Published on Wednesday, 22 January 2025 at 6:40:16 PM
Message from the Mayor
Setting the record straight on Recycled Water for the KBRC
I want to address the recent decision by the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club (KBRC) and Racing WA to change the location of this season’s first race meet. The City is deeply disappointed by this outcome.
What’s equally concerning is the significant misinformation circulating in the public domain. This is especially disheartening given the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting the KBRC and safeguarding the future of racing in our community.
To be clear, the City has been ready and able to supply recycled water to the KBRC since last year. However, KBRC and Racing WA could not agree to terms that would avoid imposing further financial burdens on Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s ratepayers.
The reality is that the City could not continue providing an unlimited supply of recycled water under the old agreement. That agreement hadn’t been reviewed in over a decade, during which KBRC was paying a significantly reduced rate. This meant ratepayers were heavily subsidising KBRC’s water supply while other community users were paying according to the current fees and charges.
This situation was neither fair nor in line with good governance.
Throughout the negotiations, the City made substantial efforts and offers to support the KBRC. We refrained from sharing detailed information because we believed we were negotiating in good faith.
However, with the KBRC now choosing to share selective information publicly and suggesting the City is obstructing the future of racing, it’s important that we set the record straight.
We want to assure you that your elected representatives, our Executive Leadership, and City staff have been working tirelessly to find a resolution that is acceptable to all parties.
In the coming days, we will release more information, including answers to common questions, to ensure our community understands the City’s position and the steps we’ve taken to protect ratepayers’ interests.
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