Published on Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 1:33PM
The Shire of Ashburton is proud to have received the Connecting Communities Award (Population under 15,000) for the Onslow Main Street Redevelopment at the 2026 LG Professionals WA Annual State Conference Awards.
The award recognises the transformation of Onslow’s town centre into a vibrant, welcoming and connected community space for residents, businesses and visitors.
The Onslow Main Street Redevelopment represents a significant transformation of the town centre, creating a vibrant, safe and welcoming place for residents, local businesses and visitors while supporting the continued growth and liveability of Onslow. The broader vision for the main street has been to create a town centre that reflects Onslow's character and encourages people to walk, meet, linger and connect Stage 1 represented an investment of approximately $16.2 million and was officially opened on 2 May 2026 as part of the Working Together Celebrating Onslow event, delivered through the longstanding partnership between the Shire and the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project.
The redevelopment has delivered wider footpaths, shaded gathering spaces, new parking, parklets, landscaping and tree planting, public art and significant upgrades to underground services and stormwater infrastructure. The design also builds on the avenue of established red river gums along Second Avenue, complemented by 78 new trees and around 9,400 plants in irrigated garden beds. Custom public art has also become a distinctive feature of the redevelopment, including the Mulla Mulla and Spanish Mackerel installation, developed by Matt Huxtable Art+Play from an initial concept by Emerge.
Shire President Audra Smith said the award was fantastic recognition for everyone involved in bringing the project to life.
“The transformation of Onslow’s main street has created more than an attractive streetscape. It has created a welcoming heart for Onslow where people can meet, connect, support local businesses and enjoy their town.”
“This award is wonderful recognition of the vision, collaboration and hard work behind the project. I particularly acknowledge Director Community Development Chantelle McGurk and Project Manager Alan Sheridan for their commitment and efforts, along with our Shire teams, contractors, project partners, local businesses and the Onslow community,” she said.
The Shire also acknowledges the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project for its ongoing partnership and investment in Onslow, and Ertech for its contribution to the redevelopment.
With further stages of the Onslow Streetscape continuing, the award is a proud recognition of the Shire’s commitment to creating vibrant public spaces that strengthen community connection and enhance liveability in Onslow and the wider Ashburton region.
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