Election priorities for 2025
In the lead-up to the State Election the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has delivered a comprehensive set of election priorities to all State candidates, outlining urgent challenges that require immediate government attention and investment.
The priorities, endorsed by the Shire's Advocacy Committee, detail how rapid population growth and tourism pressures are straining local infrastructure and services in one of Western Australia's premier destinations.
"Our region has experienced a 17.9% population surge over just five years, far outpacing the capacity of our facilities and infrastructure," says Shire President Julia Meldrum. "Without targeted State Government intervention, these challenges will continue to impact our community's quality of life and our region's ability to serve as a world-class tourism destination."
The Shire President said the priorities focus on five critical areas (listed below).
“We need a commitment that the State will make an investment which protects our national parks; improves access to education and social services, addresses housing affordability and upgrades critical infrastructure,” she said.
“We’re also calling for an increase to local government funding and a review of the Financial Assistance Grants Program because currently, these funding programs ignore the local pressures incurred through the seasonal tourist visitation."
President Meldrum emphasised, "These priorities reflect urgent community needs that require urgent action."
"We’ve engaged with all candidates and expect them to provide detailed responses and clear commitments on how they will partner with our Shire to shape the region's future."
The Shire President said engaging with all candidates was part of the Shire's ongoing advocacy efforts which involve meeting directly with ministers and relevant heads of government departments to thoroughly explain our community’s needs.
"In the lead-up to the election we've engaged with all candidates, and we regularly meet with State and Federal politicians to advocate on behalf of our community and draw attention to the challenges and pressures our growing community is facing, particularly during seasonal tourist visitation.”
“Effective advocacy takes time, so we’re committed to the long game because we want State and Federal government to invest in our community so that everyone has access to the services and facilities they need and deserve.
The full election priorities document is available here
Shire of Augusta Margaret River's Five Critical Priorities
1. National Parks Protection
The Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park requires urgent action through the community-driven "6-Point Plan", including doubled ranger resources, reinstatement of the Nindup Plain, and improved visitor management infrastructure. The plan also emphasises traditional Wadandi burning techniques and support for businesses affected by environmental impacts.
2. Education and Social Support
Critical overcrowding at Margaret River Senior High School demands immediate attention, while Margaret River Hospital requires significant upgrades to meet growing healthcare demands. The region also needs increased funding for social services, which are currently concentrated in Busselton and Bunbury.
3. Housing Affordability
The Shire seeks state-level coordination and investment for higher-density housing infrastructure, affordable housing projects at sites like Willmott Avenue, and the development of worker accommodation at Lot 102 Bussell Highway, Cowaramup.
4. Infrastructure Development
Urgent investment is needed to extend sewer infrastructure, fund the Western Pavilion for universal access and female sports participation, implement the Gas Bay to Cape Mentelle coastal infrastructure plan, and improve road safety throughout the region.
5. Local Government Funding Reform
The Shire advocates for a review of Financial Assistance Grants to better reflect tourism impacts, with modified funding calculations that account for visitor numbers and ensure sustainable funding for local infrastructure maintenance.