Published on Thursday, 19 June 2025 at 9:03:43 AM
Please attribute the information below to Shire President, Malcolm Cullen.
Key Messages
- Council Acknowledges Responsibility & is Taking Action:
Shire of Coolgardie Council accepts responsibility for the current financial situation and has taken significant steps under the Acting CEO to improve its financial position and rebuild trust.
- Major Cost-Saving Measures Implemented:
Since December 2024, the Shire has introduced a wide range of cost-saving initiatives—such as refinancing loans, reducing contracts and staffing costs, and deferring projects—resulting in millions of dollars in projected savings.
- Financial Recovery Strategy Underway:
The Shire is moving forward with a more moderate rating strategy and plans to sell Bluebush Village to improve cash flow and reduce debt, while preparing a balanced 2025/26 budget focused on long-term financial sustainability.
Further to the Minister for Local Government’s refusal of the Shire of Coolgardie’s differential rating and subsequent comments in the media, the Shire would like to provide the following response.
Shire of Coolgardie Council has previously acknowledged and accepted responsibility for the current situation, and deeply apologises to its community.
Over the past nine months, the Shire has taken expeditious and affirmative action to rebuild under the direction of the Acting CEO. While the Shire is already making considerable positive headway, there is plenty more work to be undertaken.
Council will be considering a proposal for the ACEO to begin the process of selling Bluebush Village at its June meeting next week. The sale of this property will significantly reduce the Shire’s outstanding loans, restore normal debt ratios, and improve cash flow.
Since December 2024, the Shire has implemented a number of remedial cost-saving measures which include:
- Refinancing of loans - savings of $1.8 million to date
- Adjustment to waste facilities’ opening hours – savings $42K (one month), potential savings $500K pa
- Non-replacement of staff vacancies – estimated savings $400K for 2024/25
- Reduction in contracts – savings $300K for 2024/25
- Reduction in contractors – savings of approximately $1 million for 2024/25
- Stricter controls on non-essential purchasing – estimated savings $500K for 2024/25
- Deferral of projects – savings of $550K for 2024/25
The Shire will now progress with a more moderate rating strategy as previously advised.
The Shire fully understands and respects its stakeholders’ concerns and the Minister’s comments, however it wishes to reiterate that it was never the intent to utilise the Mining Sector as a “cash cow” but rather deliver a budget that would enable the Shire to get back on track in as quickly as possible, with full consideration for the Mining Sector as the main beneficiary from the increased Differential Rating.
Council and the Shire administration are working carefully and diligently to get the organisation back to financial sustainability and are in the process of preparing a balanced budget for 2025/26.
For media enquiries:
Joy Charlton
Communications & Media Officer
T: 9080 2111
E: comms@coolgardie.wa.gov.au
Back to All News