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SPECIAL REPORT: Earnings for the state from the powerhouse minerals and energy industries have softened, but agriculture, among other sectors, will create opportunities. Business News also takes an in depth look at Bunbury port, where a big expansion plan needs community backing and solid regional demand growth.

The Australian share market has opened higher.

If WA wants to continue reaping the rewards of its abundant bounty, it needs to stay ‘open for business'.

Newmont $400m mine plan is as good as gold

The Australian dollar has lost ground against the greenback, which extended its gains on the back of stronger-than-expected economic data.

Gold prices have slipped as a recovering US dollar pulled them off a three-and-a-half-month high, but the metal still eked out a weekly rise after gaining in recent sessions on bets against a US interest rate hike.

Oil and gas giant Chevron has applied for a two-year extension to its plans to develop its new headquarters at Elizabeth Quay, but has reiterated its commitment to the project.

The Australian share market is higher as investors buy into the banks.

A plan to hold concerts at Fremantle's historic Arthur Head has been given a leg-up, with the City of Fremantle backing a trial by music promoter Sunset Events.

Two of Australia's most powerful, and militant, trade unions have flagged a potential merger to create an industrial monolith spanning construction, mining and the wharfside.

Phoenix Gold has reiterated shareholders should reject a cash and scrip takeover offer from Evolution Mining, even though a rise in Evolution's share price has boosted the value of the deal.

A new town centre has been flagged to be built at Herne Hill in the Swan Valley, under draft planning guidelines released by the state government for public comment today.

Italian dairy giant Parmalat is making good on its $128 million purchase of major Western Australian milk and juice producer Harvey Fresh.

Argentinian beef ribs, an eclectic wine list and a Negroni that's hard to beat are just part of Bunbury's expanding repertoire.

SPECIAL REPORT: Economic diversity is just one of the region's attractions.

Oil and gas producer Santos has made its first shipment of liquefied natural gas from its $18.5 billion GLNG project in Queensland.

Consumer Protection is investigating a ‘bogus' investment company which is believed to have taken nearly $700,000 from Australians through its fake website.

A new international player is keen on making a big impact in local property.

Veteran car dealer John Hughes has revealed his business has cut it's print advertising budget in half, in response to tight economic conditions, but was exploring ways to tap into the under-30s market.

Australia's largest telco Telstra has announced the upcoming launch of its new television streaming device, which will offer its customers access to services including Netflix and Presto.

Oliver Wood, the director of three Perth-based web development and digital marketing companies, has been handed a 10-month suspended prison sentence for using his position dishonestly to gain an advantage.

A web app that helps presenters and trainers connect better with their audiences.

Mining giant Rio Tinto looks set to achieve its annual iron ore shipment target after posting a 17 per cent jump in shipments during the September quarter.

A strong rally among the big four banks and a positive Wall Street session overnight have led the Australian share market higher on Friday.

NBN unfurls construction road map

The Australian dollar is back above 73 US cents, after higher-than-expected US core inflation data and speculation that the European Central Bank could bolster its quantitative easing program.

Gold prices have fallen after reaching a three and a half month high on Thursday as a stronger-than-expected reading of US inflation drove the dollar index.

Lisa Scaffidi is no stranger to the responsibilities of public office, which is why the imbroglio currently surrounding her is so perplexing.

Oil prices have fallen for the fourth straight day as the United States reported an increase in already high crude-oil stockpiles, adding to concerns about the global oversupply.

Perth tech entrepreneur Rob Newman has replaced Sydney-based Simon Crowther as managing director of loss-making aerial imagery company nearmap.

The Australian share market has made modest gains on expectations that weak economic data from the US and disappointing jobs numbers in Australia will keep interest rates low.

Andrew Forrest's Fortescue Metals Group is in no rush to offload assets as it steams ahead with cost cutting and debt relief to shore up its future.