The Shire of Ashburton serves communities across a vast region in the Pilbara, Western Australia. This region is renowned for its mining, agriculture and fishing, and for its rugged, ancient landscape and historical importance.
The history of the Pilbara dates back as far as 40,000 years. Over 700 historic Aboriginal archaeological sites have been found in the Pilbara, as well as over 10,000 rock engravings.
The main centres of population are the administrative centre of Tom Price and the towns of Onslow, Pannawonica and Paraburdoo. The Shire also encompasses the Aboriginal communities of Bindi Bindi, Wakathuni, Bellary, Youngaleena and Ngurawaana.
Opportunity to Community
At the Shire of Ashburton, we provide core Council services and work with mining and other resources companies to create liveable townships.
Our vision is to embrace our unique Pilbara environment and lifestyle, by developing vibrant, active and connected communities.
As community members ourselves, we believe that social values are worth fighting for, and that everyone deserves to share in the richness created from where we choose to invest, live and visit.
We are dedicated to driving and delivering ‘opportunity to community.’
Our Council Crest
Our original Council Crest was bordered with the Sturt Pea. When the Shire was renamed to Ashburton, the Council changed the design of the Crest by replacing the Sturt Pea with the Ashburton Pea, which is native to the Ashburton area.
Fe symbol – The elemental symbol for iron, which is mined in Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica.
Cattle and sheep – Represent the stations and pastoral land located within the Shire.
Railway – Symbolises the expansion of the land due to the iron ore industry.
Ship – Refers to the bulk carriers that transport the iron ore to overseas markets.
Fish – Depicts the mullet, which translates to ‘Pilbara’ in local Aboriginal dialects.
At the Shire of Ashburton, our Community Development team works across Arts, Youth, Programs & Events, and Club & Group Development to build vibrant, connected and resilient communities.
In line with the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan and the My Pilbara Home Strategy, we’re committed to creating inclusive opportunities that celebrate our people, strengthen local identity, and enhance the wellbeing of everyone who calls the Ashburton region home. From supporting young people and community groups to delivering programs and events that bring residents together, we’re helping our communities thrive — now and into the future.
The Shire of Ashburton's Environmental Health department is responsible for the assessment and management of risks to public health, safety and well-being, with the aim to create and maintain environments which promote good public health.
To discuss an Environmental health issue please contact (08) 9188 4444 or email health@ashburton.wa.gov.au
The Shire of Ashburton's Rangers are based in Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Onslow.
Our Ranger Services team is responsible for enforcing the following legislation as Municipal Law Enforcement Officers:
Dog Act 1976, Cat Act 2011 and associated local laws
Litter Act 1979
Control of Vehicles (Off Road Areas) Act 1978
Local Government Act 1995 (in relation to vehicle offences)
Bush Fires Act 1954
Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960
Various Local Laws of the Shire of Ashburton
Contacting Shire RangersRanger Services are available between 8:00am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. On weekends and public holidays, Rangers may respond when available and to emergency situations only. The Shire's after-hours monitoring service will assess calls and take appropriate action.
To report a situation, please call (08) 9188 4444.
Emergency situations may include:
Dog attack
Injured animal where no other service is available and it presents a public safety risk
Dog contained and requiring immediate removal due to safety risk
Reports not classified as an emergency by the Shire Ranger will be actioned on the next business day.
Please be advised that Shire offices are closed from 4pm, Friday 19 December 2025 and will reopen at 9am, Monday 5 January 2026. For urgent enquiries, please call (08) 9188 4444 and chat to our after-hours call centre.
The Shire of Ashburton work with a number of business partners to create and maintain improved town amenities and facilities, as well as develop new opportunities for the enrichment of our towns.
For further details on any of the projects please contact the Shire of Ashburton on (08) 9188 4444 or [email protected].
Posted: 23/05/2023 12:00 AM Closed Date: 01/06/2023 10:00 AM
Please complete the survey to help us understand your club needs and how we can better assist grow and connect our sporting clubs, groups and associations in the Shire of Ashburton.
Posted: 17/11/2022 12:00 AM Closed Date: 13/01/2023 04:30 PM
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Schedule 2.2 of the Local Government Act 1995, the Shire of Ashburton is conducting a review of its ward boundaries and elected member representation.
Posted: 23/07/2021 12:00 AM Closed Date: 22/12/2022 08:55 AM
Posted: 27/11/2020 12:00 AM Closed Date: 21/03/2022 09:35 AM
The Waterwise Council program helps councils in Western Australia adhere to the State Government’s water efficiency measures and further encourages improved water use management at a corporate and community level. The Shire of Ashburton is proud to be a Waterwise Council, and continues to work towards improving water efficiency in Onslow.
Great News! The Shire of Ashburton has recently received notification that we have successfully retained our Waterwise Council endorsement for 2015.
Posted: 07/12/2021 12:00 AM Closed Date: 12/01/2022 02:00 PM
The Shire of Ashburton has commenced upgrades to ANZAC Park in Tom Price.
Posted: 20/12/2021 02:00 PM Closed Date: 04/01/2022 08:00 AM
Shire of Ashburton residents are advised that Shire services will run alternative opening hours across Christmas and New Year.
The Shire of Ashburton administration office Christmas closure will commence on Monday 27 December 2021 until Monday 3 January 2022. Shire offices will reopen on Tuesday 4 January 2022.
Posted: 27/11/2020 12:00 AM Closed Date: 31/12/2021 08:15 AM
To secure Onslow’s long-term water future, Water Corporation plans to construct a seawater desalination plant in Onslow.
This proposal will result in the town having an additional source of drinking water that is climate independent. It will provide security of water supply for Onslow.
The design process has started, and Water Corporation are currently asking for further feedback, with a view to submitting a final proposal for environmental approval.
Posted: 04/08/2021 12:00 AM Closed Date: 30/11/2021 12:00 AM
The Shire is commencing a review of our Strategic Community Plan to ensure that as a Local Government we continue to provide for and plan in line with community expectations and needs. This is your chance to tell us what you like about our community, what you would like to see in the community and also to let us know how we are doing and how we can continue to drive and deliver opportunity to community.
Posted: 30/06/2021 12:00 AM Closed Date: 23/07/2021 01:25 PM
The Shire is looking for suggestions and feedback on new equipment for Onslow Gym.
Posted: 27/11/2020 12:00 AM Closed Date: 30/06/2021 08:15 AM
The urban form of Onslow over many years has significantly modified the extent of the dunal system to the point where it is difficult to define. Accordingly, there is some conjecture as to where the “frontal dune areas of the townsite” as referred to in Sub Clause 7.3.1 actually exists. In June 2003, the Western Australian State Government released Statement of Planning Policy No. 2.6 - The State Coastal Planning Policy (SCPP).
The SCPP provides guidance for new development, including subdivision and strata subdivision, on the Western Australian coastline. The SCPP outlines the recommended criteria for use in determining the appropriate Physical Processes Setback (PPS). The PPS should provide a low level of risk to the development from coastal erosion over a 100 year planning horizon.
Posted: 13/05/2021 12:00 AM Closed Date: 27/05/2021 11:55 PM
The Shire of Ashburton is inviting community members to provide feedback on a number of proposals to improve stormwater drainage and foreshore protection in Onslow.
There are no past consultations for this consultation type.