Our Services and Government Initiatives
The State Government is fostering the growth and development of the energy, renewable energy and environment sectors of Western Australia. The Department of Industry and Resources is actively working with industry associations, private companies and local, State and Federal Government agencies to assist in the growth of these knowledge and sustainability-based industries.
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Collie Industry and Coal Industry Futures Group
Collie Region and Coal Infrastructure Fund
Study on Potential of CO2 Geosequestration in the Collie and Perth Basins of WA
Collie Industry and Coal Industry Futures Group
The Collie Industry and Coal Industry Future Group (the Group) has been established by the State Government after negotiations by the local Member, the Hon Mick Murray MLA (Member for Collie – Wellington), members of the workforce, community and the Shire of Collie for the State Government to make a commitment to a sustainable future for Collie.
The Group currently consists of the following representatives:
- Mr Mick Murray MLA, Member for Collie – Wellington as Chairman
- Mr Stewart Morgan as an independent industry representative
- Messrs Gary Wood and John Kearney as representatives of the workforce
- Cr Bruce Roberts, President of the Shire of Collie
- Project Manager – An officer of the Department of Industry and Resources
Secretariat services and strategic coordination roles are provided by the Project Manager.
WA Coal Future Strategy
In January 2005, the State Government developed the WA Coal Future Strategy, and in August 2005, committed to a range of actions to achieve the objective of increasing coal production from 6 million tonnes per annum (tpa) to 10 million tpa over the next four years. The main focus will be on creating new jobs and a sustainable future for Western Australia’s coal mining communities.
The Strategy objective would be achieved by assisting industry to:
- Develop new domestic and international markets
- Improve the competitiveness of coal for domestic energy markets
- Prepare for an environmentally friendly future
The successful achievement of the Strategy objective will result in a direct increase in mining jobs in the Collie region, new investment in mining plant and equipment and increased royalties. There will also be benefits flowing from other allied industry developments such as:
- Diversification in the source of fuel used to generate electricity; and greater competition in the electricity generation market
- Expanded and new metallurgical processing industries in the South West and elsewhere in the State
- Increased export activity through Bunbury Port
Collie Region and Coal Infrastructure Fund
Funding has been provided by the State Government to further develop the Collie region and the coal industry by assisting the industry with proposals that will enhance the commercial attractiveness of using Collie coal in the domestic markets, or for infrastructure and programs that enhance long term employment in the district.
For further information, including an application form, refer to Programs, Awards and Grants.
Study on Potential of CO2 Geosequestration in the Collie and Perth Basins of WA
The Collie Industry and Coal Industry Future Group has taken a major step towards clean coal technology with a regional study identifying a potential location for geosequestration in the South West.
This study has identified an area south of Lake Clifton and 50 kilometres from the South West coal industry that is worth further investigation.
Geosequestration is the capture, compression, transport and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) from major energy-related sources into geological formations between 800m and several kilometres beneath the surface of the earth. CO2 is captured, separated, compressed and transported by pipeline and injected into suitable geological sites.
A full report and executive summary is available in the right hand pane.
