Published on Tuesday, 1 July 2025 at 1:13:13 PM
Please attribute the below information to Shire President, Malcom Cullen
To the Shire of Coolgardie residents, ratepayers and community.
It has been strongly advocated in the media recently from the Minister of Local Government Hon Hannah Beasley and the local member Hon Ali Kent that the Shire of Coolgardie and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder need to urgently discuss a Boundary Adjustment / Amalgamation.
Whilst the Shire acknowledges that past decisions – which were made with the community’s best interests in mind to generate ongoing cashflow - have not delivered expected returns, a boundary adjustment or amalgamation was not the form of assistance that the Shire was seeking from the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries.
The Shire of Coolgardie’s Council meeting agendas and minutes over the last 7 months show financial improvement and we have plans to progress forward under the guidance of the Acting CEO with a refreshed open and transparent leadership that will build on the Shire’s sustainability over the next 12-24 months.
Much of the Minister’s argument is based on the 2023/24 financial year where there was a predicted deficit of -$6.8 million which has - through the auditors - been reduced to some -$5.2 million. Thanks to significant efforts by the Shire Administration, the Shire’s financial report for May 2025 shows a surplus of $690,000, with a stronger result expected at the close of 30 June 2025.
With the 2025/26 Budget prepared and the Local Government Election process starting soon, the Minister advised the Shire and the City that it is business as usual, but require the Shire and the City have urgent discussions to form a potential joint position which will result in a submission to the Local Government Advisory Board.
The Shire has opened discussions with the City, however the three week timeframe for these discussions provided by the Minister does not allow time for genuine and open negotiations, with the full Council agenda items to be prepared and consultation to be held with the relevant communities.
As both the Shire and the City will soon enter into the electoral cycle’s caretaker period, it would be inappropriate to rush a significant and long-term decision regarding the future of both Local Governments. Such a decision deserves careful consideration and should be not made at a time of transition.
While there may be benefits for both Local Government communities (as we share common interests), there are questions around whether such a decision will form a greater, more sustainable Local Government where all community members will be better off. Only time will tell once discussion have been held.
In the meantime, the Shire will - as directed by the Minister - continue business as usual, and will have discussions as to the boundary adjustment or amalgamation but also key projects of interest between the Shire and the City that could significantly benefit both Local Governments.
As this matter progresses, we will keep the community informed as best we can with the information at hand.
Warm regards,
Shire President and Elected Members
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Joy Charlton
Communication and Media Officer
P: 9080 2111
M: 0438 675 404
E: comms@coolgardie.wa.gov.au
Back to All News