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.
Published on Monday, 20 October 2025 at 3:00PM
Dog Owner Community Safety ReminderThe Shire of Ashburton is reminding dog owners across Paraburdoo, Onslow, Tom Price and Pannawonica of their legal responsibility to keep their dogs under effective control when in public places to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the entire community.Rangers play a key role in upholding community safety through education and engagement, and have the ability to enforce both local and state legislation. This includes the Dog Act 1976, which clearly states under Section 31 – Control of Dogs in Certain Public Places, that a dog must not be in a public place unless it is either held by a person capable of controlling it or securely tethered using a chain, cord, leash or harness of appropriate strength and within the prescribed length.Uncontrolled dogs pose a risk not only to other pets and wildlife, but also to families, children and visitors enjoying public areas. The Shire is committed to maintaining a safe and pet-friendly environment and encourages all owners to act responsibly to protect their animals and others.Rangers will continue to conduct patrols and provide education to support responsible ownership. However, verbal abuse or repeated non-compliance with Ranger directions will result in on-the-spot fines of $200 or further enforcement action.Dog owners are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the approved dog off-leash exercise areas, available on the Shire’s website here. Registration for dogs and cats is also due on 31 October each year, and new Responsible Pet Ownership brochures will soon be available to help guide community members on their obligations.The Shire of Ashburton thanks the community for working alongside Ranger Services to ensure that public spaces remain safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone — including our four-legged companions.For further information or assistance, contact the Ranger Services team at [email protected] or visit the Shire’s website here.
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