RDA Pilbara’s first newsletter for 2025 arrives at a time when we are reminded of some of the more challenging aspects of living in one of Australia’s most remarkable regions.
The coastline between Exmouth and Port Hedland is the most cyclone-prone in Australia. And while we are relatively accustomed to dealing with these weather events, the recent Cyclone Zelia was a more extreme Category 5 storm.
If there was one piece of positive news from Zelia, it was that Port Hedland was spared the direct hit that was initially feared. However, very strong winds caused significant damage elsewhere in the Pilbara and floods have posted major problems for many communities, including Marble Bar.
The clean-up from Zelia will take months and the economic impact will likely run into the billions of dollars. It will be a long period before life returns to normal for many Pilbara residents.
Needless to say, the weeks (and possibly even months) ahead will be a time when supporting fellow community members will be more important than ever. Generosity, empathy and patience will go a long way.
From an RDA Pilbara perspective, one of our long-term focuses is on ensuring communities in the Pilbara are positioned to thrive no matter what is thrown at them. Cyclones are part of life for our region, and it is critical that our communities are not only able to survive them but bounce back as quickly as possible in the aftermath.
The Australian Government has a range of programs designed to help support this. The latest edition of the Disaster Ready Fund is open until April 2 for applications to support risk reduction and build resilience in vulnerable regional communities.
The program's third round of funding will invest $200 million to help communities like the Pilbara manage the physical, economic and social impacts of future floods, cyclones, bushfires, storm surges and other natural hazards.
Program guidelines can be found here and there is also information online about projects that have been supported by previous rounds of funding. As the RDA Pilbara team and Committee look ahead to the remainder of 2025, we are mindful of the fact that there will be both opportunities and challenges on the pathway to supporting sustainable and equitable development of the Pilbara. How our region negotiates these will play a big role in shaping the future of the Pilbara.
A major focus of our advocacy will be ensuring all communities in the Pilbara have access to the services and facilities that help unlock the brightest version of their future.
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