Shotts project will enhance Collie's economy - 4 October 2007
The creation of a prime new potential industrial area for Collie is a step closer following the start of investigations of the unused old Shotts townsite and surrounding land.
Enviromental scientists arrived in town last week to carry out investigations to turn the site, 12 kilometres east of Collie, into a 250-hectare heavy industrial area.
South West Development Commission board member John Bird said the Commission was working with the Shire of Collie to drive the proposal, which would provide a prime opportunity for a range of industries.
“The Shotts proposal will have a focus on heavy industrial needs and aims to compliment the planning for industrial land at Coolangatta,” Mr Bird said.
“Access to rail, water and power adjoin the site, which makes it that much more attractive to industry.
“A working group made up of government agencies, local council and industry representatives has been formed to make the site a reality that will benefit Collie.”
Mr Bird said planning for an industrial park required complex investigation, evaluation and justification procedures set by government environmental and planning agencies.
He said local companies such as Premier Coal, Landcorp, Shire of Collie and local representatives of the Department of Environment and Conservation had played an important role in moving the project forward.
The South West Development Commission recently secured $52,000 to carry out detailed investigations on flora, fauna and wetland constraints to the site recommended in a 2004 due diligence report.
“Environmental scientists will be undertaking field research and survey of the Shotts site this week,” Mr Bird said.
“A report on the findings is expected to be completed over the next six weeks.”
SWDC project officer Michael Barrett said the Commission would prepare a business case for the Shotts proposal for presentation to State Cabinet seeking funding for the structure planning phase once research was complete.
“The Shotts initiative is just one of several projects the Commission is working on to improve the economic and lifestyle opportunities for Collie,” he said.
“It is also working on projects such as the Collie Motor Complex and the Lake Kepwari project.”
...ENDS
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