The Shire of Coolgardie in Western Australia is moving forward with a $22 million offer from a gold mining company for the Bluebush Village mining camp, which was originally intended to be a profitable venture for the local government. Established to cater to the increasing number of fly-in, fly-out workers in the mining sector, the camp has instead resulted in substantial financial burdens due to the costs incurred in its creation and management. Public input on the proposed sale is being sought, with submissions closing on February 17, indicating the urgency of resolving the local government's financial difficulties.

The Bluebush Village project, initiated in 2021, symbolized the Shire's attempt to diversify its revenue streams beyond traditional local government sources. Unfortunately, instead of generating profit that could be reinvested in the community, the project has racked up significant debt, pushing the local government towards a financial crisis. The current offer represents a potential turning point for the Shire, as it weighs the benefits of selling the camp against the community's long-term interests, particularly in light of the promised contributions from profits back into local initiatives.

The looming deadline for public submissions underscores the local government's commitment to transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process. As the deadline approaches, the outcome of this sale could have significant implications for both the Shire of Coolgardie and the broader mining sector in Western Australia, influencing future local government projects and economic initiatives in the region.