Shire of Coolgardie president Mal Cullen announced more funding for the new Kambalda Pool on Friday thanks to a sizable donation from local mining company Gold Fields. Picture: Kelsey Reid
UPDATE: The Shire of Coolgardie is at a critical crossroads as local government elections unfold this Saturday, with the future of current councillors hanging in the balance amid a severe financial crisis. As of Friday, the WA Electoral Commission reported a 27.86% voter turnout, surpassing the 24.97% in the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. This election is poised to decide the fate of the council that has overseen a staggering debt of $30.49 million as of June 30, 2024, which has since decreased to $27.5 million by June 30 of this year.
Shire President Malcolm Cullen and Councillor Rose Mitchell are both seeking re-election, competing for two of the four available seats against nominees including Gregory Keith, Catherine McInerney, Tammee Keast, Julie-Ann Williams, Darryl Holbrook, Tony Ball, Colin Meagher, and Paul Wilcox.
This election comes after Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley issued a show-cause notice in August, demanding the council justify its continued operation. During her recent visit to Coolgardie, Beazley emphasized the unprecedented nature of the shire’s financial predicament, warning that its current debt-to-revenue ratio puts it “very much in danger of folding” by the end of the 2024-25 financial year.
“I’m certainly encouraging everybody in the community to vote and get their eligible friends and family to vote,” Beazley stated during a community meeting, addressing concerns over her decision not to suspend the council. “Ultimately, who sits around that council decision-making table is up to this community.”
The election’s significance is underscored by the community’s power to influence governance. With the stakes this high, voter turnout will be crucial. Residents are urged to engage actively in the electoral process to ensure their voices are heard.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, a separate election could see the addition of five new faces to the council. Four sitting councillors—Terrence Winner, Nardia Turner, Deborah Botica, and Carla Viskovich—are vying for re-election as one extra seat opens due to the resignation of former councillor Linden Brownley.
As the clock ticks down to Saturday’s elections, the Shire of Coolgardie faces a pivotal moment. The outcome will not only determine the leadership of the council but also the future financial stability of the community. Residents must act now to shape their local governance and secure their community’s future.
The urgency of these elections cannot be overstated. With financial recovery on the line, every vote counts. Stay tuned for immediate updates as results come in following the elections.
