Safer and more reliable power is up and running in two Kimberley communities after $27 million in funding supported the upgrade of power supplies across the remote Western Australian region.
The major infrastructure investment from the WA government, delivered by state regional energy provider Horizon Power, will also result in lower diesel consumption.
Additionally, mid-year review funding will enable Horizon Power, as part of its ReGen program, to upgrade 13 standalone power systems and undertake planning and early-stage procurement activities for upgrades in another eight communities.
Cockatoo Springs, also known as Ngunulum, is 30 kilometres from Kununurra in WA's north-west and one of two remote communities in the Kimberley where Horizon has completed upgrades.
The Ngunulum community is now operating on 63 per cent renewable energy. Diesel dependency will be cut by up to 92 per cent and diesel consumption approximately 35,000 litres annually, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 91 tonnes of CO₂ a year.
Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna said the upgrades would improve everyday living conditions and reduce long-term costs for local families.
"These investments demonstrate the possibilities when we prioritise community safety, sustainability, and the wellbeing of people in remote communities," she said.
Horizon Power assumed responsibility for the power supply needs of 117 remote communities in July 2023.
Acting CEO Krystal Skinner said the upgrades would result in cleaner energy to families in remote communities, one of the provider's most vulnerable cohort.
Fairer access and benefit from renewable energy came after open dialogue with Aboriginal and local industry and stakeholders.
"Working with Traditional Owners and local partners will help us continue to produce long-term economic and sustainable benefits across regional WA," she said.
The upgrades also eliminated safety risks with manual generator refuelling and will lower diesel costs for residents.
The benefits will be rolled out more widely through the government's Made in WA plan, which gives opportunities for local suppliers and builds local capability and capacity in regional WA.
