The CITF is currently paused to new EOls. For any new industry or general enquiries, please contact the Collie Delivery Unit The WA Government has announced the launch of the $200 million Collie Industrial Transition Fund Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open from companies looking to establish operations in the region The $200 million Collie Industrial Transition Fund will support large-scale industrial projects that can provide long-term The Fund aims to attract new and emerging industries as Collie transitions to new forms of industry and power generation Funding may also be used to develop project-ready industrial land The Fund forms part of the WA Government’s $547.4 million Collie Transition Package announced in June 2022 The Fund will target sectors that can demonstrate a clear economic benefit to Collie as well as an ability to leverage Collie’s existing skilled workforce Proposals from other industries may be considered where they meet the stated objectives outlined in the EOI Guidelines Projects will be invited to formally apply to submit a Stage 1 application based on their ability to address the following criteria: Total project value should be at least $4 million Projects must include a funding contribution from the applicant that is a minimum secured cash co-contribution of $1 for every $1 funded by the Fund Funded activities are expected to have commenced within 12 months of funding approval it is acknowledged that this will depend on the scale and complexity of eligible proposals For more information on the Fund’s eligibility requirements, the submission process, and assessment criteria, download the EOI Guidelines.  Companies interested in the Collie Industrial Transition Fund are required to submit a maximum five-page pitch via the link below. The pitch must address the eligibility criteria outlined in the EOI Guidelines.  If your company's application demonstrates strong alignment to the Fund objectives you will be invited to discuss the project in more detail Suitable applicants will then be invited to formally apply for funding Collie Delivery Unit Collie Just Transition Don't include any personal information.If you need a response, send an enquiry instead The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) The Western Australian Government has provided more than $662 million towards Collie’s industrial transition which continues to power ahead as several industry proponents reach major milestones The funding is to deliver a Just Transition for Collie which attracts new industries and puts training opportunities in place as the economy transitions away from coal.  Premier Roger Cook says establishing a green iron and steel industry in Western Australia is a focus of the Made in WA plan.  “Hitting these key milestones is another step forward to securing Collie’s future as a major new industrial hub,” Cook says.  One of the milestones achieved include Australia’s first low emissions steel mill as well as Western Australia’s first steel recycling mill being one step closer to completion following privately held Green Steel of WA securing all necessary approvals required for feasibility.  The state government has funded $2.7 million to these projects which has driven the project closer to achieving a final investment decision with front-end engineering design now complete.  Carbothermic magnesium metal technology company Magnium Australia has also marked a milestone following its pilot plant becoming operational in Collie’s light industrial area The pilot plant aims to develop sustainable magnesium production in Australia The facility represents a step forward in establishing a domestic supply of the critical defence and automotive metal The facility was supported by $7.5 million through the Collie Industrial Transition Fund.  The material can be used in aerospace alloys Meanwhile, International Graphite (ASX:IG6) has begun a Feasibility Study for its Battery Anode Material Facility in Western Australia The study demonstrates the industry interest in developing projects at Coolangatta Industrial Estate The facility will produce graphite products for battery materials and a variety of industrial uses The Western Australian Government has provided $12.5 million in support to International Graphite for this project.  Geoscience Australia says graphite is a good electrical conductor and has a high fusion point and good lubricating properties It is used as an anode in batteries and as a refractory material in industries producing molten metal for crucibles and blast furnace linings.  Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) battery re-manufacturing facility is also powering ahead with construction underway The construction is expected to be completed in October 2025.  and renew Tesla’s battery products including Megapacks — which stores energy for the grid eliminating the need for gas peaker plants and helping to avoid outages Each Megapack unit can store over 3.9 megawatt per hour of energy which is enough energy to power an average of 3,600 homes for one hour.  Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au    Unico Silver makes ‘multiple new discoveries’ at Cerro Leon Unico Silver (ASX:USL) says the final results from phase-two diamond drilling at.. Dateline Resources pursues OTCQB listing in US North Bay advances gold production optimisation  Gilded market: Has jewellery demand lost lustre? ASX ends winning streak as energy sector... Critica readies to drill satellite rare earths... Metro on track to hit 2025 bauxite... ASX shifts down a gear Stay Informed on up-to-the-minute mining news Get the best articles straight to your inbox ASX ends winning streak as energy sector tumbles05 May Military Metals discusses antimony exploration in Slovakia05 May Unico Silver makes ‘multiple new discoveries’ at Cerro Leon05 May Critica readies to drill satellite rare earths targets    05 May The Western Australian government and state-owned Synergy have confirmed that all 640 battery packs have been installed at the 2,000MWh Collie battery energy storage system (CBESS) Installation of the battery packs and the inverters started in early October 2024 which is set to be one of Australia’s largest battery projects It is located at the site of the 300MW Collie Power Station a coal-fired power plant scheduled for decommissioning in 2027 It will be connected to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) With the installation of all 640 battery packs and the 160 inverters Synergy expects the BESS to be fully completed later this year Tesla is exploring a battery re-manufacturing facility near the two Collie battery sites Synergy owns another two utility-scale BESS projects in Western Australia. These are the Kwinana BESS 1, a 100MW/200MWh 2-hour duration system at the existing gas-fired Kwinana Power Station, and the 200MW/800MWh Kwinana BESS 2 The completion of the battery pack installations was marked by a site visit from Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, who is currently gearing up for the general election on 3 May the federal minister for Climate Change and Energy; Roger Cook the Western Australian premier; Amber-Jade Sanderson the Western Australian minister for Energy and Decarbonisation; and Jodie Hanns Albanese took to LinkedIn to reiterate the Labor Party’s support for “clean leader of the National-Liberal Coalition’s plans to develop seven nuclear power stations across Australia to tackle rising energy costs “Peter Dutton wants to put a nuclear reactor here instead It’d drive power prices up and take 20 years to build we’re getting on with the job of providing cheap The three-year parliamentary term time for the next government coincides with one of the most defining periods for the energy transition the next government will be a conduit to whether Australia will grasp the opportunity and become a “renewable energy superpower” a term often used by Albanese to make his stance clear on the energy transition The same cannot be said for climate sceptic Dutton, who is likely to take a stance on energy policy similar to that of US President Donald Trump and attempt to reduce the Australian public’s energy bills by focusing more on oil and gas he would controversially seek to lift a ban on nuclear power that has been in place since 1983 via the Nuclear Activities (Prohibitions) Act Transitioning from a supportive government of renewables to one prioritising fossil fuels could disrupt the country’s energy transition and jeopardise Australia’s opportunity to capitalise on the economic benefits, Energy-Storage.news has heard Western Australian Premier Roger Cook and Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson were joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to mark the completion of installation works at Synergy‘s Collie Battery Energy Storage System The Collie battery—set to become one of the biggest batteries in Australia—features 640 batteries and 160 inverters Related article: Synergy gets approval for 500MW/2GWh Collie Battery the 500MW/2GWh battery will be able to power approximately 785,000 homes The Collie battery is on track to be completed later this year and will be ready in time for summer Local construction company SCEE Electrical lead the installation work The Collie battery is Synergy’s third grid-connected battery with two battery energy storage systems in Kwinana (KBESS1 and KBESS2) now helping to ensure the reliability of Western Australia’s energy system Related article: Synergy celebrates completion of second Kwinana Battery WA Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said “It is exciting to see how Synergy’s Collie battery is progressing in time for summer “Synergy’s Collie battery will play a critical role in Western Australia achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and delivers on our commitment to power WA with cleaner Sign up to receive the latest Energy News emailed directly to your Inbox Click Here to Subscribe Construction of Synergy’s 500MW BESS (battery energy storage system) in Collie Western Australia has hit a key milestone with all 640 batteries and 160 inverters now installed A key part of Western Australia’s energy transition this battery is set to be one of the largest in Australia – and on 23 April 2025 and Western Australian Minister for Energy and Decarbonisation the 500MW/2000MWh BESS will be able to power around 785,000 homes and is on track to begin operations in summer 2025–26  The Collie battery is Synergy’s third grid-connected battery with two battery energy storage systems in Kwinana (KBESS1 and KBESS2) now helping to ensure the reliability of Western Australia’s energy system Local Western Australian construction company SCEE Electrical lead the installation work said that the state government is working to diversify the economy for the future position Western Australia at the forefront of the clean energy transition and create skilled local jobs for the future “We are investing more than $5.7 billion towards renewable energy generation “Our investment in battery storage in Western Australia demonstrates our commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy now and well into the future “The Synergy Collie battery is one of the biggest batteries in Australia and a key project in the State Government’s Energy Transformation Strategy.”  