Edited announcement

A survey of businesses in the Mandurah and Peel region has revealed the area has existing technology capabilities and the potential to be the Western Australia's next technology hub, the state government said today.

Resources minister Francis Logan has announced the release of the first 'tight gas' acreage block, a source which could power Western Australia's entire domestic gas demand for more than a year.

Engineering and construction company Clough Limited has announced today that its Indonesia subsidiary, PT Petrosea Tbk has been awarded a long term alliance mining contract valued at approximately US$145 million ($164m).

East Perth-based mining explorer Redstone Resources Ltd has appointed DLA Phillips Fox's corporate and commercial advisory partner in Perth, Richard Homsany, as chairman.

An historic land agreement will accelerate housing availability in Port Hedland and provide local Aboriginal people with a strong stake in the town's future.

Automotive Holdings Group Ltd has announced a strong start to the 2008 financial year, posting unaudited revenue of $1.14 billion for the four months to October 31 2007, up 89.7 per cent on revenue from the corresponding period in 2006-07.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today provided the State Government's response to the Parliamentary Inquiry of the Education and Health Standing Committee in relation to the Cause and Extent of Lead Pollution in the Esperance Area.

Liberal leader Paul Omodei has moved to establish a Parliamentary Procedure and Privileges Committee to investigate allegations made by Shelley Archer that the Premier misled the Parliament to the he House in regard to his actions in requesting the resign

West Perth-based composites technology developer Quickstep Holdings Ltd has announced that the University of Manchester has been awarded a £421,000 (A$993,000) research grant to develop new composite resins that are optimised for manufacture using the Qui

A major collaborative marine research project will begin off the Kimberley coast this weekend.

Perth-based research and development company NeuroDiscovery Ltd is set to launch two clinical trials on new chronic pain relievers.

West Perth-based ThinkSmart Ltd has executed an operating agreement with global office products retailer Office Depot to launch its RentSmart rental finance product in the United States.

A 60% increase in throughput is already being considered by Allied Gold Ltd as the Perth-based miner readies for first production next month from its flagship A$87 million gold mine in Papua New Guinea.

Perth-based integrated energy company Aviva Corporation Limited has expanded its international presence by successfully listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange today.

Aspen Developments has revealed plans to build a $120 million retirement village in Currambine on behalf of Southern Cross Care (WA) Inc.

GB Energy Ltd has entered into a funding and subscription agreement to earn up to a 50 per cent stake in Australian Sustainable Energy Corporation Pty Ltd.

Generation Y employees are the least favoured by small businesses, according to the latest Sensis Business Index.

Perth-based Aquila Resources Ltd has agreed to subscribe, via its subsidiary Aquila Steel Pty Ltd, for 72 million shares in Cullen Resources Ltd at 10 cents each to raise $7.2 million.

As part of a strategic review of its business, Axiom Properties Ltd has established a Property Funds Management Business and is looking to raise $100 million to invest in development assets.

BC Iron Ltd has agreed to place 5,400,000 shares at $1.70 per share to sophisticated and professional investors, raising $9.2 million before costs.

Western Australia's education system has been allowed to slip into crisis under the Carpenter Government, says shadow education minister Peter Collier.

Fairstar Resources Ltd has announced that acceptances for its off-market takeover bid for Golden West Resources Limited have now increased further to a total of 33.73% of the issued capital of Golden West.

In a move flagged two weeks ago in WA Business News' hard copy edition, Australia's resource industry has some new competition with the official launch of CITIC Pacific Mining, proponents of the $5.2 billion Sino Iron Project planned for Cape Preston.

The WA Police Academy has welcomed its single biggest induction of trainees today.

Opposition Leader Paul Omodei has called on the new federal government to expedite the delivery of election promises to Western Australia, including bringing forward the $100 million promised via the petroleum resource rent tax scheme.

Navitas Ltd has entered into a Recognition and Educational Services Agreement with The University of Manitoba to establish its second college in Canada.

There was further change in the relatively new boutique brewing sector with Empire Beer Group Ltd announcing the resignation of Phillip Gallagher as managing director and a director of the company.

With Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd set to appoint a fresh cabinet, the Real Estate Institute of Australia has renewed calls for the federal government to appoint a dedicated minister for housing.

Western Australia's peak business lobby is seeking certainty from the Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd that he will maintain the responsible and effective management of the economy to ensure Western Australia's growth and prosperity continue.

Industry bodies have stated they will work with the new Labor government headed by Kevin Rudd, including the Master Builders Association.  

Subiaco-based oil and gas explorer Red Fork Energy Ltd has announced plans to raise $10 million through a placement to fast track production at its Oklahoma assets.

Fresh from its rejection of a takeover bid from Fairstar Resources Ltd, Osborne Park-based Golden West Resources Ltd has appointed former Portman Mining managing director Geoff Wedlock as chairman, following John Daniels' retirement.