Opposition welcomes minister's decision not to suspend Coolgardie council after ‘unnecessary heavy-handedness’

The Opposition has welcomed the local government minister’s decision to back down on her threat to suspend the Shire of Coolgardie but says “months of posturing and threats” were unnecessary.

Shadow minister for local government Kirrilee Warr said Hannah Beazley’s decision on Monday to give the shire 12 months to address its issues was a relief for the Coolgardie community after months of “unnecessary heavy-handedness”.

“I’m pleased the Shire of Coolgardie is finally being given the space to work through its issues — but this outcome should have been reached months ago, not after repeated attempts to intimidate the community with threats of suspension and forced boundary changes,” Ms Warr said.

“To only be making a decision now, after months of posturing and threats, shows how poorly the Cook Labor Government is treating local governments.

“This is yet another example of decisions being made to communities, not with them. The minister should have worked constructively with the shire from the outset, not as a last resort.”

Ms Warr also raised concerns the boundary adjustment proposed by the minister between the Shire of Coolgardie and City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder remained a possibility in the future.

“Let’s call it what it is — forced amalgamation by stealth,” Ms Warr said.

“Our position is clear. Any top-down approach that strips away local decision-making or regional representation will be met with strong opposition.”

Ms Warr said the local government sector desperately needed “stability and respect” from the State Government.

“Years of mismanagement have left local governments to drift until issues reach crisis point,” she said.

“It’s not good enough, and communities like Coolgardie are the ones paying the price.”