Cyclone Narelle Recovery Information
The Shire of Exmouth has been significantly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
The situation is changing; this webpage was last updated at 11.34 am Tuesday 21 April 2026.
Help is available to the community to support recovery after the cyclone.
The Shire of Exmouth is working alongside the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to assess damages and eliminate any immediate dangers to the community.
Full recovery information following the cyclone will be made available and kept up to date on this website page and the following sources listed below. It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest and most accurate cyclone information in an emergency.
Sources of accurate information at this time include:
The Shire of Exmouth Website
The Shire of Exmouth Facebook Page
Residents can register for Shire of Exmouth SMS updates regarding Emergency Services
Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Department of Fire and Emergency Services Cyclone Narelle Recovery
Department of Communities
Main Roads WA
Fire or life-threatening emergencies: 000
Emergency Information: 13 3337
SES Emergency Assistance: 132 500
Main Roads phone line 138 138
Department of Communities hotline 1800 032 965
Community Drop In Support at Ningaloo Centre
Department of Communities, NRMA Insurance, CGU & WFI and Red Cross will continue to be based at the Ningaloo Centre (in the Mandu room) this week (13-18 April 2026).
NRMA, CGU & WFI Insurance and Red Cross will be at the Ningaloo Centre 8.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 2 pm Saturday. NRMA's last drop in date will be Saturday 19 April 2026.
The Department of Communities have advised that they will be on the ground visiting community members and that their community drop-in hours will be reduced to 10 am-2 pm weekdays. You can call 1800 032 965 for assistance outside of these hours/days.
From Monday 20 April the Department of Fire and Emergency Services will assist residents needing help with Premier Relief Applications at the Ningaloo Centre during weekdays from 10 am-2 pm.
Shire Services Updates:
The Shire administration is now open as usual 8.30am to 4.30pm weekdays. Please be kind to our team as we work to provide you with accurate updates and information at this time.
The Ningaloo Visitor Centre, Aquarium and Discovery Centre, Exmouth Library and Shire Depot are also open as usual from 7 April 2026.
The Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool is re-open 7 days per week.
View pool hours here.
The Spray Park remains closed for repair.
You can visit us or email info@exmouth.wa.gov.au for any questions, concerns or advice.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services are remaining on the ground to help us through the remaining recovery period. Additional teams are arriving as we transition from incident response to ongoing recovery. The teams will remain on the ground assisting and supporting us until at least the end of April.
Travelling into/out of Exmouth
The Shire of Exmouth is re-open to visitors.
Learmonth Airport Update - open with temporary reduced screening service
Qantas have resumed Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flight services into Learmonth on Tuesday 7 April 2026.
The Shire have been granted sign-off approval from the Department of Home Affairs to operate a temporarily reduced screening service in order for outbound passenger flights to resume.
To obtain expediency for outbound passengers other than minor items, all luggage is to be checked in baggage. Only minor carry-on will be accepted onto the plane as every piece of carry-on will need to be searched.
This means:
- You can check in baggage as normal
- Carry-on luggage also needs to be checked in
- Only minimal items (phone, wallet, small personal items) are permitted to board the plane with you.
Please treat staff kindly and comply with these new requirements to ensure flights can proceed efficiently and there are minimal delays.
Please contact QANTAS directly to arrange your flights.
QANTAS is the direct line of contact to rebook flights.
Fuel availability and pricing may fluctuate in regional areas during recovery. Travel with caution, plan accordingly and fuel up as you go. Follow Fuel Watch for updates on fuel supply. You can call ahead to check fuel supply levels and follow MainRoads for road condition reports.
To those wishing to visit Exmouth
We understand that many people are eager to visit and enjoy Exmouth. However, accommodation options remain limited as recovery and rebuilding continues.
At this time, our priority is the wellbeing of our residents and the restoration of essential services as we work to welcome visitors back as sustainably and safely as possible.
We urge visitors to ensure they have confirmed with their accommodation provider PRIOR to arrival that their booking is still able to be confirmed and go ahead.
Please check ahead before you come into Exmouth.
If you’re unable to find accommodation for your intended dates, we kindly encourage you to consider rescheduling for a later time when capacity has fully reopened.
The good news is that the peak wildlife season is only just beginning, so there’s still plenty of opportunity to experience everything Exmouth and Ningaloo have to offer throughout the year. We truly appreciate the resilience and understanding of our community and visitors as we continue to navigate this process.
National Parks:
Follow the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for up-to-date information.
Parks and Wildlife Service Pilbara Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WAParksWildlifePilbara
The National Park is currently open for day use only. Ningaloo Marine Park is open.
“Cyclone Narelle has forced temporary park and campsite closures throughout 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗡𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 (𝗲𝘅-𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻), 𝗡𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗴𝘂𝗹𝘂 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀 (𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁) and 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸."
