Edited announcement

Perth will be the first Australian city to access Google Transit, an online mapping site available within weeks, which will enable people to look up travel directions and businesses listings in the area.

Perth company Pol Valley Energy Ltd and Italian energy company Edison have negotiated a joint venture agreement to settle a dispute over development of gas fields in northern Italy.

The state government has agreed to widen the powers of the Corruption and Crime Commission following a planned review, despite strong criticism of the corruption watchdog by its Parliamentary Inspector Malcolm McCusker QC.

Following Swan Hills backbencher Jaye Radisich's announcement last week, WA Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale is the second female Labor MP to announce her resignation from parliament, effective from the next state election.

Singapore based Skywest Airlines Ltd has announced an interim after-tax profit for the half-year to December 2007 of S$6.5 million (A$5.1 million), an increase of 46.6 per cent on the previous corresponding period.

New York-based defence contractor L-3 Communications Corporation has expanded its Fremantle-based Australasian operations with the $15.5 million acquisition of HSA Systems Pty Ltd.

Western Metals Limited has finalised an agreement with Stellar Resources Limited for the sale its 60% interest in the Zeehan tin deposit in western Tasmania for $1.1m.

Subiaco-based Phylogica has secured a signficant shareholding in Dynamic Microbials, with the two companies signing an exclusive Licence Agreement for Phylogica's anti-bacterial applications.

BankWest and Flight Centre Ltd (FLT) today announced BankWest ATMs would be installed in more than 100 of FLT's shops across Australia over the next year.

West Perth-based Moly Mines Ltd's Spinifex Ridge molybdenum project faces delays of at least three months after the company disclosed that it had been unable to complete its financial negotiations and its regulatory approvals in line with its original sch

West Perth-based gold producer Troy Resources NL has annouced the commissioning of its new Andorinhas gold mine in Brazil, which is expected to produce 50,000 ounces of gold per annum over five years.

West Perth-based gold miner Avoca Resources Ltd has credited the sucess of its Higginsville Gold Project in Western Australia for enabling the company to secure a $71 million loan for its subsidiary, Avoca Mining Ltd, in the midst of volatile world credit

State government ministers have welcomed the Australian Government's announcement of a new $2.25 billion, five-year program to revitalise Australia's environment and improve land management.

West Perth-based asset and expense management provider Stratatel Ltd has acquired Phoneware Communications Systems Pty Ltd for $2.5 million in cash and shares.

Premier Alan Carpenter has announced that land at Allenswood Primary School in Greenwood is not for sale and will remain as open space.

The first stage of the Lancelin to Cervantes Coastal Road overlooking the Indian Ocean was officially opened today, four weeks ahead of schedule.

The Australian Building and Construction Commission has taken action against the CFMEU WA after alleging that the union's assistant secretary Joe McDonald ignored right of entry restrictions imposed on him.

Blue Energy Limited has announced the confirmation of the appointment of Bill Williams as CEO and the execution of the first of a number of coal seam gas exploration drilling contracts.

Esplanade Hotel Fremantle owner Marylyn New has purchased the Broadwater Pagoda Hotel and Apartments in Como for approximately $15-20 million.

Macmahon Holdings Ltd has been awarded a $65 million contract to construct 50 kilometres of rail to the Mesa A mine for Robe River Mining Co Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Iron Ore in the Pilbara.

Perth-based Automotive Holdings Group Ltd is set to launch a new Hyundai dealership in Rockingham while announcing a distribution deal between its automotive parts subsidiary and Mobis Parts Australia Pty Ltd.

The state government has chosen property group Stockland as the preferred proponent to redevelop the former Craigie High School site.

Legislation which will cut stamp duty on conveyances by an average of five per cent across the board has passed its first hurdle, treasurer Eric Ripper announced late today.

Perth-based uranium explorer Mantra Resources Ltd is set to raise $24 million, after agreeing to place 12 million shares at $2.4 million, after agreeing to place 12 million shares at $2.00 each to Highland Park and its nominees.

Shares in gold exploration company Central Asia Resources closed sharply higher today after the company announced a US$1.25 million funding agreement to advance its projects in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The state government has agreed to invest $600,000 to help Western Australian medical research institutes gain access to a $30 million commercialisation fund backed by local superannuation fund Westscheme.

Perth investment banking group Argonaut has sold a 20 per cent stake in the business to Apollo Asia Opportunity Master Fund, L.P, and formed a strategic alliance with Apollo for its new merchant banking division.

The claim that Western Australian shoppers pay less for food and groceries than those in other states where trading hours are not restricted is wrong, says Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief economist John Nicolaou.

Fremantle-based Sea Corporation Pty Ltd has struck a three year deal to handle the shipping needs of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd in the Pilbara.

Base metals miner Kagara Zinc Ltd has cut its copper production forecast for this year by ten per cent to 27,000 tonnes after bad weather adversely affected its operations in northern Queensland.

Despite the booming economy and employment market, two thirds of Western Australian employees are unsatisfied with their current job, according to a report by recruitment firm Hudson.

Western Australia's business broking community has lodged a petition of almost 1,300 signatures in State Parliament against proposed government legislation which they believe will unfairly advantage big banks.