Published on Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 11:00:27 AM
The Esperance community has helped set the direction for the next four years, with Council formally adopting the new Esperance Council Plan at the March Ordinary Council Meeting.
The Plan sets out what our regional population cares about most, giving Council and staff clear direction and a shared path forward to act on, advocate towards, work with partners and deliver real outcomes for locals.
Acting Shire President Jennifer Obourne said the Plan reflects the diverse voices and ambitions of our population. “This Plan really captures how our community sees Esperance into the future - that we’re proud of what we have but also, we want to see progress”.
“It’s about the big picture. While Council plays an important role we don’t control every aspect of what the Plan covers. Achieving these goals will take cooperation between all levels of government, community organisations, industry and residents themselves.”
Ms Obourne thanked community members for their strong participation in shaping the Plan, saying “People took the time to tell us what matters to them, and we’ve listened”.
“We’ve been very clear about what Council is responsible for - and where progress will come through partnerships, advocacy and working alongside others.”
The Plan is the result of extensive consultation undertaken throughout 2025, including community workshops, direct conversations and feedback, supported by insights from the 2025 Community Scorecard. Housing is a central theme, alongside economic development, infrastructure renewal, community safety, and social challenges such as mental health and wellbeing. Community feedback also highlighted local roads, the town centre and airport facilities as key focus areas, as well as the importance of strong advocacy and regular reporting back to the community.
Acting Shire CEO Felicity Baxter said the Council Plan reflects strong community leadership and sets a clear framework for long‑term outcomes.
“Community feedback gave us a strong mandate,” she said. “This Plan outlines how priorities will be delivered, funded and measured, providing transparency and accountability as we move forward."
New Priority Projects included in the Council Plan come from the extensive consultation beforehand, such as Priority Project 1.2.2 to facilitate the development of an Over 55s Lifestyle Village by producing a Prospectus to attract potential investors and service providers.
Other new Priority Projects are:
- 1.2.3 - Develop a CBD Accessibility Strategy in partnership with the Esperance Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
- 2.2.3 - Develop a gym redesign concept plan for the Bay of Isles Leisure Centre.
- 3.2.2 - Update the Shire’s Cat Local Law 2024 to include cat containment requirements to protect native wildlife (if the State Government changes the Cat Act 2011), and update communications.
- 3.2.3 - Complete proposed improvements to Wildcherry Dog Park, including lighting and dog agility equipment.
- 3.3.3 - Install cover for rural community dams to reduce water evaporation.
- 3.3.4 - Install tank connection points to the Grass Patch community dam to allow connection to the two water supply tanks.
- 3.3.5 - Investigate operational and fire water sources with bores east and west of Esperance.
- 3.3.6 - Work with the Water Corporation and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to improve sewerage treatment and expansion of the recycled water network for Esperance townsite.
- 4.1.1 - Develop a Cultural Inclusion Plan to grow understanding and respect for diverse cultures and outline how the Shire will ensure community facilities and services are accessible and welcoming for all cultures.
- 5.1.1 - Collaborate with key partners to restore, revegetate and protect priority Shire conservation reserves.5.2.1: community energy upgrades project
- 5.2.1 - Implement the community energy upgrades project, to install solar panels, batteries, and window film on 16 Shire buildings.
- 5.2.2 - Develop a Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
- 6.1.2 - Prepare a Land Development Strategy to develop Shire owned land for housing, including Flinders Estate, Corner of Ocean and John Streets in Sinclair and Development Area 3 in Sinclair
- 6.2.1 - Develop a Council briefing item to consider fees and charges for homes used for commercial purposes and short-term rentals.
- 7.2.1 - Partner with Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (GVROC) to plant trees and seedlings across the shire through the Urban Greening Program.
- 7.3.1 - Provide universal access and inclusion upgrades to ensure the Civic Centre auditorium, ablutions and carpark meet universal access standards.
- 7.3.2 - Replace Civic Centre auditorium tiers and seating as they approach the end of their useful life.
- 7.3.3 - Upgrade Civic Centre greenroom and storage to provide greater space and access to disabled facilities for performers and crew.
- 7.3.5 - Review the number and location of public seats along shared paths that connect Esperance CBD with surrounding suburbs.
- 8.1.1 - Develop the Local Area Traffic Management Strategy for Esperance townsite.
- 8.3.1 - Complete a CBD parking review to determine if there is need to increase the minimum size of parking bays.
- 9.1.1 - Advocate for DevelopmentWA to expand the light industrial area to support current and future economic growth.
- 9.2.3 - Provide a feasibility study for RV-Friendly overnight rest areas with self-contained camping sites to minimise illegal camping.
- 9.2.5 - Partner with Esperance Sculpture Trail Inc. to develop the Esperance Sculpture Trail.
- 10.1.1 - Review the Revenue Strategy to assist in long term financial planning.
- 10.1.2 - Develop a strategic advocacy plan with clearly defined priorities.
- 10.1.4 - Develop an IT Strategy to ensure technology supports the Shire’s goals, improves efficiency and encourages new ideas.
- 10.1.5 - Implement a public online mapping system which will show information including ward boundaries, bin collection days, local planning scheme information and fire zones.
- 10.1.6 - Improve access to online financial accounts for rate payers.
- 10.1.7 - Provide an online application portal for development services.
Strong focus has been placed on making the Council Plan easy to understand, using clear language, infographics and summaries. It’s designed so people can quickly see where the Shire is heading, and the community is strongly encouraged get familiar with the new instructions for Council and the Shire. Working together, we look forward to turning these shared aspirations into action, and building a thriving Esperance for generations to come.
Back to All News