A WA parliamentary question addresses Western Power's compliance with vegetation management guidelines near powerlines, revealing no prosecutions but highlighting a gap between guidelines and enforceable legislation, particularly in light of the Parkerville Fire.

AnsweredQoN 2977Legislative Assembly
Asked
26 February 2008
Portfolio
Energy

QuestionView source ↗

(a) how many times has Western Power breached the Guidelines;
(b) under what circumstances;
(c) what penalties exist for breaches of the Guidelines; and
(d) will legislation be enacted to ensure that the law reflects the obligations set out in the Guidelines; and
(i) if so, when?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
11 March 2008
Responded by
Minister for Energy
Response time
14 days
(a) Western Power has not been prosecuted for any breach of the Guidelines for the management of vegetation near powerlines issued by Energy Safety in 2006. Western Power was considered by Energy Safety to have not followed the guidelines in the case of the Parkerville Fire, however as the guidelines are not currently reflected in legislation, no laws were breached.
(b)  Not applicable.
(c)None. Current legislation does not provide penalties for breaches of the Guidelines.
(d)  This question should be referred to the Minister for Employment Protection.
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