Special Reports

ALMOST nine months after the Varanus Island incident, which cut the state's gas supply by a third and cost Western Australian businesses almost $2.

THE Royalties for Regions scheme couldn't have come at a better time for the state's rural areas, with the list of infrastructure projects being developed helping cushion the regions from the worst of the economic downturn.

HOPES of Perth throwing off its Dullsville tag once and for all have been dashed with the government's belt-tightening and its shift in priorities for key infrastructure projects.

THE state government has moved on two of the largest hospital developments undertaken in metropolitan and regional Western Australia, with the commitment of more than $3 billion in health projects.

AN extensive upgrade of the road network around Perth airport is set to be Western Australia's biggest roads project over the next few years.

Award-winning coffee roaster Rubra has put its stamp on the burgeoning WA boutique coffee scene.

IN his quest to create a unique product, Darlington Estate winemaker Menno Bakkers' philosophy makes good business sense - work with the characteristics of the region.

There is no shortage of attractions in Mundaring, as Heather Bennett discovered.

Perth Glory owner (among other ventures)

THE state's caravan industry is preparing for its biggest trade event of the year, with signs the changing demographics of the caravan and camper trailer market could prop up sales.

HAVING led Perth marketing group Core Marketing for a number of years, it seems somewhat ironic that Yvonne Renshaw doesn't signpost her new venture, Core Luxury Retreat, in Mundaring.

LIQUEFIED natural gas, or LNG, is natural gas that has been liquefied by reducing its temperature to about minus 160ºC.

The best kind of promotion WOULDN'T it be nice if advertising executives the world over told it like it is instead of trying to dazzle us with gimmicks and slogans? I think the guys at Fraser Gallop Estate feel the same way.

IT has been heralded as some sort of magic number - the 47 per cent debt-to-revenue ratio that is somehow tied to the state's financial future.

BRENDON Grylls has had a dilemma before.Back in September last year, he was sitting pretty, holding the balance of power and able to decide who formed a government.

CHINESE company CITIC Pacific Mining is doing more than its fair share to counter the downturn in mining and construction jobs in Western Australia, announcing that the peak workforce on its Sino Iron project will peak at a larger than expected 4,000 peop

AS Australia's oldest family company, Lionel Samson & Son has successfully weathered many economic storms.

THE resources sector has undergone a rapid change in circumstances with falling commodity prices, private investors on strike, and a tough attitude by banks.

ECONOMISTS have described the central bank's decision to hold the official cash rate this week as a pause to the rate cutting cycle.

STAYING close to customers is an important strategy to many of Western Australia's big private businesses.

WESTERN Australia's big private businesses hold surprisingly uniform views on most subjects, and that extends to the federal government's $52 billion in extra spending via two stimulus packages.

The conservative management of WA’s private businesses has left them in good shape

WHILE the short-term macroeconomic outlook is grim, small business groups are advising their members to get back to basics to adapt to the downturn.

A NEW campaign has been launched to encourage Western Australians to holiday at home.

AIRLINES and hotels are engaging in unprecedented discounting to keep people travelling during the economic slowdown.

PATRIA Jafferies launched her first business during the recession of the early 1990s.

WHEN the economy takes a turn for the worse, smaller firms can be the first to suffer.

TRAVEL TALK with What is your favourite holiday destination? Bali, in particular Seminyak. Only three hours away - completely stress free with fantastic restaurants and hotels.

New airline to offer cheaper, faster services to Cocos and Christmas islands.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the difference.

THE global financial crisis hit hard and fast.

HAPPY employees who create positive end results and, in turn, yield contented clients are always at the top of mind for Complete Fire Design managing director, Richard Welsh.