Building approvals up

OCTOBER building approvals in WA are 10 per cent higher than a year ago, according to a report compiled by Construction Research of Australia.

In October 1,299 homes were approved, valued at more than $155 million. This compares with the corresponding month in 1998 when 1,180 approvals worth $135 million were issued.

The total value of commercial activity was down $74 million or 15 per cent compared to the six months ending 30 April.