Shire History

The West Pilbara Shire Council was formed in 1972 by an amalgamation of the Shires of Ashburton and Tableland. The Council's first meeting was convened at Onslow on June 8, 1972.

The name "Shire of West Pilbara" was later changed to "Shire of Ashburton" on December 18, 1987 one hundred years after formation of the former Ashburton Road Board.

The name was changed to provide more identity to our particular region and to discriminate from the Karratha region, which is also labeled the "West Pilbara". The Ashburton River runs through the lower portion of the Shire.

The Shire has four towns being Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Onslow and Pannawonica.

It was decided to move the administration office from Onslow to the more centrally located town of Tom Price. This move was effected in January 1990 when the Shire's administration office was officially opened in Poinciana Street.

Subsidiary offices are located in Onslow and Paraburdoo, and while Pannawonica does not have a sub-office of the Shire, the librarian at the Pannawonica Library can cater for most inquiries on business affairs.

Watering Roster

Everybody should play their part and care for our environment and water resources