Published on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 at 9:17:39 AM
Council and the Shire welcome all to the 2026 Annual Electors Meeting (AEM), to be held on Tuesday 3 February 2026 at 6pm in the Council Chambers, 77 Windich St, Esperance.
Under the Local Government Act 1995, every local government must hold an AEM once their Annual Report has been accepted by Council. The AEM is an important part of local democracy, giving community members a direct opportunity to engage with Councillors and senior Shire staff about the past year’s performance and the issues that matter most to them.
The 2024/2025 Annual Report provides an engaging and informative snapshot of not just our community, but also our achievements over the last financial year - available on our website here.
Last year’s AEM showed how powerful community voices can be, with residents raising motions and sharing ideas that helped shape Council decisions. This input led to:
- the inclusion of a Landscaping Plan in the Esperance Cemetery Masterplan
- investigations into a proposed toilet block at Eleven Mile Beach, and
- investigations to join the north and south sections of Keenan Rd, Pink Lake.
The Eleven Mile Beach toilet block was considered through the 2025/26 Budget process, however it was set aside due to cost and land tenure constraints. Council progressed the request for Keenan Rd, with $169,000 allocated in the 2025/26 Budget to upgrade the land between the two sections as a fire access track only (not a through road).
Council also acknowledged the South Coast Marine Park continues to cause anxiety and division in the community, and committed to undertake further advocacy efforts to minimise the impacts of the Park, seek fair and immediate compensation where necessary, and continue to work with State Government agencies and Managers to realise opportunities that will achieve the best outcomes for the community.
In the coming weeks we’ll be sharing some highlights from the Annual Report across the Shire’s website and social media. You’ll see key points from the Shire President and CEO Reports, along with snapshots of the many achievements and day‑to‑day activities of the 2024/2025 year. There’s plenty to explore, from the 1,507 swim school enrolments at the Bay of Isles Leisure Centre, to the projects supported through the Community Grants Program and the 56,141 passengers who passed through Esperance Airport.
The Annual Electors Meeting is open to everyone, you don’t need special knowledge to take part, however you do need to be a ratepayer or Elector to vote. Whether you want to understand or comment on how the Shire performed over the past year, ask questions about local projects, or put forward a motion on an issue you care deeply about, this is your chance to be heard. Email shire@esperance.wa.gov.au with your questions and motions, or turn up with them on the night!
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