Tremendous opportunity awaits East Kimberley with council election

A tremendous opportunity awaits the East Kimberley region with the election of a new council in October 2017.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley was suspended by the previous Minister for Local Government in October 2016, and is currently under the administration of Commissioner Ron Yuryevich.

Local Government Minister David Templeman is in Kununurra today, meeting with community members, business representatives and administrators to encourage local community leaders to nominate for council.

Comments attributed to Local Government Minister David Templeman:

"This is a magnificent part of the world and offers such potential for economic development and tourism.

"Electing a quality, representative local government will help the region move forward and capitalise on these world-class assets.

"I urge the community to work together, help build resilience in their local government and create a vision for the East Kimberley.

"Local member Josie Farrer has been working hard to effect change and encouraging local champions to put their names forward.

"At a State level, I have been working on a review of the Local Government Act that will help create an environment that encourages quality representation at the local level.

"I have also asked the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to work with the community on training and supporting the election process.

"It's time for the local community to stand up and recognise that a strong local government is critical for the East Kimberley to achieve its potential."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:

"We have some fantastic people living in the East Kimberley region and I will be encouraging them to put their names forward for election.

"This represents a fresh start for the community and a real opportunity for progress."