Re-opening of these areas will be advised by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Parks and Alerts System
Boat Ramps:
Tantabiddi Boat ramp is open as of 3 April 2026. Please boat safely and be responsible, as the marine rescue crew and resources are limited at this time.
Bundegi Boat Ramp remains closed until further notice from Defence. The Shire does not manage access to this facility.
Exmouth Marina Boat Ramp remains closed as the Department of Transport completes repair works.
Department of Transport
Marine Safety WA and Major Infrastructure advises that the Exmouth Boat Harbour remains closed.
There has been severe damage to services, wharf, D pens and breakwater.
The Department is working to assess damage and manage safe vessel access. Please stay up to date with their channels for updated conditions.
Limited commercial vessel movements are permitted through approval from the Department of Transport. Please contact the Department of Transport directly if this applies to you.
For permitted vessel movements, the whole of Exmouth Boat Harbour is declared a no-wash zone and will be strictly enforced.
Mariners are strongly advised that all recreational vessel movements in the Exmouth boat harbour are closed until essential services and marine rescue capabilities are fully restored.
Fishing in the Exmouth Marina is not permitted. Additionally, due to damage caused by the cyclone, certain areas are unsafe. Please do not enter any bunded or restricted areas.
Exmouth Residents' Information:
The Shire of Exmouth is working with Department of Fire and Emergency Services, SES, and the State and Federal governments to support our community during this time of rebuild and recovery.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services page has up-to-date information for residents to access key contact numbers and support resources.
https://recovery.dfes.wa.gov.au/recoveries/cyclone-narelle-recovery?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExaDc5Q1VBbXJTQmN5QjQxNHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4zGtT8tYqY3DGZj0yTJey3BqTZZAUq3FpjGtN45BmcC490MC658NVjUmA1hw_aem_JK6m4HK6_gOxxdBqVQKuQQ
Department of Communities
The Department of Communities is also in Exmouth, offering practical and personal support for those who need it during this challenging time. The Purple Shirts Team are based at the Ningaloo Centre
Find the Purple Shirts at the Ningaloo Centre in Exmouth – 2 Truscott Crescent. 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Saturday. The team will also be on the ground visiting community members, and their daily hours are subject to change.
Impacted residents can also call the Disaster Relief Hotline on 1800 032 965 to discuss wellbeing support, assistance measures and eligibility.
Department of Communities Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/departmentofcommunities
This emergency assistance is primarily administered by the WA Department of Communities to help support eligible individuals and families who need assistance to meet their immediate and essential needs as a direct result of the eligible disaster. It may include:
- Emergency accommodation
- Emergency food
- Emergency clothing and
- Replacement of essential household items and personal effects*
- Essential housing repairs to return to safe and habitable condition*
- Personal or financial support services
Note: * These assistance measures are subject to income and/or asset testing.
Power
Horizon Power is working tirelessly to get the remaining properties in town reconnected. There are still some homes and businesses without power. Please be cautious of live wires and stay at least 10m away from any fallen or broken lines. If you are unsure if a line is live treat it as though it is and report an emergency fault or outage 24/7 on 13 23 51.
If power has been restored to your area but your property is not reconnected or is experiencing faults please contact Horizon Power so they can assess the fault and repair damage safely, call 13 23 51.
Our crews are working around the clock - monitoring weather, assessing damage, and checking safety risks to reconnect power to affected properties as soon as it's safe to do so.
- Larger works are currently focused on the 30km stretch of powerlines extending towards Learmonth Airport. Customers supplied by the Learmonth feeder may have their power restored over the coming days.
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Short interruptions will occur during the afternoon to allow critical repair work to continue, and are anticipated to last approximately one hour between 4:00pm and 5:00pm.
Horizon power website: https://www.horizonpower.com.au/
Horizon Power Facebook: Horizon Power
Water
Mains power has been restored to Exmouth’s two borefields, and normal service levels have resumed.
We sincerely thank the community for avoiding non-essential water use over the past week. Your efforts allowed Water Corporation crews to manage tank levels and avoid any widespread supply interruptions.
We extend our appreciation to all those who supported recovery work, including DFES, Horizon Power and the Shire of Exmouth.
While normal service levels have resumed, we encourage everyone to remain waterwise.
Please report water outages to Water Corporation on 13 13 75 (available 24 hours).
Water Corporation Website: https://www.watercorporation.com.au/
Water Corporation Facebook: Water Corporation
Waste
The Landfill/Tip is open and operating regular hours.
The Shire advises that Saturday 18 April will be last day cyclone-related waste to be taken to landfill following Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Normal charges will apply following this date for all waste. Normal fees and charges apply to non-cyclone-related waste.
