Edited announcement

Nedlands-based information and technology company ISS Group Ltd has recorded a 37 per cent decline in net profit to $936,304, down from the $1.5 million recorded in the previous year.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has announced the $23m sale of a 6,550sqm lot at the former Leighton Railways marshalling yards to Leighton Shores Pty Ltd, a joint venture between Multiplex and Rockingham Park.

The State Government has returned 50,000 ha of East Kimberley land to the Miriuwung Gajerrong people as part of the $56 million Ord Final Agreement signed between the two parties in October 2005.

The net profit of Joyce Corporation Ltd, property investors and operators of Bedshed Franchising Pty Ltd, has fallen 29 per cent to $3.2 million, from $4.5 million in the previous financial year, the company has announced.

Some of the world's biggest oil and gas, insurance, property and finance players have urged the federal government to make progress on climate change, voicing support for an emissions trading scheme and the development of a low emissions technology strate

West Perth-based Straits Resources Ltd subsidiary Straits Asia Resources Ltd has lifted a force majeure at its Sebuku coal operation, after work was suspended following an extended wet season.

Australia has become considerably riskier for mining companies, with Western Australian red tape identified in particular as a major drag on the country's national average.

Perth-based burns treatment developer Clinical Cell Culture Ltd, which was jointly founded by former Australian of the Year Dr Fiona Wood, has recorded a 26 per cent increase in its annual loss, losing $15 million for the 2006-07 financial year.

Northern Territory-based Rum Jungle Uranium Ltd will acquire up to 70 per cent of six uranium properties owned by Subiaco-based Deep Yellow Ltd in the Alice Springs area, the companies have announced.

The State Government will permit a second airline to fly the Perth-Geraldton route, inviting applications for a second regular transport permit to the city in the next month.

West Perth-based Mount Gibson Iron Ltd has recorded a net profit increase of 103 per cent for the 2006-07 financial year, during which time it acquired Aztec Resources Ltd and divested Asia Iron Holdings.

Singapore-based investor Choon Kong Lim has boosted his stake in West Perth-based mineral explorer Image Resources NL after acquiring a further 1.15 million shares for $2.3 million, the company has announced.

Henderson-based drill and blast company Brandrill Ltd has recorded a net profit after tax of $8.1 million, up slightly on the previous year's result, after the company increased pre-tax profits by 64 per cent.

Perth-based Indian Sandalwood grower TFS Corporation Ltd has successfully raised $5 million to fund additional land purchases through a share purchase plan that has closed oversubscribed.

West Perth-based uranium explorer WildHorse Energy Ltd has been granted a 3,500 sqkm concession in Paraguay, setting up an opportunity to establish a major new uranium province, the company has announced.

Genetically modified seed will be prohibited for cultivation, sale or import in Western Australia under new laws introduced this week by Agriculture minister Kim Chance.

City of Melville chief executive Eric Lumsden will become the new Director General of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, taking up the role in the next two months, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has announced.

Perth-based Eden Energy Ltd's US-based subsidiary Eden Cryogenics LLC will expand its US cryogenic operations through the acquisition of Cryogenic Technical Services for around $246,000, the company has announced.

The Western Australian Department of Indigenous Affairs will be restructured into two specific areas, with the Office of Native Title being transferred there in March 2009, Premier Alan Carpenter has annouced.

The Department of Industry and Resources released new data showing that Western Australia's resources industry continues to set new records with the State's annual sales up 25 per cent in 2006-07 to reach an astonishing $53.4 billion.

Engineering and construction group has reported a strong rise in net profit following a spate of acquisitions, but large share issues during the year meant there was little growth in earnings per share.

Nedlands-based Dioro Exploration NL has announced plans to list on the Toronto Stock Exchange, appointing broking firm Cormark Securities to managed a proposed $70 million capital raising.

Western Australia's horse industries will be back to business as usual from 4pm today, after WA Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance announced no strains of equine influenza had been detected in the state.

West Perth-based intellectual property consultancy ipernica Ltd, formerly QSPX Ltd, has reversed its financial fortunes after recording a net profit of $4.4 million in 2006-07, up from a $4.6 million loss in the previous year.

Engineering and rail services company Coote Industrial Ltd and construction services company Global Construction Services Ltd have acquired smaller companies today.

Perth-based IT services provider ASG Group Ltd will provide application systems support services to the WA Department of Corrective Services in a two-year contract for $6 million, the company has announced.

The State Government will subsidise electricity headworks charges for new connections in remote, edge-of-grid locations, including Ravensthorpe, Bremer Bay and Walpole, under a $4 million, four-year subsidy plan, Energy Minister Francis Logan has announce

The State Government will launch a $9.3 drought assistance package for Wheatbelt farmers, with grants of up to $8,000 each, to help them cover costs incurred in managing drought effects, Premier Alan Carpenter has announced.

Moves towards the construction of a 60,000-seat multi-purpose stadium have progressed further with the commencement of discussions between State Government officials and the Western Australian Football Commission, according to Sport Minister John Kobelke.

West Perth-based gold mining company Dominion Mining Ltd has increased its net profit by 475 per cent to $51.7 million in the 2006-07 financial year, up from its $8.9 million net profit in the previous reporting period.

The State Government has commenced a 15 week consultation process on its renewable energy strategy, after economic modelling revealed the costs of reaching its target of 15 per cent renewable energy by 2020 would exceed $1 billion.

Online survey by Australian online investment resource Direct Access finds that more than two thirds of respondents predict continued returns of 10 per cent or more over the next couple of years.