John Phaceas

THE first ripples of a dramatic restructure of energy giant Shell's global business have reached Perth as the company seeks to slash its cost base, stay competitive and speed up its project development decision-making.

WESTERN Australia's engineering services sector is looking to the next 12 months with renewed confidence amid signs the resources sector is on the rebound.

THE state government has pledged to fast-track new gas specification legislation that is critical for development of BHP Billiton's $1 billion Macedon domestic gas project.

LOCAL engineering firms are already planning to cut the number of expatriates employed at their overseas operations due to new tax laws that will significantly increase the annual tax bill of Australians working overseas.

Indicative bids for a strategic 50 per cent holding in Aquila Resources $4 billion West Pilbara iron ore project are expected within two weeks, following a decision by Aquila's estranged joint venture partner to canvass offers for its stake.