Cyclone Narelle Recovery Information
The Shire of Exmouth has been significantly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Narelle and remains in active recovery response.
The situation is changing; this webpage was last updated at 2.00 pm, 12 May 2026.
Help is available to support recovery after the cyclone. This page provides information and resources to help the community.
The Shire of Exmouth is working alongside the Department of Fire and Emergency Services to continue recovery works.
Local Recovery Coordination Group:
The Shire of Exmouth has now moved from immediate response into the next phase of long‑term recovery following the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Narelle on 27 March 2026. This phase is guided by the newly established Local Recovery Coordination Group (LRCG) and the Local Operational Recovery Plan (LORP).
What is the Local Recovery Coordination Group?
The LRCG was officially formed on 14 April 2026. The group provides strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight of recovery activities across the social, economic, natural, and built environments in the Shire of Exmouth.
The LRCG is co‑chaired by:
- Shire President Matthew Niikkula
- Local Recovery Coordinator Tracey Cooper
The group includes representatives from key agencies, organisations, and local stakeholders to ensure a cohesive, supported and efficient recovery process. The recovery journey requires the community and government to work in collaboration to deliver desired recovery outcomes and support services that are needed across different environments. Local Government have a responsibility to lead recovery for the community, the formation of this group and appointment of the chairs ensure that the Shire of Exmouth is delivering on this responsibility with informed decision making.The LRCG ensures recovery decisions are community‑centred, coordinated, and informed by local knowledge.
LRCG Representative Groups
- Shire of Exmouth
- Department of Communities (DoCs)
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation (DBCA)
- Department of Defence
- Western Australian Police Force (WAPOL)
- Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI)
- Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)
- State Emergency Services (SES)
- Gascoyne Development Commission (GDC)
- Exmouth Chamber of Commerce (ECCI)
- Main Roads
- Centacare
- Raytheon HEH Fire & Rescue Service/Red cross
- Red Cross
- Horizon Power
- Water Corporation
- Exmouth Hospital
- Exmouth District High School
- RAC Caravan Park
- Ningaloo Caravan Park
- Exmouth Holidays
- Exmouth IGA.
How is Community Involved?
The formation of two additional subcommittees that inform the LRCG assists the LRCG in decision-making, ensuring that community needs and priorities are heard and understood to provide direction on recovery activities.
The Tourism and Economic Working Group and the Community Working Group were established to cover recovery impacts, needs and actions to respond to across the Environment, Economy, Infrastructure and Social pillars.
The Tourism and Economic Working Group is chaired by the Shire of Exmouth Councillor Jackie Brooks and held its first meeting on 17 April 2026.
Tourism and Economic Working Group Representatives:
- Shire of Exmouth
- IGA
- Yardie Creek Boat Tours
- Glass Bottom Boat
- Ocean Eco Adventures
- On Strike
- Exmouth Bus Charters
- Live Ningaloo
- Tackle and Camping
- Bamboo
- Exmouth Chamber of Commerce (ECCI)
- Exmouth Wholesalers
- Repco
- Evolution Fishing Charters
- DLR Builder
The Community Working Group is chaired by the Shire of Exmouth Councillor Matthew Thorburn and held its first meeting on 20 April 2026.
Community Working Group Representatives
- Shire of Exmouth
- Department of Communities (DoCs)
- Seniors Women
- Seniors Mens
- Daycare
- Early years
- Youth Centre
- Community
- EEFC
- Touch Football
- Cape Conservation Group
- Community Pantry
- Community members.
How to stay updated on Recovery
The Shire will continue to provide regular updates on recovery progress, community support initiatives, and decision making throughout the recovery process.
You can stay informed through:
Community Drop-in Support Hub Exmouth Community Centre
Department of Communities will be based at the Exmouth Community Centre on 22 Maidstone Crescent from next week starting 5 May 2026.
Where: Exmouth Community Centre, 22 Maidstone Crescent
When: 8am - 4pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
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
Shire Services
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, Landfill and Paltridge Memorial Swimming Pool are also open as usual from 7 April 2026.
The Spray Park remains closed for repair.
Visit our office or contact us with any questions or concerns.
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 temporarily reduced screening service
Qantas have resumed Regular Passenger Transport (RPT) flight services into Learmonth on Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
The Learmonth Airport Terminal Building will open on Thursday, 30 April 2026, for check-in processes. Once check-in is complete, passengers will be directed to the Heliport for screening and boarding.
