NSW coal on hold Only a quarter of order has been burned COLLIE RIVER VALLEY BULLETIN, MARCH 23, 2023 3
THE bulk of coal purchased from the Eastern States in the last three months remains unused. This was revealed in State Parliament last week when the Parliamentary Secretary, representing Energy Minister Bill Johnston, advised that less than a quarter of the coal has been burned at state-run power stations. He was responding to questions from Shadow Energy Minister Steve Thomas. As at Monday, March 13, a total of
24,681 tonnes of Newcastle coal had been blended with local coal and burned at the power stations. Parliament was told a total of 101,128 tonnes had been imported, meaning 76,447 tonnes is still stockpiled and waiting to be blended with Collie coal in preparation for burning. “At this rate it will take most of this year to blend and burn the coal,” said Mr Thomas yesterday. Industry insiders have also expressed
concern at the blending of coals, indicating that the power stations have been built to handle local coal, not imported coal which has different calorific characteristics. Mr Thomas also said questions aimed at finding out what a “fair” price for Collie coal is have gone unanswered. He believed the government had negotiated a new price with Griffin Coal’s receivers but refused to reveal it. The Minister representing the Min-
ister for State Development, Jobs and Trade, Roger Cook, said Synergy’s coal pricing arrangements are “commercial in confidence”. He said the government had not set a fair price, but expects a fair price is paid, reflecting the cost of production. “Griffin Coal receivers and managers have made assessments as to what the current cost of production is and have engaged mining consultants to assist in mine planning and cost forecasts,” he added.
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IS FOR SALE STUDY SUBSIDY: Jessica Barrett and Lachlan Papalia have received university scholarships from Community Bank Collie. They are pictured with Community Bank board chairman Jeff Riley.
Students bank on scholarships TEN local students have had their study costs subsidised by Community Bank Collie. Four of the students will attend TAFE, while six are destined for university studies. Typically, the bank’s board of directors awards three university scholarships, however this year it doubled it to six. TAFE students will receive a one-off payment of $1200, with the option to reapply for subsequent years of study, while the university recipients will get $3000 each year for up to four years. Board chairman Jeff Riley said investing in the future of local students is an integral way of giving back to the community. “Community Bank Collie has put more than $7 million back into the local community, and we are pleased some of that has been in the form of scholarships and funding the future of local youth,” he said. “Tertiary studies can be very expen-
sive on the students and their families. “Attending TAFE or university often means moving to Perth or travelling. “The bank understands this and is pleased to lighten the load and help these students reach their goals.” Jessica Barrett, who is in her second year of nursing studies at Edith Cowan University, said the scholarship will allow her to cover fuel costs for her practical assessments. “It is a lot of money, as we attend prac for four to six weeks, and it is mostly not in town,” she said. “I have alway wanted to be a nurse and help people. I remember telling mum when I was little that I wanted to be a nurse.” Other university scholarship recipients were Lachlan Papalia, Ebony White, Chevy Ellison, Liam Cain and Narcia Mumme. TAFE scholarship recipients were Ella Birkinshaw, Morgan Scoffern, Sash Hughes and Serra McCallum.
