Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today officially opened the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety's (DMIRS) regional licence processing centre in Collie.
Located on Forrest Street, the office has recruited 11 new staff, filling 10 full-time positions, who will process licence and renewal applications for electricians, gas fitters, plumbers, high-risk workers and a range of dangerous goods.
The office will manage State-wide applications and is not currently open to the public, but has been fitted out to do so in the future.
DMIRS has worked closely with the South West Development Commission, the Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Collie Delivery Unit to establish the new office.
The McGowan Government set up the Collie Delivery Unit to promote initiatives that support the future prosperity of the South-West town.
The existing DMIRS mines safety office in Wittenoom Street will continue to operate.
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
"The new Collie office was originally planned to open in late July, so it has not been significantly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"In fact, the new ways of working, with enhanced online support and training, were developed as part of DMIRS' response to COVID-19 and will be put to good use in the new office.
"The McGowan Government is proud to have championed the future of Collie through the Collie Delivery Unit and the $300,000 funding towards establishing this office is another example of our commitment to the town."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
"This is an exciting announcement for the Collie-Preston region.
"Collie now has 11 new jobs for locals and a facility with the capacity to house up to 20 State Government officers in the future."
