Dongara locals sceptical after years of blackouts, as Western Power heads visit town to discuss power issues

While power failures were an unexpected source of frustration for those in Geraldton this week, in Dongara and surrounding communities it was another example of the frequent blackouts which have plagued the area for more than a decade. It was with this in mind that Western Power held a community drop-in session on March 17 to speak with the public about the current situation and its plans for the future. Towns in the area including Dongara, Port Denison, Milo, Springfield and Yardarino were hit by several power blackouts over the summer, and while Western Power said the most recent power failures last week were unrelated to the blackouts in the Dongara area, it was yet another headache for local residents. At the event was Western Power CEO Sam Barbaro, who acknowledged the issues facing the area and said he wanted locals to know Western Power are listening to them. “People have been very generous with passing on their experiences, I’ve been listening pretty intently to their challenges, they have pretty basic, day-to-day ones and we want to improve their experience,” he said. “We hear them, we are listening, we empathise with them and we are working to change things.” Measures carried out by Western Power include introducing an emergency response generator in Port Denison, replacing high voltage lines and power roles, and launching a helicopter siliconing and washing program for insulators in the Shire of Irwin, with 3 Ring Main Units to be installed soon as well. Mr Barbaro said he was hopeful the situation would be improving with the measures implemented. “You can never guarantee but we did similiar works in Northampton last year, and what we’ve seen is a significant improvement in their performance this year,” he said. Many members of the public were sceptical of Western Power’s message, however. After about 15 years of blackouts, there was a sense from many that they would not believe the issue is solved until they see it. “We’ve been given all these promises a million times over,” Ms Mitchell said. “My neighbour is leaving as well, she can’t come today because she is just too upset.” Brian Alleaume, who lives on Kailis Drive, said he has been trying to talk with Western Power and politicians for many years, without the situation improving. “We pay for a service, and we don’t get it out here at all,” he said. “We can have these little meetings, but we are still wondering what the outcomes will be.” One man, who did not wish to be identified, had a more positive take on the meeting. “When they communicate more about what they are doing, that makes a big difference,” he said. “All the work they are doing, I’ve seen them doing it and I am happy with it.”