Fraser Beattie

New car sales in Western Australia have started the year on a sour note, with sales down more than 10 per cent in the first month of 2017.

Perth-based explorer Lithium Australia has lodged a takeover bid for rival lithium-focused Lepidico - in the middle of a Supreme Court battle between the two companies - in an all-scrip deal that values the target at $23.8 million.

Shares in junior explorer AVZ Minerals have skyrocketed on news the Perth company has struck an agreement to acquire a majority stake in a lithium mine in Africa, and has raised $5 million to fund the deal.

Minerals explorer TNG has finally lodged a prospectus for the demerger of its base metals portfolio into a spin-out company, while Heron Resources and Force Commodities have both progressed their respective demergers.

The iconic Dingo Flour mill in North Fremantle is coming under new ownership after Graincorp and Cargill Australia agreed to sell their Allied Mills Australia joint venture to private equity group Pacific Equity Partners.

The state government has awarded an $11.5 million contract to Universal Constructions for development of the replacement Doubleview Primary School, while other local builders have shared in $26.7 million worth of work.

The state government says it expects to reap about $300 million from the sale of all nine lots at Elizabeth Quay, with three offers being considered for the last vacant site.

Gold miners operating in Western Australia performed solidly in the three months to December, with Northern Star Resources, Independence Group and Evolution Mining all posting strong results.

A new tourism venture has taken flight, with sightseers now able to make day trips down south via seaplanes that take off and land on the Swan River, as a second operator continues a long-running battle to gain regulatory approval for a similar service.