WA Premier Mark McGowan has given advice to Albermale to engage with the local community.
In an exclusive interview with the Bunbury Mail, Mr McGowan said he had recently met with representatives from the lithium company.
Albemarle is in the process of acquiring final approvals for a lithium manufacturing plan in the Kemerton Strategic Industrial Area, which aims to create 1000 jobs in the region.
“Last Wednesday I had a meeting with the senior executives of Albemarle in my office and I encouraged them to train and recruit locally,” Mr McGowan said.
“It's an important part of their social license to make sure that people from greater Bunbury and Collie and surrounds have the opportunity for jobs here.
“They told me they will be starting an assessment and recruitment process shortly.
“I have asked them to do a roadshow around here to explain to people what's on offer in each of the local communities and to go to the local TAFE and talk to local tradespeople.
“These projects go for decades and they give a base upon which communities can prosper.”
The Premier made a special visit to Bunbury on Monday afternoon to attend Bunbury MLA Don Punch’s Christmas party and thank the region’s volunteers for their service.
He said the turn out of more than 300 South West volunteers showed the strength of the industry in the region.
“People need acknowledgement and a little bit of thanks goes a long way,” he said.
“Without them society wouldn't function properly, giving advice to people in need, running a sporting group, provide a helping hand - these people are worth their weight in gold.”
Mr Punch thanked the volunteers and the Premier for coming.
“It was a real honour to have so many volunteers join me to celebrate International Volunteer Day and to have the opportunity to recognise all they do for our community in the lead up to the Christmas season,” he said.
