Tayler Neale

Western Australians overwhelmingly believe the big end of town has been the major beneficiary of the country’s unprecedented run of growth over the past 26 years, a poll released today has found.

Perth has dropped out of the top 10 in a world liveability index compiled by The Economist, after falling seven places in 2018.

Shares in Carnarvon Petroleum have regained some of yesterday’s losses, after the oil and gas explorer revealed plans for its lesser known Buffalo project in the Timor Sea.

Construction contractor York Civil has ceased operations, and while its joint venture partner is expected to finish work at the Matagarup Bridge, there is uncertainty around a recently won $30 million contract at Port Hedland.

GR Engineering Services will receive an $8.3 million payout from Eastern Goldfields, more than a year after launching proceedings in the Supreme Court in relation to a contract dispute at the miner’s Davyhurst operation.

The loss of iron ore haulage contracts with Cliffs Natural Resources and Mount Gibson Iron is expected to dent rail operator Aurizon’s earnings by about $50 million in the 2019 financial year.

Wesfarmers has struck a deal to sell its Kmart Tyre and Auto Service (KTAS) business to German company Continental AG for $350 million.

Perth-based Velrada is set to partner with tech giant Microsoft and ASX-listed LiveTiles as part of a program to accelerate the uptake of artificial intelligence across industries such as mining, energy and financial services.

Perth accountant Neil Alessandrino has pleaded guilty to a rolled-up fraud charge in the District Court this week.

MOD Resources has increased the capacity of its planned processing plant at the T3 copper project in Botswana, while also appointing a lead engineer for the feasibility study, along with debt advisers for the project.

TheScreeningLab is a cloud-based software that can digitise any paper-based assessment.

About 1,500 Alcoa of Australia workers are striking across the company’s Western Australian operations, with attempts to establish a new enterprise bargaining agreement with Australian Workers Union members so far failing.

Sydney-based energy supplier AGL Energy has continued its slow growth in to the WA market, with its annual results revealing it had secured 21,000 gas customers locally by the end of June.

Tap Oil major shareholder Risco Energy Investments has increased its takeover offer for the oil and gas company to $38.7 million on the back of BDO’s independent expert valuation.

Kewdale-based manufacturer Fero Group appears set to be acquired by global outifit DYWIDAG-Systems International (DSI) Group, after the competition watchdog said it would not oppose the deal.

Altura Mining has decided not to pursue a takeover from its largest shareholder, after its corporate adviser Citigroup began investigating a potential transaction in April.

Carnarvon Petroleum has announced another oil discovery at its Dorado-1 well in the Carnarvon Basin, with the company’s share price having more than quadrupled in the past month.

Bankwest has posted a $681 million net profit for the 2018 financial year on the back of increased lending and a reduction in bad loans relative to 2017.

South Australia-based York Civil, which is finalising construction of the Matagarup Bridge and recently won a $30 million contract at Port Hedland, has been placed into voluntary administration.

Perth-based conglomerate Wesfarmers has sold its stake in the Bengalla coal mine in NSW, continuing a major reshaping of its portfolio after the sale last year of another coal mine and the planned spin-off of its Coles business.

Fortescue Metals Group has reduced its stake in Atlas Iron but crucially still holds more than 10 per cent, meaning Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting will not be able to acquire full ownership of the takeover target.

Property developer Tian An Australia (formerly PBD Developments) has won regulatory support to postpone the start of construction at its long-delayed Point Grey marina south of Mandurah.

UPDATED: Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting announced late Friday it has increased its stake in takeover target Atlas Iron to 56 per cent, giving it effective control, and extended its $390 million offer for two weeks.

Northbridge restaurant and microbrewery Cyril Mason’s has closed its doors less than three months after opening at the William Street location.

Pilbara Minerals has released a definitive feasibility study for the planned stage-two expansion at its Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum project, with chief executive Ken Brinsden confident the $231 million upgrade will go ahead.

Regis Resources has approved a $29.4 million expansion at its Duketon gold project, which is expected to add 570,000 ounces over a five-year mine life.

Curtin University has received $10.3 million in funding as part of the latest round of grants from the federal government’s Australian Research Council, with the University of Western Australia awarded $6.6 million.

Great Southern wine producer Duke’s Vineyard and Deep Wood Estate’s Julian Langworthy have topped the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion Awards announced in Melbourne last night.

Three Western Australian gold miners have outlined their growth plans, with Saracen Mineral Holdings announcing a 20 per cent increase in reserves, Northern Star Resources unveiling a $60 million exploration budget, and Red 5 targeting annual production of more than 100,000 ounces.

My Wellbeing Mate app brings together a network of mental health resources by offering a gateway to helplines, websites, guides, videos, talks, apps, self-checks and more.

The Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle is up for sale, with its owners hoping for a big premium on their $88.5 million purchase price in 2013.

Landgate chief executive Jodi Cant has been appointed as the new director general of the Department of Finance, but the state government is still looking for a permanent boss for the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.