Perth Emergency Utility Contacts - Bylaws Guide
This guide explains who to call and how to act for emergency utility incidents in Perth, Western Australia. It covers electricity, water and gas contacts, how local bylaw enforcement and council departments interact with state utility providers, and the practical steps to report hazards, request urgent works or seek review. Use the official contacts listed below to report outages, leaks, damaged public infrastructure or unsafe works so the right agency responds quickly.
Immediate emergency contacts
- Electricity fault — report outages and dangerous wires to Western Power via their faults and outages page: Western Power faults & outages[1]
- Water main break or dangerous leak — contact Water Corporation emergency and service issues: Water Corporation service issues[2]
- Gas leaks — if you smell gas or suspect a leak, follow the gas distributor emergency instructions and call the emergency number on your distributor page (see your gas supplier or distributor page for the emergency contact).
Reporting damage to public infrastructure and unsafe works
Damage to roads, footpaths, kerbs, public lighting and drainage can be caused by utility emergency works. For council-managed streets and assets, the City of Perth provides information on local laws, permits and how to report issues to the City administration: City of Perth local laws and reporting[3]. Utility companies (electricity, water, gas, telecommunications) also have obligations to make good public assets after emergency works; where responsibility is unclear, report to both the utility and the City.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of local laws related to public assets, works on roads and public safety is typically managed by the City of Perth By-law Enforcement or the relevant City department. Specific monetary fines and daily penalties for breaches related to emergency works or unauthorised excavation are not specified on the cited City of Perth local laws page and should be confirmed with the City or on the referenced consolidated local laws page.[3]
Typical enforcement elements
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; confirm with the City of Perth local laws or the consolidated local laws document.[3]
- Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence approaches not specified on the cited page; Council enforcement policy or the specific local law lists escalation where published.[3]
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to repair or remediate, stop-work notices, seizure or removal of unauthorised works and court action are enforcement options under local laws or statutory powers; check the City for exact remedies.[3]
- Enforcer and complaints: By-law Enforcement, Compliance or City infrastructure teams — report via the City of Perth reporting/contact pages for investigation.[3]
- Appeals/review: time limits and appeal routes are not specified on the cited page; ask the City about internal review, or seek details on review rights in the specific local law or decision notification.[3]
Applications & Forms
The City of Perth publishes online reporting and permit pages for works on public land; where an emergency excavation or temporary working area is required, check the City permit and road-opening application pages. If no specific emergency form is published for an incident, report via the City's online reporting system or the relevant utility emergency contact as cited above.[3]
Action steps after an emergency utility incident
- Ensure safety: keep people clear of hazards, isolate the area and call 000 for immediate danger.
- Contact the utility provider using the emergency fault page for that service (electricity or water links above).
- Report to the City of Perth for damage to public assets using the City's reporting form or contact details.
- Document the scene with photos, location details and times to support any repair or insurance claim.
FAQ
- Who do I call first for a fallen power line in Perth?
- Contact Western Power immediately via their faults and outages page and call 000 if the situation is life-threatening. Follow Western Power's guidance for safe distance and reporting.[1]
- How do I report a broken water main or hazardous leak?
- Report water service emergencies to Water Corporation through their service issues and emergencies page; if the leak poses immediate danger, call 000 first.[2]
- Who enforces repairs to footpaths or kerbs damaged by utility works?
- The City of Perth enforces local laws and asset repairs; report damage to the City's reporting system and the utility responsible for the works. Enforcement details and penalties are provided on the City's local laws and infrastructure pages.[3]
How-To
- Identify the immediate hazard and call 000 if there is risk to life or property.
- Contact the relevant utility emergency page (electricity or water) to lodge an urgent fault report.[1]
- Report damage to public infrastructure to the City of Perth via their online reporting or contact page and include photos and exact location.[3]
- Keep a record of the report reference, follow up with the utility and the City, and seek written confirmation of any remedial works or orders.
Key Takeaways
- Call the utility provider for infrastructure faults and 000 for life-threatening emergencies.
- Report damage to public assets to the City of Perth as well as the utility to ensure repairs.
- Keep records and photos to support enforcement, remediation and appeals.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Perth local laws and reporting
- Water Corporation service issues and emergencies
- Western Power faults & outages