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Centre creates Collie jobs

Headshot of Nicolette Barbas
Nicolette BarbasSouth Western Times
Principal licensing coordinator Jane McLean, Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray, director general of DMIRS David Smith and candidate for Collie-Preston Jodie Hanns were joined by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston at the official opening of the new regional licence processing centre in Collie last week.
Camera IconPrincipal licensing coordinator Jane McLean, Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray, director general of DMIRS David Smith and candidate for Collie-Preston Jodie Hanns were joined by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston at the official opening of the new regional licence processing centre in Collie last week. Credit: Nicolette Barbas

A commercial building on Collie’s Forrest Street will now house the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s regional licence processing centre.

The office, which was opened by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston last week, will manage Statewide applications and has seen the creation of 11 new jobs.

“From the new recruits, eight are from the Collie/Allanson area, one from Busselton, Harvey and Brunswick,” Mr Johnston said.

“I think we can demonstrate our achievement that eight out of 11 jobs went to local people and it’s because of the type of jobs they are.”

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The staff will process licence and renewal applications for electricians, gas fitters, plumbers, high-rise workers and a range of dangerous goods operators.

While the office is not open to the public just yet, Mr Johnston said it has been fitted out to do so in the future.

“We’ve got space here to put a reception here if we needed,” he said.

“One of the great advantages of coming to Collie is that we are able to absorb some of the unused space in the city. It’s great for the town because you’ve got another 10 people going out for lunch every day, getting a coffee or making sure they pick up their bread and milk on the way home.”

Mr Johnston said the office was originally planned to open late July but was significantly delayed because of the pandemic.

“The new ways of working, with enhanced online support and training, were developed as part of DMIRS’ response to COVID-19 and will be put to good use in the office,” he said.

DMIRS has worked closely with the South West Development Commission, the Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Collie Delivery Unit to establish the new office.

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said this was an exciting announcement for the region.

“Collie now has 11 new jobs for locals and a facility with the capacity to house up to 20 State Government officers in the future,” he said.

“We mentioned to the Minister that we needed some other industries based in Collie and Bill was very quick to organise some funding and along with the Collie Future’s Group we were able to kickstart it.”

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