Edited announcement

Perth's median house price fell $7,000, or 1.5 per cent, in the June quarter due in part to increased first homebuyer activity, according to the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia.

Leederville-based mining company Fox Resources Ltd has placed 98 per cent of its $18 million options offer, raising $17.7 million after issuing 21.9 million options to investors.

Racing and Gaming Minster Ljiljanna Ravlich has launched a regional advertising campaign designed to raise awareness of services available to problem gamblers.

The 70 per cent sale of Leederville-based iron ore firm Cape Lambert Iron Ore Ltd's namesake project is on track, after an independent geologist confirmed a minimum indicated mineral resource of 300 million tonnes at the site, the company has announced.

Perth-based asset management company PearlStreet Ltd will acquire Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd subsidiaries Metlabs and ITS for $32 million, the company has announced.

Nedlands-based mineral exploration company Perseus Mining Ltd have finalised plans for an $11.5 million capital raising, to fund exploration of its gold projects in Ghana, Ivory Coast and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Pilbara iron ore mining company Fortescue Metals Group made a trading halt request today, prior to an announcement regarding an institutional equity capital raising.

Subiaco-based Aurox Resources Ltd has raised a further $15 million from an offshore institution, after announcing the raising of $75 million through a placement yesterday.

Women's Interests Minister Sue Ellery has appointed the Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Marcia Kuhne and Donna Marie Fahie of the Rural Remote and Regional Women's Network to a 14- member consultative group.

Singapore-based low-cost carrier Tiger Airways will make its Western Australian foray into the domestic travel market with flights to Melbourne, starting from December 1.

The State Government will offer 40 apprenticeship and traineeship places for aspiring chefs and front-of-house staff in a bid to combat seasonal skills shortages in tourism hotspots.

The State Government has returned the indigenous place name of Jarndunmunha to Tom Price's Mt Nameless, as part of a new policy to adopt dual naming guidelines.

The State Government will seek public input into some aspects of its Fiona Stanley Hospital through the release of an online community survey, Health Minister Jim McGinty has announced.

Perth-based alternative energy company Eden Energy Ltd announced today a large share demand from United Kingdom institutions and sophisticated investors of $7.6 million for a placement of approximately 23 million shares to raise a total of $14 million.

Western Australians are more likely to buy their first home alone, rather than with a partner or other family, and a quarter believe they will be over 41 when they buy their first home, according to a survey released today by Mortgage Choice.

Northbridge-based VDM Group will pay $15.5 million for a block in Osborne Park, while subsidiary Keytown Constructions has won a $28.5 million construction contract in Mandurah, the company announced today.

The State Government will set up a taks force to co-ordinate the development of gas resources in the Kimberley, with a focus on safeguarding the region's indigenous, environmental and heritage values, State Development Minister Eric Ripper has announced.

Perth-based minerals explorer Korab Resources Ltd will acquire a 90 per cent stake in West Perth's New World Alloys' Batchelor project in the Northern Territory, superseding their earlier joint venture agreement.

South Perth-based oil and gas explorer Central Petroleum Ltd will offer 102.7 million options at 2.5 cents to eligible shareholders to supplement its working capital, the company has announced.

West Perth-based nickel producer Mincor Resources NL will target a 28 per cent increase in production for the next financial year, having acheived forecast production levels for 2006-07, the company has announced.

Malaga-based Advanced Engine Components Ltd has entered a joint venture arrangement with Thailand-based Monika Motors Ltd to build new natural gas powered vehicles and repower existing diesel vehicles with new natural gas engines.

Jolimont short-term computer rental group Hire Intelligence International Ltd has formed a joint venture project with Indian website designer Magnon Solutions, the company has announced.

The spinout of West Perth-based Goldstream Mining NL's 70 per cent stake in the Tanzania's Nachingwea nickel-copper tenements has announced plans to raise up to $18.1 million on the Toronto Stock Exchange's Venture Exchange.

Perth-based Aspen Group has announced the issue of Offer Document no. 3 for its Aspen Parks Property Fund, with funds raised to bolster its $150 million portfolio.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has hit back at Federal calls for increased releasing of land, saying Commonwealth red tape was holding back the development of 800 potential lots in Mandurah.

West Perth-based Polaris Metals Ltd has resolved the rights of Perth's Portman Ltd to explore for iron ore on the Bungalbin tenements have ceased, a decision the company says Portman does not agree with.

Como-based property developer Port Bouvard Ltd will use its balance sheet to debt fund its recent acquisition of 483 hectares at Gidgegannup for between $81-90 million, producing over 2,000 lots, the company announced today.

Perth-based seafood company Australis Aquaculture Ltd has signed a supply agreement and management contract with Vietnam's Nha Trang University of Fisheries, the company has announced.

West Perth-based engineering services company Neptune Marine Services Ltd will has secured its fourth repair project in the Gulf of Mexico, conducting dry underwater welding for an American oil and gas explorer.

Bibra Lake-based ZBB Energy Corporation will receive $3.1 million over two years in project funding from the Department of the Environment and Water Resources Advanced Electricity Storage Technologies program, the company has announced.

Perth-based minerals explorer Grange Resources Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding with Patrick Port Services to study the $300 million development of pipeline and port infrastructure for its Southdown Magnetite Project.

West Perth-based Automotive Holdings Group Ltd has confirmed its acquisition of the exclusive Australian distribution rights for Perth-based Vmoto Ltd's scooters and related merchandise.