Electoral boundary changes will affect 51 of Western Australia’s 59 legislative assembly districts ahead of the WA State elections in March 2025 – quite literally reshaping the state’s political landscape.
The abolition of the North West Central electorate and redistribution into the Midwest, Kalgoorlie and Pilbara electorates could have significant impact on the many existing and proposed critical minerals, potash, iron ore and gold projects.
The influence that local MPs can have on project approvals, funding allocations and policy cannot be overstated and so building strong relationships with the MPs who represent, and who could represent, the region is an enormously beneficial strategy.
Other news:
- Northern Minerals receives strong support for $43m placement to progress Browns Range
- Sundance provides Cameroon update
- If it’s material it can’t be invisible – what the JORC does that mean?
- AMEC debates the rationale behind ESG in the JORC Code
- How Investor Insight can amplify your story
The North West Central electorate will be redistributed into the Midwest, Kalgoorlie and Pilbara electorates. Changes to electorate on right
So for those companies with ongoing or upcoming projects in WA’s regions – especially the North West Central electorate – these changes are much more than lines on a map. They are an opportunity to reassess government engagement strategies and to plan how to navigate a changing political landscape.
For K+S Salt Australia, the proposed Ashburton Salt project near Onslow will now fall into the expanded “Pilbara” electorate.
Managing Director Gerrit Goedecke told Investor Insight he felt the project was a better fit for the Pilbara electorate and was looking forward to meeting with the current Member for Pilbara and both Nationals and Liberals candidates.
“The Ashburton Salt project falls in the Pilbara region and we have always said we are proud to be part of the Pilbara,” he said.
“Pilbara people – and I expect this includes the local Member of Parliament – have a good understanding of the balance resources companies must walk between creating an economically viable project which is also acceptable by government regulators, the local community and Traditional Owners.
“We are lucky to have strong support from the Thalanyji People and the Onslow community already and look forward to meeting our project’s future Local Member.”
WA elections are approaching fast and the WA Nationals and WA Liberals have already announced many of their candidates, offering a clearer picture of who will be vying for these newly defined seats – so why not engage now?
Get in early to educate representatives about your projects and understand their interests and electoral priorities.
Build relationships and best-position your company to navigate the new political landscape and create an ongoing dialogue with decision makers to help secure the political support that is often critical to a project’s success.
Having a clear message is important. Getting it out there is just as important. Contact the Investor Insight team to make sure your message is heard by your target audience.
