Published on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 at 11:00:00 AM
The Shire of Coolgardie has resolved to proceed with the sale of Bluebush Village in Kambalda to Westgold Resources Ltd for $22.055 million (GST inclusive), following completion of a formal statutory process and consideration of public submissions. The sale includes a land parcel adjacent to Bluebush Village.
The decision was made at an Ordinary Council Meeting on 24 March 2026, after Council considered a Business Plan prepared under section 3.59 of the Local Government Act 1995, which governs major land transactions and major trading undertakings.
The Business Plan was publicly advertised for nine weeks, exceeding the statutory requirement of six weeks, and outlined the history of the Bluebush Village development, its financial performance, debt arrangements, and options for its future ownership and operation. Three public submissions were received during the consultation period and were considered by Council as part of its deliberations.
Shire President Cr Paul Wilcox said the decision followed more than ten months of consideration and was based on long-term financial sustainability and risk management.
“This has been a significant and complex matter for Council, and one that has followed a transparent, legislated process, it’s an important decision for the Shire and one that reflects a responsible and forward looking approach,” Cr Wilcox said.
“The sale of Bluebush Village represents an opportunity to substantially reduce the Shire’s debt exposure, transfer ongoing operational and financial risk, and stabilise the Shire’s financial position so we can focus on core services and recovery.”
Bluebush Village was developed by the Shire in 2022 and has carried a substantial portion of the local government’s overall debt. The sale of the asset allows the Shire to address that debt while providing certainty around the ongoing use of the facility.
Under the approved resolution, Council has accepted Westgold Resources’ alternate tender, which provides the best value for money to the Shire and includes the Village land, buildings and an adjacent land parcel. Following settlement, the site will return to the rating base.
The contract will include provisions to ensure continuity of existing accommodation bookings and the availability of rooms for essential services personnel requiring temporary accommodation in Kambalda.
Cr Wilcox acknowledged that community views on the Village have differed, noting that Council had carefully considered the full range of options available.
“Council was required to decide whether to proceed with the proposal as advertised, or not at all,” he said.
“While there were alternative approaches raised through submissions, those options would have required restarting the process and carrying additional financial and reputational risk to the Shire.”
Proceeds from the sale will be primarily directed toward retiring debt associated with Bluebush Village, with any remaining funds to be managed in accordance with Council’s adopted financial frameworks.
Chief Executive Officer Sabine Taylor said the progression of the sale demonstrated Council’s commitment to transparency, good governance and acting in the best interests of the community and its ratepayers.
“Proceeding with the sale of Bluebush Village is an important milestone for the Shire,” Ms Taylor said.
“Our focus now is on managing the process carefully, taking appropriate financial advice and ensuring the outcome supports the long-term sustainability of the organisation.”
Ms Taylor said Council would continue to work through the financial implications of the sale as part of its broader budgeting and planning processes.
Settlement of the transaction is expected to occur following completion of the contractual process.
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
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