Jamie Burnett

Improved growing conditions in key areas has seen forecast Australian wine grape production in 2007-08 increase by 19 per cent, to 1.67 million tones, a report shows.

New legislation regarding training and apprentice laws was introduced to parliament today, with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA applauding the move.

A new low cost airline will service flights between Kuala Lumpur and Perth, with projections it may inject up to $100 million into the Western Australian economy in its first year, Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said.

West Perth based oil and gas explorer Nuenco has acquired a 5 per cent working interest in the Bullseye oil and gas prospect in South Louisiana.

Mineral exploration company Emergent Resources is looking to raise $5 million ahead of its previously released plans to list on the Australian Securities Exchange.

A wave of announcements has seen 65 new boat pen licenses allocated in Fremantle, whilst the opening of a repair and maintenance facility and the allocation of $241,000 to improve two recreational boating facilities in the Pilbara has also been launched.

East Perth-based internet and telecommunications provider iiNet has returned to its acquisition strategy after a more than two-year layover, acquiring fellow Western Australian player Westnet for an $81 million cash payment.

AM Radio station 6PR has shown a strong increase in breakfast ratings, attracting a further 23,000 local listeners, according to the latest Neilsen Media Research Radio ratings.

Western Australian gold exploration company Castle Minerals Ltd, has intersected shallow gold mineralisation at its Akoko North site in Ghana.