Cars and or caravans will not be accepted for disposal at the Landfill.
Location
The Tip is located 11km south of town on the west side of Minilya-Exmouth Road.
Opening Times
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Monday to Saturday
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8:00am - 12:00pm & 1.00pm - 3.00pm
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|
Public Holidays
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Closed
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The tip will be manned during all opening hours, and access to the general tipping area is controlled by the attendant via a boom-gate. The tip will be closed and inaccessible at all other times, other than those shown above.
https://www.exmouth.wa.gov.au/shire-services/waste-recycling/qualing-scarp.aspx
The Exmouth Recycling Centre is open.
Free Verge Collection of Green and Building Waste:
The Shire is offering Free Green Waste Collection on 2 April 2025. Ensure your Green Waste is out for collection by the end of the day 1 April 2026.
Details of verge collection requirements can be found here: https://www.exmouth.wa.gov.au/shire-services/waste-recycling/rubbish-collection/greenwaste.aspx
Building waste will be collected after green waste at a later date. Ensure building waste is on your verge by 6 April 2026. If you are able to we ask that you take building and/or green waste to the tip/landfill yourself to assist clean up efforts.
If you are unsure if your street has already been collected and your building and/or green waste was not on the verge by the above dates, please take building waste to the Landfill and green waste to the free drop off point at Talanjee Oval.
Fridges, non-cyclone related building waste and other household whiteware items will not be collected as part of the verge collection services.
Asbestos Disposal Information
Manage asbestos with extreme care.
To dispose of asbestos, it must be wrapped in black plastic, securely taped, clearly marked, and can then be taken to the landfill. Please call (08) 9949 3080 if you have asbestos to dispose of.
Equipment is available at the SES building to assist with safe handling. Please handle with caution.
- Many homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos. If damaged, asbestos can become a health risk.
- If you see broken sheeting from older homes, assume it contains asbestos — do not touch or disturb it without referring to WA Health guidelines.
- Do not sweep, rake, vacuum or pressure‑wash debris — this can release asbestos fibres.
- Keep children and pets well away from debris piles.
For information on asbestos in homes, visit WA Health: https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/About-asbestos
Mosquitos
The Shire currently has an active mosquito management program in place, with assistance from the Department of Health. Residents can help by removing any pooling water around their homes, including in boats, kids/ dog clam shell pools, and any stagnant water. Mosquito activity is expected to increase in the coming weeks.
The best defence is to protect yourself from mosquito bites — Fight the Bite:
- Wear loose fitting, light coloured, long sleeved clothing where possible.
- Use mosquito repellent — repellent is available from the Shire.
- Be particularly vigilant at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, and consider limiting outdoor activity during these times.
For more information visit: Fight the Bite
Mould
After the recent heavy rain and flooding, it's easier for mould to grow indoors.
Mould and dampness indoors can be harmful to health, leading to:
• asthma attacks
• watery, itchy, red eyes
• respiratory infections
• rashes (dermatitis) e.g. eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• sinus problems, blocked noses.
Most mould can be treated by following these steps:
1. Scrub mould off hard surfaces using soapy water. The physical action of scrubbing is the most important component as all the mould must be physically removed to prevent regrowth. Make sure you scrub up to 50cm from the edge of the visible mould as there may be new growth that is not visible to the naked eye.
2. Clean up any mould residue caused by the scrubbing.
3. Dry the area.
Soapy water is usually sufficient for removing mould. Other products that can be used include:
• commercially available products
• natural anti-fungal agents such as vinegar, tea-tree oil.
Noise
We ask residents to please be considerate of your neighbours in all residential areas. To allow everyone some rest, we respectfully ask that generators be turned off between midnight and 6 am in all residential areas, where it is safe to do so. Thank you for your understanding as we recover together.
What Help is Available
Insurance Assistance
NRMA, CGI & WFI Insurance have been in Exmouth at the Ningaloo Centre Hub offering community support and insurance assistance. Following the last drop in session on Saturday 18 April 2026, please ensure you contact your insurer directly and access resources to navigate insurance processes.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
Money Smart: Dealing with natural disasters - Moneysmart.gov.au
Insurance Council Australia: Help in disasters - Insurance Council of Australia
Local Exmouth Counselling Services
• Centacare Exmouth Family Counselling – 9949 2225
• Exmouth Hospital – Social Worker & Mental Health Nurse – 9949 3666 Free After‑Hours & 24/7 Phone and Online Support
Premier’s Relief Payment
The Premier’s Relief Payment is available to provide financial assistance to eligible residents whose dwelling was directly damaged or destroyed by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle. The payment is available to help residents pay for food, clothing, personal effects, transport and emergency accommodation.
