Mark Beyer

THE five-year battle by WA Plantation Resources to build a $10 million woodchip mill in the South West comes to a head this week, with Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan personally hearing submissions from the company and the City of

The world’s two biggest mining companies – BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto – feature prominently in the survey of Western Australia’s biggest employers.

Tension between Canberra and the states has long been a feature of Australia’s federation but the issue has descended to a level that is causing serious concern.

The strength of the Australian stock market and the buoyant returns enjoyed by investors have been highlighted in WA Business News’ annual shareholder return feature.

The leaders of strongly growing Western Australian companies believe a focus on delivering value to shareholders is the key to their success.

Futuris subsidiary Elders is believed to be closing in on EG Green & Sons, negotiating a deal to purchase National Australia Bank’s $20 million in loans to the embattled beef producer.

The companies that have achieved the strongest growth in market value over the past five years illustrate the breadth and depth of the resources boom currently being enjoyed in Western Australia.

Western Australia’s social entrepreneur of the year believes she can help tackle one of the state’s main business issues – the skills crisis. Mark Beyer talks to Susan Robertson about disabled workers.

Western Power’s decision to award its long-term coal supply contract to Wesfarmers’ Premier Coal has sparked speculation about the future of The Griffin Group’s coal mining business.