EARLY RECOVERY FROM TROPICAL
CYCLONE WINSTON THROUGH
SUPPORTING CRITICAL ENERGY
RESTORATION
Australia will support the transition from
humanitarian relief to longer-term recovery and
development. We will prioritise Early Recovery efforts
to resuscitate basic services, markets and livelihoods
after a disaster or crisis. We will provide technical
assistance to partner organisations and governments
to assist Early Recovery efforts.
The donation is part of a partnership with the Australian
Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
and Australia’s energy sector.
The support package will:
 Increase the speed of restoration work by 25%
 Increase the resilience of the electricity network to
future weather events
 Underpin the broader recovery program in Fiji.
On 17 May 2016, the Fiji High Commissioner to Australia,
His Excellency Mr Yogesh Punja, the Australian Government
and the Australian energy networks sent off the seven
heavy vehicles to repair the electricity network devastated
by Tropical Cyclone Winston.
In early March 2016, the Australian High
Commissioner Her Excellency Margaret Twomey
was asked by the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) to
assist with the critical electrical needs following
Cyclone Winston. DFAT together with the peak
body of the Australian energy industry, Energy
Networks Association, devised a rapid assessment
mission to better advise FEA of the most effective
way to rebuild the network.
The rapid assessment found over 27,800 power
poles were affected and up to 90% of the network
was damaged. Priority work included over 4,500
poles which need to be directly replaced and new
poles installed. It recommended that much needed
plant, equipment and training were the highest
priorities.
Australia’s energy sector have contributed three
crane borers, three elevated work platforms and a
service truck for dispatch to Fiji. A further
AU$270,000 in tools and equipment is also being
sent (due to arrive in late June).
Photo: One of seven donated trucks disembarking the MV Morning Midas
at the Port of Suva – 25 May 2016.
A technical training, certification and service package is
currently being assembled, with the first trainers due to
arrive in Fiji in early June. This will ensure the FEA is trained
to maintain and safely use the plant and equipment for the
longer term.
It is hoped that this public – private partnership will see
strong ties formed between the Australian and Fijian
energy industries to assist each other prepare and respond
to future disasters.
26 May 2016
Email: [email protected]
Photo: His Excellency Mr Yogesh Punja, Fiji High Commissioner at
the Port of Brisbane – 17 May 2016.
260516 - Early Recovery (Rapid Onset - Electricity)