Transport & Logistics

Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder has thrown his support behind the state government’s plan to lease Fremantle Ports, saying the state needs a world-class operator to ensure exports are competitive internationally.

Competition in Perth’s on-demand transport sector is growing, with a new local player, Shofer, entering the market today to battle disruptive giant Uber and the existing taxi industry.

International petroleum giant BP has become the first investor in Sirona Capital’s Northern Gateway industrial estate in Muchea, signing a $15 million deal to take up 2.5 hectares in the development.

The state government's asset sales campaign has hit a major snag today, with state Nationals leader Terry Redman announcing the party would not support the sale of Fremantle Ports, which had been forecast to raise $2 billion.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder has highlighted the social benefits of Roe 8 and touted the minimal environmental impact of the project at a lunch today, adding that the link would need to be built regardless of any move to an outer harbour.

Grain handler CBH Group has called for more information on the $1 billion-plus offer from Graincorp-backed Australian Grains Champion to corporatise and list the cooperative, highlighting concerns around long term cost increases, the proportion of grower ownership and board representation.

Austal has doubled its interim dividend after growing revenue and boosting its cash flow, despite posting a 41.8 per cent fall in profit for the six months to December.

Perth contractor NRW Holdings has had a major boost, with the state government selecting the company's joint venture with Italy’s Salini Impregilo as preferred contractor for the $2 billion Forrestfield-Airport Rail Link.

Perth-based trucking company CTI Logistics has flagged an 18 per cent slide in half-year profit on the back of the economic downturn.