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Advocacy Committee Convenes
The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has established an Advocacy Committee to formalise the Shire’s advocacy approach and drive action around major issues and opportunities our community is experiencing.
As the region grows, local infrastructure, housing and social services must keep pace and support both residents and the local economy. Although the Shire has already been proactively engaging with state and federal politicians, in July Council agreed to formalise its advocacy approach and focus on our community’s priority needs.
At the Advocacy Committee’s inaugural meeting on Wednesday 16 October, Shire Deputy President Tracey Muir was nominated as Presiding Member with Councillor Julia Meldrum (who had submitted her nomination in advance of the meeting) elected as Deputy Presiding Member. Councillor Melissa D’Ath, and Councillor Kylie Kennaugh were also nominated as members of the committee with Councillor Greg Boland taking the mantle of deputy member – he will step into a member role in the absence of an appointed councillor delegate. Shire CEO, Andrea Selvey, and Director Sustainable Economy and Communities, Nick Byrne were also appointed as Advisory Members (non-voting).
Nick Byrne, convenor of the Committee, prepared a report highlighting the priorities for state government action ahead of the upcoming election. The five focus areas include the protection of natural assets, improvement of access to education and social services, addressing housing affordability and upgrading critical infrastructure, as well as a call to increase local government funding and a review of the Financial Assistance Grants Program – which currently ignores the local pressures incurred through the seasonal tourist visitation.
“Our Shire is experiencing unprecedented population growth, which puts pressure on social services as well as infrastructure. Pair that with the seasonal surge in tourist visitation and our community calls for the necessary support from the state and federal government,” explains Nick.
Shire Deputy President and Presiding Member for the Committee Tracey Muir echoed Nick’s views.
“We just can’t go on like this. Our community is demanding more social support, and our roads and coastal environments are deteriorating under the pressure of both our growing local population and visitor numbers. This Committee will help us to deliver some positive results for our community,” said Tracey.
The formation of the Advocacy Committee and its priorities were formally endorsed at the meeting.
Details of the next Committee meeting will be announced shortly.
Further details of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River Advocacy Committee’s 2025 Election Priorities an be found at Council Agendas and Minutes page of our website
Picture: Shire President Julia Meldrum met with the Premier and other state leaders earlier this year as part of ongoing advocacy efforts to secure a greater investment in our community from the State government.