Cook Labor Government doing what’s right for Collie-Preston

Premier Roger Cook has today unveiled his Vision for Collie-Preston – a plan which builds on WA Labor’s strong record of investment and sets up the region for the future.
  • Re-elected Cook Labor Government to ramp up investment in what matters for regional WA
  • WA Labor’s Vision for Collie-Preston to create jobs, diversify the local economy, strengthen
  • healthcare and support community safety
  • Only WA Labor will do what’s right for Collie-Preston

Premier Roger Cook has today unveiled his Vision for Collie-Preston – a plan which builds on WA Labor’s strong record of investment and sets up the region for the future.

Since coming to Government in 2017, WA Labor has created more than 340,000 jobs, with unemployment at historic lows. A re-elected Cook Labor Government will build on that work, keeping our economy strong, driving economic diversification and ensuring Collie-Preston can reach its potential.

An extra $30 million has been committed for Collie’s Just Transition package if re-elected, bringing total investment to $692 million. The transition is powering ahead, with new industries and businesses emerging as the town transitions away from coal-fired power generation.

WA Labor is investing in major projects like the $1.6 billion Collie Battery Energy Storage System, while works are underway to develop a green steel recycling mill, a net zero magnesium refinery and a commercial-scale graphite processing operation. A recently signed MoU with Tesla will see a new remanufacturing facility built in Collie that will service both grid-scale and residential Tesla batteries for Western Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

More than $21 million has been committed to support workforce transition, including a new Jobs and Skills Centre in Collie. If re-elected, the Cook Labor Government will also invest $600,000 to develop a Collie-specific job-matching app for transitioning workers. School upgrades and free TAFE are also creating opportunities in the region.

More than $40 million has been invested in tourism initiatives, contributing to a 73 per cent rise in visitor numbers already. WA Labor will build on this work, with almost $3 million committed for upgrades at the popular Wellington Dam to improve visitor experiences.

In addition, the Cook Labor Government is working to bring WA’s freight rail network back in house after it was privatised by the Liberals and Nationals 25 years ago. Bringing the network back into public hands will allow freight rail to keep pace with the State’s booming economy, reduce the number of trucks on country roads and support the growth of our critical industries.

Strong economic management has allowed the Cook Labor Government to provide record cost of living relief. This includes WA Labor’s commitment to increase the value of the Regional Pensioner Travel Card and support students travelling to Country Week events.

In addition, a re-elected Cook Labor Government will halve TransWA fees, slashing the cost of train services for regional WA towns. WA Labor will also invest $250 million to expand the Regional Road Safety program, delivering road safety treatments across the State, including improvements for roads in Collie-Preston.

Since 2021, funding for health and mental health has risen by $14.3 billion, with more than 800 beds added across WA. WA Labor will continue to deliver world-class healthcare for Collie-Preston, committing $5.5 million to increase the number of paid paramedics in the area and investing in the biggest-ever expansion of the popular Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS).

The Cook Labor Government is on track to deliver an additional 32,000 houses across the State by the end of 2025, with many of those homes in regional areas. If re-elected, WA Labor will build more houses through the Regional Housing Support Fund and supporting stamp duty relief.

Community safety remains a key priority for WA Labor, with a $15.6 million commitment to increase the number of police officers focused on regional areas. The Cook Labor Government will also deliver a new, purpose-built headquarters for the Argyle Irishtown Bush Fire Brigade in Donnybrook, complementing recent station upgrades in the region to keep communities safe from bushfires.

Projects which support liveability will also receive additional funding. The Vision highlights how WA Labor will upgrade and improve community sporting infrastructure, including the Collie Speedway and Eaton Boomers Football Club.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

“Only a WA Labor Government will support Collie-Preston to reach its potential."

“My Government is committed to Collie’s Just Transition, with over $30 million in extra funding and new, job-creating projects on the horizon that will create great opportunities for locals."

“The Vision for Collie-Preston will shape the region, keep it strong and prepare it for the future.”

Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:

“From significant investment in Collie’s Just Transition to tourism projects and cost of living relief, the Cook Labor Government’s strong economic management means we can deliver on what matters for the people of Collie-Preston."

“The Vision for Collie-Preston will ensure our region continues to be a great place to live, work and visit for generations to come.”

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