Premier inspects final stages of work on Collie’s groundbreaking technology training centre

  • Work is nearing completion on the WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie
  • The facility, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, will attract hundreds of trainees a year, supporting Collie’s economy and creating jobs
  • State Government contributing $2.7 million from $20 million Collie Futures Fund to establish facility 
  • Premier Mark McGowan has inspected progress on the groundbreaking WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie, which is nearing completion.

    The facility, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, will deliver training courses to technicians and operators of autonomous equipment, with an initial focus on Caterpillar haulage vehicles.

    The Premier visited the site with Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan and Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray as part of the McGowan Government Cabinet’s visit to Collie.

    The Premier also witnessed a Caterpillar 789D haul truck operating in autonomous mode, after the first training runs were completed at the site last week.

    The McGowan Government is contributing $2.7 million to help establish the facility, which is expected to be complete by the end of next month.

    The grant is the latest investment in the McGowan Government’s $20 million Collie Futures Fund, aimed at diversifying Collie’s economy and creating jobs.

    The facility will put Collie at the forefront of training workers, including Collie locals, in new technological skills for large-scale mining operations.

    It is expected to train about 200 students in its first year, increasing to 320 students in its third year.

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “It’s great to be here in Collie to view first-hand the progress on this facility which is going to put Collie on the map in training technicians and operators of autonomous equipment and vehicles.

    “The WesTrac Technology Training Centre will result in new jobs and training opportunities for local people.

    “At the same time, it will meet demand from around Australia and overseas from resource companies who need specialised technicians and operators of autonomous equipment to support the growth in this technology.

    “My Government is focused on ensuring Collie’s long-term prosperity, by creating sustainable jobs in a strong, diverse local economy.”

    As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

    “The facility will complement Collie’s rich history as an industrial hub, by providing a service that will benefit operations around Australia.

    “It will be vital for meeting the growing demand for training in autonomous technology, particularly in the resources sector.

    “The project will create jobs both during construction and when the facility is operational.”

    As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:

    “This is an exciting project for Collie, and we expect hundreds of students will undertake training at the facility each year, bringing many people to town and supporting the local economy.

    “It will also provide important training in an emerging industry for people in Collie and the South-West.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.