The Shire of Collie has spoken out about the future of job prospects at a local freight operator for the town’s workforce.
Shire president Wayne Sanford said the company, Aurizon, has a responsibility to help support the local economy and employment stability.
“I would, as a corporate citizen who operates within the community of Collie, think they would understand that it is beneficial for the community to have those who work in their industry to reside locally in Collie,” he said.
“Obviously Councillor [Joe] Italiano has brought this particular issue to the fore, it is not something that is not uncommon that the council has been dealing with for some time.”
Mr Sanford said local employment prospects should be a top priority of all businesses operating within the Shire.
“We would like to think that where the skills are available locally, and that there are jobs made available locally, that all industry and business would take the initiative to employ locally,” he said.
“There are some significant benefits in terms of the local economy and from a social perspective our community has the opportunity to grow and enjoy the benefits of those who work locally, living locally.”
Mr Sanford said the Shire was continually striving to develop multiple avenues for the town’s workforce, and to potentially create jobs.
“The work that we’re doing in conjunction with the South West Development Commission on the economic task force hopefully will provide a number of opportunities,” he said.
“The focus here is to not only support the current industries that exist and operate in Collie but also to try and find some broader opportunities to broaden our economy.”
Last week, the council voted to write a letter to Aurizon asking for a “first local” employment policy to hire local rail workers before considering employees from surrounding areas.
Figures from the council’s Drive In, Drive Out (DIDO) study in 2012 showed workers from other towns could potentially threaten the Shire of Collie’s viability and development.
The council meeting addressed multiple issues concerning drive-in, drive-out workers including the impact on local businesses, the stability of the Shire’s rates revenue, and increased traffic on Coalfields Hwy.
Aurizon could not be reached for comment.