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A review into a $645 million Chinese investment into Fortescue Metals Group has been extended by the Foreign Investment Review Board.

WA-based the Feral Brewing Company last night won five trophies at the Australian International Beer Awards, racking up half of the 10 trophies won by the nation at the world's second largest international beer competition.

Budget cuts not possible - Buswell; Premier to sign-off on port plans for WA; IMF warns slowdown to worsen; BHP nets $4.8bn in US bond market; Telstra blocking rivals - ACCC

The Terry Streeter-backed Fox Resources has launched a $6 million all-scrip takeover of junior explorer Hannans Reward to increase its spread of iron ore and nickel assets in Western Australia.

A state government report has proposed two options for upgrading Barbagallo Raceway, which Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron says offers a better strategic direction for WA motorsport than a street circuit.

The state government is expected to formally approve the $3.5 billion Oakajee port and rail project that is vital to mining developments in the Mid West region.

Junior iron ore producer Atlas Iron has signed the last of its available iron ore into a long-term offtake agreement with an unidentified Chinese steel mill.

Mirabela Nickel has cleared one hurdle in its bid to raise some much needed funds, with a planned $182 million capital raising receiving shareholder approval today.

The Subiaco Redevelopment Authority is free to develop the north-eastern corner of Subi Centro into a mixed use residentital and commercial space following approval from Planning Minister John Day.

The state's meatworkers union has recommended Harvey Beef employees reject the same collective agreement that is again being offered by the company today.

Shares in Aurox Resources have jumped as much as 56 per cent today as the company amends its convertible notes terms for an early cash injection of up to $47 million and modifies its port agreement.

$1.6bn hole in budget as alcopops tax fails; World Bank looks to China to counter global gloom; ASIC targets banks over $1bn Storm collapse; Directors told to stand up to executives in pay talks; Nation building funding crisis

FRUSTRATION over the prohibitive barriers to tourist accommodation development has intensified, after news the first development site released under the Landbank program, aimed at fast-tracking accommodation developments, had stalled.

THE state's caravan industry is preparing for its biggest trade event of the year, with signs the changing demographics of the caravan and camper trailer market could prop up sales.

Colin Barnett has a fight on his hands if he wants tax distribution restructured.

THE Perth director of global engineering company Connell Wagner hopes its merger with two South African companies will boost the chances of winning work on major projects.

Award-winning coffee roaster Rubra has put its stamp on the burgeoning WA boutique coffee scene.

Politicians seem well-placed to take up lucrative careers as lobbyists after they leave parliament.

TWO of Perth's mid-sized law firms are heading in different directions, with Hammond Worthington Lawyers planning to split up after 17 years and Christensen Vaughan joining national firm Gadens Lawyers.

Perth Glory owner (among other ventures)

SMALL to medium-sized enterprises are frustrated that interest rates for business loans remain higher than loans in the residential sector.

The best kind of promotion WOULDN'T it be nice if advertising executives the world over told it like it is instead of trying to dazzle us with gimmicks and slogans? I think the guys at Fraser Gallop Estate feel the same way.

AS timing goes, right now might well be an appropriate time to launch an industry body for corporate doctors.

SUBIACO-BASED Graynic Metals is looking to Latin America to help establish itself as a developing nickel explorer and developer.

CAN a place that bans chewing gum and has been ruled by one party for decades offer Western Australia opportunities to develop our state and improve our government? Premier Colin Barnett certainly believes this may be possible and has let loose one of his

The Western Australian Trade Opportunities Service is operated by the International Trade Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.

FOUR women working on the same commercial building project in the city have joined forces to launch Western Australia's first association dedicated to women working in construction.

Architect-design firm shows the value of a well-planned restoration in the heart of the city.

PEAK industry figures have cautiously welcomed state and federal government initiatives to soften the impact of the economic downturn on business, including the announcement of cuts to skilled migration.

TWO real estate agency acquisitions in recent weeks could be a sign of increased activity in the sector, as business looks to rationalise their operations and gain economies of scale during the down cycle.

The Gorgon gas project set to proceed this year will be followed by more mega projects off the WA coast, presenting exciting opportunities.

BRIEFCASE notes that many oil and gas stocks, such as Pan Pacific, Carnarvon Petroleum, Cooper Energy and AED Oil, show little if any market value for their ongoing operating cash flow from production activities, while some trade at or below their cash as