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 9:00am and 4:00pm, 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.
Our Admin Offices, Libraries, Waste Facilities, and Visitor Centre will be closed on Monday, 2 March 2026 for the Public Holiday. Shire of Ashburton Pools remain open.
A ratepayer may elect to pay rates in full, in two instalments, or in four instalments as per the options on the rate notice issued at the start of the financial year.
Payment in full or the first instalment must be paid within 35 days of the issue of the rate notice.
An administration fee and discounted interest charge are applicable to all instalment plans, to cover administrative costs.
A late payment interest charge (currently 11% p.a. calculated daily) will apply to any amount that is overdue 36 days after the rate notice is issued.
Formal procedures for collection of unpaid rates, including legal action where necessary, may apply when ratepayers do not meet their obligations.
Information for ratepayers 2025/26
In person at a Shire Administration Office
You may choose from several payment options:
The Shire of Ashburton understands that financial hardship often makes it difficult to meet all financial commitments when they are due. Please contact the Shire of Ashburton’s Rates Officer at [email protected] to arrange a suitable payment arrangement to settle your rates debt by the end of the financial year.