- Cook Labor Government releases Plan for the Collie Basin in response to the Collie Basin Consolidation Taskforce's final report
- Plan built around delivering energy security, workforce transition, and future jobs
- New funding includes $16.8 million for workforce transition initiatives, $2.8 million for rehabilitation planning, and $39 million to unlock industrial development
- Collie State Development Area to be established as part of Cook Labor Government's long-term vision for the region
- Builds on more than $700 million in support already provided for Collie's Just Transition
The Cook Labor Government has released its Plan for the Collie Basin, supporting energy supply throughout Western Australia, local workers, and creating future industries and jobs.
Developed in response to the Collie Basin Consolidation Taskforce, which was established earlier this year, the Plan for the Collie Basin addresses the future of the Collie Basin, including workforce transition, rehabilitation, and future economic development opportunities.
The Cook Labor Government has accepted all the taskforce's findings and is now implementing a broad package of actions to respond to its recommendations.
As part of the government's efforts to build a State of Energy in Western Australia, the Plan for the Collie Basin will help maintain affordable and reliable energy while creating new economic opportunities for regional communities.
The plan is built around three priorities of energy security, workforce transition, and future jobs.
In response to the taskforce's finding that consolidation could meet these objectives, the government will continue discussions with the basin's two mining operations, Griffin Coal and Premier Coal, and other stakeholders on opportunities to support the taskforce's objectives.
This includes considering ownership consolidation proposals against these objectives.
Any proposal will be assessed on its merits, including its cost-effectiveness and its alignment with the government's objectives for Collie's future.
To strengthen energy security and provide greater certainty for industry and the community in the meantime, the governmenthas extended the Griffin State Agreement and securednewcoal supply arrangements between Griffin Coal and its major customers, including the Bluewaters Power Station, reducing the taxpayer subsidy by $60 million a year.
As part of the Plan for the Collie Basin, the government will now invest $2.8 million to develop a basin-wide rehabilitation and future land-use masterplan, establish a basin-wide rehabilitation and decommissioning body to co-ordinate future planning and investment, and consider future ownership arrangements within the basin against the objectives identified by the taskforce.
To provide certainty for workers and families, $16.8 million will also be invested in basin-wide workforce transition initiatives, including worker retention measures and targeted support for affected coal workers.
This investment builds on existing support through the $17.5 million Collie Jobs and Skills Centre and Job Connect services, the $8.6 million local training facility designed to help workers retrain and upskill, and the $4 million curriculum fund that aligns training with the needs of emerging industries.
To secure Collie's long-term economic future, the government will further move to declare the Collie State Development Area, the second State Development Area to be declared under the State Development Act 2025 after the Western Trade Coast, which encompasses Westport and the Henderson Defence Precinct.
That declaration will be supported by a $39 million investment in the roads, power, and water infrastructure needed to accelerate development of the Coolangatta Industrial Estate.
The government will also invest $100,000 in a rapid study to identify future industry opportunities across the basin while continuing to attract investment in defence industries, advanced manufacturing and clean energy projects that create local jobs.
Together, these initiatives will give greater certainty for workers while ensuring Collie's economy is prepared for 2030 and beyond.
The new package builds on substantial investments already delivered by the Cook Labor Government, with more than $700 million in support already provided for Collie's Just Transition and future economic development.
The government is currently considering Collie as the location for the Western Defence Forge, a defence and advanced manufacturing hub which will help deliver its Made in WA plan.
For more information, visit: www.wa.gov.au/collie-basin-plan .
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Collie has powered Western Australia for generations, and under my government, it will continue to play a leading role in our State's future.
"The taskforce has given important advice on the future of the basin, and we are now responding with a plan that gives workers and the community greater certainty beyond 2030.
"This plan is part of our efforts to build a State of Energy in WA.
"It will support energy security throughout WA while creating the industries, jobs, and economic opportunities that will sustain Collie for decades to come.
"Combined with more than $700 million we've already invested in Collie's Just Transition, we are backing the town's future as a major industrial and energy centre for WA and ensuring it plays a big role in keeping our State's economy the strongest in the nation."
As stated by Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Today's announcement will provide much needed clarity and security for the local community.
"Collie has a long and proud history - we want to see it have a long and proud future.
"We want to build new industries, reskill the workforce, and diversify the local economy so the community can thrive.
"That's why we are continuing to invest in and deliver key measures that will support the local community and local jobs, including the new Collie Training Transition Centre and the Jobs and Skills Centre."
As stated by State Development Minister David Michael:
"This Plan for the Collie Basin highlights the Cook Labor Government's commitment to workforce transition, rehabilitation, and future economic development opportunities for the town and its people.
"Importantly the plan will also include a $39 million investment in the roads, power, and water infrastructure needed to accelerate development of the Coolangatta Industrial Estate, the second Strategic Development Area to be declared under the State Development Act 2025.
"A separate $100,000 will be invested in a rapid study to identify future industry opportunities across the Collie Basin while continuing to attract investment in defence industries, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy projects that create local jobs."
As stated by Acting South West Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Collie has played a vital role in powering Western Australia, and this plan ensures the South West remains at the centre of our State's economic and industrial future.
"By investing in infrastructure, workforce transition, and future industries, we're creating new opportunities for South West communities and delivering long-term confidence for the region."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"Today is about giving Collie the certainty it has been asking for and deserves.
"For years, local workers, families and businesses have been telling me the same thing: they want a clear plan for the future of the basin.
"I am pleased to see my advocacy has resulted in the Plan for the Collie Basin, which delivers a clear pathway for the basin and backs the workers, industries, and opportunities that will drive this town's future.
"I welcome the government's response and thank it for listening to the community and building on its ongoing commitment to delivering a Just Transition."
