Collie coal history preserved for future generations

23/3/06
Restoration work on a major piece of Collie coal mining history has been kick-started with the South-West Minister Norm Marlborough presenting $33,000 toward the project.
"I am delighted the Government has been able to contribute to this project," Mr Marlborough said.
"Collie's 100 years of coal mining and power generation formed the backbone of this State."
The Bucyrus Erie Dragline, a giant mobile earthmoving machine, was used in Collie from 1950 and, when restored, will become a new landmark at the western end of town.
"Preservation of equipment like this is an important part of developing heritage tourism for future generations, and Collie has a heritage unlike any other in the State," the Minister said.
Collie Mining Heritage Group president Kevin Dyer estimates that the town's industrial heritage attracts some 4,000 visitors each year, generating tens of thousands of dollars for the local economy.
The dragline has been donated to the Collie community by Griffin Coal.
The $200,000 facelift is expected to take two years to complete, after which it is believed the working dragline will be the only one of its kind in the world to go on public display.
The latest funding was made available by the South West Development Commission through the Carpenter Government's Regional Development Scheme.
Minister's office: 9213 6500