Coolgardie Shire CEO Resigns Amid Investigation and Financial Turmoil
The long-standing chief executive of the Shire of Coolgardie in Western Australia has stepped down amid an ongoing workplace investigation.
Councillors met privately on Tuesday to formally accept the resignation of James Trail, who had been suspended since November following allegations related to workplace culture. The suspension prompted the council to launch an independent investigation into the matter.
The Shire confirmed that Mr Trail’s resignation was his own decision. His departure comes as the local government faces mounting concerns about its financial stability and rising dissatisfaction among ratepayers.
Shire President Malcolm Cullen described the resignation as a key moment for the council. “This allows us to focus on the shire’s recovery and move forward,” he said in a statement.
The investigation, being carried out by PSL Legal, remains ongoing, with no timeline provided for its completion.
Mr Trail had served as CEO since 2016. Before his appointment, he was dismissed from a similar role at the Shire of Kalamunda for misconduct and was previously investigated by the Corruption and Crime Commission. That inquiry found he accepted undeclared gifts from a software vendor and made purchases exceeding approved financial limits, though he was never criminally charged. The Shire of Coolgardie was fully informed of this history when hiring him.
Since Mr Trail’s suspension, community concerns have intensified over the shire’s financial health, particularly in Coolgardie and Kambalda. Shire records indicate a projected budget deficit exceeding $6 million, driven by underperforming assets and projects.
In response, the council has refinanced several loans to manage the strain.
Earlier this month, residents in Coolgardie staged a protest, demanding the resignation of Mr Trail and other council members, and calling on the state government to intervene.
Jan McLeod, a Widgiemooltha resident and protest organiser, said Mr Trail’s resignation was a necessary first step in resolving broader issues. She welcomed the move but criticised the delay in addressing the shire’s financial challenges.
“Hopefully, the shire can now focus on fixing the financial chaos,” she said. “The well-being of ratepayers must be the priority.”
She added that the Department of Local Government was actively monitoring the situation and offering support to both council and staff.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley urged community members to remain respectful while the investigation continues. “It’s important that local governments operate responsibly and in a way that reflects well on their communities,” she said.
