Leader of The Nationals WA and Shadow Minister for Regional Development Shane Love MLA says Goldfields residents have every right to be furious after yet another major power outage left families and businesses in the dark today.
“It’s simply not good enough. Families and businesses in the Goldfields have had a bloody gutful of being let down by a Government that can’t deliver the basics, like keeping the lights on,” Mr Love said.
The major outage – which is currently impacting over 15,000 properties across Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Coolgardie and Kambalda – was not caused by a natural disaster or severe weather, but by Western Power undertaking planned works.
“This was a direct result of Western Power meddling with its own infrastructure while failing to ensure backup systems were in place and working appropriately,” Mr Love said.
“This is the third major blackout in the region in less than two years, and residents and businesses are sick of Labor’s excuses and being forced to foot the bill.
“Businesses are paying staff while making no income, dumping spoiled stock, and closing their doors while the Cook Labor Government shrugs its shoulders.
“These repeated failures are leaving households and businesses out of pocket, damaging Kalgoorlie-Boulders’ reputation as a great place to live and do business, and showing how little priority this Government gives to regional WA when it comes to delivering essential services.”
A Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry survey found the January 2024 outages cost local businesses an average of $16,000 each, with no compensation or support offered beyond the token $120 extended outage payment.
Mr Love called on the Cook Labor Government must fast-track the promised $150 million Goldfields backup battery before its scheduled 2029 completion date.
“If Labor’s track record of project delays is anything to go by, it’s unlikely this backup battery will be complete and operational ahead of 2030,” Mr Love said.
“Goldfields families and businesses need action now, and I’m calling on the Cook Labor Government to commit to fixing the power issues in the Goldfields and getting a real backup solution in place now, not five years from now.
“While Labor obsesses over building new race-tracks and funding rugby teams in Perth, regional WA is being left in the dark. This Cook Labor Government has its priorities all wrong.”