AAP

Stockland has upgraded its full year earnings after doubling first half profit from the previous corresponding period because of a solid increase in commercial and residential property sales.

Authorities in Western Australia have defended their warning procedures and burn-off regimes in the wake of a devastating bushfire that destroyed 72 homes in the Perth Hills.

Shares in Boral gained nearly six per cent after the building products supplier reported a 36 per cent rise in first half net profit.

Perth-based resources sector services provider NRW Holdings has flagged a rise in first half net profit of about 30 per cent, compared to the previous corresponding period.

Consolidated Minerals has won a Supreme Court case against JP Morgan regarding fees the investment bank had charged for advice to the manganese and chromite miner.

When then premier Alan Carpenter chose to make 2008 an election year in Western Australia, Labor stalwart Kim Beazley joined a handful of optimistic Liberals in foreshadowing a change of government.

BHP Billiton Ltd has posted steep production declines in several metals and minerals due to shut-downs and other difficulties with strong headline numbers, at its key Western Australian interests failed to excite analysts.