The Shire of Coolgardie has formally accepted the resignation of its long-serving chief executive officer, James Trail, amid an ongoing independent investigation into workplace culture at the local government.
Mr Trail’s resignation was confirmed at a closed-door council meeting held on Tuesday evening. The former CEO had been suspended since November 2024 following allegations concerning internal workplace issues. His departure comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over the shire’s financial health and increasing discontent among ratepayers.
In a statement released by the shire, Mr Trail’s resignation was described as a personal decision. However, its timing — in the midst of financial turmoil and a formal investigation — signals a pivotal shift in the council’s leadership direction.
Council at a Crossroads
Shire president Malcolm Cullen acknowledged the gravity of the moment, describing the resignation as a “turning point” for the community.
“It provides council with the opportunity to move forward and give our full attention to the shire’s recovery plan,” he said.
The workplace investigation, being conducted by PSL Legal, was commissioned following Mr Trail’s suspension in late 2024. The firm has not yet given a timeline for when its findings will be made public.
A Controversial Tenure
James Trail held the CEO position at the Shire of Coolgardie for nine years, having been appointed in 2016. However, his appointment was not without controversy. Prior to his tenure in Coolgardie, Mr Trail was dismissed from the Shire of Kalamunda over misconduct allegations and was the subject of a Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) inquiry.
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That investigation found he had accepted undeclared gifts from a software company and authorised purchases that exceeded his financial delegation limit. Despite the findings, no criminal charges were laid, and Trail insisted that the Shire of Coolgardie was fully informed of his past before his hiring.
Community Unrest and Financial Concerns
Mr Trail’s resignation comes amid significant community concern over the shire’s financial management. Shire figures show a ballooning deficit projected to exceed $6 million, primarily due to key infrastructure and service projects underperforming financially.
Earlier this month, dozens of residents from Coolgardie and Kambalda gathered outside council offices to protest the administration’s financial decisions. The demonstrators called for Mr Trail’s resignation and demanded greater accountability from elected officials.
Among the protesters was Widgiemooltha resident and community advocate Jan McLeod, who said the resignation was a step in the right direction but warned of deeper issues that must be addressed.
“Hopefully the shire can get on with the financial chaos that it is in,” she said.
“The impact on the ratepayers is paramount.”
The protestors also appealed to the state government, calling for ministerial intervention and oversight in light of the council’s ongoing struggles.
Government Response and Oversight
Western Australia’s Local Government Minister, Hannah Beazley, acknowledged the concerns raised by the Coolgardie community. In a statement to the ABC, she confirmed that the Department of Local Government was actively monitoring the shire and providing necessary support.
“As Local Government Minister, my expectations — and that of the community — are that local governments behave in ways that are productive, responsible and reflect positively on their community,” she said.
Despite community calls for broader resignations and intervention, the state government has so far limited its involvement to a monitoring role.
Financial Recovery and Governance Challenges Ahead
The financial pressures on the Shire of Coolgardie remain substantial. To alleviate some of the burden, the council has recently refinanced existing loans. However, questions remain over the viability of several capital projects and the sustainability of current service levels.
The investigation into workplace practices, combined with pressure to resolve budget issues, has placed the council at a crossroads. With Mr Trail’s departure, the council is expected to focus on restoring trust and operational stability.
“It’s time to move forward,” said one councillor familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “There’s a lot of work ahead — financial, organisational, and community engagement — and we need to rebuild confidence step by step.”
Next Steps
The council is yet to name an interim or permanent replacement for Mr Trail. It remains unclear how the ongoing legal investigation may impact other senior staff or councillors.
For many residents, however, the hope is that the resignation will lead to a shift in both governance style and fiscal responsibility.
“This isn’t just about one person stepping down,” Ms McLeod said. “It’s about changing how this shire works for the people who live here.”
The matter will return to public attention when the workplace investigation concludes and when council begins deliberations on budget planning for the next financial year. Until then, the community continues to demand transparency, accountability, and most importantly — reform.
