Keeping the Lights On: Collie Central to Nation’s Energy Future

MR RICK WILSON MP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR O’CONNOR

22^nd June 2026

Keeping the Lights On: Collie Central to Nation’s Energy Future

Australia stands at a defining moment in energy policy, with regional communities like Collie at its heart.

For more than a century, Collie’s coal industry has powered Western Australia, built on generations of skilled workers with deep expertise in delivering reliable, around-the-clock energy.

Speaking in Parliament House on Monday, Rick Wilson MP, Federal Member for O’Connor, said Collie’s legacy and capability positioned it at the centre of Australia’s energy future.

“Collie has the infrastructure, the grid connections and a workforce with a high energy IQ built over generations,” Mr Wilson said.

He warned that decisions by the WA and Federal Labor governments risk significant job losses through premature closures without a credible long-term plan.

“We must think bigger. Around the world, advanced economies are embracing nuclear energy to deliver reliable, low-emissions power,” he said.

“With growing demand from energy-intensive industries like data centres, Collie should be central to this future.”

Mr Wilson said a re-elected Coalition Government would secure long-term jobs and energy reliability.

ENDS

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