Many large cattle stations exist in the area including Argyle Downs which was established by Patrick Durack and his brother Michael in 1882.

In 2016, the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley Council's power was temporarily transferred to Commissioner Ron Yuryevich (former Mayor of Kalgoorlie).

The appointment of a Commissioner was as a result of ongoing dysfunction between the elected councillors with allegations of bullying and undeclared financial interests reported to the Local Government Minister.

The Shire was issued with a Show Cause Notice under the Local Government Act 1995 in May 2016, requiring elected members and senior staff to take part in mediation.

As a result of these resignations, the Governor of Western Australia made an order under the Local Government Act 1995 declaring all offices vacant and required the appointment of a Commissioner in place of council until the Ordinary Elections in October 2017.