Election Priorities 2021
Kalgoorlie Boulder: An Overview The City of KalgoorlieBoulder is moving forward with its strategic goal to guide the growth and enhancement of an integrated and broad economy for the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the wider region by providing outstanding civic leadership, creating a better environment John Bowler, Mayor for people to live, work and invest, and by ensuring our own organisation is always financially strong, smart, operationally effective, internally and externally focused and dedicated to delivering measurable results that show we are really making a difference. The City is seeking the support and investment of State and Federal governments in our industrial and social infrastructure. The City is committed to driving economic development in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, through longterm investment, business and employment growth, but to achieve its goals it requires the support and investment of State and Federal Government to help address the inequalities that exist in regional
Australia. Kalgoorlie-Boulder is in a unique situation where its regional investment, jobs opportunities, and economy are growing, but the population is declining. The population of Kalgoorlie-Boulder reached a peak of 33,267 in 2013, and has since declined to 29,469 in 2019. In the last 12 months, the Kalgoorlie-Boulder region has averaged 1,000 job vacancies advertised on Seek. With the increase of new projects and demands of required support services for the region, the forecast is that the job vacancy rate will continue, if not increase, over the next 12 months. Economic activity in the City and broader Goldfields region has been picking up in recent months due to the increasing price of gold, supported by efforts of the City and its proponents to diversify the local economy through strategic industrial developments. The City has a strong focus on developing enabling infrastructure to support the growth of secondary industries, such as downstream processing, a freight and rail hub, and the development of the Kalgoorlie Water Bank Project, which will supply water at competitive rates for industrial use. There is also a clear need for the further development of social
infrastructure to enhance the liveability of KalgoorlieBoulder. This takes many forms, and the world class employment and educational offerings KalgoorlieBoulder need to be supported by recreational and lifestyle amenities that will ensure the City appeals to the entire family. With a low unemployment rate, a high skills base, and high job vacancies, the City of KalgoorlieBoulder is aiming to attract and retain skilled workers and their families to live and work in our City, to help fulfil its goal to grow the population by 30 per cent to 40,000 residents by 2030. Having a stable population and the ability to attract people to live, work and invest in a regional capital
1 Change from previous year for annual series and change from same quarter of the previous year for the quarterly labour force series. 2 Quarter-on-quarter change. 3 of Western Australia. Source: ABS 3218.0 Regional Population Growth; and 8731.0 Building Approvals; Department of Jobs and Small Business, Small Area Labour Markets; WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Resource Data Files; and Tourism Western Australia, Regional Development Commission Fact Sheets (annual average overnight visitors).
such as Kalgoorlie-Boulder has been shown to greatly assist in strengthening and stabilising regional economies. Currently, the City struggles to retain its population due to increasing Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) practices, and the loss of skilled workers to metro and regional areas around the country. Kalgoorlie-Boulder offers a unique opportunity for those willing to relocate to the region, with around 1,000 job opportunities. Rising gold prices and the ever increasing need for battery minerals presents more opportunities for residential job creation. To ensure that this is feasible, there needs to be appealing social infrastructure to attract and support new residents.
Election Priorities 2021 Airport Runway Upgrade
CBD Residential Units
Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s main airport runway (11/29) surface is nearing the end of life and remediation or rebuilding of the airport sub grade and overlay will need to commence in 2021-22. The strength, in parts, is not suitable for aircraft operating to the airport. One option is to overlay the asphalts, as this will provide 20 to 25 years of life for the surface and increase the strength of the runway. In the near future, a terminal expansion will also be incorporated into the Airport Masterplan to improve the ambience of the terminal by creating more floor space, allowing a larger departures area with café, bar, gift shop and retail. Other airport related activities and future projects include runway extension, taxiways remediation, carpark expansion, road realignments and terminal technology upgrades.
CAPEX EST $10M JOBS CREATED 15 (con)
To stimulate the day and night time economy in the Kalgoorlie CBD by addressing the need for affordable, modern multistorey unit housing. The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is setting out a series of measures and seeking a joint venture partner to deliver this project. The residential unit complex will be a 4 storey building comprising of underground carpark, ground floor retail tenancies and 3 floors of apartments totalling 38 apartments. The units will help provide additional housing stocks for Kalgoorlie-Boulder, at a time when the region is going through a period of high economic activity with the expansion of nickel processing plant, further investment in gold mines, and commitment from Lynas to establish a rare earth processing plant in Kalgoorlie’s Strategic Industrial Area.
CAPEX EST $12M
Kalgoorlie Water Bank
Adventure Playground Designed to bring the community together, and appealing to both residents and visitors, the project incorporates a large scale adventure playground, including equipment that will cater for children of all ages. The playground will feature numerous slides of all different sizes, swings, climbing frames and other spinning contraptions. It will also include tourist information board, public toilets and free BBQ outlets for family gatherings.