Western Australian Energy and Decarbonisation Minister said Synergy’s Collie battery will play a critical role in Western Australia achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and delivers on the State Government’s commitment to power Western Australia with cleaner “It is exciting to see how Synergy’s Collie battery is progressing in time for summer,” Ms Sanderson said “Western Australia is leading the way in the clean energy transition creating skilled local jobs in the process.”  I am proud to be part of a State Government focused on delivering jobs and new industries for Collie and the surrounding region “The completion of installation works at Synergy’s Collie BESS shows us that Collie will continue to be at the heart of Western Australia’s main electricity system.”   utilities are facing increasing pressure to deliver larger projects more often Under a new Construction Services Panel Agreement (CSPA) Transgrid will invite energy provider Genus to tender for a pipeline of.. An Australian-first autonomous robotic piling system is being trialled during construction of ENGIE’s Goorambat East Solar Farm All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media Cosmos » Animals Researchers from the Republic of Korea have identified genes that make herding dogs sensitive The predation drive inherited from their wolf ancestors may have been put on a leash since humans started breeding dogs about 2,000 years ago strategic chasing and focus are still very much in play German shepherds are boundary dogs and Bouvier des Flandres are drovers says lead author Dr Hankyeol Jeong from Gyeongsang National University This is how a predator would approach a herd of prey animals if it was hunting Herding border collies will follow stalking with a chase and sometimes a bite The researchers sequenced the genomes of 12 herding breeds The border collie is known as the most intelligent dog breed and the best sheep-herder in the world Relationships between genes and behaviour were explored using human genome-wide association studies The team specifically targeted genes influencing border collie selection Eighty-four percent of the human genome is shared with dogs so the assumption was that genes associated with specific traits would be similar in humans “High-performance farm dogs show exceptional abilities that set them apart from the average pooch and this study gives some insight into genetic factors that may contribute to that,” says Professor Matt Littlejon of Massey University in New Zealand “The study used genome sequence data to ask the question ‘what DNA regions do working breeds tend to have in common?’ This analysis identified some commonalities across these breeds and the genes highlighted were known to have roles in brain function.” Jeong says herding dog breeding has selected for adaptations in 8 genes tied to memory retention showed a lot of variation across the breeds All of which could be linked to greater sensitivity to communication with humans especially the ability to work out what the human wants while maintaining control of the herd.  “Since working ability is largely behavioural this finding makes sense and suggests their approach is detecting real associations,” says Littlejon “The study is significant because identifying genes underlying behavioural traits has been notoriously difficult – in both dog and human genetics Breakthroughs in behavioural genetics have been hard won because the traits are complex so while the study highlights one gene in particular with a likely role in working behaviour the next step will be to test the gene in bigger populations and confirm that role.” saying that their “genomic evidence for selection is suggestive not conclusive.” But the study does identify how breeding has impacted social and brain pathways setting the stage for further work on herding behaviour and the tools needed to do it.     The paper is published in Science Advances The Collie Battery Stage 1 has reached a key milestone delivering its first grid capacity services to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) ahead of schedule The battery storage facility is located near the town of Collie on the country of the Wilman people of the Bibbulmun nation in the South West region of Western Australia and is the largest battery in the state to date It began delivering its 197MW/four-hour grid capacity to AEMO on 1 October 2024 called ‘non-co-optimised essential system services’ (NCESS) The battery charges during the day and then discharges across the evening peak The service is designed to address the risks AEMO identified relating to the phased retirement of Western Australian Government owned coal-fired power plants and increasingly high penetration of rooftop solar in Western Australia will be instrumental in supporting electricity reliability as the state transitions to renewable energy It is the first Neoen asset to connect into SWIS (South-West Interconnected System) which is underpinned by a 300MW/four-hour NCESS with AEMO is currently under construction and expected to be operational in Q4 2025 the Collie Battery (560MW/2,240MWh) will have the ability to charge and discharge 20 per cent of average demand in the SWIS Neoen said long duration storage is increasingly needed as electricity networks transition to higher penetrations of renewable energy “We are extremely proud to have delivered the largest battery in Western Australia in record time “I would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this happen: Western Power Tesla and UGL as well as AEMO and the Western Australian Government We are delighted to be contributing a storage project of this scale and duration With over 2GW of projects in our pipeline in Western Australia we are committed to continuing to play our part in the state’s energy transition.”  said the State Government is clear that its energy future will be powered by a mix of rooftop solar “This battery will support household investment in rooftop solar by soaking up excess energy produced during the day and making it available in the evening when it’s most needed “It’s the exact sort of development that the State Government is supporting as we get on with the job of retiring state-owned coal-fired power by 2030 embracing Western Australia’s clean energy future and ensuring Collie continues to be at the heart of our state’s south-west energy supply.”  said the Western Power network is playing a key role in enabling industry and the community to reach their decarbonisation goals and expediting the transition to a sustainable energy system “The Collie Battery Stage 1 project is a terrific example of this involving excellent collaboration and innovation between Western Power and Neoen resulting in an outstanding outcome for the community and the Western Australian energy market “Connecting energy solutions that support the harnessing of the abundance of renewable energy resources Western Australia has to offer is critical to unlocking a cleaner energy future.”  “I would like to congratulate the Neoen team on this great achievement demonstrating the speed with which we can develop and deploy solutions into new regions We are proud to be shaping the grid of the future for the benefit of industry and consumers across Australia and around the globe.”  