The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety will establish a regional licensing processing centre in Collie, creating at least 10 jobs.
Recruitment for the new full-time jobs will commence in February with the office scheduled to open in July 2020.
Staff in the Collie office will process a variety of licence applications and renewals, including dangerous goods, high-risk work (WorkSafe) and all occupational licensing for Industry Regulation and Consumer Protection.
The department received $300,000 from the McGowan Government's Collie Industry Attraction and Development Fund to contribute towards start-up costs for the office.
Other costs, including ongoing operating costs, will be met by the department's annual operating budget.
The new regional licensing processing centre will not impact the department's existing Mines Safety Office in Collie, which will continue to operate from its premises in Wittenoom Street.
The McGowan Government is focused on securing the future of Collie.
The State Budget included the new $60 million Industry Attraction and Development Fund for large-scale initiatives that will promote economic diversity, job creation and sustainability in Collie.
$10 million has been allocated to create over 180 kilometres of high-quality mountain bike and bushwalking trails in Collie, to make Collie Western Australia's premier trail adventure town.
The fund is in addition to the $20 million Collie Futures Fund, which is also providing financial support and investment into the Collie region.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"My Government is committed to investing in Collie's future and creating jobs for locals.
"We are working hard to create a prosperous future for the town and have already committed to a number of projects to help kick-start the local economy.
"In this year's Budget, we allocated $60 million towards the Collie Industry Attraction and Development Fund for large-scale initiatives that will promote economic diversity and sustainability in Collie.
"We will continue to work to attract investment and new employment opportunities to Collie."
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
"Opening this new office in Collie will allow the department to efficiently deliver its licensing services and support the community by creating new jobs.
"While the new office will initially create 10 full-time jobs, there is capacity to increase the number of full-time employees to 20 over time if required.
"The Collie office is a great example of a government department working to meet the needs of all of its stakeholders, while also supporting a regional community."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
"The new DMIRS office will not only create an immediate 10 jobs in the Collie community, it will help shore up the town's long-time status as one of the State's key mining centres.
"Collie is rich with mining knowledge and expertise, and there is no better regional area to locate this important facility.
"This initiative is just one of the many job-creating, economic development opportunities the McGowan Government is carrying out to capitalise on the region's existing strengths while seeking new diversified opportunities in a range of industries."