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.
- Batteries are also permitted to be brought as carry-on as per normal airfare safety regulations.
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.
The Shire of Exmouth are opening the Emergency Overflow Camping Facility from 2.00 pm Wednesday, 29 April 2026. More information is available here.
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 is open as of 12 noon Friday 24 April 2026
Department of Transport
Marine Safety WA and Major Infrastructure advises that vessel movement is to comply with a wake free zone and vessels are restricted to the indicated area outlined in the notice:
Gascoyne | Transport WA
Exmouth Residents' Helpful 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.
Department of Communities
The Department of Communities is in Exmouth offering practical and personal support for those in need during this challenging time.
Where: Exmouth Community Centre 22 Maidstone Crescent.
When: 8am-4pm Tuesday Wednesday Thursday. 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.
Centacare Exmouth
Exmouth Counselling
Offers individual, couple, child and family counselling for wide variety of issues. The service also provides Employee Assistance programme counselling which can help with issues such as: Depression, Anxiety, Relationship difficulties, Grief and loss.
Phone 9949 2225, select option 2 or mobile 0455 630 193
Available through Centacare:
Exmouth Financial Counselling
Provides information, support and advocacy to people in financial difficulty.
Phone 9949 2225, select option 1, please leave brief message include name and contact number.
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
Energy Bill Relief Announcement: read more here.
Announced 29 April 2026 Horizon Power customers who experienced outages exceeding 12 hours will automatically receive a doubled Extended Outage Payment, increasing support from $120 to $240.
Horizon Power will also waive network connection and reconnection fees for customers whose properties were destroyed as well as fees for connection of temporary power supplies required during construction. Relief measures are available for eligible services requested until 31 March 2027.
The relief package complements disaster recovery assistance already activated by the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
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
|
|
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 has now concluded 30 April 2026.
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
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.
What Help is Available
Department of Fire and Emergency Services Financial Assistance Overview.
Centacare Exmouth
Exmouth Councillor available: 28/4 Tuesday – 30/4 Thursday 10.00am-2.00pm
Exmouth Counselling
Offers individual, couple, child and family counselling for wide variety of issues. The service also provides Employee Assistance programme counselling which can help with issues such as: Depression, Anxiety, Relationship difficulties, Grief and loss.
Phone 9949 2225, select option 2 or mobile 0455 630 193
Available through Centacare:
Exmouth Financial Counselling
Provides information, support and advocacy to people in financial difficulty.
Phone 9949 2225, select option 1, please leave brief message include name and contact number
Counselling
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
Premiere'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
Premiere's 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
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.
Cyclone Narelle Tourism Business Support Package
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 Applications
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.
Horizon Power Energy Bill Relief
Announced 29 April 2026 Horizon Power customers who experienced outages exceeding 12 hours will automatically receive a doubled Extended Outage Payment, increasing support from $120 to $240.
Horizon Power will also waive network connection and reconnection fees for customers whose properties were destroyed as well as fees for connection of temporary power supplies required during construction. Relief measures are available for eligible services requested until 31 March 2027.
The relief package complements disaster recovery assistance already activated by the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Apply here: Electricity support for Exmouth customers affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle
How you Can Help The Exmouth Community
Help people in WA devastated by cyclones, floods, bushfires & storms
GIVIT is currently assisting people in Exmouth and the surrounding region impacted by Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
Cyclones, floods, bushfires and storms; disasters are a part of life in Western Australia. When disaster strikes, you can help. Donate to the Western Australia Disaster Appeal to help people and communities in recovery, use GIVITto give an item or service needed by someone impacted by a natural disaster.
If you have funds to donate please direct them to the Exmouth community htrough the GIVIT platform for secure, transparent and accurate donation impacts recieved to the community. Contact GIVIT to make a donation here.
People who want to help should visit GIVIT.org.au to:
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- See exactly what’s needed by people affected by this disaster;
- Donate goods that have been requested;
- Donate money to aid this recovery;
- Offer goods through the GIVIT online warehouse;
100% of publicly donated funds received by GIVIT for this appeal will be used to purchase essential goods and services.
If you are a charity, council, outreach team, recovery organisation or community group assisting people impacted by this disaster, please register for free on GIVIT.org.au. Once registered, you can request donations of goods, vouchers and services.
For registered organisations, GIVIT is free, private and easy to use and can provide critical and immediate support to impacted communities.