- A one-off payment of $4,000 per household is available to eligible applicants whose home was destroyed or suffered severe damage.
- A one-off payment of $2,000 per household is available to eligible applicants whose home suffered major damage.
For more information:
Phone: 1800 490 678 Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
Email: recoverygrants@dfes.wa.gov.au
Premieres Natural Disaster Recovery Fund
Financial assistance is available for eligible residents whose homes were destroyed or suffered serious damage as a direct result of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, as well as for local small businesses and community organisations whose place of business was damaged.
- A payment of $20,000 is available for residents whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed
- A payment of $10,000 is available for residents whose homes suffered major damage
- A minimum payment of $5,000 is available for local businesses and community groups to help with repairs and immediate recovery
Further information
Australian Red Cross administer payments to households and the Western Australian Council of Social Services (WACOSS) administer payments to community organisations and local small businesses.
For eligibility criteria and to apply for household payment
Web: https://www.redcross.org.au/recoveryfundwa/
Email: cva@redcross.org.au
For eligibility criteria and to apply for business or community organisation payment
Web: https://www.wacoss.org.au/projects/pndrf/
Email: grants-pndrf@wacoss.org.au
Phone: 0492 889 432
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
Financial support will be available from 2 pm local time on 10 April 2026 for people affected by Tropical Cyclone Narelle in Western Australia that started on 25 March 2026.
Support for Western Australia Tropical Cyclone Narelle, March 2026 announced - Services Australia
Disaster Recovery Allowance
The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is a short term payment to support individuals who've lost income as a direct result of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
The DRA provides up to 13 weeks of income support for workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances.
A targeted support package is available for eligible tourism businesses; tour operators, experiences and attractions, and accommodation providers, impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle in the Shire of Exmouth, Shire of Carnarvon including Coral Bay, Shire of Ashburton and the Shire of Upper Gascoyne.
Administered by Tourism WA, the Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package includes:
- One-off business survival funding support payments of up to $10,000 for businesses employing under four workers and up to $20,000 for businesses employing four or more staff; and
- A consumer incentive voucher program offering visitors 50 per cent off select tours and experiences and supporting marketing campaigns encouraging visitors to explore and support the Coral Coast region.
Further detail on the business support package and voucher program will be announced soon.
Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package
Tourism WA have announced Western Australia’s tourism industry will receive $1.45 million in targeted funding to support business recovery following the impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
This package will help tourism operators, including accommodation providers, stabilise, recover, and reconnect with visitors across affected regions.
It includes one-off business support funding, with applications now open for eligible operators. Full eligibility requirements are available in the Guidelines below, with additional FAQs available.
Visit Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package - Tourism Western Australia to learn more.
Small Business Development Corporation WA
The impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle are being felt across the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Mid West, placing significant pressure on small business owners, their teams and local communities.
If your business has been affected, we’re here to help.
Book a free consultation
Access our Disaster Recovery Checklist to assess impacts and plan your next steps
Rural West:
Rural West provide a free, confidential, mobile, independent financial counselling service to regional small businesses and all primary production enterprises in WA, who are navigating their way through difficult and turbulent times.
Phone: 1800 612 004
Email: enquiries@ruralwest.com.au
Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is encouraging Western Australian farmers impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle to reach out for support as they begin the process of recovery and rebuilding. Rural Aid provides a range of practical and wellbeing support services for farmers at no cost, including:
- Financial assistance to help cover urgent or unexpected costs
• Counselling and mental health support for farmers and their families
• Emergency hay deliveries to support livestock
• Water deliveries for essential household use
• On-ground help through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs, assisting with clean-up and rebuilding.
Farmers seeking support can call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au
Exmouth Chamber of Commerce
Cyclone Narelle Business Impact Survey:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1381434485449943/user/100080239578773/
"If you operate a business in Exmouth or the surrounding areas, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the Business Impact Survey. Your input will help build the evidence needed to advocate for recovery funding, compensation opportunities, and long-term support for our community."
- Exmouth Chamber of Commerce.
Assistance for Primary Producers
If you are a Primary Producer who has been impacted directly by Tropical Cyclone Narelle you may be eligible for a subsidy of up to 50% to help cover the costs of transporting; fodder or water for livestock, or building or fencing equipment, as a direct result of the disaster. You may also be eligible to receive an interest rate subsidy on new loans taken out for the purposes of repairing damaged assets or business carry on costs. For details on eligibility and how to apply, contact the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Legal Aid WA
If you’ve been impacted by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, Legal Aid WA can give you advice on insurance, debt, and housing, including tenancy and mortgages. You can access free legal help via:
Phone: 1300 650 579
Email: naturaldisasters@legalaid.wa.gov.au
Website: www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers/money/natural-disasters