❓ Question on the readiness of the Port Hedland Community Centre as a cyclone shelter and related emergency preparedness concerns in Port Hedland and Exmouth. The Minister deflects responsibility for determining the readiness of the Port Hedland centre to local government and emergency management agencies.
AnsweredQoN 1291Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
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?
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?
AnswerView source ↗
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.
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.
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