Collie’s just transition: a blueprint for the world’s eight million coal workers?
5 June 2025
What can be learned from the coal town of Collie in Western Australia - a promising example of how to not just survive but thrive in the global transition to net zero?
“Just transitions are about building power in the here and now, not some distant point in the future.”
That’s a key insight from Darcy Gunning, the lead union organiser behind Collie’s transition negotiations, one of the world’s most successful examples of a just transition happening today.
The town is currently about halfway through the closure of their coal fired power plants. At the same time they’re also securing new green industries to deliver jobs for the next hundred years and millions in investment for the town - all with workers and communities at the heart of these decisions.
Collie is a rare and incredible transition model to learn from - a blueprint for the world’s eight million coal workers.
IHRB’s Haley St Dennis sits down with Darcy to hear the high and lows so far, as well as insights for managers of transitions - whether working in a company, government department, union, or local community group - to replicate the most essential lessons offered by Collie’s story.
You’ll also hear the audio version of IHRB’s feature on Collie (voiced by AI). It's the first feature in IHRB’s JUST Stories project, our global search for stories of the most successful just transitions we can find - unpacking the people, perspectives, and relationships behind what makes them work.
Stream above, or you can listen on your favourite podcast player.
If you care about human rights and are curious about the impact of business on peoples’ rights, then follow Voices to get each episode straight to your feed.
Producer & Editor: Helen Brown
Additional Contributors: Sam Simmons, IHRB's Head of Communications
