Skyrocketing bills, a cash-strapped council and mounting debts: Inside Coober Pedy's electricity affordability crisis.
This article contains references to suicide.
Ralph Coulthard is a financial counsellor with the ALRM who alerted the Ombudsman to the power issues three years ago. “The bill starts out small, then all of a sudden before you know it, it’s right up in the $19 or $20,000,” she said. “In some cases, there are a lot of people in the house, which is understandable, but that does create pressures,” he said.
“In the circumstances, it’s better to have people with access to power to keep safe,” Mr Wilson says.But with days getting longer and hotter, more solutions can’t come fast enough for residents. He was caring for his two primary school-aged grandchildren when his power was cut off and owed $12,000. Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation board members say they’ve contributed $65,000 to help 65 families with utility debts since 2016.
It is unconscionable that ... Native Title holders should have to access Native Title compensation to prevent their essential services being disconnectedAMYAC lawyer Michael Pagsanjan said the practice of asking clients to go “cap in hand” to Native Title compensation has caused high levels of shame and embarrassment in the community.
“I think some of these bad debts should be dealt with by the state government, or Commonwealth. I just can’t see how ratepayers can pay for this.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia's new diabetes strategy aims to reduce impacts on Indigenous AustraliansThe federal government has released a new national diabetes strategy aimed at reducing the incidence and impacts of the disease among priority groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Read more »
Tiny Indigenous township defies the odds on vaccination rateA tiny Aboriginal community in South Australia's Flinders Ranges reaches a double vaccination rate of 80 per cent well ahead of the rest of the state.
Read more »
Indigenous communities harness environmental, economic benefits of solar boomBackers of a First Nations Clean Energy Network say it will ensure Aboriginal people on the front line of climate change benefit from the renewable energy boom and the economic and employment opportunities it brings. perkinsmiki renewables cleanenergy
Read more »
Katherine and Robinson River lockdown extended as NT COVID-19 outbreak growsThe Northern Territory is on high alert after recording nine new COVID-19 cases overnight, all who are Aboriginal Territorians.
Read more »
Target Craig Kelly: Independent movement takes on former LiberalCraig Kelly is facing another challenge to hang onto his seat, with the “We are Hughes” group choosing Linda Seymour to stand against him.
Read more »
Anxious wait for rain-soaked NSW residents facing possible evacuation as Lachlan River swellsEvacuation orders are possible in Forbes, as the Lachlan River continues to rise after heavy rainfall in central New South Wales.
Read more »