Published on Friday, 30 January 2026 at 2:02:43 PM
With the Annual Electors Meeting coming up on 3 February, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what your Shire and Council have delivered over the past year.
The 2024/2025 Annual Report gives a practical snapshot of where time and resources went, and it shows a year shaped by steady planning and investments in the things that matter day to day.
In every area of the Shire, the focus stayed firmly on people and community life. Essential services continued right across the district, alongside major upgrades and repairs at key facilities.
- The Bay of Isles Leisure Centre completed essential maintenance while welcoming strong visitation.
- The Esperance Indoor Stadium reopened after significant repairs from water damage. A big milestone for local sporting clubs and the agricultural society getting back full use of the space.
- Youth events, festivals and community celebrations bought people together, while Esperance Home Care supported older residents with care, meals and social connection.
Community learning, culture, and volunteering also had a strong year.
- The Esperance Public Library delivered a full calendar of workshops, school visits and literacy programs, along with improvements to make the space easier to access and enjoy.
- The Esperance Museum extended opening hours during the peak holiday season, supported heritage storytelling projects, and welcomed thousands of visitors.
- Behind the scenes, the Volunteer Resource Centre continued to play a vital role, matching local organisations with people ready to pitch in and contribute their skills and time.
Environmental stewardship stayed front and centre, guiding work from coastal management and dune rehabilitation to big-picture waste management planning.
- The rollout of the Bin Tagging Program helped improve recycling habits, while planting projects, trail upgrades and the review of long‑term coastal planning moved forward.
- The shift toward electric and hybrid fleet vehicles, along with upgrades to solar and energy‑efficient systems at Shire facilities, also reflects a long-term commitment to sustainability, benefitting current and future generations.
Infrastructure continued to be a major area of delivery, with progress on some of the region’s most significant long‑term projects.
- Designs advanced for the Myrup Waste Management Facility, a major step in securing the Shire’s future waste‑handling capability.
- The James Street Cultural Precinct moved into the design phase after a significant investment of Federal funding, and
- the Graham Mackenzie Stadium redevelopment prepared to move into the construction phase.
Around town, upgrades to playgrounds, public open spaces and footpaths added to the growing network of places that make it easier to get outside and enjoy Esperance.
Roads remained a big focus this year, with ongoing work to improve safety and access for residents, tourists and industry across the district’s extensive road network.
- Reconstruction, resheeting and asphalt works were delivered on urban and rural roads, accompanying improvements to parking and shared paths, including the construction of the Baarndi Trail link to Bandy Creek Boat Harbour.
Meanwhile, advocacy and collaboration with telecommunications and infrastructure partners led to upgrades in mobile coverage and digital planning across the region.
There was also progress on the things that support local prosperity, including housing and tourism development.
- Advocacy and work on the Key Worker Accommodation Project, addressing long‑running challenges to attract and retain essential workers, continued.
- Visitor services were strengthened through extended Visitors Centre trading hours over the tourist season, better signage, and the continued rollout of the “Esperance. In Your Element” destination brand.
Underpinning it all was the Shire’s steady focus on good governance, transparency and listening to the community.
- The Shire received another unqualified audit opinion and was again recognised as a top‑performing local government entity by the Officer of the Auditor General.
- More than 1,500 community members with various connections to the Shire contributed to the 2025 Community Scorecard, helping guide future priorities.
- Throughout the year, Shire communications remained active, with hundreds of updates, stories, flyers and notices published to Shire platforms to keep the public well‑informed.
These results, and so many more detailed throughout the Annual Report, reflect the combined effort of Council, Shire staff, community groups, volunteers and partners. Everyone playing their part to keep the Esperance region moving forward.
The Annual Electors Meeting on 3 February is your chance to ask questions, hear the full Annual Report presentation, and be part of the conversation about what comes next.
Related Shire articles:
23 January 2026 - People, Service and Accountability
20 January 2026 - Council Decisions Driven by Community Aspirations
14 January 2026 - Passionate About the Esperance Region? Join Us on 3 February
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