WA may be half a world away from the epicentre of the fallout from the collapse of the sub-prime mortgage market in the US, but that does not mean the US housing market's woes will not eventually turn up in the prices of key commodities.
Housing markets are providing a timely reminder that the gravitational pull of cycles can be hard to avoid, even in a booming state such as Western Australia.
The state government is likely to approve two gas processing hubs on the west Kimberley coast despite conservation groups expressing concern about the impact of giant gas projects and the associated shipping movements.
Some of WA's biggest food producers and manufacturers are behind the establishment of a lobby group aimed at providing a united voice for the food and beverage sector, as well as promoting and developing the industry's growth.
The state government posted another record budget surplus in 2006-07, of $2.3 billion, fuelled by strong growth in mining royalties and taxation revenues.
The Western Australian Community Foundation has doubled its funds under management in the past few months, due to contributions from the state's mining industry, bringing its total funding pool to $3 million.
Perth-based Centre for Association Management Pty Ltd is preparing to expand its services for the not-for-profit sector by undertaking a $2.5 million initial public offer.
Strong overseas demand for minerals and petroleum, particularly from China, and strengthening commodity prices pushed the value of Western Australia's resources industry up 25 per cent to a record $53.4 billion in 2006-07.
It may be held in high esteem by many in the hospitality industry, yet The Essex Restaurant remains something of a sleeper business, overshadowed in the headlines by Jackson's Restaurant, Star Anise, Fraser's Restaurant, and the former Eminem.
A new package of State Government industrial relations reforms will impose further red tape and regulation on WA businesses and increase employment costs, according to the WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Selling commonwealth land to property developers and using the funds to make housing interest payments tax deductible would be a good political decision for an incoming government, according to Satterley Property Group chief executive Nigel Satterley.
Perth-based health insurance and financial services player HBF has revealed a 36 per cent increase in underlying profitability, boosted by strong investment market returns.
The State Government has approved a $225 million upgrade of Port Hedland's port facilities after securing up-front capital contributions from miners, including BHP Billiton, Consolidated Minerals and Atlas Iron, to cover nearly half the cost.
Public Advocate Michelle Scott has been appointed the Commissioner for Children and Young People for a five-year term, after a long appointment process, Child Protection Minister Sue Ellery has announced.
West Perth-based Monarch Gold Mining Company Ltd has announced plans to list on the Toronto Stock Exchange by the first quarter of 2008, after listing on the Dubai International Financial Exchange earlier this year.
Australia's peak building industry body has reiterated calls for both sides of politics to be mindful of inflationary pressures when considering economic policy.
Perth-based gas explorer Po Valley Energy Ltd has signed a contract with Hydrodrilling International SpA to secure a drill rig for use on its gas fields in northern Italy starting in April 2008.
Annual General Meetings are disenfranchising shareholders in small listed companies, according to peak body Chartered Secretaries Australia, which has called for wide-ranging discussion on the issue.
West Perth-based gold and base metals explorer Centaurus Resources Ltd will acquire Brazilian mineral exploration and development firm San Greal Resources Pty Ltd through a scrip issue worth around $3.3 million, the company has announced.
AGL dumps Anthony; Nexus shut down of the auction for Anzon; tax cuts promises to cost $80b in the next five years; Gordon raids Ten options for a 4.3 per cent stake; Labor widens the gap over the coalition after one week.
East Perth-based bauxite explorer Bauxite Resources Ltd has remained steady in its debut on the Australian Securities Exchange, closing up 0.5 cents after raising $7.5 million in its initial public offer.
Tasmania-focused metals miner Macquarie Harbour Mining Ltd has announced plans to raise a minimum of $4 million through its initial public offer to commence a drilling program across its portfolio.
Ric Stowe's private Griffin group is claiming success with its latest efforts to use its Collie collieries as a solution to the salinty issues plague the massive Wellington Dam.
A group of dissident PharmAust Ltd shareholders forced the company to hold a formal poll after their push to replace the existing board was narrowly defeated on a show of hands at today's general meeting.
Como-based construction company Forge Group Ltd subsidiaries Cimeco Pty Ltd and Webb Construction (West Africa) Ltd have been awarded $35 million in contracts for work on African mine sites, the company has announced.
West Perth-based Nkwe Platinum Ltd has signed a deal with Dyondisani Mining & Energy Pty Ltd and Bolotola Investment Holdings Pty Ltd to acquire a 100 per cent interest in the prospecting rights to two platinum group metal farms.
Investors in listed investment company LinQ Resources Fund have endorsed the strategy of the existing fund manager, with a majority rejecting proposals for change put forward by UK investor Carrousel Capital.
RMA Energy Ltd will allow an unnamed Chinese company to undertake independent evaluation of its Coane Range and McCauley Creek uranium and base metals tenements ahead of formal discussions, the Perth-based company has announced.
Energy Minister Francis Logan has opened the Broome office of Horizon Power, the construction of which had taken place in conjunction with the West Kimberley Power Project, he said.
