¶ NUCLEAR power and the cost of living are shaping as key issues for Collie voters ahead of the federal election on Saturday, May 3.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the election last Friday, which for Collie residents will take on added significance after the Federal Coalition last June unveiled its energy policy, earmarking Collie as the location for a proposed nuclear plant.
The proposal has provoked starkly differing opinions from the community and intensified scrutiny on the progress being made under Collie’s Just Transition.
Recently reelected Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns has been scathing about the prospect, labelling it “reckless, risky and uncosted”.
However, federal member for O’Connor Rick Wilson told the Bulletin a double digit swing against Mrs Hanns, while not necessarily a direct indicator of support for nuclear, shows discontent about progress being made under the transition.
“A lot of people in Collie are thinking about the future and what that looks like for the town,” Mr Wilson said. 
“I did note that despite Jodie Hanns leading a scare campaign on behalf of the ALP that there was quite a major swing in the seat of Collie-Preston.
“Although, I think after their experience in Collie-Preston, they might not think it’s as politically beneficial for them as what they initially thought.”
At the Bulletin’s deadline, Mr Wilson, who has occupied the seat of O’Connor since 2013, is the sole declared candidate for the seat.
In the short term, he believes the Just Transition target of closing down Muja Power Station by 2029 is untenable and that the State Government will start walking away from the pledge.
“I certainly won’t be shying away from the fact that nuclear is a cornerstone of our energy policy going into the medium to longer term,” Mr Wilson said.
Mr Wilson stressed that cost of living concerns will be a key consideration for voters at the ballot box. He said the Coalition’s promised fuel excise cut of 25 cents a litre will deliver households much-needed relief.
“I think it is a very clear point of difference for the people of Collie in terms of cost of living and how the different parties will address that,” Mr Wilson said.
“For most people, it is putting food on the table and filling the car up with fuel, and that’s going to be front of mind when they go to the polling booth.”