Earlier this month reported how the decision had previously been deferred. Photo: Esperance Weekender
Esperance Shire Council rejected a request for an independent investigation into the community consultation for the South Coast Marine Park on Tuesday.
The request came from a resolution of the Annual Electors Meeting last month.
Shire officers had recommended a “no” vote as the Shire had no power over a State Government process.
Shire president Ron Chambers proposed a motion declining the request which we reproduce in full:
That Council
1. Note the motion moved at the 2025 annual electors meeting, acknowledging that the implementation of the marine park continues to cause anxiety and division in our community and writes to relevant State Government Ministers informing them of this.
2. Give an undertaking that the Shire will advocate on our community’s behalf at every opportunity to ensure that these impacts are minimised where they can be, and that fair and immediate compensation be made available where necessary.
3. Continue to work with the State Government, its agencies, and South Coast Marine Park Managers to realise any opportunities that will achieve the best outcomes for the Esperance community.
4. Will not undertake an independent investigation into the community consultation process, for the South Coast Marine Park, as this is a State Government process.
This motion passed 8-1.
President Chambers said this would allow the Shire to focus on “anything that may arise from this Marine Park”.
“Our role is to seek the best outcome for our community,” he said.
Cr Shayne Flanagan, who seconded the motion, said the Shire did not have any decision-making powers when it came to the Marine Park as it was a State Government matter.
Although the public gallery was almost full at last month’s ordinary Council meeting, mostly with people concerned about the marine park, only two were present this time.
