To infinity and beyond for Collie

Imagining what Collie will be like in the future may be daunting as the coal-fired power industry dies off, but not for Collie shire president Wayne Sanford.

Mr Sanford said the Collie Economic Development Taskforce group, formed last year, had looked at ways to capitalise on infrastructure and identified potential opportunities in agribusiness, tourism and renewable energy.

“Everyone recognises there are pressures on coal-fired power and we have always known it is a finite resource, that would one day run out, so now it’s time to look at what we can do to transform Collie,” he said.

“We have identified forestry, agribusiness and tourism as a few areas which will play a part in opportunities for Collie. Manufacturing as well, we have land, industrial, road and rail so are looking at how they can be used.

“If Collie is still going to be a hub for power then we need to look at how we can use the current infrastructure to move towards sustainable energy.”

South West Development Commission industry and business strategic manager Patrick Warrand said while coal would play a role in the future, other industries needed to be identified.

“Collie is home to some of the South West’s biggest employers and generates 12 per cent of the region’s economy,” he said.

“It is very important to the region and there has recently been significant investment in enhancing the appeal of the town as a place to live, work and invest.

“Collie has many competitive advantages including energy resources, key energy and transport infrastructure, and a wonderful natural environment.

“Through this process, we are working out how best to build on these strengths for the purposes of stimulating fresh investment and generating new job opportunities.”

Mr Warrand said the final report would be released in coming months followed by action to identify and focus on industries that could transform Collie.

The taskforce is a partnership between the Collie Shire Council, Landcorp, the South West Development Commission and the Department of State Development.