Edited announcement

Clean energy technology group Orbital Corporation Ltd has entered into a funding agreement with the federal government worth $2.8 million to construct and operate an engine testing facility in Balcatta.

South Perth-based coal seam gas explorer Pure Energy Resources Ltd has completed a $15 million capital raising with funds to head towards exploration costs on projects on the east coast.

With the impact of the gas crisis set to last for months, nickel miner Minara Resources Ltd has secured a long-term gas supply contract from alternative sources while its Murrin Murrin operation operates at two-thirds of normal production rates.

A global survey of tax professionals by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants has deemed Australia's tax system as unfair and complex.

Subiaco-based gold and copper explorer Red Emperor Resources NL has branched out into the timber industry after signing an agreement with its Russian partners to harvest a resource in the country.

Liberal leader Troy Buswell has announced the shadow cabinet he will be taking to the coming election.

Apache Energy expects repairs to the damaged pipeline area at its Varanus Island gas facility to start shortly after demolition work started today.

With the impact of the gas crisis set to last for months, nickel miner Minara Resources Ltd has secured a long-term gas supply contract from alternative sources while its Murrin Murrin operation operates at two-thirds of normal production rates.

A new survey by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA has highlighted the need for the public to cut back on its energy use for the sake of the economy.

Fortescue Metals Group has partnered up with the state government to create jobs in the mining sector for Indigenous people by improving their driving skills.

A subsidiary of Perth-based Eastland Medical Systems Ltd has moved to secure a €42 million ($A70 million) to complete the manufacturing plant for its anti malaria treatment in Germany.

A study has valued Australasian Resources Ltd's share of the Balmoral South iron ore project in the Pilbara at $3 billion, highlighting the economic viability of the operation that has a 28 year mine life.

Perth-based Woodside Petroleum Ltd has announced the retirement of director Jillian Broadbent following 10 years of service.

South Perth-based Cooper Energy Ltd has started production at its Parsons oil field facility in the Cooper Basin in South Australia.

Subiaco-based Cougar Metals NL plans to raise $2 million to fund the development of its Brazilian mineral drilling business and continue work on its Pyke Hill nickel project in Western Australia and Alta Floresta gold project in Brazil.

West Perth-based Hemisphere Resources Ltd has fended off the likes of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd and Brockman Iron Ltd to win a ballot for a Pilbara iron ore tenement close to Rio Tinto's Yandicoogina mine.

Malaga-based Advanced Engine Components Ltd has received an order for over 300 natural gas vehicle system kits from Weifang Weichai Peterson Gas Co Ltd in China.

Northbridge-based AdultShop.com Ltd has settled legal proceedings with its former subsidiaries, Today Success Pty Ltd and Pageseeker Pty Ltd.

Subiaco-based coal company Comdek Ltd has appointed former Resource Pacific Holdings Ltd directors Paul Jury and Steve Matthews to its board.

A market transaction with Perth-based Elixir Petroleum Ltd has landed Tolhurst Ltd a $25,000 fine from the Australian Securities Exchange Disciplinary Tribunal.

Perth-based scooter company Vmoto Ltd has signed a 12-month agreement with a major Vietnamese scooter group for an initial supply of 30,000 engines.

Calls from the federal opposition for a second gas pipeline to protect the state's gas supply are misguided, the Australian Pipeline Industry Association said today.

Balcatta-based resource company Tiger Resources Ltd has received approval to list its ordinary shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange and plans to list early next month.

Perth-based small scale copper miner Redbank Mines Ltd plans to reduce its debt facility with Macquarie after raising $1.2 million from the issue of 24 million shares at 5 cents each.

Two of Australia's resources-rich states, Western Australia and Northern Territory will continue to hire more employees than they lose in the next six months while New South Wales and Victoria employers have a bleaker outlook, according to Talent2 survey.

State Liberal leader Troy Buswell has today released a proposed new way forward for the State to build much needed public infrastructure in a faster, more cost-effective way.

Avoca Resources Ltd has completed construction of its new 1 million tonne per annum gold treatment plant at its Higginsville mine in Western Australia, on time and within the $49.2 million budget.

Applecross-based global education group Navitas Ltd has entered into agreements to acquire Melbourne Education Group Pty Ltd and most of the shares in Australian Institute of Public Safety Pty Ltd for $2.2 million.

Hazelmere fabrication company Specialised Welding Australia Pty Ltd will merge with Singapore-based engineering firm Profab International to create an entity that will service the global oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

Engineering and construction company Clough Ltd has today been awarded a contract by Apache Energy valued at circa $200m for the installation of the Reindeer Gas Field Development offshore facilities.

West Perth-based Straits Resources Limited has sold its Varomet base metals book to London-based specialist investment banking group Ambrian Capital PLC.

Specialist mining and energy software developer ISS Group Ltd has branched out into the food and beverage sector following a deal with Mars Snackfood to utilise its BabelFish software.