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.
Published on Thursday, 5 February 2026 at 9:00AM
Champions for Pilbara is a new small business about to open its doors to the Tom Price community, made possible with support from the Shire of Ashburton Small Business Grant Program, delivered in partnership with the Pilbara Inland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PICCI) and the Onslow Chamber of Commerce (OCCI). Launched in 2025, the Shire of Ashburton committed $50,000 to the Small Business Grant initiative and, in November 2025, Council approved an additional $35,093 to further support local businesses. The Small Business Grant initiative was designed to support existing and grassroots businesses to expand, diversify, and deliver new services that benefit local communities and aligns with the Shire’s Economic Development Strategy to grow communities, encourage prosperity and enhance liveability. One of the successful recipients, Champions for Pilbara, received $9,145 in grant funding, which was used to purchase a full professional-grade boxing ring and contribute towards specialised rubber flooring, essential infrastructure to ensure safe training and high-quality program delivery. Proud owner Cornelius Grobler said:“Champions for Pilbara focuses on youth development through structured boxing programs that integrate life skills, discipline and resilience. Over the next five years, we aim to establish ourselves as the premier youth boxing academy in the Pilbara, with strong community partnerships and a measurable impact on youth wellbeing. The Shire of Ashburton’s Small Business Grant significantly helped getting our business off the ground, playing a significant role in the set-up and launch of our new gym.” Registration day is this Saturday, 7 February from 10am, with the official public opening on Monday, 9 February 2026. Follow their page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/championsforpilbara Learn about more grants on offer here.
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