The Shire of Wiluna has officially joined the Goldfields-Esperance region, in the first significant change to Regional Development Commission boundaries since 1993.
The Shire had been located in the Mid-West, however, last year the Shire requested to be moved to the Goldfields-Esperance region given its stronger economic alignment to the region.
Following a due diligence review by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, working in partnership with the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission and the Mid West Development Commission, the change was approved by the Minister for Regional Development.
Parliamentary processes to implement the boundary change are now complete.
The Shire of Wiluna, with a population of around 750 people and covering a land area of 184,000sqm, has an annual economic output of approximately $1.3 billion, predominantly due to mining and pastoral activity.
The Regional Development Commission boundaries are set by the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"We have been very happy to support this request from the Shire of Wiluna, whose residents and businesses have strong connections with the Northern and Eastern Goldfields and Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
"This new boundary better aligns the Shire with the interests of the northern and eastern parts of the Goldfields-Esperance region, to deliver better outcomes for the people of Wiluna."
As stated by Wiluna Shire President Jim Quadrio:
"The Shire consulted widely with a range of stakeholders before embarking on this path to realign our boundaries.
"The move into the Goldfields-Esperance region is significant for the Shire and is hoped to bring about improved service delivery and regional representation."
