Mark Beyer

A toll on trucks appears to be a condition of federal funding for the $1.6 billion Perth Freight Link roads project, Premier Colin Barnett says.

The federal and state governments have confirmed plans for a $1.6 billion upgrade of Perth’s road freight network, including an extension of Roe Highway and the introduction of a toll for trucks as a lure for private sector co-investment.

Two major events last week highlighted the private sector’s desire to deliver new port infrastructure, and it’s a trend the Barnett government could take even further.

The Barnett government would raise nearly $6 billion by selling the state’s three major ports, if the Western Australian sales attracted the same surprisingly high bidding interest as recent port sales on the east coast.

Finbar Group has obtained planning approval for a 347-apartment project in Maylands and intends to launch the first stage next month, adding to the substantial growth in apartment supply in the local market.

Perth’s sister city Houston has some interesting insights on public transport, economic diversification and other challenges faced by both cities.

Mining executive Chris Tuckwell plans to return to MACA as its managing director, two years after leaving the company to join rival contractor Ausdrill in Africa.

Continued growth of the Pilbara as an export-focused iron ore province received a huge boost today when Chinese steel giant Baosteel and Australian railway operator Aurizon teamed up to bid for the Perth company behind a $6 billion port and rail project.

Recently-appointed transport minister Dean Nalder has flagged the possibility of delaying the amalgamation of regional port authorities, just two months before the merged authorities were due to start operating.

Chevron Australia managing director Roy Krzywosinski and Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Andrew Harding have joined some of Australia’s top business leaders in being honoured by the American Australian Association.

Woodside chief executive Peter Coleman has urged the company’s shareholders to be patient, as it works through multiple challenges affecting its growth projects and its operating costs in Australia.

Perth-based miner Aditya Birla Minerals disclosed today it has stood down the majority of employees at its Nifty copper mine as it continues to investigate suspected ground subsidence.

SPECIAL REPORT: The changing profile of the Water Corporation’s $1 billion works program will present more direct opportunities for smaller contractors.

SPECIAL REPORT: International contractor Kentz and local companies Monadelphous and NRW Holdings were the big winners among civil and engineering construction contractors over the past 12 months, research by Business News has found.

SPECIAL REPORT: With new project work from the resources and government sectors slowing down, contractors will need to look harder for work opportunities.

Taking a methodical approach to infrastructure planning helps build strong foundations.

The alignment of chief executive salary packages with market capitalisation has been highlighted in Business News’ latest quarterly salary survey.

The reform agenda mapped out last week by the Economic Regulation Authority should become former treasurer Troy Buswell’s greatest legacy to the state.

One of Perth’s largest apartment projects by value is due to be launched in coming weeks in Rivervale, testing demand and pricing in what has become a development hot spot.

Buru Energy has announced a major change in its Canning Basin exploration program after disappointing early results, saying today it was looking to release the specially-built rig it had contracted to use this year.

This week’s APPEA conference highlighted the key issues facing one of the state’s fastest growing industries; the solutions are less clear.

Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane today launched a new centre dedicated to research in the resources sector, but was coy on whether Canberra would support a similar body that Woodside has been pushing for the oil and gas sector.

7-Eleven Stores has confirmed that it is expanding into Western Australia, as foreshadowed last month by Business News.

The lack of competition for small business lending needs to come under scrutiny at the federal government’s financial system inquiry.

Gas industry leaders lined up today to call for more supportive government policies on workplace relations, taxation and skilled migration, saying these changes were crucial if the sector was to maximise growth opportunities.

Premier Colin Barnett has launched a blunt attack on the gas industry, saying it doesn’t understand Australia, had left his government swinging “high and dry” and needed to do more for the domestic market.

Mirvac Group has cleared the way for development of its next high-rise apartment tower at Burswood after overcoming objections from local residents and the local council to its revised plans.

The Franchise Council of Australia has criticised planned federal government reforms, claiming there is inconsistency between Small Business Minister Bruce Billson’s stated intentions and draft changes to the franchising code of conduct.

Franchise groups face fines of up to $51,000 for serious breaches of the Franchising Code of Conduct under draft reforms released today by the federal government.

WA’s population growth rate has slowed, but the state and the country as a whole is still growing fast and in ways that have profound implications.

Australian liquefied natural gas projects can continue to be competitive against new developments planned for the United States, Canada and east Africa, industry consultant RISC has found.

A major international franchise chain is preparing the ground for an assault on WA’s retail convenience sector.