$65million to secure power supply for Pilbara communities, Grylls

Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 28-January-2010

The State Government will provide a further $65million to secure the power supply for the coastal communities of Karratha, Roebourne, South Hedland and Onslow as part of the Royalties for Regions Pilbara Revitalisation Plan.

A new network of underground power lines would ensure the cyclone-affected towns have a safe and reliable power supply during the cyclone season.

“These projects are integral to the Pilbara Cities vision,” Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said.

“A secure power supply is essential to the development of the region and will contribute to higher living standards as well as growth in the business and industrial sectors.”

Pilbara Underground Power Steering Committee chairman and Department of Regional Development and Lands acting director general Paul Rosair said the total project cost was estimated at $130million, of which $30million would be contributed through commitments received from the Shire of Roebourne, Town of Port Hedland and Shire of Ashburton.

“An initial $35million of Royalties for Regions funding was provided to Horizon Power in June to start planning for the underground power project,” Mr Rosair said.

“The final $65million allocation allows Horizon Power to start the replacement of the ageing overhead electricity infrastructure and we expect works to be completed by 2014.”

The project would also upgrade the distribution voltage in Karratha from 11kV to 22kV, to help meet the demands from the expected growth in residential and commercial areas of the town.

Network operator Horizon Power would play a key role in community consultation and planning and implementation of the project.

Horizon Power managing director Rod Hayes said upgrading the entire power network would provide an opportunity to install the latest technology.

“This project will result in a safer system and much shorter power outages due to the ‘self-healing network’ technology being adopted,” Mr Hayes said.

“We are thrilled to be the lead agency for this exciting project, and to partner with the State Government to support its vision of improving the quality of life for Pilbara residents.”

Mr Grylls said the Government would continue to improve the Pilbara’s essential services with the movement of the power supply underground a high priority.