Zak Kirkup.
Adam Woodage.
Camera IconZak Kirkup. Adam Woodage. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Dawesville: candidates draw battle lines over Western Power sale

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

It plans to use the proceeds to create more jobs and stimulate the economy by starting more infrastructure projects.

Labor candidate Adam Woodage said WA Labor would not sell Western Power but keep it in public hands where it belonged.

MORE: Liberal candidate for Dawesville puts new Estuary Bridge top of the agenda ahead of March State Election

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Mr Kirkup said the Government expected to raise $11 billion from the partial sale of Western Power.

“Of this $11 billion, we’re going to pay down State debt by about $8 billion,” he said.

“The remaining $3 billion will go into a special account called the Next Generation Account, specifically designed to fund investment.

“This will mean significant investment in initial priority areas of schools and Tafe facilities and transport infrastructure.

“We can fix some local primary schools, build new roads and help energise the state’s economy.

“This decision will mean new jobs for builders, tradies, construction workers, engineers, technology providers, and their support staff.

“Importantly, there will be no increase in the cost of electricity for consumers.

“There will be no reduction in the safety and reliability of the electricity network as a result of the proposed public float of Western Power. “

But Mr Woodage said WA Labor would continue its campaign to keep Western Power in public hands.

“We will fight it every step of the way,’’ he said.

“Mums and dads already own Western Power.

“If it is sold, power bills will go up, service quality will go down and jobs will be lost.

“Selling Western Power is not in the best interests of everyday Western Australians and does not make economic sense.

“Western Power belongs to all Western Australians.

“If we let Colin Barnett and Brendon Grylls sell it, we will forever lose its ongoing revenue that goes a long way to paying for our schools and hospitals.”