Energy

Revealed: secret RBA advice; 1 million 'to be out of work by 2010'; Inflation no longer rules Swan's day; China fears drive BHP, market down; GPT in $1.6b raising as chief goes

Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Retail Traders Association of WA present: Business Warfare for small and medium business. Business, like warfare, is dynamic and challenging.

THE controversy over the Varanus Island gas explosion has eased somewhat since gas production resumed in August, yet some major gas users have still not been getting any gas.

IT'S probably because State Scene, long ago, spent several months in the advertising industry that the ploys and proclivities of those in that sector continue to intrigue.

WESTERN Australia's insulation from the global financial market turmoil is getting thinner by the day, as the risk of a significant and broadly based decline in commodity prices rises with each disturbing escalation of the credit crunch.

A LOW-PROFILE fibre network born out of a failed state government investment has emerged as the backbone of Leighton Holdings Ltd's efforts to extend its national high-speed data network to the Perth marketplace.

THE state’s economy could yet feel the impact of the global financial crisis, which has already lifted the cost of borrowing and could make it increasingly difficult to access finance.

THE long-running debate over Australia's energy future heated up again this week, and it's likely to continue running as the economy goes through its ups and downs.

WESTERN Australia had a trade surplus of $41.

THE West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) has won three national awards, two with its business partner, Ernst & Young, at a ceremony showcasing the nation's best business and arts partnerships.

Engineering company Clough Ltd could take a $23 million hit after its Indonesian subsidiary disclosed that it had been forced to suspend work on a coal mine project, which is currently seeking to raise additional capital needed for completion.

Perth-based energy group Aviva Corp Ltd has agreed to a $22 million merger with Canadian coal producer NEMI Northern Energy and Mining Inc.

An arbitrator has been called in to settle a dispute between Alinta and its gas supplier, the Woodside-operated North West Shelf venture, that could involve third parties by way of subpoenas.

A government spokesperson has refuted media reports saying Mines and Petroleums Minister Norman Moore has committed to another inquiry in the Varanus Island gas explosion.

Paladio Group Ltd subsidiary, Decmil Australia Pty Ltd, has secured its second Woodside contract, worth $115 million, for civil works at the Pluto liquefied natural gas project.

Perth-based Coretrack Ltd has signed an agreement with Apache Energy Ltd to supply its core level recorder tool and associated services to the oil and gas company's Reindeer 2 well located in the North West Shelf.

RBA warns on bank guarantee; Mortgage fund freezes withdrawals; Grylls, Barnett up ante in royalties stalemate; Atlas reviews iron ore plans; Profits in reverse for car retailer AHG

Wesfarmers Limited has approved a major project to expand the reserves of its Curragh mine in Queensland.

Labor leader Eric Ripper today called for an independent inquiry, jointly sponsored by the Commonwealth and State Governments, into the regulatory regime governing gas plants and pipelines in Western Australia.

Chevron Australia says the government's proposed emissions trading scheme could increase operating costs by up to $200 million to its massive Gorgon and Wheatstone projects.

Shares in Westralian Gas and Power have slumped nearly 30 per cent as the company reports cash reserves of $7000 at the end of the September quarter.

A Malaga-based power tool and equipment manufacturer has been announced as the winner of the 2008 WA Inventor of the Year Award.

The North West Shelf Venture has today celebrated the completion of its $2.6 billion, phase five liquefied natural gas expansion project at a special ceremony in Karratha.

Unionised train drivers working for Rio Tinto's Pilbara operations are planning another round of strike action next week.

Western Australia's timber industry has voted to seek compensation of some $20 million from Apache Energy for losses incurred as a result of the gas explosion at Varanus Island.

West Perth-based Altera Resources Ltd has walked away from a proposed $13 million acquisition of an underground coal gasification company.

North Perth-based metals explorer Aura Energy Ltd has entered into a deal, potentially valued at $460 million, with Chinese company Sino King Investment Ltd.

A subsidiary of VDM Group Ltd has secured a near $6 million contract from Cemex for works in the Pilbara.

WA rips $1.8bn off regional deal; RBA plans drastic rates cut; Chinese Rio play embroiled in Lehman collapse; Mills push FMG for freight cuts; NAB to be first cab off the rank

The federal government will contribute $1.4 million towards a small wind farm in Denmark that will generate some 5800 megawatt hours of electricity each year.

Western Australia miners have been hit hard in trade today with the metals and mining index plummeting over 12 per cent on fears that the meltdown will spark a global slump and reduce demand for commodities.

Mining services company Imdex Ltd is set to acquire Western Australian manufacturer Australian Drilling Specialities for $12 million in cash and scrip.