¶ COLLIE Shire councillors were told a new agreement with South32 will lead to a “very good outcome” for the shire and the community at council’s June meeting.
Council received an overview of the shire’s progress in relation to the 2021-2025 Collie Tourism Destination Marketing Strategy, along with an update on the community investment agreement between the shire and South32.
Under the agreement, South32 provided funding of $415,000 to support Collie’s tourism marketing goals.
The strategy and agreement both expire this year, and it is proposed to commence a review of the strategy in 2025/26.
Director of development services Alex Wiese said the shire is in “advanced negotiations” with South32 about a new three-year agreement.
Mr Wiese said South32 wants to have a broader range of activities included and for “tourism not to be the sole pillar” of the agreement.
“The discussions have led to a substantial increase in the funding,” Mr Wiese said.
“I think what’s currently being negotiated will be a very, very good outcome for the shire and the Collie community.”
Council gave the go ahead for shire chief executive officer Phil Anastasakis to execute the final agreement.
An allocation will be included in the draft 2025/26 budget reflecting the agreement once it is executed.