Duncan congratulates Port Hedland services on cyclone response

Author: Wendy Duncan
Published on: 13-January-2012

 The cyclone preparation and post cyclone recovery in Port Hedland is testament to the thorough and professional work of services in the Pilbara town, according to Member for Mining and Pastoral, Wendy Duncan MLC.

"I congratulate the Shire of Port Hedland, particularly Mayor Kelly Howlett on their preparation and the excellent communication with the community, which meant that everyone knew what was going on and could react accordingly. This sort of work saves lives and property," Ms Duncan said.

Ms Duncan also commented on the swift and efficient work of Horizon Power in restoring power to households in South Hedland following Cyclone Heidi.

"At the time the red alert was called off, 3,600 customers were without power. Seven hours later all but 100 were back on line. This is an amazing achievement and I congratulate all those service workers and volunteers who go out in pretty challenging conditions to make sure their fellow citizens are not inconvenienced for too long,"

The stark contrast between power outages in Port Hedland and South Hedland underline the need for underground power in cyclone prone areas, a key commitment of Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls when he introduced Royalties for Regions at the commencement of the Liberal National government.

"The State government committed $100 million through Royalties for Regions for the Pilbara Underground Power Programme which will underground power in Karratha, Roebourne, South Hedland, Wedgefield and Onslow. The program is well advanced, with work due to start in South Hedland and Wedgefield in the next few weeks."

"These major infrastructure projects can’t be completed overnight especially in the tight labour environment of the Pilbara, but it should be all done by early 2013." Ms Duncan said.

Ms Duncan said that Member for Pilbara, Hon Tom Stephens had made unreasonable accusations about the State government commitment to underground power in the Pilbara.

"Mr Stephens is coming into his 30th year representing the Pilbara; some of those as Minister for Regional Development and as Minister for the Pilbara and Kimberley, and presided over the scandalous neglect of the Pilbara at a time of unprecedented growth," Ms Duncan said. 

"Unfortunately, when you belong to a political party that is dominated by city politicians, all you can do is talk about what needs to happen - it is virtually impossible to get anything done. The Nationals, through Royalties for Regions, can put money where our mouth is," she said.