Residents on Western Australia's far north coast continue to recover from a severe cyclone season that saw two cyclones hit the Dampier Peninsula within a month. During the 2025-26 wet season, the Kimberley region recorded three tropical cyclones making landfall, the equal-highest number on record, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The Dampier Peninsula, located 2,400 kilometres north of Perth, was struck by Cyclone Hayley in December at category three strength, followed by Cyclone Luana at category two just three weeks later—a rare occurrence for such a small region.
Six months after the events, communities and businesses along the coastline report ongoing repairs. James Brown, managing director of Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, described it as the "most intense" cyclone season the peninsula has experienced. While most of the farm's infrastructure remained intact, accommodation facilities suffered major damage. Repairs to the accommodation have been completed, with final restoration work underway. Brown estimated the farm would be at least $500,000 out of pocket after insurance, with total costs potentially approaching one million dollars.
A spokesperson from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services noted that SES volunteers received 65 requests for assistance across the Kimberley during the wet season, more than three times the number from the previous season. Contractors remain very busy, servicing multiple communities. Local efforts, including those by the Department of Communities and community members, have focused on clearing trees and restoring infrastructure, with the Ardyaloon community notably completing significant repair work.
Brown also acknowledged widespread damage to other tourism operators and expressed that additional support would have been appreciated to help businesses get back on their feet.
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