THE ageing power poles in South West Victoria are worrying many residents.<\/p>\n
A recent report by Energy Safe Victoria revealed that more than half the power poles in Victoria were installed over 40 years ago.<\/p>\n
State member for Polwarth Richard Riordan says that not replacing these poles could have severe consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis technical investigation report shows that country Victoria is facing a massive safety crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnergy Safe Victoria have confirmed that 1.3 per cent of wooden power poles will need to be replaced per year. On current estimates Powercor\u2019s target of 2200 won\u2019t get close to Energy Safe\u2019s estimates of 7500 per year needing to be replaced.\u201d<\/p>\n
The report showed that six of the fires started during the 2018 St Patrick\u2019s Day Fires are now known to involve electricity distribution assets.<\/p>\n
Yet Riordan is demanding a more proactive approach.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need action now, not in the future after disaster has struck.\u201d<\/p>\n