Electricity prices in Western Australia will jump another five per cent next year, and power producer Verve and retailer Synergy will be merged, according to Premier Colin Barnett.
The state government has announced broad plans for a major shake-up of the state's ports, with planned mergers of regional port authorities, increased private sector investment, and the exclusion of mining companies and other "customers" from the governing boards.
BHP Billiton and its partners have committed $US917 million ($A866 million) to a port project that could increase its Western Australian iron ore exports by 100 million tonnes each year.
Murchison Metals says it will distribute the majority of the $217 million in net proceeds from the sale of its stake in Crosslands Resources and the Oakajee Port & Rail development to investors and has signalled intentions to downsize the company in the wake of the sale.
The state economic regulator has given its nod of approval for Western Power’s near $380 million electricity transmission infrastructure proposal, designed to support new mining and renewable energy projects in the Mid West.
Asciano has restructured its Patrick ports division, resulting in a significant reshuffle of its executive team.
The Patrick business comprises a containers and terminals arm, a ports and stevedoring unit and an automotive transport division.
The state government has formally committed to an expansion of Esperance Port, potentially increasing its export capacity by 20 million tonnes per year.
The operator of the Dampier to Bunbury natural gas pipeline has lodged an appeal with the Australian Competition Tribunal regarding the state Economic Regulation Authority’s proposed access arrangements.
The federal government has vowed to pursue companies that exclude Australian steel manufacturers from bidding for work on massive resources projects by using foreign standards.
FOR THE RECORD DOWNLOADS
