Published on Thursday, 28 August 2025 at 11:07:57 AM
Please attribute the below information to Shire President, Malcom Cullen
The Shire of Coolgardie has expressed disappointment at receiving a Show Cause Notice from the Minister for Local Government, Hannah Beazley. The Shire was not advised in advance of the Minister’s intention to issue the Notice and was only made aware shortly before its public release, when the Shire President received a direct call from the Minister.
Shire President Malcolm Cullen expressed concern with the approach taken, stating: “We are very disappointed that there has been no prior engagement from the Minister’s Office or the Department given our ongoing cooperation.
“We are also disappointed that there has been no support from the Minister’s Office or the Department when we’ve asked for it throughout this whole process, and have concerns with the lack of procedural fairness. We have consistently provided the Department regular updates, responded to requests for information, acknowledged past mistakes, and are demonstrating substantial progress toward financial recovery.
“However, we have done this alone. At no stage has anyone from the Department or the Minister’s Office liaised directly with this Council to work through the matters raised.
“If concerns existed at Ministerial level, we believe they could have been addressed much earlier through open dialogue, rather than this course of action which only detracts from the 10 months’ worth of positive work already undertaken.
“Despite our commitment to openness and transparency, we feel that Council and the Shire of Coolgardie community have been left in the dark, particularly with regards to the City of Kalgoorlie -Boulder’s boundary adjustment submission still remaining confidential.
“Additionally, we are only two months away from Local Government elections – so the timing of this is concerning given that the electoral process is already well underway.”
Cr Cullen emphasised that while the Shire has faced challenges, significant progress has been made since November 2024 including the recent endorsement by Council of the Financial Recovery Plan.
“Council has been working constructively with the Administration and we are making real strides towards recovery. Unlike a number of other councils facing Ministerial intervention currently, this Council is not dysfunctional - we are united in our focus and purpose, and are working well together with the Administration to turn this situation around.”
While the Show Cause Notice was only formally received on Tuesday, the Shire will take the time to thoroughly review its content and provide a formal response within the required timeframe.
“We will continue to work with the Minister and the Department of Local Government, but these processes continue to detract from progressing recovery and delivering important on-ground outcomes for our residents.”
“Our focus remains firmly on progressing our recovery, delivering services, and rebuilding trust with our community,” said Cr Cullen. “While the Show Cause Notice presents a further challenge, we will continue to do the work required to ensure a strong and sustainable future for the Shire of Coolgardie.”
The Shire of Coolgardie’s Financial Recovery Plan is available for viewing and download.
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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