Power pole fire threat
Fire experts have warned a failure to maintain power lines on private property could lead to bushfires.
Firefighter John Guest said private power lines could easily spark devastating fires such as the 2010 blaze in Toodyay and the 2003 Bridgetown fire.
He said it appeared no government authority had responsibility for ensuring power lines on private property were properly maintained.
A spokesman for the Locals Against Wildfires, Mr Guest said the group would discuss this apparent regulatory loophole at its April 14 meeting in Boyup Brook.
WA Farmers would also like Western Power and Energy Safety to do more to ensure landowners understood their responsibilities and everyone was safe, director of policy Alan Hill said. Mr Guest said many private landowners had no idea their power poles could be a problem.
‘‘Most people want to do the right thing but aren’t aware of the risk,’’ he said.
‘‘Forget about inspecting private power lines — there doesn’t even seem to be any education that they need inspecting.’’
Mr Guest would like to see regulations in place like those in NSW which had provisions to ensure private overhead electricity lines in fire prone areas were inspected, tested and maintained.
‘‘We’re also saying that where needed, financial assistance should be given,’’ he said.
‘‘You might have five or six power poles and it might cost you $20,000 to replace them.’’
It could also make land owners responsible for compensation, he said.
WA landowners are responsible for maintaining power lines on their land from Western Power’s point of supply, a spokeswoman for regulator Energy Safety said.
‘‘Energy Safety does not inspect lines on private property,’’ she said.
‘‘It is the responsibility of the landowner.
‘‘If they are concerned they should contact a licensed electrical contractor.’’
