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.
An event is classified as any gathering of people brought together for a common purpose by some prearrangement. However, certain events may be exempt from requiring an event permit based on the risk to public health and safety.
All events require an application form, but if you are unsure whether your event may be exempt, please contact the Shire at [email protected].
Our event guide will assist you in identifying basic standards and safety measures to satisfy the approving authorities and ensure the safety of participants.
Public Events Guide
Event Application Form Application to Consume Alcohol on Council Property Notification Form for an Exempt Food Business Application for Certificate of Electrical Compliance Application for Approval as a Non-Complying Event
Event Application Form
Application to Consume Alcohol on Council Property
Notification Form for an Exempt Food Business
Application for Certificate of Electrical Compliance
Application for Approval as a Non-Complying Event
If alcohol is to be consumed within a Shire owned or managed facility or reserve, an application to consume alcohol on council property will be required.
The below application is to allow alcohol consumption on council property for BYO, supply or sale and does not replace the requirement to apply for an occasional licence with Racing Gaming and Liquor.
Fees
The application fee for the consumption of alcohol permit is $26.00 per permit as per the current adopted Fees and Charges Schedule.
Breeches to the conditions of this permit
Should the Shire become aware of breeches to the conditions of the application/permit, the Shire may report these to the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor and may refuse further applications.
Glassware
Glassware is not permitted on council property unless otherwise approved by the Shire. If you wish to use glass in/on council property you must supply a letter requesting the use and what type of glassware and submit this along with your application.
Occasional Liquor Licence – Issued by Racing Gaming and Liquor
Please see Occasional liquor licence | DLGSC for more information on occasional licence requirements and exemptions. Please note that the licensing timeframe is at least 14 days before the event for up to 500 patrons.