Transport & Logistics

Nationals leader Terry Redman says the party remains opposed to the sale of Fremantle Ports, despite supporting treasurer Mike Nahan's introduction today of a bill to enable a lease of up to 99 years to proceed.

A $9.05 billion foreign takeover of rail and ports giant Asciano will be delayed because of the federal election.

Shipbuilder Austal has signed a $305 million contract to build and maintain Pacific Patrol Boats for the Australian government, however the contract’s price tag was smaller than what the Commonwealth had flagged.

The federal government has signed a $2 billion contract with a group of defence contractors that will ensure maintenance of ANZAC class frigates continues at Henderson for the next eight years.

CTI Logistics has put more of its surplus properties on the market after disclosing that its underlying profit continued to deteriorate during the March quarter, with the business hit by what it said was a severe downturn in activity in Western Australia.

Treasurer Mike Nahan will embark on a regional pitch for the sale of Fremantle Ports, today revealing that the package could include a redevelopment of the passenger terminal, and a long-term fund to pay for infrastructure at the future outer harbour.

Qantas has been brought back down to earth by a major share sell-off in the wake of the airline's decision to axe plans to add flights.

The head of North Queensland Airport Group will soon be flown in to succeed Brad Geatches as chief executive of Perth Airport.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder says he can't rule out insider trading by state government staff in relation to a major contract decision, but the corporate watchdog has so far not indicated any concern.

Singapore Airlines could face a battle from a Chinese competitor if it wants Air New Zealand's cornerstone stake in Virgin Australia, according to analysts.

New car sales continue to drag in Western Australia, with the latest figures revealing a 7.8 per cent slide in March.

The competition regulator has flagged a fresh review of the $9.05 billion takeover of rail and ports giant Asciano and is examining whether the new cross-ownership deal will lead to any common financial interest among the suitors.

Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder has thrown his support behind the state government’s plan to lease Fremantle Ports, saying the state needs a world-class operator to ensure exports are competitive internationally.

Local shipbuilder Austal has received an order from the US Navy for construction of an 11th littoral combat ship, with the deal worth up to $US564 million ($A735 million).

Competition in Perth’s on-demand transport sector is growing, with a new local player, Shofer, entering the market today to battle disruptive giant Uber and the existing taxi industry.

Virgin Australia's ownership is under the spotlight after the airline's biggest shareholder, Air New Zealand, flagged a full or partial sale of its 26 per cent stake.

The state government is facing a fresh legal challenge to its contentious Roe Highway stage 8 extension, this time over Aboriginal heritage approval.

International petroleum giant BP has become the first investor in Sirona Capital’s Northern Gateway industrial estate in Muchea, signing a $15 million deal to take up 2.5 hectares in the developmen

The state government’s privatisation program hit more trouble today, with a mining lobby group that represents the users of the Utah Point wharf condemning a lack of consultation on the proposed sale. It follows a move by the National Party on Tuesday to refer the sale legislation to a parliamentary committee.

Airports are raking in millions of dollars in profit from slugging motorists hefty carpark fees, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says.

The state government's asset sales campaign has hit a major snag today, with state Nationals leader Terry Redman announcing the party would not support the sale of Fremantle Ports, which had been forecast to raise $2 billion.

Hailing a cab during busy periods is set to become easier after the competition watchdog decided to allow a new smartphone taxi booking app called "ihail".

Adelaide-based York Civil has been awarded a $32.1 million contract to build the new Charles Street bus bridge and busway for the state government.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder has highlighted the social benefits of Roe 8 and touted the minimal environmental impact of the project at a lunch today, adding that the link would need to be built regardless of any move to an outer harbour.

Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal’s long-running relationship with the US Navy has generated more work, with the company receiving a $US13.9 million ($A18.1 million) addition to a previously awarded contract.

Logistics firm QUBE Holdings has raised $250 million through a rights share placement to institutional investors as part of its fund raising related to the Asciano acquisition.

The Pacific National rail business and the Patrick container terminal business are set to come under new ownership after Asciano agreed to a $9.05 billion takeover deal that is designed to sidestep regulatory concerns.

Grain handler CBH Group has called for more information on the $1 billion-plus offer from Graincorp-backed Australian Grains Champion to corporatise and list the cooperative, highlighting concerns around long term cost increases, the proportion of grower ownership and board representation.

Takeover target Asciano has lifted its first-half profit on the back of strong coal haulage volumes but warns its earnings for the full-year could still be flat.

Rival bidders for rail and ports giant Asciano are considering making a joint, all-cash $9.05 billion bid in an effort to seal the long-running takeover battle.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce is basking in the glow of the airline's record first-half profit, and plans to stick around for more.

Austal has doubled its interim dividend after growing revenue and boosting its cash flow, despite posting a 41.8 per cent fall in profit for the six months to December.