Griffin’s D-Day looms closer Agreement details ‘confidential’

D-DAY is looming for Griffin Coal with its state agreement due to expire in June.

Financial stability and a fully-funded plan for its operations are among the numerous requirements for renewal of the agreement, according to the Mining Energy Union’s state secretary, Greg Busson.

“The government would have to be very sure that Griffin was financially stable and viable going forward. That would be a prerequisite,” Mr Busson said.

He said financial stability would need to be proven before the government would renew the agreement.

Griffin Coal went into receivership in September last year, with debts of $865 million.

A spokesperson from the office of energy minister Bill Johnston would not confirm the details of the looming agreement and its deadline.

“Details of negotiations on state agreements are commercial-in-confidence.

“The government is working proactively with all parties to ensure a stable and sustainable Griffin that produces coal during the transition to 2030.”

Prior to Christmas the government provided Griffin’s receivers with an undisclosed amount.

The spokesperson said the grant funding was designed to help stabilise Griffin’s Collie operations and provide certainty to the local workforce.

Receiver Deloitte was appointed to the company after power station operator Bluewaters instigated legal proceedings following Griffin's inability to supply 400,000 tonnes of coal to meet its supply contract.

According to a creditors' report, the company had a book value deficiency of $346 million as of the end of August.

Boost to battery donations

THE Collie Veteran Car Club was pleasantly surprised when it received 128 batteries for its recycling program.

The batteries were dropped into the bins at Collie Mowers and More during a period of six weeks.

Chairperson Eric Martin, secretary Hamish Pipe and member Tony Edwards said the number of used batteries usually decreases during summer, so the recent haul was surprising.

Before the bin was placed at the site more than two years ago, Mr Edwards was one of several members who drove around town collecting the batteries.

The batteries allow the club to support the community as they donate proceeds of the sales to local organisations.

“The majority of proceeds go to youth programs in town,” Mr Martin said. School breakfasts, which are provided to students for free, receive regular funding from the club, along with the PCYC.

The members explain that they have made other donations in the past such as a $1000 donation made towards solar panels at Valleyview.

The club encourages the public to