Cyclone shelters—Port Hedland Community Centre
1291. Hon Neil Thomson to the Minister for Community Services:
Is Hon Matthew Swinbourn the Minister for Community Services?
Hon Matthew Swinbourn: I am the minister.
Hon Neil Thomson: That is why it says the Minister for Community Services; I will get it right eventually!
Hon Matthew Swinbourn: I appreciate the member trying.
Hon Neil Thomson: I am trying.
The President: I hope you do it speedily, honourable member!
Hon Neil Thomson: I ask:
(1) When is it expected that the Port Hedland Community Centre will be fit for purpose as a cyclone evacuation shelter, noting it is now six weeks into the cyclone season?
(2) What are the options for residents of Port Hedland if the Town of Port Hedland is not able to confirm that the Port Hedland Community Centre is fit for purpose as a cyclone evacuation shelter?
(3) Is the minister aware that the Exmouth Recreation Centre on Murat Road is not a cyclone evacuation centre, and how does the minister propose to clarify the confusion caused by the minister's response to question 1263 asked on 10 December 2025?
Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:
I thank the member for some notice of the question.
(1) Local governments, in collaboration with the local emergency management committee and relevant emergency management agencies, including the Department of Communities, are responsible for determining whether the Port Hedland Community Centre is fit for purpose. The Department of Communities is unable to advise on these timeframes.
(2) Residents of the Town of Port Hedland will have access to a safe nearby shelter in South Hedland at the JD Hardie Youth and Community Hub.
(3) I reject the premise of the question. The Department of Communities has advised that the Exmouth Recreation Centre has been identified and listed as one of the evacuation centres identified by the Shire of Exmouth in collaboration with the local emergency management committee.
