On April 11th residents in the coastal area of Kalbarri were struck by a severe cyclone. Almost 700 properties were mildly or brutally affected. Many of the properties contained asbestos and it was strewn throughout town. Melissa Pexton who was selected as the recovery controller for the area had brought in fire fighters to wet the asbestos substances. This is done to try and stop some of the airborne contaminants.
Although it is likely Kalbarri and surrounds will possibly take up to three years to fully restore, the road closure was lifted on May 6th. This decision was made to allow much needed tourist income back into the community. The shire president noted that tourists will be observed carefully to ensure the safety of both the community and the visitors.
Information source: Perth Now and WA Today
