¶ A NEW pathway to the Wallsend mine site entrances provides an up close look at a piece of Collie’s history.
The pathway was officially opened this week, enabling locals and tourists easy access.
It was made possible by a $10,000 joint donation from Premier Coal and South32 and $3000 from the Wesfarmers Premier Coal 30 Year Club.
Collie Retired Miners’ Association president Ron Guilfoyle said previously the ground around the site was “uneven, sandy and unsafe to access”.
“With the Wallsend underground mine site being added to the Collie Rail to River Heritage Trail walk as a tourist attraction, we recognised the need to upgrade the path so people can safely view the site,” Mr Guilfoyle said.
It was an extensive project involving formwork, concrete and earthworks, Mr Guilfoyle added.
“We are confident in the construction of the new pathway, it is sturdy and stable and accessible by prams, wheelchairs and bikes,” he said.
“We are always exploring how we can continue our work in preserving the historical mine sites in and around Collie and we are thankful to the local miners for their funding to help make this project come to life.”
Premier Coal operations manager Braedon Gaske described the mine as “an important part of Collie’s mining history”.
South32 Worsley Alumina external affairs manager Rod Jones highlighted the importance of supporting Collie as it builds its reputation as a tourist destination.