The Waste Water Treatment Plant treats wastewater from Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s sewer system to effluent water used for watering the City’s parks, gardens, and also supplies to mining industry, private and other government organisations. A capital works program has been prepared to provide progressive renewal of the sewer network and refurbishment of the water treatment processing infrastructure. Refurbishments will improve operational efficiencies and yield additional treated water supply capacity for industrial use and irrigation purposes. Future capital works program includes increasing recycled water capacity by reducing leakage and evaporation in the system and increasing stormwater capture. This is an enabling infrastructure project, as it will supply recycled water to Lot 500 of the Strategic Industrial Area (Lynas Rare Earth Processing Plant), where it will create around 500 construction and 100+ operational jobs.
CAPEX EST $11.5M JOBS CREATED 50 (con)
The playground will increase community participation, and awareness of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Kalgoorlie-Boulder has a high population of young families and it is vital to have an inviting space for families to visit.
CAPEX EST $5M JOBS CREATED 20 (con)
Election Priorities 2021 Hannan Street Facades
Youth Precinct & Hub The Youth Precinct project complements the Kal City Centre Project, unifying Kingsbury Park and Lord Forrest into a central, youth focused precinct.
The faรงade restoration or improvement is aimed at encouraging building owners and business operators to invest in faรงade renovations and storefront improvements for their building using grants to cover a portion of renovation costs. A grant can match up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000 per faรงade. These projects create a more interesting, appealing streetscape to attract people and business to the area. The aim of the project is to conserve, restore and upgrade Hannan Street buildings, maintaining the unique gold rush heritage of the City and to bring new life and increase attractiveness to the CBD, activating foot traffic and tourism.
CAPEX EST $3.5M
Expanding on the skate park and existing youth amenities, this project will develop on recreational areas with a multi-purpose court, study areas, hang out spaces, upgrades to the stage, toilet facilities for hosting events and lighting upgrades across the whole precinct for a safer space at night. Incorporated into the project is the consideration for a versatile indoor space that complements the broader offerings of the Youth Precinct. This flexible youth space would offer a safe space for young people to hang out, participate in workshops or activities, and connect with support programs. The key to its success will be in having staff employed and based onsite to regularly activate the Hub and coordinate programs and activities.
CAPEX EST $3.3M JOBS CREATED 2 (op)
Street Lighting Replacement
City Wide Pump Tracks In consultation with developers and the Department of Local Government, Sports and Communities, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has a vision to establish a series of pump tracks in under-developed public spaces and neighbourhoods across Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Approximately 5,500 street lights around the City, in both retail and residential areas need to be upgraded using more efficient technologies, specifically LED lights. It is estimated that between 15% - 20% of street lights in KalgoorlieBoulder are not currently working, which has significant negative impacts on community safety. Not only will these lights replace mercury lights which have been banned for use in the United States and Europe, they are also expected to reduce the City’s electricity use by an estimated 1420 MWh per year, which is equivalent to the installation of an 800kW solar system. The upgrade will save the City approximately $450,000 for each year of use and reduce ongoing asset maintenance costs for Western Power.
CAPEX EST $7M
There is growing demand across the State for the development of community pump tracks, which provide an alternate social and recreational activity for young people, providing a series of small tracks of varying skill level, giving them further opportunities to use different tracks and designs.
CAPEX EST $3M
Election Priorities 2021 Jacobs Ladder & Outdoor Exercise
Food Bowl Trial The City submitted a Regional Economic Development (RED) grant in July 2020 to the Western Australian Government for a Food Bowl Trial project. The project is about providing a farm-to-table service for the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community, by installing a modern indoor vertical farming concept in the airport land precinct.
Jacob’s Ladder is a constructed concrete staircase similar to the one in Kings Park (242 steps) and Whitfords (145 steps), which are popular amongst fitness lovers. The ladder will act as a new fitness precinct offering access to panoramic views while exercising. The precinct will feature new play spaces and outdoor fitness equipment, including the expansion of passive and active outdoor exercise equipment to create hubs of outdoor community gyms. These hubs will provide accessible recreation encouraging healthier lifestyles, and will incorporate equipment suitable for seniors to use. Two possible locations have been identified for the construction of the ladder, specifically Karlkurla Park or the Mt Charlotte Look Out.
CAPEX EST $2.1M JOBS CREATED 20 (con)
The produce will then be sold at community markets, with future expansion of an indoor farm on an industrial scale with a joint venture partner who specialises in automation farming. The Goldfields’ low rainfall, and hard soil makes an indoor vertical farming system an attractive option for the City to trial, adopt and then expand. The City has asked for around $250,000 in funding from the Western Australian Government.
