The Labor Party has promised that if they win the upcoming state election they will provide a futures fund for economic and employment opportunities in Collie.
WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan was in Collie on Wednesday to announce the $20 million fund to develop economic prospects and new jobs over the next four years.
Mr McGowan also promised to hold an inquiry into expanding Collie’s economic opportunities.
Mr McGowan and Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray held Shadow Cabinet at the Collie-Cardiff RSL, addressing representatives from groups including the Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Mr McGowan said Labor stood by Collie’s economic prospects and local businesses.
“I’m determined to see Collie remain a strong, vibrant town where opportunities are available for all - not just in the coal industry, but in a range of sectors,” he said.
“For decades, Collie workers have been the lifeblood of WA’s coal industry and have been major contributors to the State’s economy.
“We want to ensure that proud tradition continues long into the future and that the benefits flow on to Collie families. I’m committed to building a prosperous future for Collie.”
Mr Murray said the plan illustrated Labor’s commitment to Collie.
“The Collie community is crying out for certainty about the town’s future and that’s what a McGowan Labor Government will provide,” he said.
“Pay cuts and unemployment have been a massive kick in the guts to the community and the flow-on effects have been damaging to local businesses and the economy.
“The community deserves a government that will help them to get back on their feet and provide local businesses the support they need.”
Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Glyn Yates said Labor’s proposal supported the move towards different industries in Collie.
“I am really encouraged by the fact that the community understands that it needs to have a broader base to its economy, and that was something I don’t know that we completely got five years ago, so that necessity for change and that willingness to change, and look for other alternatives, is going to be really important,” he said.
