New site identified for additional Collie training facility

• New site being acquired for Collie's new $7.8 million training centre
• Part of the State Government's Collie Just Transition Package
• Completion anticipated for mid-2026

A new site for the $7.8 million South Regional TAFE additional training facility has been identified with the acquisition underway to expand the range of training available locally in Collie.

Located in the heart of Collie's light industrial area, the new site will provide for closer linkages with local industry and employers, as well as proximity to other training facilities including the DFES Koolinup Emergency Services Centre.

The State Government's $662 million commitment to Collie's Just Transition Plan is supporting the Western Australian Government's work with community and industry to deliver a Just Transition for Collie as the town moves away from coal-powered energy generation.

The new Collie training facility will be in addition to the existing South Regional TAFE Collie Campus.

After the completion of site investigations, the previously earmarked site was found unsuitable in meeting the requirements for the proposed TAFE training facility.

The consultant engaged to complete the site investigations recommended additional investigative works that would have led to significant delays in the project's delivery.

An alternative site that is better placed to meet the local training needs has been secured.  Planning and design work is already under development for the new location to minimise impacts on the project's timeline, with completion anticipated for mid-2026.

Interim opportunities for local workers to access additional training options are also being established, to ensure that training will be underway for impacted workers while the new facility is being developed.

A dedicated Jobs and Skills Centre has also been established in Collie at 56 Forrest Street. It is open and providing free careers, training and employment support to local workers, their families, and the broader community. 

For information on training, call 1800 621 445 or to speak with a Training Transition Consultant call 6371 3007. For information on career planning or jobs, call 13 64 64 or 08 6371 3930.

Comments attributed to Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk:

"The State Government thanks the local Collie community for continuing to work closely with us to ensure there continue to be sustainable, well-paid jobs in the Collie region and that locals have the right skills for them.

"We remain committed to delivering an additional training facility as part of our broader investment in initiatives to support local workers transitioning into exciting new careers.

"The new location identified for the Collie additional training facility will support the delivery of quality training with strong links and relevance to industry that WA TAFE colleges are known for providing.

"Advantages of the new site include there being no existing developments or remediation requirements to work around and having existing light industrial facilities neighbouring the location.

"When completed, the additional training facility will be a long-term asset for the Collie community."

Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:

"The new site will provide for closer linkages with local industry and employers, as well as proximity to other local training facilities including the DFES Koolinup Emergency Services Centre.

"Along with our dedicated Jobs and Skills Centre in Collie, this facility will help people transitioning to new careers by providing training and employment support to local workers, their families and the broader community."