CAPEX EST $700K JOBS CREATED 2 (op) 6 (con)
Reconciliation Park
City Entry Statement
Establishing a Reconciliation Park in KalgoorlieBoulder has been highlighted in the City’s strategic community plan. The City is currently updating the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and has established an Aboriginal Advisory Group. A cultural process centred around genuine engagement with the four different Aboriginal groups within the region will need to be sought before establishing a Reconciliation Park. The park will be a symbol of all Australians standing together to support the past, present and future Aboriginal generations. It will be a place to continue honouring the Stolen Generations and reflect on the role of First Australians in our society.
CAPEX EST $2M
The City plans to install vibrant new town entrance signs to welcome visitors with a masterpiece that incorporates the City’s brand and local Aboriginal artistic elements. The signs will include 8x4 metre digital screens which will display the City’s destination marketing campaigns. The structure will also include local materials such as reclaimed timber, stone and reclaimed steel. Digital signs are becoming an essential communication tool for Local Governments, as it can draw locals and visitors to key messages and information on local festivals, opening hours and more. The signs will be located on Great Eastern Highway’s Eastern entry and Goldfields Highway towards Kambalda and Menzies.
CAPEX EST $300K
Election Priorities 2021 CBD Banner & Lighting Upgrades
Building Projection Program The Building Projection Program is a creative arts and culture lighting installation, aiming to activate the city, bringing people together, supporting small businesses, reinventing public space and creating a strong local economy. The artistic light show will be projected on to heritage buildings in the CBDs during national calendar event themes as a way of storytelling and promoting local artwork. The project will enhance the city experience for residents and visitors at night.
The City is aiming to carry out upgrades to the street lighting and banner infrastructure in the Kalgoorlie and Boulder CBDs. These upgrades will enhance the liveability of the City, creating a welcoming environment that is vibrant, accessible and fosters a sense of community. Upgrading the banners and street lighting in the CBDs will increase the appeal of the town centres, enticing businesses, customers and visitors. It will improve the streetscape for pedestrians, with improved wayfinding, better links between key destinations and use of interesting urban elements and materials.
CAPEX EST $2M
CAPEX EST $500K
Boulder Camp Upgrade
Mountain Bike Precinct
Boulder Camp site is an essential amenity for many Aboriginal people from across the Goldfields, providing short term stay accommodation for people travelling from remote communities like Tjuntjunjarra, Yelata and Anangu Lands to have somewhere safe to stay in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The facility requires substantial upgrades, refurbishments to the accommodation and other durable amenities and facilities. Works such as upgrades to the septic tank, a new toilet and bathroom facility, a new laundry facility and permanent shade structures are needed to ensure it remains suitable for human habitation. Future works will also include additional durable accommodation, landscaping, a community garden, and activity infrastructure for children.
CAPEX EST $500K
There is growing demand across the State at the moment for the development of a specialised mountain bike precinct, and the City wishes to support the community in this venture. This support will aid in the formalisation of a managing committee who can then be worked with to further develop this asset for the broader community. Mountain biking facilities are currently lacking in the community, and this project would not only address that need but also provide opportunity for residents and tourism, as mountain biking continues to grow globally as a competitive sport.
CAPEX EST $2M
Election Priorities 2021 Boulder Town Hall Exhibition
Basketball Stadium Redevelopment In August 2020, the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Basketball Association submitted a forward planning major project grant application to the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund (CSRFF) lead by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
Strengthening the Boulder tourism precinct by completing several initiatives such as: • relocating Sporting Hall of Fame from the Kalgoorlie Town Hall to Boulder Town Hall, • relocating Federation Exhibition from Boulder Court House to Boulder Town Hall, and • completing a War Museum and outdoor military hardware presentation.
The project requires the City endorsement, as well as a third funding of the total project costs. The redevelopment of the Basketball Stadium will include land acquisition, structural repairs, and refurbishment, construction of two additional indoor courts and demolishing/construction of existing change rooms. The project is located on the Corner of Brookman Street and Outridge Terrace, Kalgoorlie.
These initiatives will help attract tourists to the historic Burt Street precinct, Boulder Town Hall and Goldfields War Museum.
CAPEX EST $1M CAPEX EST $10M Under Consideration
Issues For Advocacy • Price of water in Kalgoorlie-Boulder • Upgrade regional incentives for attraction and retention of staff in regional capitals • Addressing antisocial behaviour • Affordable airfares • Inequity of State funding for the Goldfields Region • Lack of State support for tourism in the Goldfields • Promoting residential workforces • Affordable housing and review of stamp duty in remote regional areas • Fringe Benefits Tax and Remote Area Allowances • Payroll Tax review for businesses in remote regional areas
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Election Priorities 2021 Summary Of Projects
For more information, contact John Walker, CEO City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder 577 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie WA 6430 PO Box 2042 Boulder, WA 6432 T: (08) 9021 9600 E: ceo@ckb.wa.gov.au www.ckb.wa.gov.au This information is available in alternative formats upon request, please contact us for assistance.