News Articles for Rita Saffioti

SPECIAL REPORT: Mathias Cormann has been deeply entwined in the federal government's fortunes this year, while a win on GST distribution has boosted standing for Mark McGowan and Ben Wyatt.

Premier Mark McGowan has reallocated six portfolios within his cabinet, including the energy portfolio being transferred from Treasurer Ben Wyatt to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston.

The state government has been forced to allocate an extra $8 million to a dredging program at Broome Port, while an independent report has ruled out the use of a below deck gangway for cruise ships at the port.

Saracen Properties will reassess plans for a redevelopment of the historic Royal George Hotel in East Fremantle, after Planning Minister Rita Saffioti backed a proposal to limit building height on the site to seven storeys.

The state government has approved the use of recycled construction and demolition (C&D) waste as road base for the Kwinana Freeway widening project, seven years after the Barnett government's attempt to do the same thing foundered.

BHP Billiton's rail operations in the Pilbara are expected to be out of action for a week after a runaway train laden with iron ore travelled 92 kilometres with no-one on board before it was deliberately derailed.

Property industry bodies have congratulated the McGowan government on passing the Strata Titles Amendment Bill 2018 through Parliament, which it says will bring a range of benefits for strata living arrangements through better regulation of strata managers and improved dispute resolution processes.

A pool of more than $30 million will be spent across the state to build new truck rest stops and upgrade existing roads to improve safety for heavy vehicles.

The state government has backed an inquiry into short-stay accommodation providers, just days after the Australian Hotels Association called for a tightening of regulation of the sector.

Chevron Australia has given the green light to a purpose-built tower at Elizabeth Quay, lodging a development application for a 30-level building for lot seven of the precinct.

An engineering alliance comprising BMD Constructions, CIMIC Group's Ventia and Arup has secured a $47 million contract for the ‘smart freeways' project on the Kwinana Freeway.

West Perth-based Advanteering - Civil Engineers has been awarded a $2.5 million contract as part of the state government's upgrade of the Jetty Road causeway in Bunbury.

The state government will leverage its Metronet program to drive development of urban density in Perth.

The Property Council of Australia has welcomed proposed laws governing apartment projects in entertainment precincts, but has expressed caution about where the policy applies and its impact on planning approvals.

Property developer Carmel Group and Aegis Aged Care Group have been chosen to build a $100 million multigenerational development at the former Joondalup Basketball Stadium.

The state government has failed to attract a hotel developer at Albany's Middleton Beach, with a recent expression of interest process bringing no suitable submissions.

The state government is negotiating with the Liberal and National parties to facilitate the upper house passing its proposed strata reform legislation.

Early works for the Yanchep rail extension and Thornlie to Cockburn link will be contracted separately, as the state government attempts to give opportunities for smaller players after combining the main portions of the two projects into one package.

The state government has shortlisted three consortiums to build and maintain 246 new railcars during the next decade, while choosing Bellevue as the preferred site for the associated manufacturing facility.

The state government today confirmed a program of demolition and land preparation works worth $33 million for the decommissioned Subiaco Oval.

Planning Minister Saffioti has approved Far East Consortium's plans for a two-tower development adjacent to the Perth Arena, with one tower to house the Dorsett Hotel.

South Australia-based York Civil, which is finalising construction of the Matagarup Bridge and recently won a $30 million contract at Port Hedland, has been placed into voluntary administration.

CPB Contractors has added to its portfolio of Main Roads projects after being selected as preferred contractor for a $50 million upgrade of the Wanneroo Road and Joondalup Drive intersection.

Belmont-based Pindan has secured a $7.8 million state government contract to design and build a new bus depot in Mount Claremont.

With public consultation on the state government's Westport project starting this month, we look back at more than 20 years of planning for an outer harbour at Kwinana.

The state government says there was no conflict of interest with the recent awarding of a $205 million contract to Huawei, after it was revealed the Chinese group paid for flights and phones for two cabinet members during a trip to China in 2015.

The state government will transfer land in Westonia to the Central East Aged Care Alliance as part of its initiative to boost seniors' accommodation across the Wheatbelt region, with Pindan awarded the tender for the design and construction of 72 new dwellings.

The future of Atlas Iron has been further muddied today after the takeover target said the state government had indicated to media it could compromise on its policy regarding development rights at Port Hedland if either Fortescue Metals Group or Hancock Prospecting takes control of the junior miner.

Following the rejection of an initial proposal late last year, the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority has given 3 Oceans Property the green light to progress its twin-tower mixed-use development on the corner of West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road.

The state government will partially privatise title registry agency Landgate in a move expected to raise at least $640 million, with the money to be used to fund the state's share of the National Redress Scheme for child abuse victims.

Yolk Property Group, in partnership with Southern Cross Care, will develop one of the last remaining sites at the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority's Champion Lakes residential development, with plans for more than 100 new dwellings along with a wellness, aged care and retirement precinct.

The Western Australian government has downplayed security worries around the expected award of a $120 million Public Transport Authority contract to Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei.

Atlas Iron has disclosed it no longer holds exclusive port development rights at Port Hedland that were central to the takeover battle that has involved three mining heavyweights buying shares in the company.

Neometals has signed a two-year option agreement for a 40-hectare site in Kalgoorlie for its proposed development of a lithium hydroxide refinery.

An animal welfare group has been granted access to Fremantle harbour to observe livestock loading in a move that has been criticized by industry groups.

The long-delayed footbridge linking East Perth to Optus Stadium will not be ready by the end of May despite previous assurances by the McGowan government.

While the push for more urban infill across Perth is nothing new, the state government has lifted its game today with the release of Western Australia's largest collection of infill opportunities to market, calling on the private sector to help achieve its vision.

The state government has announced Fremantle Ports will go to the market to lease the two container shipping terminals at North Quay.

It's one thing to call for transparency when in opposition, but another altogether to provide full accountability when in government.

SPECIAL REPORT: Our annual analysis of the state's movers and shakers shows that sometimes the best examples of influence are demonstrated not by what change an influencer starts, but rather what they can stop.