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❓ Question on Notice regarding DFES warning escalation criteria during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle in Karratha, specifically questioning the consistency and application of trigger points for different warning levels and the consideration of real-time conditions. The answer refers to another PQON.

AnsweredQoN 1551Legislative Council

Asked

14 April 2026

Member

Hon Julie Freeman

Portfolio

Emergency Services

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the warning levels issued in Karratha during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle, and I ask:(a) What specific criteria, thresholds, or trigger points are used by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services Western Australia to escalate warnings from Advice to Watch and Act and from Watch and Act to Emergency Warning;(b) What trigger points were applied in determining warning levels for Karratha during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle;(c) Were any of the established trigger points for escalation to an Emergency Warning met in Karratha during this event, and if so, why was an escalation not issued;(d) To what extent are real-time, on-the-ground conditions (including observed wind speeds, damage, and debris) incorporated into escalation decisions;(e) How are warning levels aligned with forecasts issued by the Bureau of Meteorology when determining escalation points;(f) Are trigger points applied consistently across neighbouring communities, and if not, what factors contributed to different warning levels between Karratha, Dampier, and Roebourne during this event; and(g) Will the Government review or update escalation trigger points to ensure they reflect local conditions and provide clear and timely guidance to the community?