The state government has committed to diversifying the Collie economy through the establishment of the Collie Futures Economic Advisory Committee.
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Regional Development minister Alannah MacTiernan and Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray were joined by members of the Shire of Collie, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South West Development Commission, on Thursday, January 25 to announce the formation of the committee.
The committee, made up of local industry, government and community members, will identify and recommend projects to the state government seeking financial help through the $20 million Collie Futures Fund.
The Collie Futures Fund was an election commitment of the McGowan Government, with the intention of diversifying the Collie economy and providing long-term employment security in town.
“This is a really important committee,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“Mick and I have been working on how we take this forward. We believe, absolutely, that there is a future for Collie [and] that there is the capacity for diversification within this community.”
Shire of Collie president Sarah Stanley said the establishment of the committee would make it quicker and easier for important projects around town to get off the ground.
“It’s no secret that our most urgent strategic priority is in diversifying our economy so that we provide new opportunities for the workforce displaced by changes in the coal mining and power generation sector,” she said.
“This region has always had immense potential, but what has been missing has been the resources on the ground to help connect the dots between ideas, resources, investment and government agencies to turn that potential into real projects that provide jobs and economic security so that Collie can continue to be an economic powerhouse for the region and the state.
“This commitment by the state government today provides much-needed assurance that there is a clear pathway to a sustainable future for the Collie River Valley.”
Ms MacTiernan also announced that $2 million of the funding will be set aside for the Collie Futures Small Grants Program, which will fund small projects that stimulate the local economy, through the South West Development Commission.
“The McGowan Government is committed to economic diversification and creating job security in Collie for the long-term,” she said.
“Establishing this committee and launching the first stage of the Collie Futures Fund marks a real opportunity to build on Collie’s many strengths, and turn into reality ideas driving the town forward.
“Through the committee, the McGowan Government will be working closely with local industry and the community to create a sustainable future for Collie.”
South West Development Commission acting chief executive officer Rebecca Ball said the Small Grants Program provides an great opportunity for the community.
“These are exciting opportunities designed to further engage the local community to continue to unlock Collie’s economic potential,” she said.
“We look forward to playing a role in taking Collie forward by working with the new advisory committee and through managing the new small grants program to effectively contribute to the economic development of the region.
“We encourage people to visit our website for the latest information and to register to receive information about the small grants program.”
The committee will be chaired by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray and Mr Murray said he was excited to get involved and help grow the Collie economy.
“I’m so honoured to lead this committee and ensure this investment into Collie gets put where it’s needed most,” he said.
“I look forward to implementing projects that will ensure Collie’s economy remains strong and the town a vibrant and prosperous place to live.”