Built by Coal, Shaped by Community: Collie’s Past, Present and Future

Collie WA: Coal Mining Heritage, Power Stations and a Town Shaping Its Future

Collie, Western Australia, holds a unique place in the state’s history. Known as the heart of WA’s coal mining industry, Collie powered generations of homes, businesses and industry through its coal mines and coal-fired power stations. This continual legacy has shaped not only the town’s economy, but its people, roads and resilient community spirit.

Visitors often ask on Forest Explorers tours about the future of coal, the closure of power stations and how these changes affect the town. Forest Explorers shares Collie’s story in a balanced way —acknowledging the importance of coal mining to Western Australia’s energy history and Collie is showing how a town can keep supporting the state and its community while embracing change—through renewable energy systems, including two new big battery sites, new businesses popping up in the LIA, growing tourism and hospitality, and amazing nature-based experiences that let visitors really connect with our forests, trails, and waterways.

Western Australian State Library Photograph shows Henry Jenkins and Don Grace looking over a Collie Coal mine 1955 Stewart, A.M Andrew Malcolm - phot via State Library Facebook page.

Just like the river, it flows onto the environmental and economic contributions of Western Australia.

Coal mining built more than energy infrastructure. It built Collie itself. Roads cut through Jarrah forests to access mines, rail corridors linked Collie to the state, and entire satellite timber towns and rail sidings grew like Fungi in the forest overnight. Today, the diverse industrial heritage remains visible in Collie’s streetscapes, historic sites, precincts, murals and preserved machinery—telling a powerful story of innovation, endurance and community.

The question remains, will the coal-fired power stations close?

Collie is evolving and always will. The town is embracing diversification through renewable energy projects, tourism, outdoor recreation and trail development. Some of the forests once supporting industry now host walkers, bike trails and nature lovers. Heritage roads and former rail lines have become pathways that invite visitors to explore Collie’s past while experiencing its changing future.

Collie’s coal mining heritage is not something left behind—it is a foundation. By honouring the workers and families who power Western Australia, Collie continues to move forward with strength, adaptability and pride.

From coal to community, from power stations to pathways, Collie remains a town that helped build WA—and continues to shape what comes next.

Tranquil views of Lake Kepwari (playing in water) a former coal mine site now offering scenic campsites, a convenient boat ramp, and picnic-ready BBQ spots under a vast sky.