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Annual Report
Annual Report 2007-2008
Another busy and eventful year has passed and once again, I must sincerely thank my fellow Councillors and the Shire administration for their proactive outlook and continued hard work to achieve our goals.
A number of significant events have taken place since my last report and whilst some doors have closed, a greater number have opened.
Ozjet increased its 3 day per week direct Perth-Derby jet air service to 4 days per week and here I wish to sincerely thank the whole community for its ongoing support of that service.
Mt. Gibson Mining’s official opening ceremony took place on Koolan Island late in August, 2007 for the recommencement of iron ore mining and Kimberley Diamonds at Blina continues to expand and produce diamonds of the highest quality. Exploration in the West Kimberley has stepped up and several exciting ventures are emerging but are still in their infancy at this time.
In Derby, the new General Ward at Derby Hospital was formally opened, the gas fired power station was completed and a further residential land release by Landcorp saw lively interest in the lots which were sold by public ballot in April, 2008. Additionally, and after much deliberation, the Minister for Corrective Services announced the site for the new Regional Prison which is on land between the Derby Highway and Mowanjum Community. A Derby Community Reference Group and a Kimberley Cultural Advisory Group were formed to assist two-way communication on this very exciting new project.
Fitzroy Crossing at last received some overdue recognition with work commencing on the new District High School which is shaping up to be a very impressive facility, the official opening of their new hospital and the announcement by the Premier of $5.4M for the construction of a swimming pool and associated facilities for the town. Construction of their new gas fired power station was also completed.
Activity at the Derby port is constant with 3 barging companies continually servicing Koolan and Cockatoo Islands, a barging company servicing the barramundi farms and regular tour operators.
Our road maintenance programme is ongoing and whilst progress sometimes appears slow, we must work to budget and produce the very best outcome possible.
Local Government elections were conducted in October, 2007 with the re-election of Crs. Iris Prouse, Chris Travers and Ross Sullivan. Two new Councillors were elected being Jack Burton and Annette Kogolo. Annette adds to Shire representation in Fitzroy Crossing and Jack provides a first hand voice for the pastoralists.
I regard myself as privileged to serve as your Shire President and will continue to work with you and for you in 2008/09.
Elsia Archer
SHIRE PRESIDENT
Documents
| File Type | File Size | File Name | File Description |  | 41.2 Mb | AnnualReport0708.pdf | 2007-2008 Annual Report for the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley |
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