The Nationals WA will deliver a $7 million multipurpose and evacuation centre for Kalbarri, finally providing the
community with a safe, purpose-built facility in the event of future natural disasters.
Nationals WA candidate for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr announced the commitment in the Shire of Northampton
today, alongside Leader Shane Love MLA and Legislative Council candidate Rob Horstman, saying the facility
was long overdue after the devastation caused by Cyclone Seroja in 2021.
“Cyclone Seroja was one of the most destructive natural disasters in WA’s history, and it exposed the urgent need
for a dedicated evacuation centre in Kalbarri,” Ms Warr said.
“Four years later, Kalbarri residents and visitors still have nowhere safe to go in an emergency, and it’s simply
unacceptable.”
The multipurpose centre will not only serve as a critical evacuation point, but will also provide year-round benefits
to the community, including facilities for social events, performances, sporting activities, and community
programs.
“The Nationals in Government will work closely with the Kalbarri community and the Shire of Northampton to
ensure this facility meets local needs and deliver long-term benefits,” Ms Warr said.
“The $7 million commitment from Royalties for Regions will fully fund the project, ensuring Kalbarri gets the
infrastructure it needs without unnecessary delays.”
Ms Warr also took aim at the WA Labor Government’s failure to support Kalbarri and the wider Mid West in the
wake of Cyclone Seroja.
“The Cook Labor Government promised the world after Cyclone Seroja – but almost four years later, they’ve
failed to deliver even the basics,” Ms Warr said.
“They pledged $104.5 million in disaster recovery funding, yet less than 10 per cent of that money ever reached
the people who needed it.
“The slow and mismanaged recovery effort left many families unable to rebuild their homes, and some were
forced to leave the region altogether.
“This clearly shows the value of the Nationals previously committed plan to establish the Western Australian
Resilience & Recovery Agency – a standalone agency tasked with managing community recovery after disaster.”
Leader Shane Love MLA welcomed the commitment, praising Ms Warr for her tireless advocacy.
“The fact that there is still no evacuation centre in Kalbarri after almost four years is an absolute disgrace,” Mr
Love said.
“As Chapman Valley Shire President and Vice Chair of the Cyclone Seroja Local Recovery Coordination Group,
Kirrilee Warr has been on the ground helping her community rebuild. She knows what Kalbarri needs, and she
will fight for it.”
