Western Australia will do away with coal power by 2029, leaving the state's electricity hub without its major industry. But residents say the people of Collie knew the 'tough day' was coming and are sandbagging their livelihoods.
People in the Western Australian town of Collie who have become used to living and working amongst coal mines and massive coal-fired power plants are at a historic crossroads.They are located in Collie, a town with rich ties to coalAfter years of contemplation, theThe news has not come as a surprise to locals, who have watched asas Australia moved into a renewable energy future.
"We have to know what sort of industry we are going to get here in Collie to be able to train people up to work in that industry.The government said about 1,200 staff in and around Collie would be affected by its decision.Collie Preston Labor MP Jodie Hanns said it was a "pretty tough" day for the local community which has thrived off coal mining since the 1920s."The alternative was literally shut the gate and walk away and that's not something this community entertained.
"They're not looking for a FIFO lifestyle and so the future here is to create the opportunities for the workers and for the community to thrive well into the future," she said.Collie Visitor Centre manager Janine Page said the town had long been preparing for change."I think for the families involved with it there's always going to be a little bit of nervousness," she said.A mural spread across a dam wall near Collie has become a popular tourist attraction.
"Tourism has been picking up throughout Collie over the past couple of years already and we have more [projects] planned as well," she said.
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