WHILE most of the state was taking a breather over the festive season, three Western Australian companies were busy tying up backdoor listing deals that radically change their areas of operation.
Lead contamination concerns at two WA ports have dominated the festive season, with two mines ordered to cease all lead shipments until further notice.
The Premier and Prime Minister have put aside their differences to announce the refurbishment of the Frasers complex at Kings Park to provide a retreat for leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Sales of new homes faltered in November, falling 0.2 per cent amidst fears over rising interest rates, but Western Australia managed to buck the trend.
Marine safety equipment provider Mobilarm has achieved further progress in commercialising its submariner locator beacon, with the United States navy agreeing to purchase $300,000 worth of test units and engineering services.
The Satterley Property Group and 17 of the state's leading builders are set to combine resources in a partnering arrangement to deliver more affordable housing.
The Canadian owner of Magellan Metals insists test results show no public risk of lead contamination, despite the State Government suspending lead shipments through the port of Fremantle over the weekend.
DP World, which is one of two major stevedoring companies operating in the port of Fremantle, has sold a 75 per cent stake in its Australian business to investment group Citi infrastructure Investments.
Company director Paul Letari's family venture Toscana will take a majority share in struggling olive oil producer Frankland River Olive Company to help it recapitalise.
Aquila Resources has lived up to its own prediction by announcing conditional approval for its West Pilbara iron ore project in order to block its joint venture partner buying the project out from under it.
Industry groups have cautiously welcomed a report on implementation of the federal government's proposed mining tax, but Premier Colin Barnett remains dissatisfied.
Besieged Burrup Fertilisers chairman Pankaj Oswal has emerged after the appointment of receivers to the company, saying he welcomes the proposed sale of the business and that he has been trying to sell his shares in parent company Burrup Holdings all year
