During the 2024–25 summer season, the Remote Operations and Regional Service Provider (RSP) teams prepared, monitored and responded to the impacts of 11 tropical cyclones and 7 tropical lows, which significantly restricted our ability to access communities to provide services and supplies.
For example, Tjuntjuntjara Road was closed for eight months, restricting service crews from accessing the community via 4WD and instead requiring them to use fixed-wing aircraft.
New fuel tanks strengthen summer readiness
In preparation for the wet season, additional fuel tank capacity was installed across several locations to eliminate the need to fly fuel into communities when roads are closed. As a result, no emergency aviation refuelling was needed during summer.
In addition, the installation of remote fuel monitoring has been beneficial, providing real-time readings to schedule deliveries. Stakeholders reported good cooperation between the Remote Communities team, the RSPs and Recharge, our contracted fuel distributor.
Cyclone Zelia recovery and repair efforts
Tropical Cyclone Zelia in February 2025 caused flooding and structural damage to four Pilbara remote communities: Warralong, Marta Marta, Punju Ngamal, and Jinparinya.
Our Works Delivery Manager and Electrical Inspector, along with the Pilbara Meta Maya service crew, the Electrical Technical Advisor from the Department of Communities, and DFES aviation, assessed building and electrical damages at Warralong to ensure safe conditions before returning evacuated community members.
This joint response streamlined the initial repair process.
Seasonal weather contributed to several unplanned outages due to storms and lightning in Pilbara and Kimberley, and load imbalances caused by fluctuating resident populations also impacted power reliability across some communities.
Community feedback during summer preparedness calls indicated strong awareness of necessary actions, leading to a review of the need for future calls and emails for next wet season. Overall, the Summer Readiness Plan was effective, with several improvements identified for future planning and crisis management.
