Media Release | 9 April 2026
Hon. Rob Horstman MLC
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
Member for Western Australia
Hon. Julie Freeman MLC
Member for Western Australia
Serious concerns have been raised by Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Member for Western Australia, Rob Horstman MLC, about the effectiveness of Western Australia’s cyclone warning system after some North West communities were caught off guard during Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
“On-the-ground reports from residents along the North and Mid-West coast suggest some people were left vulnerable by prolonged ‘Watch and Act’ warnings, when local conditions warranted an ‘Emergency Warning’.”
“Inconsistent information could be a matter of life and death when determining whether to stay indoors, return home or evacuate,” Mr Horstman said.
“Alignment between emergency warnings issued by Emergency WA and forecasts issued by the Bureau of Meteorology is critical to avoid confusion.”
A community petition has been launched in the Legislative Council, led by Pilbara residents and facilitated by Member for Western Australia, Julie Freeman MLC, highlights the significant inconsistencies in warning levels during ex-severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
“Karratha residents experienced damaging winds and hazardous conditions while remaining under a ‘Watch and Act’ warning, creating confusion about when to stop travelling, close businesses and take shelter,” Ms Freeman said.
Ms Freeman said the petition raises important questions about how warning levels are determined and communicated, particularly when neighbouring areas such as Dampier and Roebourne received higher-level alerts.
“It is essential that warning systems are consistent and based on real-time local conditions, not just the projected path of a system,” she said.
Mr Horstman said recent changes to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services warning system have led to widespread confusion.
“Before July 2024, residents knew when to expect an area to be under ‘Red Alert’, allowing them ample time to prepare and take shelter,” Mr Horstman said.
“Under the current system, there’s no indication of when to take shelter until the emergency warning is issued, forcing residents to monitor multiple agencies’ warnings.
“When messaging from different agencies does not align with on-the-ground conditions, it undermines public confidence in systems designed to save lives.
“We’re calling on the Cook Labor Government to fix the warning system so Western Australians know exactly when to act. Western Australians deserve a warning system that is clear, consistent, and focused on community safety.”
ENDS
