Pilbara Underground Power Project audited
The WA Auditor General has started a probe into the maligned Pilbara Underground Power Project which has suffered from public backlash, delays, and a $100 million blowout.
A report is expected to be tabled in parliament in the second quarter of this year.
The Horizon Power project to replace powerlines with underground power to properties in Karratha, Port Hedland, Onslow and Roebourne began in 2010 and was expected to cost $130 million and be finished by 2014.
However, by the end of 2014 half the project was completed with a revised finish date of 2018 and a higher price tag at $230 million.
Auditor General Colin Murphy said the audit would focus on the status of the project against the original scope, timeframe and costs, whether risks were adequately identified and managed, and if Horizon Power had effectively addressed issues in delivering the project on time and on budget.
The price jump hit the pockets of ratepayers in the City of Karratha where the local government's contribution to the project went from $21 million to $34.55 million.
State opposition leader Mark McGowan wrote to the auditor-general in September last year and requested an audit into the project.
