Thursday, 22 February 2024

Electricity infrastructure

Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (18:38): (741) Today my adjournment concerns a matter that is of serious concern to the community and is fundamental to the wellbeing of my constituents. Recent findings from Energy Safe Victoria reveal a troubling picture of oversight that has left the people of Victoria in a precarious position with power transmission. In November last year an ESV report shone light on a pattern with our energy infrastructure maintenance regime, where it was found that on more than 50 occasions the necessary upkeep and reassessment of powerlines was not carried out within the expected time frames and that significant safety risks associated with the maintenance priorities were not given the weight they deserved. The consequences of such oversights are not just numbers on a page or abstract concerns, and these are not merely inconsequential items on an assets register. Their causes and consequences are real and have been felt deeply by the community.

My adjournment is therefore directed to the Minister for Energy and Resources, and the action I seek is for the minister to inform the chamber of any other maintenance work across our energy infrastructure that has not been completed within the recommended time frames. Furthermore, I request an explanation of the measures being implemented to address those oversights and ensure the resilience and reliability of our energy network in the future. Relevant to this: have other structurally at-risk or suspect structures or other essential transmission infrastructure been fitted with sensors or other common monitoring devices that can provide real-time information on their integrity and safety, inclusive of wind-speed measurements? What other preventative and redundancy measures, if any, have been enacted?

The PRESIDENT: Mr Welch, do you mind if we just amend your action? Was it to the Premier?

Richard WELCH: It was to the Minister for Energy and Resources.

The PRESIDENT: Oh, sorry. When you ask if she can inform the chamber, can you just ask her to inform you directly? Is that okay?

Richard WELCH: Yes.

The PRESIDENT: Yes. Just so we know.