East Pilbara still battling cyclone Zelia aftermath six months on

Six months after cyclone Zelia swept through the East Pilbara, significant damage to infrastructure and ongoing financial strain on local businesses continue to hamper the region’s recovery.

Shire of East Pilbara president Anthony Middleton said extensive road damage remains one of the biggest challenges facing the community, with repairs delayed due to uncertainty over government funding.

“Some of these roads remain closed,” Cr Middleton said. “We estimate the cost of repairs to be around $100 million, and unfortunately, we are not in a position at council to spend that much money.

“We’re lobbying hard to the State and Federal governments around the process to enable the full funds to be transferred to local governments.

“What we are chasing is commitment from the State and Federal government to pay the funds or tell us what they’re going to pay, and then we’ll do the work.”

Local businesses and properties are also feeling the long-term economic effects of the cyclone. Rural West, a not-for-profit financial counselling service, is currently providing support to those impacted.

Rural West chief executive Chris Wheatcroft said many business owners are facing cash-flow problems as they deal with insurance delays and rebuilding costs.

“Sometimes it’s renegotiating or assisting renegotiations with banks or creditors. . . overall, it’s probably about calming and refacing the situation on what it is and what outcome people want longer term,” he said.

“Country people are often good at managing immediate challenges, but sometimes what is more difficult under pressure, especially financial pressure, is seeing what the big picture is and maybe reframing strategy against that change situation.”

The Insurance Commission of WA recorded nearly 40 damage reports from government agencies in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone. The destruction included roof damage, flooding, property loss and minor damage at Pilbara Ports.

Between February 14 and 16, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) received 111 calls for assistance across South Hedland, Marble Bar, Pippingarra, De Grey, Port Hedland and Tom Price.

DFES deployed more than 120 personnel to assist with cyclone response efforts. This included 28 State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from across Western Australia, as well as aircraft used for evacuation and resupply missions.