Energy Networks Australia (ENA) has outlined six critical policy measures the Federal Government can implement to secure a reliable The New South Wales Government is providing more than $60 million in grants to 54 local projects that will bring.. South Australia is charging towards a decarbonised public transport system with the State Government ordering 60 brand new 100 per.. Lisa attended Collie's local basketball courts on Throssell Streetwith a friend and Lisa started walking home about 9pm and was last seen crossing a railway line to Forrest Street beforeshe vanished Cold Case Investigators deployed to Collie witha mobile police facility stationed on Forrest Street Acting on information received from the public during that deployment detectives are reinvestigatinga yellow Holden panel van abandoned in the bush area of Hoddell Road in Collie The abandoned vehiclewas previously reported to police and investigated at the time of the initial report in 1996 Lisa was last seen by eye witnesses entering a yellow panel van Cold Case Investigators – with the assistance of Emergency Operations Unit andrecruits from the WA Police Academy – are conducting a search of the bushland area on Hoddell Road This search will form one of many ongoing searches in the Collie area in the coming weeks Thesesearches are as a direct result of information received from the community Detective Sergeant Greg Dowding maintains firm belief that the Western Australian community can helppolice solve the case “We are seeking anyone with information in relation to this vehicle to come forward to police,”Detective Sergeant Dowding said “We want to identify the owner; we want to know how long it has been here and most importantly wewant to determine whether it is relevant to Lisa’s disappearance “There has been a strong response to every appeal for information we have made to the public to assistus with our investigation into Lisa’s disappearance “It comes as no surprise that the Western Australian community is so eager to help; it’s every parent’sworst nightmare to lose a child and spend decades without any explanation "Numerous reports have been received at Crime Stoppers and directly to investigators at ourdeployment in Collie last year “Whether it is fresh information or information relating to avenues already explored we are committedto assessing every line of inquiry “I urge the public to come forward with whatever they know – big or small Anyone with information regarding the abandoned yellow Holden panel van isurged or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 Information can also be reported anonymously online via www.crimestopperswa.com.au Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Official podcasts from WA Police Force Don't include any personal information.If you need a response, send an enquiry instead Don't include any personal information.If you need a response, send an enquiry instead. The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present. This yellow panel van is at the centre of the renewed cold case investigation into Lisa Mott's disappearance. (ABC South West WA: Jacquie Lynch) Police investigating the disappearance of Lisa Mott from the WA town of Collie in 1980 want to identify the owner of a yellow Holden panel van previously found abandoned in bushland. The 12-year-old girl was last seen by eyewitnesses crossing a railway line before getting into a yellow panel van. The area where the car was found will be searched by police on Tuesday with detectives appealing for anyone with information about the vehicle or the case to come forward. Link copiedShareShare articleAn abandoned panel van has re-emerged as a key clue for police investigating the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl from the West Australian town of Collie 44 years ago. Lisa Marie Mott was last seen crossing a railway line to Forrest Street in Collie, more than 200 kilometres south of Perth, about 9pm on October 30, 1980. Lisa Mott was 12 when she went missing in her hometown of Collie in 1980. (Supplied: WA Police) As part of the ongoing investigation into her suspected murder, cold case detectives set up a mobile police facility on Forrest Street in November last year. Based on information they received, detectives are reinvestigating a yellow Holden panel van that was found abandoned in bushland near Hoddell Road. The vehicle was investigated at the time it was initially reported in 1996. Lisa Mott was last seen by eyewitnesses crossing the railway line before getting into a yellow panel van, believed to be a Holden model produced between 1970 and 1978. She had been at basketball courts on Throssell Street earlier in the evening and later went to a nearby pizza shop. Around 25 personnel, including police academy trainees and officers from the Emergency Operations Unit, are currently searching bushland near Hoddell Road. It is expected to be one of many ongoing searches in the area in the coming weeks. "If they come across anything they can do a probe," Cold Case Squad Detective Sergeant Greg Dowding said. "If there was anything of forensic value we can get a forensic team out here." He said the search would continue for around four hours, with the main goal finding any additional material connected to the van including number plates, roof racks, or other identifying material. "Once we find the owner, and we can find the history of the panel van, we can establish that." Around 25 officers are searching forest south of Collie near where the panel van was dumped. (ABC South West WA: Jacquie Lynch) He said any and all information from the public was critical. "Every time a member of the public brings us relevant information we're getting closer," Detective Sergeant Dowding said. "All information we get from the public just builds that jigsaw puzzle." Lisa Mott was 12 years old when she disappeared from her home in Collie in October 1980. Cold case investigators have returned to the town in the hope of drawing out fresh leads. Lisa's sister Bernadette Mott was just three years old when Lisa went missing. She said it would be hard to stop her mind racing with the renewed search. "It's very difficult to stop hoping, especially when this has come about," Ms Mott said. "I don't know how to feel to be honest, I'm just trying to get through it." Ms Mott urged anyone that knew something about the vehicle to come forward, even if it meant ruling out it was the same yellow panel van Lisa was seen getting into. "Somebody has to know other than the driver, they would have friends, family, suspicions maybe," she said. Police staff search forest south of Collie as part of the cold case investigation into the disappearance. (ABC South West WA: Jacquie Lynch) Ms Mott said the priority was to find Lisa's remains. "We just want to find her so that we can have some closure and put her to rest," she said. Sergeant Dowding said he believed the community could help police solve the case and urged anyone with information to come forward. Detective Sergeant Greg Dowding says police are hoping to uncover more detail around the van's owner and history. (ABC South West WA: Jacquie Lynch) "It's a credit to the community, really," he said. "Numerous reports have been received at Crime Stoppers and directly to investigators at our deployment in Collie last year." Police said anyone who knew of the abandoned vehicle, had seen it or knew who may have dumped it should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. "Whether it is fresh information or information relating to avenues already explored, we are committed to assessing every line of inquiry," Sergeant Dowding said. ASSISTANT MINISTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER AND ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE: Jodie and I have been talking a lot over the last two months since Peter Dutton made his announcement that this was going to be home to one of his seven nuclear reactors But what we've actually been doing is saying that Collie doesn't need to wait till 2040 or beyond for a nuclear reactor that may or may not work their biggest battery that they've built in Australia They really brought back battery technology here to Australia But now we've seen 226 units of energy storage which is going to make a huge difference to the WA grid What's happening here in Collie alone can fill some 20 per cent of the South West Interconnected System Demand over that four-hour period with their contractors to deliver And what I know is that we've got a choice in Australia right now - it's the choice of either having renewables going into our grid today to give reliable and cheap energy What I think is really amazing is that the amount of energy that this battery, that we have just been to see can put into the grid is actually more energy than what a small modular reactor can make And we saw a report this week that came out saying that the small modular reactors that are proposed for Collie will only be commercially viable about five years before 2050 I don't think it's right for anyone to have to wait 20 years for an unproven technology to hold back these great projects that we're seeing here when there's great opportunities right now She's been talking to myself and a number of my Federal colleagues about what it is that Collie needs from the Federal Government to make sure that we get this transition right I had great meetings when I was here just a month ago talking about what it is that this community needs to make sure that the plan that has been in place for some six And what I think tells me everything I need to know about how Peter Dutton treats Western Australia, is that Peter Dutton has been visiting proposed nuclear sites all over the East Coast He hasn't come to Western Australia in the last two months but there is something very suspicious about the fact that he refuses to come here to the West to explain his plans And I would have thought that if he shows that respect to communities on the East Coast the least he could do would be to show that respect here in Western Australia STATE MEMBER FOR COLLIE-PRESTON: Thanks very much Patrick and it's great to have you back in Collie again today And thank you for your interest and advocacy I think today really highlighted to me that we just can't wait And we need to really develop that within the next decade The plans for nuclear are really around uncosted And I think we have to absolutely back in the Just Transition program that the State Government has set in place Looking at stepping away from the ageing coal-fired power stations and providing an option before that technology is really redundant we are absolutely mindful that we've got to create opportunities for the workers that will be displaced from that decision with tourism as being the initial focus and trying to get some traction around that People who come here on weekends see the wonderful things that we have to offer in Collie The next step is around advanced manufacturing in clean energy and critical minerals processing One of which is Magnium - that received joint funding from the Federal Government So Magnium is already establishing itself in Collie As well as International Graphite and Green Steel WA and those three companies are expected to bring on hundreds of jobs which will do the job that we're expecting which is to replace those displaced workers The other thing I really want to raise is the