Shire president to retire after new term

Council veteran Graeme Campbell will retire at the end of his two-year tenure as Shire of Broome president after more than a decade in the post.

Mr Campbell was re-elected as civic leader last week after the local government election in which five people were voted in to the Broome and Damper wards.

Re-elected councillor Jenny Bloom nominated Mr Campbell and Cr Anne Poelina put herself forward for the position which was decided by a secret vote.

Cr Bloom was elected deputy Shire president in a two-horse race against Cr Poelina.

Mr Campbell has served 10 consecutive years with the council since being elected in 2003, of which almost nine have been as Shire president.

"When I serve out my term, I will not be standing in the next council election in 2015," he said.

By the time he calls it quits, Mr Campbell would become the second longest serving Shire president in the council's history, alongside Peter Reid, who held the position for more than 13 years.

"I am somewhat humbled to be re-elected for a further term. I have a role in co-ordinating and bringing together the council so we can make good community-based decisions. I am confident we will have a very good workable council," he said.

"It is my role to reflect the council's wishes to the community.

"Even I do not personally agree with the decisions or outcomes of some of the issues, I am required to convey them and I will be doing that to the best of my ability."

Mr Campbell said in his time as Shire president, the council had faced significant challenges and made notable achievements, including the Yawuru Native Title Agreement and the approval and development of housing at Broome North. But with the highs have come the lows.

"We have had to endure the stress and strain of oil and gas driven by James Price Point, the ups and downs of tourism and the economic effect of the global financial crisis on Broome," he said.

"The continued steady growth of the town we have seen over the past decade has not let-up, putting pressure on maintaining and building infrastructure, staff service levels at council and rates."

Mr Campbell predicted the town had a bright future, with the State Government contributing $10 million towards the Chinatown redevelopment and $15 million towards developing the Broome Road Industrial area.

He said there had been division in Broome over recent months but was confident the councillors would unite to drive the town forward in a "sensible and sustainable way".

Mr Campbell called for a gathering of councillors last week, seeking advice and direction, and expertise for committees.