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 LRCG?
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 the Community Involved?
The formation of two additional subcommittees that inform the LRCG assist the KLRCG 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 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
- Carer
- Community
- EEFC
- Touch Football
- Cape Conservation Group
- Community Pantry
- Community members.