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The storm damage being described was to transmissions network infrastructure NOT distribution network infrastructure. They both are collections of poles and wires, but the difference is Transmission operates at factors of ten higher voltages and power ratings on the lines. They are those big quadrangle based towers with a dozen lines or more hanging from them at great heights. The distribution network is the poles and wires between houses and commercial enterprises and the sub-stations. From the substations it tends to be transmission networks. Ownership is almost always separated for these two types of networks Australia since the privatisation wars of the 80s and beyond, no matter if its private or publicly owned today. An acceptation is WA where the transmission network (high voltage) and distribution network ("street" level) for their SWIS grid around Perth is all publicly owned by Western Power, with seperate divisions for transmission and distribution responsibilities.
The transmission lines were downed because lines came down when many of the towers were uprooted with their lightweight footings still attached and their steel members were bent like pretzels.
Read the linked article already in the Wiki (see above) if you don't accept the technical accuracy of what Ove said here. saying.