Reece Whitby

Plenty has shifted in Business News’ annual look at WA’s 50 most influential figures, with changes starting at the top of the list.

A new hub for environmental approvals opened in the Perth CBD will end the need for project proponents to drive out to the northern suburbs for meetings with bureaucrats.

BP’s $1 billion Kwinana biorefinery has received ministerial approval at the recommendation of the Environmental Protection Authority, subject to a target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Some $18.4 million will be used to deliver 50 standalone power units, with $8 million in grants for wind turbine manufacturing up for grabs.

Synergy has awarded a $160 million contract to Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited for work on its major Collie battery project.

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby has challenged a room of gas industry delegates to avoid going the way of “the dinosaurs and Kodak” while warning against climate “lip service”.

A specialist lender backed by Australia’s big banks is expected to gain control of Perth company Total Green Recycling after the failure of its parent Scipher Technologies.

West Perth-based Image Resources remains focused on beginning construction at its Atlas mineral sands project later this year, following news the site has received ministerial approval.

VRX Silica has finalised a comprehensive top-down review of its organisation and elected to implement a series of cost-saving initiatives, effective immediately.

Local MPs from opposing sides have warned Coalition leader Peter Dutton his plan to build a nuclear reactor in Collie will face stiff opposition from the community.

West Perth-based Audalia Resources has received ministerial approval for its Medcalf project, located 470 kilometres south-east of Perth.

The federal government will underwrite at least 6.5 terawatt hours of new wind and solar and 1.1 gigawatts of battery storage in WA, after signing a renewables agreement with the state.

The state government has selected Eve Drain to head up the Office of the Appeals Convenor after a seven-month recruitment process for Emma Gaunt’s replacement.

Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton has used a flying visit to a charity event in the Swan Valley to hit out at the nation’s regulatory environment, warning investment dollars are at risk.

West Perth-based junior Image Resources has announced construction will begin at its Atlas mineral sands project imminently, as it aims to capitalise on the site’s impressive ore reserves.

A power cable carrying renewable energy from a green power hub earmarked on the outskirts of Karratha could prove a game-changer in decarbonising WA’s economic powerhouse.

A major report has highlighted the challenges facing WA in meeting waste recycling goals.

One-time high-profile WA Labor electoral candidate Karen Brown has been appointed by the state government to chair Lotterywest and Healthway, replacing the retiring Peter Klinken.

All the talk is on renewables, yet there are no major wind or solar projects currently under construction in WA’s South West.

South32 boss Graham Kerr says conditions the EPA wants to impose on the alumina industry in WA are alarming and would put many businesses at risk.

The state government has taken the next step in its billion-dollar plan to decarbonise the Pilbara, as it seeks proponents to build the transmission lines to deliver its plan.

A renewable wind and solar system powering Liontown Resources’ Kathleen Valley mine could pave a path to firming Kalgoorlie’s electricity supply, according to the state’s Energy Minister.

The state government will step aside to allow the Commonwealth to solely assess greenhouse gas emissions of major project proposals under a new policy tabled today.

The state government has defended its approvals record, in the face of opposition criticism over a reluctance to legally set deadlines for environmental assessments.

Analysis: There are shades of the maligned Royalties for Regions program in the scale of recent government spending at Collie, Business News research has found.

The first stage of Neoen’s Collie big battery has started operating ahead of schedule, the biggest project of its kind in the state.

The shutdown of BHP’s nickel operations has had a silver lining for Kalgoorlie, with Canadian company TransAlta contracted to supply back-up power to the city.

The state government has poured $14 million into the environmental approvals system as part of its reforms to accelerate the process for major projects.

The average cost of environmental compliance audits by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation was more than double the state’s target last financial year.

The second big battery in Western Australia is on track to be switched on by Christmas, with the $661 million project recently completed.

Environment minister Reece Whitby has supported “extensive” changes to the conditions attached to a planned expansion of the Boddington bauxite mine in WA’s South West.

The state government has poured in more funding towards Collie’s transition from coal-powered to green energy, as workers reportedly received bonuses over the upcoming station closures.

VRX Silica has booked a series of non-binding offtake term sheets in relation to the supply of silica sand foundry products from its Arrowsmith North project.

VRX Silica’s push to secure development approval at its Arrowsmith North silica sands project has potentially taken a turn.

Perth property developers continue to grapple with Western Power connection delays, while the utility insists work is underway to clear backlogs and improve timelines.

SOUTH WEST: Despite the interest in the renewable energy sector, big plans for offshore wind farms off the Bunbury coast are becalmed.

WA Labor has revealed the details of a promised $50 million to fund a Western Australian battery manufacturing program, if re-elected at the March 8 state election.

Conservation groups have accused the state government of rushing the overhaul of environmental laws, after scrutinising the report that prompted the reform.

The WA government’s regional ministers will be directed to address housing shortages and regional development roadblocks in major country towns.

Tourism Council WA has launched a new online toolkit to enhance the local tourism sector’s cultural inclusivity of First Nations people.