groups and the state government have welcomed the announcement of a $1 billion plan to transform Perth Airport by integrating the domestic and international terminals and building a new terminal dedicated to regional air services.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd said it is determined to find the right type of gas for the expansion of its Pluto LNG project, despite poor exploration results which could lead the oil and gas producer to miss its end-of-year final investment decision deadline.

Western Australia has experienced the highest rise in building trade prices around the nation, with costs rising 15.3 per cent in the past year.

The eastern end of Perth's CBD will undergo a massive transformation, with housing for 5,846 residents and commercial space for 1,704 workers as part of a projected $880million investment by the State Government and private sector.

British in $13bn raid on Origin; The $1bn plan for new Perth airport; RBA glimpses victory on credit front; Investors dump RCR as it warns of profit slump; Ex-AWB bosses fight handover of ASIC files

As new Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief James Pearson jetted off to Russia this week with a state trade delegation, his colleagues may hope he's dotted the ‘i's and crossed the ‘t's on his paperwork.