9 December 2024
More incidents like Surfers Paradise explosion likely if regulator doesn’t increase budget
ETU calls for ample resourcing for maintenance on electrical infrastructure
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has concerns for community and worker safety with potential for future dangerous incidents like Surfers Paradise explosion if Australian Energy Regulator (AER) doesn’t approve ample budget for maintenance work.
“Several years ago, following a similar incident at Surfers Paradise an inspection programme was undertaken which then created a maintenance program,” says ETU Assistant State Secretary Stuart Traill. “That program has still not been completed due to a lack of resourcing, so there’s a significant ongoing risk with the pits in South East Queensland.
“We have grave concerns, because not only was that maintenance work not completed, but there is also further pressure on all programs with the limitations put on our network by the AER.”
The AER is due to hand down its final determination in April 2025, which will indicate the approved budget for electricity infrastructure maintenance in the state. The ETU has heard there is a planned 30% cut to the budget.
“If the AER goes ahead with these significant budget cuts, more people will be at risk with the risk of increasing accidents and potential loss of life. We know from history that an LNP State government historically spends even less on vital maintenance for electricity infrastructure,” says Mr Traill.
“One person falling into a hole in the footpath is bad enough, I can only imagine what could happen if maintenance falls even further behind, here on the Gold Coast and all over Queensland,” says Gold Coast Organiser Steve Bravo.
“Sunday’s incident took place in a very busy tourist area. Surfers Paradise gets around four million visitors a year, including Schoolies and families, and in addition to locals. You can only imagine how many people walk along the footpaths every week. They shouldn’t be worried one is going to collapse under them,” says Mr Bravo.
“We’re relieved nobody was more seriously injured on Sunday, and wish the injured pedestrian a quick and full recovery,” says Mr Traill.
“More maintenance needs to be approved by the State government or people will die. The AER must allocate an appropriate budget for vital works or they will have blood on their hands.”
For more information, call Stuart Traill on 0488 225 625 or Steve Bravo on 0437 798 007