fact that the jobs that we are looking for that are coming out of those three projects are jobs that our current workforce in Collie can step into with some retraining and we've got the Jobs and Skill Center here which is incredibly important in that role So to be able to move those workers from their current positions with some retraining into jobs for the blue collar workers and that was a specific target of the industries that we approached from the State Government's perspective that the prospect of nuclear in Collie is everything what everybody is talking about in town at the moment Do you think that there's an appetite for that discussion locally GORMAN: I'll let the Local Member speak first on behalf of her community then I'll speak about broader Western Australia HANNS: I think I just go back to our position from the State Government's perspective is that our energy system is very different It's got challenges around meeting peak demand during the daytime and the coal-fired power station baseload has had to change the way it's operated to meet those requirements The uptake of rooftop solar has been a key factor in making that decision as well as the aging infrastructure of the coal-fired power stations and I think from this community's perspective we don't think that nuclear needs to play a role in that We think we can deliver what we need to deliver without nuclear JOURNALIST: The reason I ask that is the Federal Opposition has specified towns like Collie have a high energy IQ They think that people likely are open to the prospect And I think there were people at that meeting yesterday that put across the perspective from the community And I think that the bulk of people who've been in touch with my office are opposed to it GORMAN: I think Western Australia is already on the journey to getting renewables into our grid firmed renewables with things like the Neoen battery that we saw today something that we can put into the grid today Jodie was telling me that more than half the contract or half the workers there are local workers Every time people see a success story like that We've seen that in other parts of Western Australia successfully feeding into the South West Integrated System people of Collie have a really high energy IQ What they know is that the energy generation that we have today can't survive to 2045 when Dutton's small modular reactors might be commercially viable JOURNALIST: So it's not necessarily one or the other Nuclear couldn't exist alongside renewables you flat out reject the prospect of nuclear GORMAN: I take the spending of government money really seriously If you look at the costings that have been put out Dutton hasn't put any costings of his planning himself the costings that have been done by other organisations say it's about $600 billion the battery project that's funded by private investors because they recognise it's an opportunity Dutton has said that it would have to be publicly funded So we talk about publicly funded nuclear power You raise taxes across the country to pay for that nuclear power You raise everyone's electricity bills to pay for that nuclear power Dutton sat around the Cabinet table last time he increased the debt from $250 billion to a trillion dollars I think it's one of the reasons he's refused to come here JOURNALIST: Think you mentioned it earlier but AATSE released a report on small modular reactors I think that report confirmed what we already knew which is that small modular reactors are a proposed technology not something that is available for investors today That's where I think the real frustration of the Australian community here in Collie Dutton's plan is based on a technology that he can't purchase today" So that's why he can't tell us how much it's going to cost That's the other question that's not resolved for Collie is we've heard everything from one reactor to four reactors of that small modular variety Some of their water demands are very unclear But what's really clear is that you will not see a small modular reactor anywhere And that's a real concern because we've got to act now Industry like those industries that Jodie has mentioned The young people who are graduating from high school here don't want to wait until 2045 They want to know what their opportunities are in the years ahead And that's why I think the small modular reactor fantasy will be very late Australians are going to be the ones who pay for it.  the Shadow Energy and Climate Change Minister said that report wasn't relevant to their plans And the experts they consulted said it was viable Dutton and Rick Wilson should release their plans They said more than a month ago that they've done the geological surveys If they've had a geological survey for Collie JOURNALIST: There's a looming Cabinet reshuffle that the Prime Minister announced yesterday Will you be putting your hand up for a Cabinet position GORMAN: The Prime Minister is the one who decides who goes into Cabinet where I got to support him as his Assistant Minister making sure that we keep all parts of our government operating efficiently and effectively It means I get to do great things like this come down and talk to people here in Collie making sure that we get federal policies that work for us and work for the nation JOURNALIST: Will you be putting your hat in the ring for a Cabinet position?  GORMAN: These are conversations for me and my colleagues JOURNALIST: And would you like to see more WA politicians in Cabinet because there's only one in at the moment GORMAN: What I'll say is that I think it's important that wherever people come from I think it's important that everyone in the Federal Parliament understands Western Australia And that's what I always expect them to do Minister Bowen has been here as the Energy Minister But I'll always expect that all my colleagues understand what it is that Western Australia needs it's why I'm so disappointed that Peter Dutton has refused more than a month after releasing his nuclear plan to even front up to the people of Western Australia Subscribe and stay up to date Connect with us PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land A key milestone has been reached in Collie's transformation journey with the appointment of a South West builder to construct the town's new training facility The development at Lots 18-20 Cockie Bend is part of the State Government's $662 million Collie Just Transition Package designed to support Collie as it transitions away from coal-powered energy generation Construction of the new training facility is expected to commence shortly and the project is anticipated to generate around 90 jobs in the South West during the construction phase By prioritising local businesses in the construction of the project the State Government is maximising employment opportunities for Collie residents to help foster economic growth and strengthen the town's workforce during the transition The location of the new training facility in the heart of Collie's light industrial area offers strategic linkages to local industries and proximity to other training facilities including the DFES Koolinup Emergency Services Centre The facility will complement the existing South Regional TAFE Collie Campus and provide impacted workers and the broader community with access to training opportunities tailored to the evolving needs of the region Interim training measures are already in place to assist workers while the new facility is under development accredited courses and skill sets delivered through South Regional TAFE's Collie campus can be accessed by workers transitioning into new employment training and employment support for workers Through personalised guidance from training transition consultants Access to free individual transition plans and training are also available for impacted workers Please press and hold the button until it turns completely green If you believe this is an error, please contact our support team 147.45.197.102 : 4bb1db43-be67-4a15-a7ab-71b785f8 Aerial photo of Collie. Image courtesy of the Western Australian Government. All 640 batteries and 160 inverters are now in place, marking the completion of installation works on the Collie Battery Energy Storage System in Western Australia. Synergy’s Collie Battery Energy Storage System is set to become one of the biggest batteries in Australia. When completed, the 500-megawatt battery with 2000 megawatt hours of energy storage will be able to power around 785,000 homes. The Collie battery, situated about 200 kilometres south-east of Perth, will help to replace coal-fired power generation with renewable energy generation infrastructure and energy storage solutions. The battery is Synergy’s third grid-connected battery, with two existing battery energy storage systems in Kwinana (KBESS1 and KBESS2) supporting the reliability of Western Australia’s energy system. The battery is on track for completion later this year. Construction and installation begun in May last year, with commissioning works now commencing. Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said Western Australia is paving a clear path for the clean energy transition, as well as job creation. “Synergy’s Collie battery will play a critical role in Western Australia achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and delivers on our commitment to power WA with cleaner, reliable and affordable energy,” Sanderson said. “It is exciting to see how Synergy’s Collie battery is progressing in time for summer.” Major construction has kicked off on the Suburban Rail Loop in Victoria, ahead of tunnelling commencing at the start of... An intricate timber net structure has been completed on the northern portal of Victoria’s West Gate Tunnel project. The structure... Applications for the Western Australian Government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle rebate scheme, which has so far paid back over $41 million... © 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited © 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has been met by angry protesters in Collie, who oppose his plan to build a nuclear power station in the town. Mr Dutton was meeting with local shire representatives and was ushered to a waiting car as the small group pleaded with him to speak with them. Mr Dutton said Collie residents "well and truly" support the proposal, that it was "silly" to suggest he hid from protesters and accused the ABC of bias. Link copiedShareShare articleOpposition Leader Peter Dutton has been heckled by protesters after holding a meeting in a WA town where he plans to build a nuclear power station. Mr Dutton is in WA for a Liberal party conference and on Friday visited the South West town of Collie – one of seven places nationwide where a power station could be based under the Coalition's nuclear policy. While his office would not confirm the visit with journalists, the opposition leader spent Friday morning meeting with representatives from the local council in Collie. A small group of protesters opposed to the nuclear power station plan gathered outside the building where the meeting was held, holding an Indigenous flag. When Mr Dutton emerged from the meeting, they yelled 'if you want to come and work on our land, come and talk to us." "We had a great meeting with the local council, they were very obliging, very happy to have that conversation," he told reporters as he walked to his waiting car. He did not respond to questions about why it was a private meeting or why he didn't speak with the waiting group. Protesters gather outside the meeting held by Peter Dutton in Collie. (ABC News: Bridget McArthur) "Why do you want to destroy our land? Come and talk to the traditional owners. We're peaceful people," they yelled at Mr Dutton as his car drove off. Speaking in Busselton later in the day, Mr Dutton said there was "well and truly" majority support for the Collie nuclear proposal. Mr Dutton said he didn't want to meet with local Indigenous leaders. "I accept the view of the few people who were there — I think there were half a dozen people that were there protesting," he said. "I accept that they don't support nuclear power, that's their right in a democracy. But the vast majority of people do I believe in the local community." WA Labor minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said Mr Dutton had "snuck" into Collie. "If Peter Dutton was proud of his nuclear plan he'd be very happy to talk about it openly in Collie," she said. Mr Dutton said any suggestion he "hid" from speaking to residents in Collie was "silly". “We didn't, of course. We met with the shire president, we met with the councillors who represent the local community." He said a nuclear plant would create "literally thousands" of jobs in Collie but could not say how much it would cost or when it would be built. Mr Dutton accused the ABC of having an "ideological position" against nuclear power. Collie shire president Ian Miffling said he was pleased Mr Dutton had honoured the council's request for an in-person meeting. "We said 'let Canberra come to Collie, and that's exactly what Peter Dutton has done," he told ABC Regional Drive. "He was talking generally about his policy." Ian Miffling and his council requested the meeting with Peter Dutton. (ABC South West: Kate Forrester) Mr Miffling said representatives from Nuclear for Australia were also present at the meeting and took questions from councillors. "There were questions around safety, waste management and the water issues," he said. "There were no definitive answers on that." Mr Miffling said there would be a gap between the Coalition's plan of building of a small nuclear reactor in Collie towards the end of next decade, and the WA government's plan to phase out coal mining and processing in town by 2030. He said that would leave a gap in the local workforce. "That was one of the questions posed at [Mr Dutton]," Mr Miffling said. Asked to comment of Mr Dutton’s suggestion for “majority support” in Collie for the nuclear proposal, he said local opinion remained mixed. He said reactions he had observed ranged from open-mindedness, to hostility, to many positions in between. “There’s for, there’s against, and I wouldn’t say one is in the majority or not,” Mr Miffling said. One of the protesters who gathered in Collie was Indigenous woman Stevie Anderson, who is against nuclear power and said she had lived in Collie since 1999. She claims she was blocked from entering a pro-nuclear event in Collie on Thursday night despite registering in advance. The meeting was held by nuclear advocacy organisation Nuclear For Australia and included an expert panel. Teased and speculated for more than two years, Peter Dutton has finally revealed his nuclear power policy. "I was rejected from the front door, I was told to get off from security," she said. "Their reason was that maybe I was there to interrupt the consultation but I explained that I was a local, I was there to listen. "I'm here on behalf of the elders and I was denied to actually go in with everyone else – and I felt really rejected." She told the ABC locals are concerned about the prospect of a nuclear power plant being built near the town. In a statement, a spokesperson for Nuclear for Australia said more than 200 people joined the meeting. "We became aware of dozens of anti-nuclear protesters that had registered to attend the event with the intent to disrupt proceedings. "This included known anti-nuclear protesters who had travelled over two hours from Perth and beyond to disrupt the event. "We always take the security and amenity of the public, our team and our volunteers seriously." Chris Martin has lived in Collie for 40 years and did attend the pro-nuclear meeting. He told the ABC he had questions about the costings and time frames of the Coalition's plans, but said he wasn't given the opportunity to ask them. Chris Martin has lived in Collie for 40 years and said he has questions about a nuclear power station being built in his town. (ABC News: Jacquie Lynch) "It was disturbing that they weren't taking questions from the floor, it was also disturbing that they were not allowing some people who wanted to be at that meeting, that they excluded people from coming into the hall." Nuclear for Australia said it did indeed give attendees the opportunity to answer questions and over two thirds of the attendees were from the local area. International Graphite (IG6) has secured $4.5 million in government funding to construct the first purpose-built commercial graphite micronising plant in Collie IG6 has entered into an agreement with the WA Government Department of Jobs with $2 million of the $4.5 million to be applied towards the facility The remaining $2.5 million will be applied to expand the facility and double capacity “We are excited to be pushing ahead with the construction of the new plant at Collie,” IG6 managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Worland said Worland said the company is expecting the facility to be among the most significant global producers of micronised graphite outside of China “Establishing a micronising business in Collie has been an important step in our development plans,” he said it will establish the company as a producer in the graphite industry and build further our technical skills as we progress our Springdale mine to market battery anode material strategy.” IG6 will now complete a front-end engineering and design study over the coming months aimed at confirming the implementation schedule and forecasted economics for stage one of the project made possible in part by the operating experience gained from the Collie graphite processing and research and development facility opened in 2022 Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements Australian Mining has informed the industry on the latest news and technologies from across the mining sector Australian Mining is a leading resource showcasing the latest in mining innovation Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time A special guest proved wildly popular with all the attendees at Nathan Obst’s year 12 formal – his border collie Chief “Mum made him a big orange bow tie and I had a navy suit and orange tie to match,” says the 17-year-old “He sat up proud as punch on the back of the ute They did a write-up in the local paper that said Nathan and Chief are one of the human-and-pup pairs featured on the upcoming third series of ABC’s heartwarming hit Muster Dogs The new season switches things up by pairing three graziers with border collies and three with kelpies to see which of the two working breeds will come out on top to be crowned champion muster dog with only 12 months to train the pups Nathan Obst and his dog Chief in Muster Dogs: Collies and KelpiesCredit: who grew up helping on his family’s cattle farm even though at only 17 he had already trained several dogs it was something new to be paired with a collie “Before I got Chief I thought [border collies] were very robotic dogs you had to be on their case and you had to control them a lot.” Working dog and livestock educator Mick Hudson who gives expert guidance on the show and supplied the border collie pups for the series says it’s common for graziers to stick with whatever breed they’re used to “What we find is you’re either one or the other,” says Hudson Some people like Fords and some people like Holdens So what’s the difference between border collies and kelpies Hudson says while they are both good working dogs and there are exceptions to any generalisations regarding the breeds he has noticed a few things over the years “We find the collies more trainable and more biddable because it’s only in the latter years that we’ve started to educate people how to train a dog So kelpies were developed in the early days with as much natural ability as they could have so that the farmer took them to work and they learned on the job because he didn’t know how to train a dog properly.” Trainer Mick Hudson with Pockets the Collie pup in Muster