NEW figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show building approvals in Western Australia rose 15.4 per cent in January, the largest increase of any Australian state. Highlighting WA’s bumper economy, the figures show more than 2,500 projects were approved in the month. Treasurer Eric Ripper said the figures again highlighted the strength of the WA economy, which grew at an annual average rate of 7.6 per cent in 2005.