Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA is urging the Geraldton community to unite and show their support for upgraded transmission in the area, saying the Cook Labor Government is failing to invest properly in the region’s future.
This week, an online petition was launched, imploring the State Government to ‘Switch on Geraldton’s Future’, highlighted by committing to deliver an upgraded 330kV transmission line.
Ms Warr said reliable power was key in ensuring Geraldton’s future.
“Power reliability has been flagged with me as a concern for residents, community leaders, and business owners,” she said.
“The power outage in December showed just how vulnerable Geraldton is, with tens of thousands of households and businesses going without power for more than 18 hours.
“It’s clear the current transmission is no longer fit for purpose, and I urge the State Government to ensure upgrades for Geraldton are a priority.
“Geraldton deserves a strong power network that can ensure residents and businesses can invest in the town with confidence knowing their community will remain switched on.”
Ms Warr said the upgrades would help get big ticket items such as the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area off the ground.
“The current infrastructure does not allow for growth, and Geraldton’s repeated issues with power over a number of years is an example of this,” she said.
“The State Government has flagged Oakajee for several years in its renewable plans, but without improved capacity, the project remains in doubt.
“This Government seems content in building a road to nowhere without following up to ensure the area is activated.”
Ms Warr said ahead of the State Budget’s release in May, the State Government had the chance to fund the project.
“If the State Government was serious about equity across the state, it would make consideration for this project in its upcoming budget,” she said.
“How many outages does the region need to suffer through in order to be heard?”
The petition also called for a reliable backup power solution, a clear timeline for construction and funding, as well as ongoing consultation with stakeholders.
Ms Warr said the project had been flagged for more than a decade, but nothing concrete has ever eventuated.
“When I was on the Mid West Development Commission board it was a project of significance and had garnered local and broader support,” she said.
“It seems that under Labor, this project has been shelved.”
The petition will be active until Tuesday August 4 and can be viewed on the WA Parliament website.