Opportunity to unlock Geraldton’s potential missed, says local MP, with city left out of $342m SWIS upgrade

The State Government missed a golden opportunity to boost power transmission to Geraldton when it failed to include the city in a $342 million upgrade to the South West Interconnected System, according to a local MP. Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson announced on Wednesday $342m worth of contracts had been awarded to upgrade the northern section of the SWIS to Three Springs. Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr said Geraldton was left out again and accused the State Government of failing to grasp a clear opportunity to unlock Geraldton’s full potential. “Instead, we’re still waiting,” she said. “The expansion to Geraldton is a no-brainer thanks to the Mid West having some of the world’s best renewable resources, and upgrades to the SWIS will be required to ensure these projects can be connected. “The State Government hopes the Oakajee SIA will help innovate the renewable industry, but the infrastructure to get it up and running must come first, including power. “If Geraldton is to play its part in WA’s energy transition, we need connection, consultation and real investment.” Ms Sanderson said contracts had been awarded to three companies to construct more than 26.5km of overhead transmission lines to better connect Perth to renewable projects. UGL Engineering, GenusPlus and Acciona will all take part in projects on the lines, as well as construct terminals which will run from Western Power’s Northern Terminal in Malaga to Three Springs. Work has already started on the projects. In response to Ms Warr’s criticism, Ms Sanderson said upgrading the SWIS was a “staged process”. “Clean Energy Link – North is the largest investment in electricity infrastructure in a decade, but it is just the start,” she said. “It is the first stage of our accelerated planning for future transmission corridors to unlock renewable energy across the State.” Ms Sanderson said further details of the government’s SWIS plans would be released later this year. “We’re committed to delivering a credible transmission expansion for the benefit of all Western Australians,” she said. “Unlike The Nationals, we have a clear plan for a sensible, managed transition to a greater use of renewable energy that will benefit households and businesses.” Ms Sanderson acknowledged there would be disruptions during the work but said the project was an important one. The SWIS is the energy grid which connects the south west of WA, running from the Mid West to the Goldfields and Great Southern.