‘Long Overdue’: Western Power to undertake major works around Mullewa to improve reliability

Western Power has committed $4 million to improve electricity reliability in Mullewa as part of broader Mid West works to protect power supply from major weather events.

The major infrastructure upgrade will see crews replace more than 340 poles and over 25km of conductors in the town and surrounding areas as well as replacing insulators and crossarms.

Additionally, more than 20 streetlights will be replaced with new LED globes.

There will be multiple planned outages so crews can undertake the work which will be communicated to businesses and residents beforehand.

These works are in addition to the $16M spent on bushfire mitigation in the Mid-West ahead of summer to improve reliability and minimise bushfire risk and associated impacts on the network.

Power supply to regional Mid West areas has been in the spotlight with many towns, including Mullewa, experiencing frequent and long-term outages.

Mayor of the City of Greater Geraldton Shane Van Styn said the works are long overdue.

“The City is pleased that these long overdue works have commenced and Mullewa residents are one step closer to receiving a stable supply of electricity,” he said.

“The City has been assured by Western Power that planned interruptions will be communicated to residents, businesses and landowners in a timely manner.”

Western Power Acting Executive Manager of Asset Operations Zane Christmas said the work being undertaken in Mullewa was part of Western Power’s commitment to improving power reliability for regional communities.

“We understand the inconvenience of planned outages, but this work is needed for network renewal and maintenance and to support improved reliability,” he said.

“We’ve been directly engaging with the City of Greater Geraldton regarding this work to keep them informed and ensure consultation and collaboration regarding electricity supply in the region.”

The Member for the Agricultural Region Sandra Carr the works are an encouraging sign.

“It is encouraging to see Western Power investing in regional power networks,” she said.

“This $4 mil investment in our regional network will improve both safety and reliability for the people of Mullewa and surrounding areas.”

The work will be carried out in two stages, February to May will see around 200 poles and 19km of conductor replaced on the line west of the Mullewa town.

Stage two from June to August will see 140 poles and 6km of conductors replaced in the Mullewa townsite.