Mr. Zempilas questions the regulatory oversight of vegetation management around solar farms to mitigate fire risks, particularly regarding coordination between local governments, DFES, and any advisories issued following interstate incidents. The Minister's response indicates existing electrical safety requirements but defers responsibility for coordination to local authorities and denies issuing advisories.

AnsweredQoN 734Legislative Assembly
Asked
9 September 2025
Portfolio
Commerce

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Does the regulator require operators to demonstrate vegetation/fuel hazard management around electrical equipment within solar farms? (2) How is coordination managed with local governments and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services where electrical hazards and bushfire fuel loads intersect? (3) Has the Minister or regulator issued any advisories following interstate solar-farm fire or shutdown events? (4) Will the Minister table those advisories and any risk-assessment outcomes for WA sites?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 October 2025
Responded by
Minister for Commerce
Response time
6 days
(1) The design and construction of the solar farm (electrical requirements) requires the installation to be protected against the spread of fire and protected against external influences.
(2) This is a matter for each local government and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
(3) No.
(4) Not applicable.

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