Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent and WA Premier Roger Cook at Kalgoorlie Train Station.
UPDATE: Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent remains optimistic that new backup power generators for Kalgoorlie-Boulder will be operational by the end of 2026. This assurance follows a commitment made by Premier Roger Cook in January 2024, after a significant power outage affected the region.
Commercial negotiations are currently underway, with tenders having closed several months ago. Kent emphasized the urgency of finalizing these discussions to kickstart the much-needed project aimed at improving power reliability for local residents. “I am confident that my election commitments from 2025 will be delivered along with any other commitments made throughout the term,” she stated.
The urgency of this project has intensified following recent claims from Liberal shadow minister Jonathan Huston, who alleged that the project had not yet gone out for tender. Kent vehemently rejected this assertion, reiterating the government’s commitment to providing reliable power. Huston, during his visit to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, warned that if the government fails to meet its promise, Kent should consider resigning her position, suggesting that her election victory was contingent on this commitment.
“Why would we extract wealth from places like this and not let people have their lights on? That’s a disgrace,” Huston remarked. He stressed that residents deserve dependable power, labeling Kalgoorlie-Boulder as one of the most significant provinces outside of Perth.
In contrast, Kent clarified that the promise for upgraded power was not an election commitment for the upcoming 2025 elections but a critical response to the power outages that occurred in early 2024. “It was not an election commitment, but nevertheless, I stand by all of my commitments, and there’s no reason to believe that any of them won’t be delivered,” she asserted.
Last month, a spokesperson from the State Government confirmed to the Kalgoorlie Miner that discussions were ongoing regarding “future solutions” to enhance power reliability in the region. Kent emphasized her hope that these power upgrades would be achieved by 2026, contingent upon the timely conclusion of negotiations.
The situation in Kalgoorlie-Boulder highlights the urgent need for infrastructure development in critical regions, where reliable power is essential for both daily life and economic stability. As discussions continue, residents and local leaders alike are watching closely, demanding accountability and swift action from their elected officials.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.