Dogs: Collies v Kelpies was that he was juggling his final year of high school while training Chief “Winter turned out to be training the dog in the morning and homework in the afternoon Muster Dogs gives city and suburban folk a glimpse into rural life in Australia Nathan was particularly keen to sign up as a proud ambassador of the new generation entering the industry and maybe even encourage his fellow Gen Z cohorts to consider it as a career “Being a younger person I thought it’d be good to show that young people can get into the industry and have a crack Hudson has been proud to share the importance of muster dogs to the agricultural sector with a wider audience As opposed to using motorcycles or helicopters he has found dogs keep the livestock calmer and happier while being more efficient and less expensive I couldn’t do with six people on motorbikes and myself,” says Hudson “I really appreciate that we can expose what these kelpies and collies do for Australia Billions of dollars worth of cattle and sheep and goats go towards supporting our economy and you’ll find that 90 per cent of those animals are handled with working dogs Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies premieres on Sunday Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday A special guest proved wildly popular with all the attendees at Nathan Obst\\u2019s year 12 formal \\u2013 his border collie Chief \\u201CMum made him a big orange bow tie and I had a navy suit and orange tie to match,\\u201D says the 17-year-old \\u201CHe sat up proud as punch on the back of the ute he\\u2019s a bit more than a farm dog.\\u201D Nathan and Chief are one of the human-and-pup pairs featured on the upcoming third series of ABC\\u2019s heartwarming hit Muster Dogs who grew up helping on his family\\u2019s cattle farm \\u201CBefore I got Chief I thought [border collies] were very robotic dogs you had to be on their case and you had to control them a lot.\\u201D says it\\u2019s common for graziers to stick with whatever breed they\\u2019re used to \\u201CWhat we find is you\\u2019re either one or the other,\\u201D says Hudson \\u201CIt\\u2019s a bit like a Ford and a Holden but it\\u2019s very hard for people to switch.\\u201D So what\\u2019s the difference between border collies and kelpies \\u201CWe find the collies more trainable and more biddable because it\\u2019s only in the latter years that we\\u2019ve started to educate people how to train a dog because he didn\\u2019t know how to train a dog properly.\\u201D \\u201CWinter turned out to be training the dog in the morning and homework in the afternoon because you just ran out of daylight.\\u201D \\u201CBeing a younger person I thought it\\u2019d be good to show that young people can get into the industry and have a crack people are willing to take you,\\u201D he said \\u201CWhat I could do with two dogs and myself I couldn\\u2019t do with six people on motorbikes and myself,\\u201D says Hudson \\u201CI really appreciate that we can expose what these kelpies and collies do for Australia Billions of dollars worth of cattle and sheep and goats go towards supporting our economy and you\\u2019ll find that 90 per cent of those animals are handled with working dogs a feed every day and a friendly pat.\\u201D streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Tesla has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Western Australian Government to build a battery re-manufacturing facility alongside Neoen’s 2.2GWh Collie Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Related article: Neoen’s Collie Battery Stage 1 begins operation in WA Tesla expects the battery re-manufacturing facility to be operational by 2026 and will initially use it service battery products in Western Australia and Asia-Pacific Tesla regional director of energy Josef Tadich said the facility would allow the company to repair and maintain its utility-scale Tesla Megapack and Powerwall home battery systems locally providing faster support and reducing logistics costs Western Australian Energy Minister Reece Whitby said the MoU was a “huge vote of confidence in WA Labor’s energy transition progress” “A very big announcement with our Western Australia Labor government securing Tesla’s biggest Australian facility being built right here in Western Australia,” Whitby said “Collie—already home to Australia’s biggest batteries—will now be home to a Tesla re-manufacturing plant to service Related article: Tesla Megapacks arrive at Greenbank Battery in Queensland “This facility will help to supercharge our clean energy future—and deliver exciting opportunities for this incredible community.” Collie’s transformation into a hub for future industries continues to gain momentum with several milestone developments positioning the Western Australian town at the forefront of the state’s industrial transition which is aiming to build Australia’s first low-emissions steel mill and WA’s first steel recycling mill has secured all necessary regulatory and statutory approvals to progress its feasibility phase Backed by $2.7 million in funding from the Cook Government, the project has completed its front-end engineering design and is now approaching a final investment decision, as reported in a news release Premier and State Development Minister Roger Cook said the achievement represents a significant step in the State’s strategy to diversify Collie’s economy “Establishing a green iron and steel industry in WA is a key focus of our Made in WA plan and Collie’s Green Steel Mill will kickstart this new industry,” he said Magnium’s pilot magnesium production plant is now operational in the Light Industrial Area of Collie supported by $7.5 million through the Collie Industrial Transition Fund is seen as a major milestone in the development of sustainable domestic magnesium supply a metal critical to defence and automotive manufacturing “Hitting these key milestones is another step forward to securing Collie’s future as a major new industrial hub,” Cook added Interest in developing battery materials is also growing in the region with International Graphite commencing a feasibility study for its Battery Anode Material Facility at the Coolangatta Industrial Estate The State Government has provided $12.5 million in support to the company which plans to produce graphite products for both batteries and a range of industrial applications construction is underway for Tesla’s battery re-manufacturing facility These developments are part of a broader shift for Collie with the Western Australian Government having invested over $662 million to support a Just Transition from coal and build a future-focused industrial base The transition plan includes workforce training and investment attraction strategies to help secure long-term economic resilience Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns acknowledged the work of local stakeholders in driving progress “The Just Transition Working Group has been working hard to secure major new industry in Collie,” she said “It is great to see the transition powering ahead and major milestones being reached.” “These major job-creating projects are positioning Collie as the centre of WA’s plans to become a renewable energy powerhouse,” said Premier Cook Keep me up to date with the latest Australian Manufacturing news Australian Manufacturing (AM) is the leading publication and resource for the manufacturing and industrial sector in Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined Western Australian Premier Roger Cook and Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson in Collie to announce the Collie battery project’s complete battery installation – and to spook Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s plan for nuclear power in Collie The visit marked Synergy’s Collie Battery Energy Storage System project reaching a significant milestone with 160 inverters and all 640 batteries at last installed The 500 megawatt battery will be one of the largest in the nation and with two thousand megawatt hours of energy storage is going to be able to provide power to approximately 785,000 homes The battery is the third grid-connected battery of Synergy’s adding to the two battery energy storage systems in Kwinana and aiding in providing reliable electricity to the state                                 Advertisement The battery will play a major part in WA’s energy transition and in turning the state into a renewable energy powerhouse WA Premier Roger Cook said that his government is “diversifying our economy for the future” “Positioning WA at the forefront of the clean energy transition and creating skilled local jobs for the future,” said Premier Cook “Our investment in battery storage in WA demonstrates our commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy now and well into the future “The Synergy Collie battery is one of the biggest batteries in Australia and a key project in the State Government’s Energy Transformation Strategy.” The battery is expected to be finished later this year “It is exciting to see how Synergy’s Collie battery is progressing in time for summer,” said Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson                                       advertisement Ms Sanderson also said that the battery will benefit the state when it comes to “achieving net zero emissions by 2050” “WA is leading the way in the clean energy transition creating skilled local jobs in the process,” she said The installation work was led by local construction company SCEE Electrical said that the completion of the battery installation “shows us that Collie will continue to be at the heart of WA’s main electricity system” You must be logged in to post a comment WAMN ESHOP Dismiss located in Western Australia’s South West is most famous for its historical significance as a coal mining town attracting visitors with its stunning natural attractions and outdoor activities Once a year the annual Collie Cup race day takes place at the local racetrack which offers locals