The Western Australian Government has announced plans for a new $16 million energy hub in Albany.
Western Power’s state-of-the-art facility will be built by Western Australian local business Wauters Building Company, creating around 70 construction jobs.
It is expected to enhance employee safety, improve operational efficiencies and future-proof the electricity supply for Albany and the Great Southern Region.
Western Australian Premier, Mark McGowan, said, “The new $16 million WA-owned Western Power facility will safeguard the energy future for Western Australians living and working in the Great Southern.
“It is a significant investment in the region, supporting local businesses and is another added benefit of keeping Western Power in public hands.
“We’re committed to working with industry and WA businesses to stimulate our economy post-COVID-19, so I’m very pleased the Albany depot will be built by local business Wauters Building Company.”
The facility’s design focuses on a safe working environment, including single-flow traffic, the separation of light and heavy vehicles, and reduced interaction between forklifts and people. It also includes electric vehicle chargers in the visitor car park and within the facility.
Part of Western Power’s depot modernisation program, the new facility is designed to meet the growing energy needs of its customers in the Great Southern Region.
Western Australian Energy Minister, Bill Johnston, said, “Western Power’s new Albany facility will be a central hub for energy services in the region, and provide world-class facilities for its employees.
“The facility emphasises the McGowan Government’s commitment to the state’s Energy Transformation Strategy, which will deliver a cleaner, greener energy future for all Western Australians.
“It also demonstrates why it’s so important Western Power remains government-owned, as we’re able to create local jobs and provide essential services to the community.”
The new depot, based at 7-15 Kelly Street, replaces Western Power’s existing 45-year-old facility. Construction is expected to start in May 2021.
