❓ Dr. Pettitt questions the Minister regarding ongoing performance issues with WA EV Network chargers east of Norseman, suggesting replacement with eLumina units and highlighting cost discrepancies. The Minister's response indicates ongoing reviews and site-specific decision-making.

I refer to a letter from the Minister dated 19 January 2026 relating to the WA EV Network chargers east of Norseman.As of 30 January 2026, the performance issues raised had not been addressed at the three sites where power is shared with the roadhouse. In addition, the standalone site at Balladonia was out of service for three weeks during peak holiday travel time, from 21 December to 10 January. Your letter made no mention of Mundrabilla, where the roadhouse owner prevents DC charging because it regularly blacks out the entire site. Even with power upgrades, it seems these chargers will not be capable of providing an acceptable minimum of 50kW each to two cars simultaneously, and will continue to have maintenance and reliability issues.In contrast, the EPWA’s decision to award a Chargeup grant to install e-Lumina battery based fast EV chargers on the Great Northern Highway is a welcome one. These are specifically designed to run off constrained power supplies or solar PV, drawing only 10kW and are built to mining industry standards. They provide simultaneous charging speeds of 120kW for one car, and 80kW for the other. At around A$250,000, they are substantially less than the A$700,000 allocated to each of the four sites east of Norseman and would function at each of the sites without requiring a power upgrade, and I ask:(a) Will the Minister give consideration to replacement of the existing units with eLumina units, as on Great Northern Highway which has less EV traffic than the Eyre Highway:(i) if yes to (a), would the Minister consider the same solution for two other sites with charging failures related to constrained power - Ravensthorpe and Pardoo, north of Port Hedland; and(ii) if no to (a), what guarantee can the Minister give that charging at these sites “at full speed” will be at rates of a minimum of 50kW, and that the current prolonged breakdowns will be prevented with enforced minimum standards for maintenance and downtime?

The State Government undertakes periodic reviews of new and emerging EV charging technologies. Decisions about the technology mix in the WA EV Network have been made on a site-by-site basis ensuring infrastructure is fit-for-purpose and meets safety, contractual and operational requirements, and value for money considerations.