File photo: some of the dilapidated shop tops along central Timor St, Warrnambool.Carol Altmann – The Terrier
JUST IN: A couple of weeks ago I called Powercor to see whether plans were still going ahead to briefly turn off power lines along central Timor St which would allow long overdue painting works on some of the most magnificent shop tops in Warrnambool.
The good news is that – YES! – it is still going ahead and a series of brief power shut downs will start as of tomorrow, 31 March, and extend on and off over the next 90 days.
This means property owners along the stretch between Kepler and Liebig St can finally get painters up there safely, without them risking a tight perm or far worse, and paint around the power connection points to each building.
With the help of the Warrnambool City Council, property owners can apply for $ for $ funding up to $3000 to help cover the cost of the works which – in my humble view – will transform the street.
It’s been a feat of logistics to get this all organised since it was announced by former Mayor Tony Herbert mid last year, but Powercor, the WCC and property owners have now come up with a workable solution.
Let’s hope all of the property owners grab this golden opportunity.
In a statement today, Powercor Major Client Manager Richard Scholten said Powercor knew “how important this restoration work is for shop owners in Timor Street, so we are pleased that we have been able to support this facelift to be completed safely.
“The final solution is one that not only achieves the desired restoration of each building, but does so in a way that keeps power on for these businesses and the surrounding community.”
Mayor Vicki Jellie said the plan resolved what was a major obstacle for shop owners:
“We know that many have been wanting to carry out maintenance on their buildings and this collaboration with Powercor removes the obstacle that prevented this from happening,” Cr Jellie said.
“Importantly, pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained while the work is carried out.”
You can read the full Powercor media statement here: https://www.powercor.com.au/news/media-release-power-works-help-restore-warrnambool-shop-facades/