Saskia Pickles

Energy Minister Mike Nahan’s launch today of the first review of the state electricity market since Western Power was disaggregated in 2006 has drawn a mixed response.

Western Australia’s mineral and petroleum sector grew 15 per cent in value last year, after a weaker Australian dollar and greater sales helped counteract falls in some commodity prices.

Copper and gold miner Altona Mining has increased its revenue, production and gross profit for the financial half year ended December 31 2013.

A subsidiary of construction and engineering firm AusGroup, MAS Australasia, has been awarded a $174 million scaffolding contract on the Ichthys liquefied natural gas project.

SPECIAL REPORT: Energy Minister Mike Nahan has told Business News a review of Western Australia’s wholesale electricity market could open the door to some dramatic shakeups in the sector.

Former Labor minister Martin Ferguson has heralded floating liquefied natural gas as the wave of the future, urging the Western Australian government to work with developers like Shell, Woodside Petroleum, ExxonMobil and BHP Billiton.

Strong residential sales have boosted Cedar Woods Properties’ first-half net profit after tax to $20.5 million, up 13 per cent on last mid-financial year.

Forge Group administrators Ferrier Hodgson held the first creditors meeting in Perth today, where it was revealed there are now only 90 Australian staff still employed by Forge, down from 1,622.

Demountables and recreational vehicles manufacturer Fleetwood Corporation has posted a half year profit loss of $4.2 million, down 18 per cent on the prior corresponding period.