sydney

Tasmania’s timber community is heartened by comments from the Federal Forestry Minister, indicating support for the Gunns proposed pulp mill.

Australian property firm FKP Property Group plans to raise $324m to strengthen its balance sheet, while reiterating its fiscal 2009 profit forecast.

The Federal Government’s moves to begin phasing out the coercive powers of the construction industry watchdog have been halted by the Senate.

Climbing unemployment poses only a limited threat to the value of home prices, according to an industry report released today.

Timbercorp’s growers and investors have applied to the Australia Securities and Investment Commission to have an independent body represent their interests.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has found problems with Launceston airport runway lights appear to be more frequent than elsewhere.

There have been angry scenes at a Brisbane meeting of investors in the City Pacific First Mortgage Fund, as a vote was held on whether to replace the fund’s manager.

Exxon-Mobil is to start demolishing its old oil refinery at Port Stanvac in Adelaide from next month.

*Nikkei hovers near 25-day moving average *Aozora Bank and Shinsei Bank climb on merger talks

The West Australian newspaper has cut almost 9 per cent of its workforce.