Shire of Ashburton

In 1887 the Ashburton Road Board was gazetted and in 1896 the Tableland Road Board was gazetted.

Following changes to the Local Government Act both Road Boards became Shire Councils in 1961.

The West Pilbara Shire Council was formed in 1972 when the Shires of Ashburton and Tableland amalgamated. The Council’s first meeting was convened at Onslow 8th June 1972.

On 18 December 1987 the name was changed to the Shire of Ashburton, 100 years after the formation of the Ashburton Road Board.

In January 1990 the administration office of the Shire of Ashburton was moved from the town of Onslow to the town of Tom Price. Subsidiary offices were located in Onslow, Paraburdoo and Wittenoom and Pannawonica Library catered for enquires on business affairs.

The Shire of Ashburton covers an area of 105,647 square kilometres and the population is 2,483.