Premier Mark McGowan joined Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray in Collie today to announce the money put aside to encourage investors to build a biomass plant and solar energy farm in the area will instead be combined to create a $60 million Industry Attraction and Development Fund for Collie.
The fund will be available for any large-scale initiative that promotes economic diversity, job creation and sustainability in Collie, not just for a specific industry.
The money comes from the state government's election commitment to provide a capital subsidy of up to $30 million for a biomass energy plant to be built near Collie, and $30 million for a solar farm.
Neither project has progressed and the state government has decided to repurpose the funds.
Mr McGowan said it was the latest in a series of measures that would grow the local economy and create long-term jobs.
"The Industry Attraction and Development Fund will be crucial in facilitating investment in large-scale initiatives to Collie, to generate growth in a diverse range of industries," he said in a statement.
"My government is absolutely committed to ensuring a prosperous future for Collie, as the town's economy undergoes a transition in the coming years.
"This $60 million investment will go a long way to ensuring the future sustainability of the town and new jobs opportunities for locals."
The fund is in addition to the $20 million Collie Futures Fund, which is aimed at providing financial support and investment in the Collie region.
This $60 million investment will go a long way to ensuring the future sustainability of the town and new jobs opportunities for locals.
- Premier Mark McGowan
It also comes just a week after the announcement that the state government had set aside $10 million to create high-quality mountain bike trails through the Collie River Valley region, to establish Collie as Western Australia's premier trail adventure town.
Mr Murray said the money would help diversify Collie's economic base, stimulate growth and lay the groundwork for a smooth economic transition into the future.
"It is pleasing that the premier is continually listening to the Collie community and looking at all possible avenues to underpin the growth of our economy," he said.
"I welcome the premier's commitment to this fund, in addition to the many state government projects already underway around town, and thank him for his continued support on the ground."
South West MLC Steve Thomas said previously he would welcome any move to re-allocate the money from the biomass and solar farm projects.
"In my view, the government has confirmed that it is prepared to pull the pin on two dud election commitments, which is something I welcome," he said.
Mr Thomas also said he hoped the money could be used to make better use of Collie's tourism facilities.
"Some of that money should go towards supporting those natural resources which include: Lake Kepwari, Glen Mervwyn Dam, Wellington Dam, Stockton Lake, and Black Diamond Lake," he said.
"All of those need toilet facilities, barbecue facilitates. All of that will attract people, but that tourism in itself is not the savior, it's just one string to the bow."
There's a range of other industries that could be looked at... biochar is potentially a good one, and waste to energy should still be looked at.
- South West MLC Steve Thomas
More recently, Mr Thomas said to the Mail there needs to be other investments made into alternative industries.
"There's a range of other industries that could be looked at... biochar is potentially a good one, and waste to energy should still be looked at," he said.
He said the money allocated would not cover Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan's idea to bring multi-million dollar projects to the region.
"Let's stop talking about what is effectively a pipe dream and let's do some real work to diversify the economy," he said.
"You know 20 deliverable projects is better than one un-deliverable pipe dream."
What new industry would you like to see in Collie? Let us know at editor.colliemail@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
