The Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA is calling on the Cook Labor Government to urgently extend the Regional Airfare Zone Cap to support people travelling from Perth to Exmouth and Carnarvon to assist with recovery efforts following ex Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
Mr Love said cost was now a major barrier, stopping Western Australians from getting to the Gascoyne at the very moment communities need hands on support.
“Many people in Perth have family and friends in the Gascoyne and the Pilbara and are ready to help with the clean-up, but flights are simply out of reach,” Mr Love said.
“This is a straightforward, practical measure the State Government can implement immediately to unlock that support.”
Mr Love said the airfare cap should be extended to those travelling for recovery purposes, with access coordinated through local governments in Carnarvon, Exmouth and other affected Shires as lead recovery agencies.
“Subsidised airfares for people willing to roll up their sleeves would deliver immediate boots on the ground where they are needed most.”
“This is a direct, targeted way the Government can back regional communities and accelerate recovery.”
Mr Love said time was critical, with clean-up efforts already underway and delays only compounding the impact on local families, businesses and infrastructure.
“Every day matters. The longer it takes to get people in, the longer recovery will take.”
“The Government must remove barriers now and ensure communities in the Gascoyne are not left to recover alone.”
Mr Love also renewed calls for clarity on fuel supply, warning that recovery efforts risk stalling without guaranteed access to diesel.
“It is deeply concerning that, in the wake of this event, fuel availability remains uncertain, with reports of service stations in Exmouth running out of both diesel and unleaded,” he said.
“The Premier must make it clear who is in charge of fuel security in the Gascoyne and guarantee supply so the clean-up can proceed without delay, and these communities can get back on their feet.”