Published on Saturday, 4 October 2025 at 1:54:18 PM
SHIRE OF EAST PILBARA DEFENDS RECORD ROAD INVESTMENT
The Shire of East Pilbara has defended its record on road maintenance and upgrades, pointing to big increases in funding and works delivered across the region.
Shire President Anthony Middleton said Council also stands firmly behind CEO Steven Harding, praising his track record and commitment to securing better roads for the entire community.
“At Friday’s Council Meeting in Marble Bar a local resident passed a comment that there should be a vote of no confidence in our CEO in relation to road maintenance,” he said.
“However only Council can move and vote on a motion of no confidence and that did not occur.
“Council is 100 per cent behind Mr Harding and appreciative of his relentless efforts to push both the Federal and State Governments for fair funding to fix and upgrade our roads.”
Mr Middleton said since Mr Harding stepped into the role of CEO in 2021, the Shire’s annual budget for grading, sealing and re-sheeting roads has lifted to $14.5 million. which is a record level of investment for the East Pilbara.
“It is a record level of investment for the East Pilbara and means a quarter of our rates revenue is being spent on roads for the entire community.”
As the biggest local government authority in the world covering more than 372,000 square kilometres, the challenge in the East Pilbara is like nowhere else.
According to Mr Middleton it’s not just about keeping up with more than 3,200 kilometres of unsealed roads.
“The East Pilbara was still in recovery from Severe Tropical Cyclone Ilsa when Cyclone Zelia came through earlier this year and caused more than $60 million worth of damage,” he said.
“It’s a huge task, but we’re tackling it with a clear plan and strong commitment.”
Mr Middleton said Council will ensure residents and ratepayers remain informed about its road works program and its level of investment.
“We’ll keep putting out regular updates on road conditions and recovery works so people can see progress for themselves,” said Mr Middleton.
“Our focus is on safe, reliable roads for everybody across the East Pilbara and we are channelling investment into the areas which need it the most.”
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