Collie's transition has taken another major step forward today, with a new $200 million fund opened to bring large-scale industrial projects to the town.
The $200 million Collie Industrial Transition Fund will target projects within the priority sectors of green manufacturing or minerals processing, clean energy, and energy-intensive industry.
The fund is aimed at large-scale industrial projects that create local jobs, with investment expected to help unlock industrial land and support project establishment.
The McGowan Government will be targeting projects that capitalise on the skills of the local workforce either through direct transfer of skills, or re-training and development.
The fund forms part of the McGowan Government's Collie Just Transition Plan, an investment of more than $547.4 million to diversify Collie's economy and help build a sustainable future ahead of the staged retirement of State-owned coal-fired power plants by 2030.
Projects supported through the fund are expected to have a total value of at least $4 million, with all funding to be matched by $1 for $1 co-contribution.
Companies interested in submitting an Expression of Interest for the fund can find more information at https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/collie-industrial-transition-fund.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"We've already seen real success in our efforts to diversify Collie's economy - from boosting tourism opportunities through projects like the Wellington Dam mural, to building on the town's industrial strengths with projects like the WesTrac Technology Training Centre.
"The $200 million Collie Industrial Transition Fund will take that work to the next level, helping us to attract large-scale industrial projects that will help to set Collie up for the long-term.
"We are committed to securing Collie's future."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Over the course of my time as Minister for Regional Development, I have seen many regional towns go through change - but none more so than Collie.
"Since 2017, the McGowan Government has been working hard to attract new industry to Collie, and we have had real success as we see here today - but we know there is even more potential.
"The new fund will ensure a truly Just Transition out of coal into a 21st century industry."
As stated by State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:
"The WA Government is committed to supporting long-term employment opportunities within the Collie region and retaining the community's skilled workers.
"As the world continues to decarbonise, WA is on track to be at the forefront of this industry transformation. Through the Collie Industrial Transition Fund, we are aiming to attract major industry that can be part of this transformation, and the future of region."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"It's fantastic to have the support of the McGowan Labor Government to attract new industry to Collie - creating new local jobs in the industrial sector as part of the McGowan Labor Government's Collie Just Transition plan."
