❓ Hon Stephen Dawson questions the Minister for Energy regarding power outages in the Cheeditha Aboriginal community following Cyclone Christine. The Minister clarifies that most homes were reconnected quickly, but three remain disconnected due to safety issues that are the owner's responsibility to fix.
AnsweredQoN 1214Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Minister aware that a number of houses in the Cheeditha Aboriginal community, on the outskirts of Roebourne, have been without power since Cyclone Christine hit the community on 31 December 2013? (2) Does the Minister think it's acceptable that families have been without power for over five months? (3) Will the Minister ensure that power is restored to the community as a matter of priority?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
24 June 2014
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Energy
Response time
47 days
(1) All houses in Cheeditha, except for three, were reconnected to Horizon Power's network within three days of Tropical Cyclone Christine, therefore power is currently available at the majority of properties in the community. Horizon Power inspects each property before reconnecting to the network to ensure it is safe to do so, minimising the risk of any harm or damage to residents or their properties. The three houses that were left disconnected had safety issues such as exposed wiring, and in some instances significant structural damage. Fault notes were left on site at the relevant meter boxes with instruction for the property owners about the next steps. When safety issues are identified at a property, it is the owner's responsibility to rectify these issues by engaging an electrical contractor, then to apply to Horizon Power for reconnection.
This was explained to a representative from the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, the organisation who assists in the management of Cheeditha, on 2 January 2014.
(2) All houses within the Cheeditha Aboriginal community that were deemed safe were reconnected to Horizon Power's network within three days of Tropical Cyclone Christine. Only three houses were left disconnected until the safety issues identified are addressed by its owner.
(3) Horizon Power understands that maintenance work is currently being carried out by an electrical contractor at the three properties still disconnected in Cheeditha, under instruction by the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation. Once this work has been complete, Horizon Power will undertake an inspection and reconnect the premises if safe to do so.
This was explained to a representative from the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, the organisation who assists in the management of Cheeditha, on 2 January 2014.
(2) All houses within the Cheeditha Aboriginal community that were deemed safe were reconnected to Horizon Power's network within three days of Tropical Cyclone Christine. Only three houses were left disconnected until the safety issues identified are addressed by its owner.
(3) Horizon Power understands that maintenance work is currently being carried out by an electrical contractor at the three properties still disconnected in Cheeditha, under instruction by the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation. Once this work has been complete, Horizon Power will undertake an inspection and reconnect the premises if safe to do so.
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