Disaster assistance available to help communities recover from damage caused by tropical low
A category B disaster has been declared for the Gascoyne region following the tropical low and associated flooding weather event from 28 January - 8 February 2021.
The Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments will continue to monitor the impacts of this event and are ready to extend disaster assistance to those communities in need.
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements information and the assistance measures available to individuals, primary producers, small businesses and the community is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.
If you have been impacted, you can also access free Rural West financial counselling services.
Gascoyne primary industry members will be supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) during the recovery phase.
If you have been impacted, the following support may be available to you;
- reimbursement of fees up to $1500 to obtain professional advice on business or financial matters, hydrological or soil conservation issues, feed analysis or other stock health issues arising from the declared natural disaster event.
- reimbursement of some cost associated with freight for recovery.
- fencing in relation to securing livestock.
- Free access to Rural West financial counselling services
Prime Gascoyne horticultural land on the market

Native title agreement secures future for Yinggarda people and expands Gascoyne food bowl
A new native title agreement is set to deliver economic benefits for the Gascoyne region's Yinggarda people and the local horticultural industry.
The agreement will support the Yinggarda people in planning for their economic future and protect culturally significant areas.
It also marks a significant step in the State Government's Gascoyne Food Bowl Initiative, which aims to increase horticultural production in Carnarvon by providing new land and water resources for irrigation.
It paves the way for the full 400-hectare expansion of the Carnarvon horticultural precinct, with a land release for horticultural uses anticipated in the new year.
The agreement follows extensive negotiation between the State Government, the Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation and the Western Australian Agriculture Authority.
DPC media statement: Native title agreement secures future for Yinggarda people and expands Gascoyne food bowl
Gascoyne RED Grants supporting business recovery

Capacity-building to start or grow a business available at Gascoyne Aboriginal Business Development Forum
People from a diverse range of backgrounds will come together at the first Gascoyne Aboriginal Business Development Forum next month, with a focus on engaging and empowering existing and potential Aboriginal business owners.
The Forum is designed to facilitate the connection of Aboriginal businesses with the necessary knowledge and resources to be successful and sustainable.
There will be an emphasis on building capacity to start and grow a business, raising awareness of programs and services available to support Aboriginal businesses and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal entrepreneurs, private sector, industry, government and non-government organisations.
Gascoyne Development Commission CEO Tym Duncanson said the Forum would provide access to information about establishing cultural tourism and construction businesses through guest speakers Darren Capewell from Wula Gura Nyindi Eco Adventure Tours and Robbie Mallard from Mallard Contracting.
“In addition, Tony Emmott from Business Local will be on hand to talk about all aspects of small business establishment and management,” he said.
“The Gascoyne Development Commission supports a strong, diverse and self-sufficient Aboriginal business sector and we’re excited at the prospect of bringing this event to Carnarvon.”
The Forum is free to attend, and takes place on Tuesday 20 October from 10.30am-3.30pm at the Gwoonwardu Mia Gascoyne Aboriginal Heritage and Cultural Centre.
For more information, refer to the Gascoyne Aboriginal Business Development Forum event page.
All aboard – $7 million for Carnarvon Fascine solution

- regular movement of the channel markers to ensure boats can safely use the deepest water
- bringing forward increased mooring infrastructure at the Carnarvon Boat Harbour
- boat owners currently paying fees in the fascine waterway will stay 'fee free' at the boat harbour until they can return to the fascine
- provide overland relocation for vessels not able to exit the waterway on their own.
Plan for Gascoyne region unveiled as part of WA Recovery Plan

- $7 million for immediate measures to assist with access to the Carnarvon fascine while also finalising and implementing a long term plan
- $1.3 million towards planning for the redevelopment of the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp facility in Exmouth, to cater for recreational tourists and separate commercial use
- $1.47 million to upgrade wastewater services to allow for the expansion of the Coral Bay Caravan Park
- $2.65 million for significant upgrades to visitor access and facilities in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, near Denham including upgrades to:
- visitor facilities at Monkey Mia including constructing interpretive trails and features and improving dolphin viewing facilities
- vehicle access and visitor facilities at Steep Point including improving the four-wheel drive access track, new campground infrastructure and the installation of a renewable power supply
- vehicle access and visitor facilities in Francois Peron National Park including improvements to Peron homestead, and new facilities at Cape Peron and Big Lagoon
- visitor facilities at Shell Beach Conservation Park including new toilets, shade shelters and interpretation
- $1.2 million for upgrades to visitor access and facilities in the Ningaloo Coast World
Heritage Area, near Exmouth including:
- Constructing the new Over the Range walk trail in Cape Range National Park
- Upgrading visitor facilities and services in Cape Range National Park, including new facilities at Oyster Stacks, new interpretation and building improvements to the Milyering Visitor Centre and new visitor services at the park headquarters
- Upgrading vehicle access in Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) Coastal reserves and upgrading park services in Coral Bay
- $6 million for the Regional Aviation Recovery program to ensure affordable airfares for residents and tourists including between Perth and Exmouth to stimulate visitation between July and October 2020
- $3 million in total for regional aviation support to ensure a minimum level of service to regional locations Monkey Mia and Carnarvon.
- $18.8 million towards operating regional renal hostels including a service in Carnarvon
- $1.85 million for upgrades to sobering up centres including in Carnarvon
- $8.32 million for upgrades to air conditioning at police stations in regional WA including Burringurrah Police Station
- $14 million to widen Minilya-Exmouth Road in Exmouth
- $6 million towards the realignment of Yardie Creek Road in Exmouth
- $116 million for the Regional Land Booster Package that will make residential, commercial and industrial lots more affordable including residential lots in Carnarvon and Denham and industrial lots in Carnarvon
- $4.7 million through the Regional Road Safety Program to upgrade 78 kilometres of Gascoyne roads with shoulder sealing and installation of audible lines, creating around 120 local jobs
- $2.01 million towards the Police radio network at regional locations converting from analogue to digital including across the Gascoyne
- $80 million State-wide for targeted maintenance programs for regional social, remote and government workers housing properties, including approximately 100 homes across the Gascoyne and Mid-West regions
- $141.7 million to refurbish social, remote and government workers housing across WA's ageing housing stock, including approximately 80 homes in the Gascoyne and Mid-West regions
- $3.81 million to regularise the electricity network in remote communities including Woodgamia, making it safer and more reliable.
Bridging the digital divide for Carnarvon growers

Infrastructure upgrades at Quobba Coast Tourism Precinct

Gascoyne Food Festival back on for 2020
