The Western Australian government has urged the federal government to release millions of dollars from the $15-billion National Reconstruction Fund to secure the future of the regional town of Collie.
The state government said that almost $700 million in existing state transition funding is insufficient to re-employ the 1,300 workers facing redundancy when the local coal industry completely shuts down in 2030, ABC News reported.
WA Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson expressed frustration over the lack of federal financial support so far, drawing comparisons to how the federal government stepped in to assist South Australian steelworkers in Whyalla.
“Certainly we would be seeking several millions, if not tens of millions, to be able to support the infrastructure in the same way they support other struggling infrastructure in the eastern states,” Sanderson told ABC South West Breakfast.
The call for federal help follows a major rally outside WA Parliament, where coal miners and workers’ unions protested against the lack of progress.
Electrical Trades Union state secretary Adam Woodage warned that time was running out to establish new heavy industries before state-owned mines and power stations close in less than four years.
While the state’s AU$230-million Collie Industrial Transition Fund has attracted proposals for green steel, graphite processing, and magnesium refining, few projects have reached a final investment decision.
Local MP Jodie Hanns revealed only about 140 ongoing roles have been created so far, a figure dwarfed by imminent job losses, including up to 100 recent cuts at Premier Coal.
The WA Opposition has seized on the union protests and the government’s plea to Canberra, labelling it a clear admission of failure.
Liberal Energy spokesperson Steve Thomas noted that despite the transition budget ballooning to nearly $700 million, local employment continues to shrink.
The Prime Minister’s office has been contacted for comment as the state continues to lobby for workforce redeployment funding.
