Latest Headlines

The state Liberal Party has put forward a radical plan to phase out commercial shipping activity at Fremantle harbour in favour of a new port at Kwinana adjacent to the private port planned by private company James Point Pty Ltd.

MORE than a third of companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange call Perth home, with more than 120 new Western Australian companies floating on the stock market this year.

Base metals miner Herald Resources this month became the latest of many Western Australian mining companies to be the target of a takeover offer, as big international groups seek to secure access to resources.

International trade agreements appear to have overridden the state government's ‘Buy Local' policy, raising concerns in some areas of industry that compete globally or nationally for local tenders.

CONTRACT labour hire firm Workforce Solutions has rejected claims by the recruitment industry lobby group that federal government changes to the 457 visa scheme had thrown the sector into disarray.

John Langoulant's role as the public face of Western Australian business for nearly four years is set to change in the new year when he takes on the role as chief executive at Kerry Stokes' very private Australian Capital Equity Pty Ltd.

The Western Australian Trade Enquiry Service is operated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCI) with the support of the WA Government's Department of I

LEN Buckeridge's BGC Construction has won a $73 million contract for the development of a basketball and athletics complex at AK Reserve, to replace facilities at Perry Lakes stadium.

Charter Hall Group Ltd has acquired the five-storey Fortescue House office complex in West Perth for $25 million from GE Real Estate.

Engineering company Clough Ltd's contract dispute over the G1 project in India has deepened after its client ONGC submitted a counterclaim worth US$1.2 billion (A$1.3 billion), a figure Clough insists ignores the limits of liability.

QRSciences Holdings Ltd has this week appointed a new chief executive and chairman, signalling a shift in its corporate base from Perth to the east coast.

The grains industry continues to achieve productivity improvements, with average annual growth of 2.7 per cent between 1977-78 and 2005-06 according to latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

The state opposition has called on the government to expedite a decision on the location of a new 60,000 seat multi-purpose stadium, following yesterday's breakthrough agreement between the government, AFL and the West Australian Football Commission.

Shares in West Perth-based Bathurst Resources Ltd made a solid debut on the Australian Securities Exchange today, closing at a 20 per cent premium to their issue price of 20 cents.

Perth-based coal exploration company East Energy Resources Ltd has made a successful start to public life, with its share price closing 60 per cent stronger at 40 cents, on an issue price of 25 cents.

Aspen Group Ltd has taken full ownership of the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, after taking up the remaining 50 per cent stake in the resort for $9.5 million.

Monadelphous Group Ltd has secured two new oil and gas contracts with a total value of approximately $140 million.

Swick Mining Services Ltd has been awarded new drilling contracts worth $55 million per annum with a number of leading mining houses including Consolidated Minerals, Oxiana, Jubilee, Territory Resources, Barrick and Newmont.

Rio Tinto will sell up to 15 million tonnes of iron ore on the lucrative spot market next year, which is likely to generate an additional $1.74 billion in revenue, the miner revealed today.

New home sales figures released by the Housing Industry Association of Western Australia today, show a 10.4 per cent rise in the sale of new homes among WA's largest builders in November.

Monarch Gold Ltd has remodelled its 12 month mine plan for 2008 to ensure monthly gold production targets can be met.

Emerging mineral explorers Jameson Resources Ltd, Bellevue Resources Ltd and Noah Resources NL have made modest debuts on the Australian Securities Exchange today.

West Perth-based diamond explorer Paramount Mining Corporation Ltd has appointed Solco Ltd chairman Steven Cole as its new non-execuitve chairman.

The state opposition has unveiled a major plan for the strategic relocation of heavy port operations and road freight traffic out of North Fremantle to a new port in Kwinana, which could link in with Len Buckeridge's James Point port proposal.

Euroz Ltd announced today that its subsidiary Westoz Funds Management Ltd has successfully completed an $80 million capital raising for the initial public offering of Ozgrowth Ltd.

West Perth-based gold explorer Exco Resources Ltd has sold its Exco Operations (SA) subsidiary for $12 million to Syrah Resources Ltd and RMB Resources Ltd.

Shares in aspiring iron ore miner Talisman Mining Ltd made a small eight per cent gain on return to trade today, despite news that Jubilee Mines Ltd executive chairman Kerry Harmanis will acquire a stake in the company.

Emerging Australian gold company Emmerson Resources Ltd has made a steady debut on the Australian Securities Exchange, following the completion of its heavily oversubscribed $20 million Initial Public Offer.

West Perth-based iron ore explorer Vector Resources Ltd has made a strong debut on the Australian Securities Exchange, with the value of its shares surging more than 65 per cent.

Accomodation services provider MAC Services Group Ltd has been selected by the state government to construct a 1,400 unit accommodation village at Gap Ridge, near Karratha.

Newly listed West Perth-based resources company Apollo Minerals Ltd has taken a significant step forward in the development of its recently acquired Western Australian iron ore project, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese I

Perth-based Carrick Gold Ltd has raised $18 million after placing 10.6 million shares in the company at $1.70 each to investors and clients of BBY Ltd.