Wiluna leaves Mid West for “better aligned interests” in Goldfields-Esperance region

The Shire of Wiluna has officially left the Mid West for the Goldfields-Esperance region after councillors pushed to have its regional boundaries redrawn.

Last week the State Government confirmed the parliamentary processes to implement the change had finalised, revealing this was the first local government to move regions since boundaries were drawn in 1993.

Shire CEO Laura Dwyer said Wiluna was ranked as the fourth most disadvantaged local government in Western Australia, and the change would bring greater access to economic opportunities, community advocacy and services.

“A key issue that Wiluna experiences is the disconnect through all levels of government and service provision,” she said. “Disconnection means Wiluna becomes forgotten.”

Based 530km north-west of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and 720km from Geraldton, the Shire anticipates the change will benefit ratepayers and bring improved representation for the town.

WA Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the “stronger economic alignment” justified the shift to Goldfields-Esperance, as the Shire generated $1.3 billion annually in mining and pastoral activity.

Ms MacTiernan said the change was permitted following a review by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, in partnership with the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission and the Mid West Development Commission.

“We have been very happy to support this request from the Shire of Wiluna, whose residents and businesses have strong connections with the northern and eastern Goldfields and Ngaanyatjarra Lands,” she said.

“This new boundary better aligns the Shire with the interests of the northern and eastern parts of the Goldfields-Esperance region, to deliver better outcomes for the people of Wiluna.”

Further, the Shire has formally requested to move federal election divisions from Durack to the Seat of O’Connor.