Julia Meldrum promises honesty and courage as Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s new council president

New Shire of Augusta-Margaret River president Julia Meldrum has pledged “authentic” leadership as the local government faces challenging times ahead. Rising costs, a steep influx of new residents to the region, a dire housing crisis, and balancing rates rises against services and facilities are all on the six-year council veteran’s radar. After a swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, Ms Meldrum paid tribute to her new deputy, former Shire president Cr Paula Cristoffanini, and said she was looking forward to the full four-year term in the top job. “I’m really excited to be leading the council into the next era, into the next four years,” she said. “It’s a diverse council. It’s great to have fresh ideas and I’m really looking forward to working with them all. “I really want to build — through all that we do on council — build greater resilience and strength within the community, and connectedness, and building on collaborations that are already existing.” Ms Meldrum did not identify any immediate new projects or change in focus for the new council. However, she recently led the Shire’s development of corporate values that will inform the local government’s processes in future. “My leadership style will be authentic to me,” she told the Times. “I intend on acting with honesty and integrity. Courage. Decisive.” Ms Meldrum acknowledged the ride as a council member wasn’t always easy, with some decisions unpopular. “The challenge of being a council member is that your decision-making process is always for the greater good. It’s not for individuals,” she said. “It must be aligned with the community’s strategic goals, so, you know, you’re never going to make everyone happy. That’s the nature of the job. It’s about the greater good. “Now more than ever is the time to enable and support capacity building, resilience and strength within our local community, and support the community in building a future that is bright and balanced for our children and grandchildren.” After a review by WA’s Salaries and Allowances Tribunal, the Shire presidency comes with a nearly $100,000 total pay packet this year. In 2023-24, the Shire president’s allowance has risen to almost $66,000, with about $16,500 for the deputy position. But the president will also be awarded attendance fees of $28,150, with all other councillors receiving $21,995 plus a communications budget of up to $3500. Ms Meldrum moved from Cowaramup to Augusta earlier this year, giving the southern end of the shire two sitting council members with Cr Nicki Jones’ election.