Government considering importing coal

COLLIE's coal industry continues to limp along to everyone's concern.The state government has commissioned a report into the possibility of importing coal into the state from overseas.This is despite it costing twice the price to import from a country such as Indonesia, over producing it locally in Collie according to Griffin, and despite there being more than sufficient coal underground to supply local and national needs.The quality of coal produced domestically is poor and mines are being forced to sell it at increasing losses due to rising costs.If the situation is not arrested the future of the Australian mining industry will be increasingly under threat and with it employment in Collie and the town's economy which is closely associated with the industry.There are rumours that the government may be forced to intercede if the situation is not resolved.