Edited announcement

Leederville-based iron ore company Cape Lambert Iron Ore Ltd has issued 600,000 shares and made an option payment of $200,000 to Wickham-based Norwest Sand & Gravel for three potential iron ore tenements.

Housing and Works Minister Michelle Roberts has named the three construction companies invited to tender for the State Government's Perth Arena project - an indoor sports and entertainment venue.

The Australian Government, in partnership with state and territory governments, is preparing a nomination for World Heritage listing of 11 of Australia's convict sites, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, announced today.

Western Australian-based gold and base metals exploration company, Rubicon Resources Ltd today announced that its $10 million IPO had closed early and over-subscribed.

South Perth minerals player Independence Group NL has won promotion to the S&P/ASX 200 following the demise of Alinta Infrastructure Holdings Ltd which has been taken over by its former parent Alinta Ltd.

Diamond exploration programs in Australia and Africa will be the focus of funds from a $1.2 million capital raising announced by ASX-listed explorer, Paramount Mining Corporation.

New boat launching facilities and the redevelopment of the Port Headland Yacht Club are just some of the initiatives to be undertaken after the State Government and BHP Billiton Iron Ore committed a further $2.2 million to enchance the town site.

Perth diamond explorer Paramount Mining Corporation has issued a prospectus to raise $1.2 million to fund exploration programs in Australia and Africa.

Plans for Rottnest Island's new 120-room hotel have been unveiled by Tourism Minister Sheila McHale.

The successful completion and commissioning of the Goldfields Gas Interconnect Project has resulted in the Goldfields and the Pilbara gaining access to a major additional source of gas supply - amounting to new capacity of up to 160 TJ of gas per day.

Eight people, including a former police officer and one who has been stood down, have been charged with a total of 38 offences by the Corruption and Crime Commission over a scam to have traffic infringements withdrawn.

Treasurer Eric Ripper today said he had listened to the community and he believed there was not sufficient support to justify immediate changes to retail trading laws.

Perth-based industrial giant Wesfarmers Ltd has reinstated its dividend reinvestment scheme after a four-year suspension after a series of acquisitions.

National real estate and property management company Wentworth Holdings Ltd has commenced the new year with two strategically important acquisitions along Victoria's coast line.

Australian Healthcare Group Ltd has announced that mediation in relation to litigation by PharmAust Ltd has been adjourned, but it remains confident that the matter can be resolved without going to trial.

The City of Perth has called on the state government to withdraw attempts to resume privately-held land in Northbridge, following moves late last to develop a new police station on land owned by entrepreneur Graham Hardie.

The state government must fast track the construction of a Pinjarra Bypass from the South West Highway to improve safety and amenity of local towns.

Herdsman-based Olympia Resources Ltd has given the green light to the development of its Harts Range abrasives project north of Alice Springs.

An initial survey of ITC plantations in the Esperance region has indicated that there are currently no signs of significant damage to the estate.

WA wheatgrowers are demonstrating their ongoing, serious mistrust of AWB by stockpiling nearly a million tonnes of wheat, according to the Pastoralists and Graziers' Association.

Bank of Queensland, Australia's fastest growing retail bank, will double its WA presence next month, opening two new branches in Perth and Joondalup.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has banned bankrupt bus and coach operator Charles Vernon Marks of Redcliffe, Western Australia, for the maximum period of five years.

A field of eight candidates is set to contest the Peel by-election on Saturday 3 February 2007.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today announced a boost in residential land for Karratha with the release of the first stage of LandCorp's Nickol West development by ballot early next year.

West Perth-based Eastland Medical Systems Ltd has concluded the sale of its shareholding in the UK AIM listed company International Medical Devices PLC for a consideration of $2.5million.

The future of Albany's unique Whale World tourism attraction is secure, with the announcement of a 50-year lease extension.

Kambalda nickel producer Mincor Resources NL said it had reached an agreement with Tectonic Resources NL under which Mincor may earn an 80 per cent interest in the tenement holding the now-closed Rav 8 nickel mine near Ravensthorpe.

Fox Resources Ltd has announced that is has finalised an agreement with new resources float, Prime Minerals Ltd to joint venture its non-core exploration project, Star of Mangaroon Gold Project.

Perth-based stockbroker Euroz Ltd has revealed its half year result, with a 27 per cent jump in net profit reflecting the great environment for those servicing the markets.

Western Australia has announced new planning guidelines to help ensure that development does not damage water resources.

Below is the latest warning from the Bureau of Meterorolgy.http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/wa/forecasts.shtmlThe next update is due at 4pm. 

The Western Australian economy is forecast to continue growing at a fast pace in 2007, according to the latest assessment by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA.