Published on Wednesday, 22 October 2025 at 8:41:25 AM
The Shire of East Pilbara has expressed serious concern over the State Government’s funding offer for road reconstruction following Severe Tropical Cyclone Zelia, warning that the proposal would result in roads being rebuilt to a much lower and unsustainable standard.
Shire CEO Steven Harding said the issue is not about cost, but about protecting the community’s long-term infrastructure investment.
The Shire has been offered just $5 million to repair the first five damaged roads — well short of the $8.7 million needed for proper reconstruction. The next round of funding (for the next 5 roads) faces an even bigger gap, with $7.5 million offered against an estimated $17.5 million cost.
“The current offer would see our roads rebuilt to a lower standard than they were before the cyclone — and that’s of great concern for the Council. “We’re not even asking for betterment or added resilience, which we really should be. We’re only asking to rebuild the roads to the same standard they were before Cyclone Zelia hit, and even that isn’t being fully funded.”
Rebuilding below the previous standard will simply compromise the roads’ ability to withstand future extreme weather events. “We are grateful that the discussions are progressing and hope to reach a resolution very shortly. This isn’t about inflated costs; our construction rates are actually lower than Main Roads WA’s. The real issue is the level of quality we’re being told to accept.”
“Our biggest concern is making sure everyone agrees on the minimum standard for rebuilding the roads — it’s got to be what’s best for the community.”
The Shire CEO said the Shire would continue to work with the State and Federal Governments to reach a fair, sustainable outcome — one that ensures essential infrastructure is rebuilt properly and can withstand future events.
-ENDS-
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