and visitors a fantastic day of country racing Tickets: Available online and at the gate About Collie Race Club .css-wombmx{font-size:xs;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:white;}TOP © 2025 RACING AND WAGERING WA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Alice Gibbs is a Newsweek Senior Internet Trends & Culture Reporter based in the U.K For the last two years she has specialized in viral trends and internet news Alice joined Newsweek in 2022 and previously wrote for The Observer You can get in touch with Alice by emailing alice.gibbs@newsweek.com either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content From the reason a dog hides when his owner starts cooking to the reason a dog was acting "strangely" outside one particular neighborhood house viral pet stories have kept us entertained this week But it isn't just internet stars we like to feature we also showcase our readers' pets in our weekly Newsweek Pet of the Week If you think your pet could be next week's Pet of the Week and have cute video or pictures of your pet follow the instructions at the end of this story to get involved This week's Newsweek Pet of the Week is 3-year-old border collie Riley who has made an inspiring turnaround after struggling with separation anxiety "Before she started going she was going through separation anxiety after loosing her stepmom and best friend," Riley's owner Steve Windebank told Newsweek and it is here that she has overcome her anxiety Riley was caught on camera joyfully playing with a new canine friend showing just how far she has come as she wagged her tail and engaged in fun she was going through separation anxiety," Windebank said and goes to bed—just like us after a long day." an 8-year-old chihuahua and miniature Italian greyhound mix with long legs and a big personality "I rescued her from a shelter," owner Debra Perry told Newsweek Layla can even dance on her back legs and makes a great support dog for her owner While she isn't always sure about other dogs she is the perfect companion for her owner who said she is very happy she rescued her a playful toy poodle who loves mischief and posing for the camera Echo's pet sitter Christina Berthiaume shared some seasonal pictures of her all set for Easter when she organized a festive game for her "[We] celebrated Easter last week by attending an egg hunt with treats inside the egg," Berthiaume told Newsweek "These games are stimulating for dogs and a great way to help keep them busy throughout the day." no holiday would be complete without a photoshoot and Echo happily struck a post in her Easter-ready outfit for the camera a loveable beagle pup with a big appetite and lazy streak If you think your pet could be next week's Newsweek "Pet of the Week," send us your funny and heartwarming videos and pictures of your pet, along with a bit about them to life@newsweek.com and they could appear in our "Pet of the Week" lineup Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground Newsletters in your inbox See all International Graphite (ASX:IG6) has completed a front end engineering design (FEED) study which confirms the “strong” financial viability of the planned Collie Micronising Facility in Western Australia.  The FEED study outlined Collie to produce 4,000 tonnes per year of micronised graphite achieving $14.1 million per year of average sales revenue.  which is targeted to expect operations towards the end of 2026 will also have a capital cost of $6.3 million including the expansion infrastructure.  which has a market capitalisation of $10 million Collie will have a pre-tax net present value of $25.8 million with an internal rate of return of 43%.  the production at Collie is expected to increase to 7,500 tonnes per year of micronised graphite achieving an average annual sales revenue of $28 million.   the additional capital cost is forecast to be $1.7 million.  CEO Andrew Worland says the implementation and progressive expansion option would rank the company as an “international force in the industrial graphite market” “We believe the key to advancing graphite projects is through the control of value-adding industrial and battery anode downstream processing facilities,” Worland says.  “Our goal is to develop markets and generate early cashflow that will assist in the financing of our Springdale Graphite Project and mine to market strategy We see the Collie development as a first step in the build-out of our Australian and international downstream industrial facilities.” The Collie facility is the centre of International Graphite’s research and development program for battery anode material and will use third-party fine flake graphite as feedstock until the Springdale graphite resource comes online.  International Graphite is focused on developing a new source of battery anode graphite in Western Australia to support the global transition to clean energy Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au    this site is claimed to be the largest battery facility in the state Neoen’s 219MW Collie Battery Stage 1 has commenced operations in Western Australia (WA) Claimed to be the largest battery storage facility in WA the 877MWh battery storage facility is located near Collie on the Wilman people’s land of the Bibbulmun nation The project was completed in less than 18 months marking an impressive achievement for Neoen and its collaborators The facility is the first Neoen asset to connect to the South-West Interconnected System (SWIS) and was delivered ahead of schedule in collaboration with Tesla Collie Battery Stage 1 began delivering its 197MW/four-hour grid capacity service to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) known as ‘Non-Co-optimised Essential System Services’ (NCESS) is contracted for two years and is designed to help manage the grid’s stability Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis is charged during the day and discharged during the evening peak hours This capability is particularly important as it addresses risks associated with the phased retirement of government-owned coal-fired power plants and the high penetration of rooftop solar in WA Neoen’s Collie battery is the first major project in WA and is also the company’s first four-hour long-duration battery worldwide was awarded a 300MW/four-hour NCESS contract by AEMO in April this year will be capable of charging and discharging 20% of the average demand on the SWIS Neoen Australia chief executive Jean-Christophe Cheylus said: “We are extremely proud to have delivered the largest battery in Western Australia in record time as well as AEMO and the Western Australian government We are delighted to be contributing to a storage project of this scale and duration “With over 2GW of projects in our pipeline in WA we are committed to continuing to play our part in the state’s energy transition.” Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network Costume designer for TV and film – notably Peaky Blinders – acclaimed for the accuracy and range of her period detailing Television period drama now has its own history of more than 60 years of series and serials, with many thousands of costumes recreated to evoke eras from ancient Rome to the day before yesterday. But those designed by Stephanie Collie for the first six episodes of Peaky Blinders despite that initial series being set in 1919 Period drama usually privileges the ensembles of fashionable women but the most exciting of the Blinders costumes were for working-class dandy gangsters from the early 20th century urban lower orders knew their wardrobe as well as their social place – clad in corduroy over uncollared shirts perhaps a muffler to fill in the neck against bitter cold and a generic “cloth cap” – none of it incorrect perceived something far sharper during her research into Birmingham’s vintage criminals plus the solid woollen cloths and narrow cuts seen at the racecourses where Savile Row-tailored nobs dealt with horse-breeding and betting mobs who had developed their own sporting style over more than a century around the stables generous towards the rim and with a canvas-reinforced brim (easily razor-blade enhanced for plot purposes) Stephanie Collie came up with the Peaky Blinders look after studying old police mugshots of Birmingham criminals Photograph: Hubert TaczanowskiShe replicated that style’s attention to laced boots and leather gloves and exploited to the max the variety of neckwear arrangements – crucial in television where so much of a show’s footage will always be head-and-shoulder shots – that had been possible when shirt and collar were separate items attached to each other only by metal studs front and back The neck hierarchy ascended from a sexy unbuttoned placket on a collarless undershirt further guarded by tie and pin between collar tabs Collie’s women’s clothes for the episodes were sound, but it was her work for the men (also the “white walls” plus cowlick hair cuts/shaving, done by a roster of stylists) that reverberated in 2013, so besides winning her the Royal Television Society award for best costume design, her elegant gangsters inspired the fashion press Collie’s clothes could be jokes themselves – she used some of the last proper brown-cotton warehousemen’s coats as a robbery ploy that then turned into getaway gear Her mixture of acute observation with visual imagination may have come from her father and their four daughters moved from Warrington Collie went to Pate’s grammar school there Her first professional job was in clothing construction for the BBC a costume-maker and tailor who had worked for Kenneth Branagh’s Renaissance Theatre Company and later on his films: Coates and Collie were in the wardrobe department for Branagh’s Peter’s Friends (1992) and Much Ado About Nothing (1993) Dexter Fletcher the first major menswear movie that Collie styled Photograph: Pictorial Press Ltd/AlamyA long list of costume designer credits for film television and streaming productions followed depressed Yorkshire in the 30s for BBC