¶ COLLIE Coal Basin maps have been digitised and preserved as an historical record at the Collie Public Library.
The initiative, under which more than 200 maps are being made digitally accessible, was made possible by a $3500 Premier Coal donation and Collie Shire funding.
Preserving the information was viewed as important for historical research and community use and for informing future developments.
Shire president Ian Miffling said the initiative will increase accessibility, with the maps keyword searchable via a database of records.
“We regularly receive requests for information in person, over the phone and via email from all over Australia,” Cr Miffling said.
“The majority of the requests relate to historical reference and awareness around the scale of underground mining that occurred and its importance to the energy industry in WA.
“With this information now available digitally, we can respond to these community and government project requests immediately and direct them to the high-quality, digitised maps.”
The donation was part of Premier Coal’s Community Support Program.
Premier operations manager Braedon Gaske said the project will pave the way for greater accessibility, accuracy and efficiency.
“The digital maps should prove to be valuable for future community planning and development,” Mr Gaske said.