Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, has called on the State Labor Government to re-focus its energies on providing a power supply that people can truly rely on.
His calls follow yet another power failure in the Davidson area this week, which left residents, business owners and motorists fuming.
“One resident said, it was the third blackout they had endured since Christmas Day, when the lights went out for up to 3 hours,” Mr O’Dea said.
“There was another blackout on Saturday when power lines began arcing in the vicinity of Halloran Avenue, leaving residents startled by loud “explosive” noises.
Yesterday’s (Monday’s) blackout, which lasted around 14 hours for some residents, disrupted traffic and businesses and left many locals feeling stranded in their darkened homes.
“A number of elderly residents in the Davidson area are frail, and without power are unable to open their motorized garage doors, compounding their sense of helplessness, isolation and vulnerability,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Retirement Villages and Nursing Homes were also impacted, leaving some of the most vulnerable in our society at risk.
“Motorists were impacted when numerous traffic lights failed, including a number on busy Forest Way, Frenchs Forest Road, Wakehurst Parkway and Mona Vale Road.
“Many business owners in the Glenrose Shopping Centre not only lost a day’s trade, but also valuable stock as fridges failed to keep their required temperatures,” Mr O’Dea said.
“The local pharmacy and library struggled on in the dark, while the supermarket had its own power but customers needing funds from an ATM were blocked by the lack of power.
“I am informed by Energy Australia that yesterday’s (Monday’s) blackout was due to a parts failure in the Belrose sub-station.
“I understand the part caught fire, filling the substation with smoke and keeping workers from entering the building for some time before the situation could be assessed and addressed.
“It’s time the State Labor Government stopped focusing on internal party power plays and concentrated on providing reliable services such as power to the people,” Mr O’Dea said.
“While Labor power factions squabble, the people of Davidson are left in the dark without any power at all.
“I am calling on the Government to better review and renew its ageing infrastructure and generally lift maintenance procedures.
“Also, when the substation fails, what alternative power supply arrangements exist?
“The people of Davidson currently have little confidence in the Government’s ability to deliver a basic service of reliable power,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
