The McGowan Government has unveiled the first stage of a new policy aimed at expanding the emergency services vehicle manufacturing industry in Collie.
As part of the new policy, Frontline Fire & Rescue Equipment has been awarded a $2.5 million grant to establish a manufacturing capability in Collie that is expected to provide 17 fulltime manufacturing positions.
The Malaga-based company has been awarded two State Government contracts valued at $125 million to manufacture modern firefighting appliances.
The $75 million and $50 million contracts will include manufacturing ‘4.4’ heavy appliances and ‘Ultralight’ vehicles with some of the work now to be carried out in Collie.
The grant came from the $60 million Collie Industry Attraction and Development Fund, which was established to help secure the future of Collie and create ongoing jobs for locals.
A third contract for the provision of up to 300 ‘1.4’ appliances worth an estimated $47.5 million will also be advertised today.
The tender for that contract will include a requirement that some or all of this work is done in Collie.
Future State Government emergency vehicle contracts will also be reviewed prior to tender to determine if more work can be sent to Collie.
Today’s announcements reinforce the McGowan Government’s commitment to expanding the emergency services vehicle manufacturing industry in Collie to help the local economy into the future.
Earlier this year, the State Government announced plans to establish a Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Level 3 Incident Control Centre in Collie, along with an Emergency Driver Training Centre, and moving some appliance maintenance work to the town.
The McGowan Government is investing heavily in Collie to support the town’s economy into the future and create jobs for locals. Recent announcements include:
- $60 million Industry Attraction and Development Fund to create local jobs and secure the future of Collie, including $10 million Collie Adventure Trails plan to establish Collie as Western Australia’s premier ‘trail adventure’ town;
- $8 million for a new DFES multipurpose bushfire facility in Collie;
- Relocating a large part of DFES’ high season firefighting fleet maintenance work to Collie;
- $20 million Collie Futures Fund designed to stimulate development and diversify Collie’s economy. The Fund includes the $2 million Collie Futures Small Grants Program and $18 million Collie Futures Industry Development Fund; and
- The establishment of a Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety regional licensing processing centre in Collie.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“This is a significant investment that will ensure volunteer firefighters are equipped with modern vehicles to combat bushfires across the State.
“I’m pleased that my Government has been able to provide an additional $2.5 million grant to ensure manufacturing work will take place in Collie, creating jobs for locals.
“We are committed to ensuring a strong economy and sustainable future for Collie, and we see the emergency services vehicle manufacturing as an important part of that.”
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:
“This new build program marks a significant shift in how new firefighting appliances will be manufactured for our volunteer firefighters.
“It is fantastic that the McGowan Government has managed to secure some of that work for Collie and that it will help to diversify the economy.
“It’s also another significant emergency services investment in the town following the announcement of a new Level 3 Incident Control Centre, the moving of some maintenance work to Collie and an emergency driver training school.
“Collie has the right people with the right skills and not only is the Government providing them with work that will benefit the town, but it will also benefit the whole of WA.”
Comments from Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
“I look forward to the delivery of this new policy to expand Collie’s emergency services vehicle manufacturing industry.
“Collie’s economic base needs to be diversified and I welcome the State Government’s commitment to supporting economic growth in the region.”