One’s South Riding (2011) with tailor-made suits and non-frivolous hats the markers of a first generation of employed professional women; there was also a single flat-capped and mufflered non-professional man whose few changes – quality T-shirts and an arrow-narrow raincoat – only rose to an actual suit for him to be shot in in 2007; they worked on a number of productions together born 16 November 1963; died 26 October 2024 Tesla has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Western Australian government to develop a battery re-manufacturing facility in Collie home of Neoen’s 2.2GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) US-headquartered electric vehicle (EV) storage and solar manufacturer said the service facility is expected to become operational by 2026 and will initially service a range of battery products in Western Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region Products set to benefit from this plant include Tesla’s Megapack technology, an integrated solution that includes lithium-ion batteries, a power conversion system (PCS), thermal management, and controls. This solution is being used in both stages of French independent power producer (IPP) Neoen’s 560MW/2,240MWh Collie BESS stated that the facility will allow the company to repair and maintain its utility-scale Megapack and residential Powerwall battery systems locally “Providing faster support for local customers while reducing logistical costs and emissions,” Tadich said Western Australia’s minister for energy, environment and climate action, Reece Whitby, took to LinkedIn to describe the deal as a “huge vote of confidence in Western Australia Labor’s energy transition progress” ahead of the state election next month “Collie – already home to Australia’s biggest batteries – will now be home to a Tesla remanufacturing plant to service It is worth noting that Labor and the centre-right Western Australian Nationals Party have made various pledges for the upcoming state election. For instance, Western Australia’s Premier Roger Cook of the Labor Party recently pledged to invest AU$150 million (US$92.4 million) into a 500MWh 10-hour duration vanadium battery should it be re-elected in the upcoming state election On the other hand, the Nationals outlined its intention last month to implement a comprehensive State Planning Policy for renewable energy projects should it win the upcoming state election consistent framework for large-scale renewable energy projects and address significant gaps in the current planning system Globally, Tesla posted strong deployment figures for its energy storage technology with Energy-Storage.news having reported in late January that it had deployed 31.4GWh throughout the year, with 11GWh in the final quarter This reflects a 244% year-on-year growth on a quarterly basis increasing from 3.2GWh deployed in Q4 2023 which saw Tesla surpass its previous yearly record by more than doubling deployments from 2022’s figure of 6.5GWh In Australia, Tesla’s Megapack solution is being used across numerous utility-scale sites. For instance, state-owned generation company CS Energy is using Tesla Megapack 2XL units for its 200MW/400MWh Greenbank BESS in Logan Construction on the AU$300 million BESS started in late 2023 and is anticipated to be completed and operational in 2025 It will stabilise the National Electricity Market (NEM) by dispatching stored energy when peak demand kicks in This technology also featured in CS Energy’s first BESS project, the 100MW/200MWh Chinchilla site, which went into operation in August 2024 This time both Collies and Kelpies are put to the test to see which breed comes out on top Winner of the 2025 AACTA Award for Best Direction in Nonfiction Television & Best Factual Entertainment Program NarratorLisa MillarRelatedMuster Dogs - From Pups to Pros by Lisa MillarABC iview HomeWatch all your favourite ABC programs on ABC iview. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. InstagramYouTubeFacebookTiktokSubscribe to our newsletterSign up to the What to Watch newsletter for the best of ABC iview delivered straight to your inbox each week A small band of anti-nuclear protesters assembled outside a secretive meeting between opposition leader Peter Dutton and Shire of Collie councillors and staff in the South West town this morning Dutton met with several shire staff and councillors alongside Nuclear for Australia staff to discuss his party’s energy policy which has seen Collie’s soon-to-be-retired coal power station sites identified as a potential location for a nuclear reactor Protestors outside Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s meeting with Shire of Collie councillors and staff on Friday Dutton has come under fire from state and federal Labor ministers in the five months since making the announcement for not making the trip to Collie to explain his policy which has proved a polarising issue in the town This was his first to Collie since the announcement but his office did not confirm it ahead of time and cameras were not invited About five protesters local to Collie and from Nuclear Free WA gathered outside the shire’s offices as the meeting was being held Miffling confirmed to this masthead he and most of the council had a “frank” discussion with Dutton about the policy They also viewed a presentation from Nuclear for Australia representatives about how small-modular nuclear reactors worked The 90-minute meeting opened to questions when councillors and staff asked about public safety Miffling described the meeting as “excellent” though he could not give definitive answers on several aspects of the policy and he was very open to the questions and gave good answers,” Miffling said The shire president also said Dutton relayed that he was receptive to working with state governments many of whom already have advanced renewable energy transition plans WA Premier Roger Cook has previously confirmed he did not support a nuclear reactor in WA The Shire of Collie does not have a formal position on the proposal and Miffling said he did not personally have a position yet but was receptive to “listening and learning” He said community views on the proposal were mixed One of the protesters Collie Aboriginal elder Philip Ugle said outside the meeting he did not want a nuclear reactor in the town concerned about the poison that comes off those places,” he said “Where are they going to put those poisons?” Dutton later told the ABC at a press conference in Busselton that he accepted the protesters didn’t support nuclear power “but the vast majority of people do I believe in the local community.” Dutton was in Busselton on Friday morning to formalise the Coalition’s policy to scrap an offshore wind farm zone off the Geographe Bay coastline. He was joined by Canning MP Andrew Hastie who said the promise was a victory for residents who overwhelmingly opposed the project and was proof the Coalition was committed to protecting Mandurah’s environment “The message from my community has been loud and clear: we are not a doormat for Labor’s radical energy policies and expensive wind farm is not wanted here,” he said my office has secured almost 14,500 signatures from people opposing the project for many reasons Residents are seriously concerned about environmental impacts and the devastating effect on local tourism and property values “Only an elected Liberal Coalition Government will stop this reckless project for good.” Dutton’s office was approached for comment Smart Energy Council general manager WA Wilf Johnston said the call to scrap offshore wind came with no credible alternative energy policy for the state “Offshore wind works spectacularly well around the world and there’s been extensive planning for it here in the South West,” he said Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ted O’Brien held a town hall meeting on his party’s nuclear energy policy in July Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter alongside Nuclear for Australia staff to discuss his party\\u2019s energy policy which has seen Collie\\u2019s soon-to-be-retired coal power station sites identified as a potential location for a nuclear reactor About five protesters local to Collie and from Nuclear Free WA gathered outside the shire\\u2019s offices as the meeting was being held Miffling confirmed to this masthead he and most of the council had a \\u201Cfrank\\u201D discussion with Dutton about the policy Miffling described the meeting as \\u201Cexcellent\\u201D and he was very open to the questions and gave good answers,\\u201D Miffling said but was receptive to \\u201Clistening and learning\\u201D \\u201CI\\u2019m concerned about a lot of things concerned about the poison that comes off those places,\\u201D he said \\u201CWhere are they going to put those poisons?\\u201D Dutton later told the ABC at a press conference in Busselton that he accepted the protesters didn\\u2019t support nuclear power \\u201Cbut the vast majority of people do I believe in the local community.\\u201D Dutton was in Busselton on Friday morning to formalise the Coalition\\u2019s policy to scrap an offshore He was joined by Canning MP Andrew Hastie who said the promise was a victory for residents who overwhelmingly opposed the project and was proof the Coalition was committed to protecting Mandurah\\u2019s environment \\u201CThe message from my community has been loud and clear: we are not a doormat for Labor\\u2019s radical energy policies and expensive wind farm is not wanted here,\\u201D he said \\u201COnly an elected Liberal Coalition Government will stop this reckless project for good.\\u201D Dutton\\u2019s office was approached for comment \\u201COffshore wind works spectacularly well around the world and there\\u2019s been extensive planning for it here in the South West,\\u201D he said Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ted O\\u2019Brien held a town hall meeting on his party\\u2019s nuclear energy policy in July Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories