Water, power relief available for West Australians impacted by February bushfires as recovery continues

Residents impacted by this month’s devastating bushfires across the south of WA are eligible for water and power relief. Homes were destroyed in several towns as bushfire emergencies stretched firefighting resources in early February, causing widespread damage to power and water infrastructure. Thousands of hectares of farmland were scorched across the Great Southern and Wheatbelt with strong winds fanning the flames. The WA Government has introduced customer assistance programs for Synergy, Water Corporation and Western Power payments to help communities on the road to recovery. People who lost their homes, suffered property damage or housed evacuees during the bushfires are eligible for free water allowances from the Water Corporation of up to 50,000 litres and interest-free payment arrangements or extensions on existing bills. Water Corporation will also replace or repair damaged meters and waive service charges for 12 months for eligible households. Properties in the Shire of Jerramungup were left without water after a bushfire damaged the local water treatment plant on February 11. The Water Corporation has advised that water carting will continue for the “foreseeable future” in Jerramungup while the facility is repaired. As of Friday, Western Power was still working to restore power to 50 customers after fixing the power supply for more than 13,500 customers in Denmark, Bridgetown, Narrogin and Shackleton. Synergy customers who suffered property damage to their home or business in the bushfires can receive an immediate suspension for outstanding costs and free replacement of damaged meters. They can also have their fees waived for Western Power connections, reconnections or network charges.