What does Collie look like in 2030? This simple question has profound implications for the 9,000 people who call the town home. For Collie to prosper, a grand coalition must be formed, which works to secure the town’s future in the interests of the community, workers and the planet.

The climate is changing quickly. Western Australia is getting hotter and drier. A rapid transition to renewable energy is needed to avert the worst of these changes.

Key messages:

• Western Australia is endowed with a wealth of renewable energy resources. There is ample sun and wind to power the state’s electricity needs; domestic, commercial and industrial. Well developed technology exists to provide reliable and afordable renewable electricity to consumers.
• Renewable electricity is cheaper than new or existing coal or gas fired power stations. This reality is becoming clearer as the global transition to renewables accelerates. In this context, the closure of Collie’s coal industry is inevitable. Immediate action is needed to secure the livelihoods of coal workers, their families, and the town they support.
• Collie’s economy can be re-tooled for a low-carbon future, creating 1,750 long term, secure jobs in renewable manufacturing, green building materials and recycling. Many of these new jobs are made possible by a rapid rollout of renewable energy.
• A 100% renewable electricity target would spur on over $13 billion in new investment on the grid and 5,000 jobs in construction and maintenance.
• The energy transition can pay social dividends. Working conditions can be improved and economic benefits can be shared through programs for home energy efciency upgrades, small business sustainability and direct community investment.