Mark Beyer

Northern NSW is a beautiful part of the country, with a stunning coastline and gorgeous hinterland.

From the industrial development of Gladstone to the untouched wonder of Fraser Island, Queensland continues to amaze.

There’s no doubting the attractions of the Whitsundays, but a bout of bad weather can make for tough going in paradise.

The drive into Cairns was a shock to the system, with lush vegetation and hilly terrain making for a pleasant surprise after a month of desert country.

One of the fun aspects of travel is the unexpected – encountering people, places and activities that were not part of the original plan.

We’ve spent the past few days making our way from Kununurra to the Northern Territory.

About eight years ago I was fortunate enough to catch a ride on a small aircraft from Kununurra, flying over Lake Argyle, the Argyle diamond mine and the Bungle Bungle range.

Driving into El Questro Wilderness Resort provided a welcome change of scenery after a week on the dusty Gibb River Road.

In the final installment of our four-part series on EY Entrepreneur of the Year nominees, we talk to chief executives of six contracting and consulting businesses.

There aren’t many places in Western Australia that live up to the superlatives in tourism brochures, but touring the Gibb River Road is one experience that comes close.

In the third part of our series featuring EY Entrepreneur of the Year nominees, Business News talks to three chief executives in the technology sector.

Spending a few days in Port Hedland meant we spent a few days longer than most travellers, and it also afforded an opportunity to get some insights into the town’s development.

In the second of a four-part series featuring EY Entrepreneur of the Year nominees, we spoke to Bernie Pummell and Sarah Thomas about two different food businesses.

Driving up the Great Northern Hwy from Midland to Port Hedland, you can’t help but marvel at the number of trucks on the road – and be concerned about what lies ahead for wheatbelt communities after the closure of the ‘tier 3’ rail lines.

In the first of a four-part series featuring EY Entrepreneur of the Year nominees, we spoke to Bill Beament about the extraordinary growth of Northern Star Resources.

For many business people the current conditions seem very challenging.

Nedlands-based TFS Corporation has announced the purchase of an established Indian sandalwood plantation, with the purchase expected to boost its net profit as a result of a revaluation of the trees.

Perth-based companies Prime Minerals and White Eagle Resources plan to transform themselves by acquiring technology-focused businesses.

Respected Aboriginal leader Wayne Bergmann has launched an extraordinary attack on Buru Energy, after the oil and gas company announced a landmark agreement with the Noonkanbah Aboriginal community.

If the many different winners of the Rising Stars award have anything in common it is that all won the ability to choose their future – whether that be a trade sale, an ASX float or organic growth.

At a time when most miners and explorers are becoming more risk averse, Perth minnow Prospect Resources is venturing into Zimbabwe.

A series of (un)fortunate events led to the creation of this year’s Rising Stars winner, emergency response and security services provider Executive Risk Solutions.

Rail operator Aurizon has written off $19 million it has spent trying to develop an infrastructure solution for iron ore producers in the East Pilbara, including Atlas Iron and Brockman Resources.

Mining and energy sector exports are forecast to rise by just 2.6 per cent in 2014-15, with weakness in coking coal and iron ore prices offsetting strong growth in export volumes for most commodities.

The Aboriginal community that was at the centre of a major land rights dispute, sparked by oil exploration at a remote Kimberley cattle station in the early 1980s, has announced its support for a gas 'fracking' program planned by Perth company Buru Energy.

The entry of two European energy companies into WA will help to bolster activity in the onshore oil and gas sector, which is set for a pick-up after a series of disappointments.

The resources sector continues to be critical to WA’s prosperity but smaller, less glamorous industries also have great stories to tell.

A major shake-up in the national child care industry has resulted in the owners of five Western Australian chains reaping an estimated $150 million from the sale of their businesses this year.

Baosteel and Aurizon look set to gain control of Aquila Resources after the iron ore hopeful rejected a takeover proposal from Mineral Resources, and instead recommended its shareholders accept the current $3.40 per share offer.

Buru Energy’s planned ‘tight gas’ testing program in the remote Canning Basin will not require formal environmental assessment after minister Albert Jacob upheld the Environmental Protection Author

Business News’ annual mining services review highlights the large and diverse number of companies exporting their skills and expertise.

How do you teach people to drive a driverless truck?