Published on Friday, 14 November 2025 at 3:27:55 PM
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder shared its focused and practical vision for the future, with Mayor Glenn Wilson and Director of Engineering Lui Camporeale outlining the City’s focus on development, liveability, and long-term investment at the KBCCI What’s Down the Track forum yesterday.
Speaking to business leaders, investors and community stakeholders, Mayor Wilson said the City is moving with purpose, shaping its own future and setting the pace for the decade ahead.
“Today is about leadership. It’s about action. It’s about setting the pace for what’s next.”
“We’re not waiting for change to come to Kalgoorlie-Boulder - we’re leading it.”
Driving Growth Through Leadership
Mayor Wilson outlined the City’s long-term priorities from the 10-Year Strategic Community Plan: building connected neighbourhoods, strengthening liveability, enabling a vibrant economy, and delivering next-generation infrastructure.
He said more accurate recognition of FIFO workforces remains a national challenge.
“Across Australia’s mining regions, FIFO workers sustain local economies, yet their contribution isn’t always reflected in official statistics,” he said.
“That means cities like ours carry the infrastructure and service load without the funding to match.”
“We’re leading the national conversation on FIFO transparency, through the Australian Mining Cities Alliance and the Regional Cities Alliance, advocating for models that better reflect the real population we serve.”
Housing, Safety, Activation and Economic Confidence
Housing supply and development readiness remain major priorities. Mayor Wilson said the City is advocating “for more land, faster approvals, and smarter infrastructure investment so families, workers and investors have confidence to build their future here.”
Safety and amenity continue to be strengthened through partnerships with WA Police and local agencies.
“Community pride starts with safe, clean and welcoming spaces. A city that feels safe is a city that thrives.”
He said the importance of consistent activation to build confidence and vibrancy.
“We’re lighting up the heart of Kalgoorlie-Boulder with events, partnerships and places that bring people together - because activation fuels confidence, and confidence attracts investment.”
Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s economic resilience remains strong, supported by more than 7,000 local businesses, with 74 cents of every dollar spent locally, and Aboriginal businesses contributing more than $30 million each year.
Commenting on figures shared during the forum, Mayor Wilson said it really puts the strength of our local economy into perspective.
“The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of our region equates to more than $688,000 per person. That’s over $40 billion generated by a community of just 58,000 people. It’s an extraordinary figure and a clear reminder that the Goldfields–Esperance region continues to be one of Australia’s great economic powerhouses.”
Education and training are central to this momentum, with Curtin University’s WA School of Mines continuing to rank among the best in the world, while Central Regional TAFE was recently named WA Training Provider of the Year.
“That means our young people can go from school, to training, to work, without ever leaving home. This is what a sustainable city looks like - one that grows from within.”
Planning Beyond the Next Mining Cycle
Mayor Wilson said the City is planning for long-term prosperity, driven by innovation and enterprise and a strong regional identity.
“We’re planning beyond the next boom. Our strength doesn’t just come from what’s mined from the ground - it comes from what we’re building above it.”
He encouraged business and community leaders to seize the moment.
“We stand at a turning point - a chance to lead, and to redefine what regional strength looks like. Leadership isn’t about waiting for opportunity to arrive; it’s about making sure opportunity finds us ready.”
Building a City for the Future
Following the Mayor’s address, the City’s Director of Engineering, Lui Camporeale, provided an update on major projects and the long-term planning guiding Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s growth.
Director Camporeale outlined how major projects and long-term planning are shaping Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s growth, driven by strong collaboration with the community.
“Everything we do is informed by the people who live and work here,” he said.
“We see ourselves as a conduit between the community, government and industry.”
Key updates included ongoing investment in the city’s unique road network — more than $20 million over the past three years, covering 60% of roads, with works set to reach 74% in the next three years.
He also provided updates on major projects, including the Water Bank project, which utilises recycled water to maintain public spaces, and the new Multipurpose Community Pavilion, designed to support community and industry events.
Through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, supported by over $2 million in federal funding, the City is aligning precinct planning, airport upgrades, and open-space improvements across key areas, including Hannan Street, Burt Street, and the Airport.
Further updates included the Goldfields Oasis Redevelopment, now moving into design with federal support for a new 50-metre pool, and the Airport Master Plan, ensuring WA’s busiest regional airport is fit-for-purpose, and prepared for future growth.
Director Camporeale captured the City’s approach with one line: “In Kalgoorlie-Boulder, we don’t wait for change to come to us — we build it together.”
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