Western Australia has released its official Plan for the Collie Basin, outlining a long-term framework designed to safeguard the state’s energy security, assist transitioning coal workers, and establish future industrial capability across the South West.
Developed in response to the final report of the Collie Basin Consolidation Taskforce, the comprehensive strategy centres on three core pillars: energy security, workforce transition, and future job creation.
The state government has accepted the taskforce’s findings and is considering ownership consolidation proposals across the basin’s two active coal producers, Griffin Coal and Premier Coal.
To reinforce energy reliability, the state government extended the Griffin State Agreement and secured revised coal supply deals with key customers, including the Bluewaters Power Station, slashing government taxpayer subsidies by AU$60 million annually.
To support regional workers and diversify the local economy beyond 2030, the funding allocation includes AU$16.8 million for workforce transition, retraining, and upskilling programs. A further AU$2.8 million will fund a basin-wide rehabilitation masterplan and establish a dedicated decommissioning body.
A central element of the economic roadmap is the formal declaration of the Collie State Development Area under the State Development Act 2025, making it the second designated precinct after the Western Trade Coast. This initiative is backed by a $39 million infrastructure investment in power, water, and road networks to accelerate development at the Coolangatta Industrial Estate.
Premier Roger Cook said the initiative reinforces Collie’s role in Western Australia’s industrial and economic future.
“Collie has powered Western Australia for generations, and under my government, it will continue to play a leading role in our state’s future,” Cook said.
“This plan is part of our efforts to build a State of Energy in WA. It will support energy security throughout WA while creating the industries, jobs, and economic opportunities that will sustain Collie for decades to come.”
The strategy builds on more than AU$700 million previously allocated toward Collie’s Just Transition framework.
