Dan Wilkie

WESTERN Australia may be an isolated state and its industry dominated by the resources sector, but that need not be a major issue for a technology firm entering the global marketplace.

THE state opposition spokesperson for science and innovation has called for major changes in the portfolio after a series of significant funding cuts.

AS belts tighten across the board and budgets are intensely scrutinised, early stage company executives are finding it harder to attain the necessary capital to progress their projects.

THE long-running dispute over rents at Fremantle Markets could be near an end, after an independent assessment indicated the markets' directors have been charging fair rents.

Top-end property sellers across Perth are feeling the pinch, discounting their homes heavily in order to make a sale in a normalising market.

INTERNATIONAL mining firm Downer EDI has launched a mobile equipment training facility that will be based in remote Western Australia as part of an initiative to increase its indigenous workforce.

LISTED Perth property developer Cedar Woods Properties has smashed its forecast profit for the year, booking net earnings of $9.3 million for the 2008-09 financial year.

Mirabela Nickel has announced a major milestone with production starting at its Santa Rita open-cut nickel mine in Brazil.

THE tough conditions experienced by developers during the past six months have been reflected in half-yearly results, with major property developers Australand and Port Bouvard announcing significant losses.