Premier calls on City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and racing club to reach agreement on water supply situation

Premier Roger Cook has called on the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club to sort out their water supply differences to secure the racing industry’s long-term future in the Goldfields. The State Government announced on Thursday it would provide a $261,000 grant to allow the racing club to buy the water it needed from the city for the 2025 season. The club had baulked at paying the city’s $2.50/kilolitre price tag, and this year’s racing was in doubt, but the grant has alleviated the situation. Mr Cook, who was in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Thursday, said he had been advised $261,000 was the figure needed to “do the deal” for the 2025 season. He said the grant was a only a “12-month stopgap” to allow both parties to sit down and continue to work out a longer-term solution for water supply and charges. “I was here for the Kalgoorlie Cup last year,” he said. “It’s a great day, and we want it to continue, but we need the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club and the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to reach a longer-term solution in terms of water supply and charges. “It’s the reason why we make it very clear that this is a stopgap measure. “This is 12 months for free to make sure that they can at least hold the racing season this year. “But we need the parties to come together, knock heads together, and sort it out. “I know they will. I know they’re committed to a solution and we’ll continue to play what role we can to be a helpful partner as part of those conversations.” The racing club welcomed the State Government’s grant, saying it was critical to this year’s season going ahead. KBRC chief executive Ian Dunstan said the club thanked Mr Cook, Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia, and Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent for recognising the importance of racing to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community, and for stepping in at a time of significant uncertainty, with the club’s water storage dams extremely low. But Mr Dunstan said there was still no agreement between the KBRC and the city. “Despite prolonged negotiations, we are yet to secure a fair and sustainable recycled water rate with the the city,” he said. “Without a resolution, the long-term future of racing in our city remains at serious risk. “The KBRC has been embedded in Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s social fabric for 130 years, and we are committed to preserving this legacy by securing a sustainable recycled water rate to ensure racing remains an integral part of our city for generations to come.” Racing and Wagering WA also welcomed the State Government’s funding. “We commend the Premier and racing and gaming minister for their support during a challenging period for Goldfields-Esperance industry participants, and the wider WA racing community,” a spokesperson said. “Given a long-term solution is yet to be achieved, Racing WA will continue to support the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club in its negotiations with the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to secure a fair and sustainable recycled water rate to safeguard the long-term future of racing in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.” The city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder was contacted for comment.