A new graphite processing facility and a $200 million transition fund are among measures to entice investment and create jobs in Collie before its power stations close at the end of the decade.
A new graphite processing facility and a $200 million transition fund are among measures to entice investment and create jobs in Collie before its power stations close at the end of the decade.
ASX-listed, North Perth-based company International Graphite today opened a new pilot-scale downstream graphite processing operation in Collie’s light industrial area, a move the state government said represented a future of new industry in the town.
It comes some five months after the state government decided it would close Synergy-operated power stations Muja - the oldest power station in the state - and Collie, before 2030.
Approximately 1,200 workers in the area, including employees in coal mines and power stations plus related contractors, are likely to be impacted by the closures.
International Graphite’s new facility is expected to employ 40 full-time staff and hit commercial production by the end of next year.
It has been slated as the first of its kind in Western Australia.
The project was given $2 million by the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund.
"My Government is getting on with diversifying Collie's economy and creating new, long-term local jobs for workers,” Premier Mark McGowan said.
"Collie has a bright future - and key to this future are the new industries we are helping to establish in Collie."
A water treatment systems manufacturing plant and a magnesium metal refinery have also been earmarked for the area.
Quantum Filtration Medium will receive $2 million from the state government for a manufacturing facility, as will Magnium Australia for its refinery.
In addition to the proposed factories the state government also opened a $200 million fund, titled Collie Industrial Transition Fund, to bring new and emerging industries to Collie.
The fund will target projects that prioritise ‘green manufacturing’, mineral processing and clean energy and is aimed at large scale industrial projects hoped to create more jobs in the area.
"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,” Mr McGowan said.
"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.”
The state government has already put $547.4 million towards diversifying industry in the South West town.
