PUPP service charge review request denied

The WA State Administrative Tribunal has dismissed an application for a review of the service charge issued to a Karratha property by local government for the Pilbara Underground Power Project.

The City of Karratha imposed a service charge on residents to help pay the bill for the Horizon Power-implemented project which aims to rid Pilbara towns of overhead power lines and replace them with underground infrastructure.

The service charge is made up of a high voltage works worth $482.60, low voltage worth $1963.80 and a connection charge of $1022.17.

John Werndley objected to paying the high voltage charge through the SAT because he didn't believe there was a sufficient relationship between the charge and the property.

He also argued the charge was not being used for the prescribed work.

The tribunal decided the service charge was for the prescribed work and it was in relation to the relevant property.

City of Karratha corporate services director Phillip Trestrail said the City respected the right of residents to question charges through the SAT.