Shire Wards to be Reviewed in 2022, Public Engagement Requested
Published on 07 October 2022
The Shire of Broome is embarking on a six-week review of its wards and representation, with members of the public invited to have their say.
In line with WA State Government recommendations, Councils are being encouraged to assess their wards and jurisdictions to ensure a fair representation for residents.
The Shire of Broome currently has nine elected councillors including one vacant seat, split across two wards – seven representing the Broome Ward and two representing the Dampier Ward.
The Broome Shire Council also recently resolved to voluntary move to elect the Shire President by a public vote, rather than being elected by the councillors as it currently stands. The move is a result of reforms announced by Local Government Minister John Carey on July 3, which will compel Band 1 and 2 local governments to hold direct elections for City Mayors and Shire Presidents.
The popularly elected Shire President will hold a single council position not tied to either of the Shire of Broome’s two wards.
The review will assess the current structure and arrangements and evaluate a range of options to find a system of wards and representation that best suits the characteristics of the district and its people.
Any of the following options may be considered:
Option 1-No changes (Contrary to Ministerial Direction)
Option 2-Retain current ward boundaries but reduce Dampier Ward representation to 1
- Shire President – public vote by whole district
- Dampier Ward – 1 Councillor (reduced by 1)
- Broome Ward – 7 Councillors (no change)
- Total – 9 Councillors (no change)
Option 3-Retain current ward boundaries with Publicly Voted Shire President
- Shire President – public vote by whole district
- Dampier Ward – 2 Councillors (no change)
- Broome Ward – 6 Councillors (reduced by 1)
- Total – 9 Councillors (no change)
Option 4 - Amend Broome Ward Boundary to include Coconut Well, 12 Mile & Skuthorpe and reduce Dampier representation to 1
- Shire President – public vote by whole district
- Dampier Ward – 1 Councillor (reduced by 1)
- Broome Ward – 7 Councillors (no change)
- Total – 9 Councillors (no change)
Option 5 - Abolish Wards - A no-ward system would see all elected members represent the entire jurisdiction of the Shire of Broome, rather than specific areas/locations
- Shire President – public vote by whole district
- 8 Councillors – public vote by whole district.
The public submission period will close at 4pm on Friday, November 25.
A Discussion Paper has been prepared to provide more information and is available here.(PDF, 786KB)
This public submission period has now closed.