Through the Collaboration Strategy, the Shire fostered mutually beneficial relationships with the resource sector.

A redevelopment of the Kambalda Aerodrome is underway that allows commercial aircraft to land closer to the mine sites and offer a definitive cost saving to mining companies from the transport time saved. The increased airport traffic also represents an injection into the local economy. 

Significantly, the Shire has also established Worker’s Accomodation Villages in Coolgardie and and Kambalda West for housing FIFO workers in the area. The geographical convenience of the location and appropriate amenity has been the catalyst for own source revenue, long-term contracts with mining companies to domicile their workers. The Shire has invested over $20 million into the creation of a 200-room village at Kambalda and will recoup these costs three years ahead of plan. The local hotel, previously closed for lack of patronage, has reopened once more as the town becomes a vibrant eating, drinking and recreation hub again. 

A 30,000 tonnes per annum Waste Management Facility on the outskirts of Coolgardie will be increased to 50,000 tonnes per annum and represents another income stream for the Shire. 

Each of these initiatives is in concert with broader integrated health and safety goals and the development of an inclusive, safe and vibrant community. Residential and Industrial land releases are also being considered as new residents and businesses are drawn to the innate benefits of the region while a Community Hub, Swimming Pool upgrade and ongoing road maintenance are each playing their part in growing the infrastructure, heritage and built environment. 

As the third largest local government resource producer ($4 billion in 2020/21), the ‘Mother of the Goldfields’ is stretching its arms wide to embrace a thriving and vibrant future that will deliver compelling social and economic outcomes into the future.