As part of the panel, Cr Yates will also liaise with the Collie Combined Services Group and Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray.

Mr Yates election to the panel was made at last week’s council meeting.

Chief executive officer Jason Whiteaker said council was invited to nominate a representative to the panel.

Hillview, which is located on the Collie Hospital site, is available for lease from the Department of Health. It has been unused since the opening of ValleyView last October.

Other representatives on the panel will include representatives from WA Country Health Services, Wellington WA Country Health Services and Collie District Health Advisory Council.

Expressions of interest will be sought from private health and community service providers to lease part of the facility.

Recently a local committee, formed by the Collie Community Bank, held a meeting with industry leaders and other interested parties to discuss the future of the Hillview facility.

The bank sees Hillview as a “golden opportunity” for the Collie Community and has formed a committee comprising representatives of the medical profession, Collie service clubs, the community bank and Bendigo Bank.

Its sole aim is to find uses for Hillviedw which would “add value” to the hospital and medical services currently available in Collie.

The meeting, which was well attended, gave in principle support to the group’s moves.