Edited announcement

Adelaide-based Toro Energy has raised $40 million to advance its Wiluna uranium project in Western Australia, with first production anticipated in 2012.

Grain handling and exporting group CBH has changed the way it charges for its services, to accomodate growers who use alternative transport arrangements in the deregulated grains market.

Australia investors have emerged as one of the most pessimistic compared to other countries, in a new survey of senior fund managers who say the global financial crisis is still not over.

Major resources projects that import capital equipment will have to pass a tougher 'local content' test before they qualify for customs duty concessions on the imported goods.

Bayswater-based utilities infrastructure business Underground Services Australia has been acquired by diversified conglomerate CFC Group.

The state's corruption watchdog has cleared former Labor MP John Bowler of misconduct in relation to disclosing information to lobbyist Julian Grill about Fortescue Metals Group's railway line application.

The state's Planning Commission has endorsed the structure plan for the redevelopment of the Cockburn coast, which will attract about 10,000 new residents to the area.

The market capitalisation of Western Australia's listed companies have continued their upward trend, adding a further 5.3 per cent in August to be collectively valued at $137.7 billion.

A team led by expatriate Perth artist James Angus has won the state government's $1 million 'situate' international sculpture competition, with the winning figure to stand at the centre of Forrest Place in Perth.

Woodside Petroleum and facilities management company Sodexo have been recognised at the Department of Mines and Petroleum's Golden Gecko awards for environmental excellence.

Imdex chairman Ian Buston has announced he will step down from the board next month with director Ross Kelly to takeover the reins.

One of the key figures behind the massive Oakajee port and rail infrastructure project, Oakajee Port and Rail chief executive, Chris Eves stepped down from his position yesterday with the company.

US-based education services provider Kaplan has acquired the Murdoch Institute of Technology, which prepares students for entry into Murdoch University, from the Alexander Education Group.

Kimberley Land Council executive director Wayne Bergmann has been elected chairman of a new advisory group that will provide advice to the state government on indigenous matters.

The state government has defended its approach to reforming the approvals system in the resources sector following a survey identifying Western Australia as a high risk for resources industry investment.

Stockbroking firm, Patersons Securities has launched a new specialist fixed income and hybrid securities joint venture based in Sydney called Davies & Partners.

The world's third largest mining outfit, Rio Tinto has exported its three billionth tonne of iron ore from its Australia operations, an historic moment for the company with deep roots in the Pilbara.

Shares in gold explorer Carrick Gold closed almost 12 per cent higher today after the company announced the start of pre-feasability studies at it's three open-pit mines north east of Kalgoorlie.

Avoca Resources has appointed three of its board members, including managing director Rohan Williams, to the board of 44.85 per cent owned company, Dioro Exploration.

The legal wrangling between Applecross-based Prime Minerals and disgruntled shareholder Colbern Nominees has escalated after the latter requisitioned a meeting to remove the explorer's entire board.

The state's job market is tipped to suffer a setback in the December quarter as hiring intentions by employers dip below the national outlook average, a new employment survey shows.

South West-based Challenge Australian Dairy, which owns the Capel brand, has won two awards at this year's Westpac Food and Beverage industry awards.

Perth-based Web Ace faces a $1 million fine after the communications regulatory body found the internet service provider had deducted money from customers' credit card accounts without permission.

Mirvac Group's The Point, a residential and commercial precinct in Mandurah, has taken out top honours at this year's Urban Development Institute of Australia's awards while the Town of Claremont received a rising star gong.

Western Australia has again retained the title of being one of the least desirable mining jurisdictions in Australia with inefficient exploration and mining approvals processes at the centre of the state's poor performance, a worldwide survey has found.

VDM Group has announced it has been awarded a $93.5 million contract for work building an accommodation unit at Citic Pacific's Sino Iron Project at Cape Preston in the Pilbara.

Wesfarmers has raised $500 million via notes with a five-year term which it will use for general funding and to repay shorter term debt.

LandCorp is seeking Expressions of Interest for a head contractor to construct and manage the delivery of the dynamic Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project's infrastructure.

The state government has announced two new appointments to the board of the South West Development Commission and named Augusta-Margaret River shire president Stephen Harrison as chairman.

Engineering and construction company Clough today announced that Andrew Walsh has resigned his role of chief financial officer and executive director and will terminate his employment on 30 September 2009.

Investment fund Aviva Investors Australia has emerged as a substantial shareholder in modular and transportable buildings manufacturer Nomad Building Solutions, taking more than 5 per cent for $860,000.

Aspen Group is pleased to advise that settlement of the hospital component of the Norwest Private Hospital development was completed on 3 September 2009.