Shire of Augusta-Margaret River $10k conference bill a worthy investment as lobbying advances
Ratepayers have paid almost $10,000 for Shire of Augusta-Margaret River leaders to attend a key local government conference in Perth.
Shire president Julia Meldrum, deputy Tracey Muir, three other councillors as well as chief executive Andrea Selvey made the overnight trek earlier this month for the WA Local Government Convention 2024 which had the theme “innovation ecosystem”.
The WALGA-hosted conference from October 8 -10 featured Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley and keynote speakers Michael McQueen and Lucinda Hartley as well as an “icons” breakfast featuring Layne Beachley and Kirk Pingelly.
The overall attendance bill was $9871 with registration for four councillors costing $1295 each plus a $650 one-day attendance fee for Cr Muir and $770 for Ms Selvey who registered for day attendance and a welcome function.
Ms Selvey said it was an important opportunity to network and represent the community in voting on WALGA’s key advocacy priorities.
“Local governments across WA face similar challenges, such as cost-of-living pressures, so attending this event also allowed us to connect with other local government leaders to share knowledge and exchange ideas for developing solutions for our community,” she said.
The shire president and deputy also had the chance to attend a “heads of agency” breakfast with directors-general from key State Government departments which Ms Selvey said allowed the elected members to continue the shire’s advocacy efforts in securing greater investment in the region.
Among the issues raised during the visit included a meeting with senior Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions managers.
“We . . . reiterated our case that we need funding for our national park and more rangers,” Cr Muir said.
“The State Government has a legal and moral obligation to better care for the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.”
Cr Ian Earl said he was a firm believer in working with organisations like WALGA as crucial supporters.
“We heard from various MPs. This helps us to see what their priorities and proposals are so that we can tap into this for the benefit of our community,” he said.
“Sitting at tables with councillors from other local governments enables us to see what we are doing right, or wrong and how we can make improvements.
“It is always good to get out of our fishbowl a see what is happening in other places.”
Other travelling members were councillors Melissa D’Ath and Greg Boland, with the latter, Cr Earl and the Shire president attending extra functions at added cost.
Figures provided to the Times showed food, parking and accommodation costs for the elected members were $458 each, with Cr Earl’s costs $598, $205 for Cr Muir and $270 for the chief executive.
Councillors Boland and D’Ath did not respond to inquiries and Ms Meldrum was on leave.
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