Published on Tuesday, 20 January 2026 at 9:59:01 AM
The Shire’s Annual Report is a simple way for the community to see what we’ve been doing over the past financial year; how we’ve spent money, what projects we’ve worked on, and how we’re tracking toward our long‑term goals.
The Annual Electors Meeting (AEM), on Tuesday 3 February at 6pm in the Council Chambers, gives residents the chance to come together, discuss the Report, raise general business and engage directly with their Shire. When people read the Annual Report and take part in the AEM, they help strengthen the relationship between Council and community, ensuring decisions reflect shared values and local priorities.
As we head toward the 2026 AEM, we’re sharing some highlights from the 2024/2025 Annual Report.
Below is Shire President Ron Chambers’ reflection on the past financial year, acknowledging the community’s strong call for advocacy through the 2025 Community Scorecard, and Council’s clear focus on the future.
Over the 2024/25 year your Council has kept its eyes firmly on what matters most: championing the aspirations of our community. Every decision we’ve made has been guided by the Council Plan and by the vision you helped shape through consultation - “Esperance, together we make it happen”. Our role is clear and unwavering:
to provide strong, strategic leadership, to advocate with determination, and to ensure that the wishes of our community are represented at every step of the decision making process.
Council’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development was demonstrated repeatedly over the year. We backed major infrastructure projects for our communities’ benefit – the James Street Cultural Precinct, the Graham Mackenzie Stadium redevelopment, and the Myrup Waste Management Facility - each a bold step forward in strengthening community amenities and safeguarding lifelong education, wellbeing, and the environment for generations to come.
This financial year saw advances in key planning initiatives including the Farm Stay Accommodation Policy and the Public Open Space Strategy, ensuring Esperance remains welcoming, vibrant, and resilient in the face of future challenges. At the same time, we have continued to advocate strongly for improved telecommunications, better access to education, and housing solutions such as the Key Worker Accommodation Project, because these are the foundations of a thriving community.
We run the Community Scorecard every two years and I want to acknowledge the time and thought our community put into completing the Scorecard this year. Your feedback is invaluable, and the results made one message very clear: strong advocacy from Council and the Shire is a top priority.
Advocacy to every level of government, and organisations of influence has always been central to our role. With the Scorecard highlighting just how vital this is to you, and identifying the areas you most want us to champion, we are now shaping a strategic advocacy approach to ensure your priorities are heard, respected, and acted upon.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Elected Members for their disciplined and level headed support for both the Deputy President and President roles, and the respectful, professional dedication they bring to their roles, serving the community as Councillors.
To our CEO, Shane Burge, Directors Felicity Baxter, Mat Walker and Roy Grieve, and all Shire employees - your commitment and hard work have been vital in turning the community’s instructions into real outcomes. Together we’ve shown what can be achieved when Council and the Shire work side by side with purpose and clarity, keeping our focus firmly on delivering for Esperance.
Looking ahead, our focus is clear: to foster economic prosperity, champion tourism development, enhance physical and mental health, and ensure Esperance remains a place where people feel connected, supported, and proud to call home.
I thank our community for their ongoing engagement, energy, and vision. Together, we’re not just planning for the future, we’re building it.
Ron Chambers
Shire President
Related Shire articles:
14 January 2026 - Passionate About the Esperance Region? Join Us on 3 February
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