❓ Question regarding the emergency response to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle in Karratha, specifically focusing on evacuation planning and decision-making processes. The response indicates DFES was the controlling agency and that evacuation centres were deemed unnecessary after consultation with various stakeholders.
AnsweredQoN 1550Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the application of cyclone and emergency warning systems and evacuation arrangements in Karratha during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle, and I ask:(a) Which agency was designated as the Controlling Agency or Hazard Management Agency for Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle in Karratha;(b) Who was appointed as the Incident Controller for this event, and on what date and time was this appointment made;(c) What decisions were made by the Controlling Agency or Incident Controller regarding evacuation planning and the activation of evacuation centres in Karratha;(d) Was operational evacuation planning delegated to another agency, Incident Management Team (IMT) member, or support group, and if so:(i) to whom was this responsibility delegated; and(ii) was this delegation formally documented in accordance with State Emergency Management policy;(e) What factors were considered in the decision not to open the evacuation centre in Karratha during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle;(f) Did the Controlling Agency or Incident Controller assess on-the-ground conditions in Karratha when determining evacuation and warning decisions, and how was this information obtained; and(g) Are the roles and responsibilities of the Controlling Agency, Incident Controller, and supporting agencies during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle consistent with the requirements outlined in the State Emergency Management framework, including section 3.1 of the Community Evacuation in Emergencies Guideline?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 May 2026
Responded by
Minister for the Environment representing the Minister for Emergency Services
Response time
6 days
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) advises:
(a) DFES.
(b) Four DFES Incident Controllers were appointed between 25 March 2026 to 5 April 2026.
(c, e and f) The Incident Controller is informed by the Bureau of Meteorology products, regular weather briefings, on-ground intelligence, observed conditions, timing and community risk. DFES in consultation with Western Australia Police Force, Local Government and the Department of Communities, determined activation of an evacuation centre was not required in Karratha.
(d) No.
(g) Yes
(a) DFES.
(b) Four DFES Incident Controllers were appointed between 25 March 2026 to 5 April 2026.
(c, e and f) The Incident Controller is informed by the Bureau of Meteorology products, regular weather briefings, on-ground intelligence, observed conditions, timing and community risk. DFES in consultation with Western Australia Police Force, Local Government and the Department of Communities, determined activation of an evacuation centre was not required in Karratha.
(d) No.
(g) Yes
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