Published on Friday, 29 November 2024 at 8:45:49 AM
City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor Glenn Wilson and CEO Andrew Brien travelled to Canberra this week to meet with Federal Ministers and Senior Advisors, seeking support for advancing key initiatives that address current challenges and position the City for sustainable, long-term growth.
Social housing and homelessness were key topics of discussion, as Kalgoorlie-Boulder faces a severe shortage of affordable housing and is currently ranked among Western Australia’s top ten homelessness hotspots, significantly impacting its most vulnerable residents.
The City also called for Federal collaboration to improve facilities at a relocated Boulder Camp and establish additional fit-for-purpose camps to accommodate visitors from remote Aboriginal communities.
Mayor Wilson said addressing these challenges requires collaborative local solutions which are culturally appropriate.
“We are feeling the effects of a national housing crisis right here in our backyard. We need tailored and accessible housing options, and well-resourced support services to meet the growing demand,” he said.
“Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a meeting place for many Aboriginal communities, and it’s crucial we provide facilities that reflect respect, cultural understanding, and safety for all.”
Sustainable water solutions were also a focus, highlighting its importance in supporting Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s growing population and diverse industries. Between 2020 and 2023, the City invested over $12M into water infrastructure upgrades to meet demand.
“For Kalgoorlie-Boulder, water is essential to our liveability and economic development, but we cannot expand our water infrastructure without other government support." Mayor Wilson said.
Other significant projects discussed included the redevelopment of 101 Brookman Street into a government service hub to bring services into the Kalgoorlie central business district, and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Rail Realignment Project, which promises to improve freight logistics and regional connectivity.
Mayor Wilson noted, “Strategic investments in infrastructure like rail and precinct development are not just about boosting our local economy – they are about positioning Kalgoorlie-Boulder as a regional powerhouse for Western Australia and the rest of the country.”
The Mayor and CEO also presented important priorities for the future of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport, urging investment to address limitations identified in the Airport Master Plan and secure the Airport’s role as a critical transport hub.
“Our Airport is vital to our economy, with passenger movements expected to exceed 400,000 in the coming year,” said Mayor Wilson.
“We have a carefully thought-out Master Plan which outlines infrastructure improvements to the terminal, runways, parking area, and overall precinct development. With the right investment, we can ensure our airport meets the needs of our growing population and thriving industries,” he said.
As Chair of the Australian Mining Cities Alliance, Mayor Wilson also addressed the unique challenges faced by mining communities, calling for strategies to sustain them beyond resource sector fluctuations.
“Mining cities like Kalgoorlie-Boulder have always been resilient, but we must prepare for the future by diversifying our economies and safeguarding our communities through thoughtful planning and investment,” he said.
Reflecting on the meetings, Mayor Wilson described them as productive and an important opportunity to keep Kalgoorlie-Boulder front of mind for Federal decision-makers.
“We’re not waiting for opportunities to come to us. As a proactive Council, we listen to our community’s needs—both current and future—and actively pursue the support and funding required to deliver these critical projects,” he said.
“Council has a bold and ambitious vision for Kalgoorlie-Boulder. We are committed to ensuring our community has the resources and support needed to thrive, and engaging directly with Federal leaders is a crucial step in turning that vision into reality.”
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Federal Government to deliver on these priorities and drive regional growth.”
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