Published on Tuesday, 18 March 2025 at 8:21:05 AM
18 March 2025 For immediate release
Statement from the Chief Executive Officer:
The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley acknowledges the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Council.
The administration continues to work closely with the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) to ensure the continuity of governance and service delivery.
With the incoming Minister for Local Government expected to be sworn in this week, a Commissioner for the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley will be appointed in the near future. This person will be empowered to undertake decision-making responsibilities for the Shire.
While major decisions are temporarily on hold, the Shire remains committed to focusing on the organisation's operations and ensuring the effective delivery of essential services to the community.
We appreciate the community's understanding and patience during this transition and will provide further updates as new information becomes available.
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RELATED STATEMENTS
MEDIA STATEMENT
4 March 2025 For immediate release
9:30 AM
The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley has received a fifth valid resignation letter from an elected member. This means that the Council will no longer be able to form a quorum.
The administration has informed the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) of this development. The Shire is working with DLGSC on next steps. Our priority is to ensure there is no impact to residents and that service provision throughout the Shire is maintained.
CLARIFYING STATEMENT
27 February 2025 For immediate release
2:11 PM
Following a review of the resignation letters submitted in the past 24 hours it now appears that only four valid resignations have been submitted.
As it stands, this means that the Council can still form a quorum for tonight’s Council meeting and the administration is planning for this to occur as scheduled.
The administration will continue to work with the Department to ensure that if a quorum cannot be formed, services are not impacted for the community.
MEDIA STATEMENT
27 February 2025 For immediate release
10:21 AM
The administration of the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley has advised the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) that the Council is unable to form a quorum because more than 50 per cent of positions are vacant.
This followed five of the Council’s elected members resigning their positions on 26 February 2025.
The administration will work closely with the Department to ensure the continued delivery of quality services to ratepayers, stakeholders and the community.
As CEO, my thoughts are with our dedicated staff. I acknowledge it is a challenging period for employees, but I am confident that together with the community we can continue to deliver great outcomes for the West Kimberley.
For media information:
Tamara Clarkson
Chief Executive Officer
Shire of Derby/West Kimberley
PO Box 94 Derby WA 6728
08 9191 0999 I ceo@sdwk.wa.gov.au
Maria O’Connell
Coordinator Communications and Media
Shire of Derby/West Kimberley
PO Box 94 Derby WA 6728
08 9191 0999 I media@sdwk.wa.gov.au
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