Keith Campbell
A dispute between an electrician and Ergon Energy has delayed the reopening of Benarkin’s public showers and toilets.
In April this year, the South Burnett Regional Council advised people who used the facility the block would be temporarily closed for demolition and rebuilding.
The old block was then demolished and a new amenity built in its place.
The Council had originally expected the project would take between 10-12 weeks to complete.
But the reopening has now been delayed for several months because of a hiccup between Ergon Energy and the electrical contractor hired to wire up the new amenities block.
“I have been told the electrician had to submit some paperwork to Ergon to get them to turn the power on, and one of the necessary pieces of paperwork seems to have been misplaced,” South Burnett Mayor Campbell said on Tuesday.
“We have been waiting for both of them to get this solved, and I hope this will happen soon.”
The delay has caused annoyance for some Benarkin residents, who had hoped the new facility would be ready for a car rally held in the area a fortnight ago.
“I’m aware this is causing a problem for some people and I’d like to see this fixed,” Mayor Campbell said.
“Council doesn’t employ electricians, and we have to rely on contractors to carry out our electrical work.
“Most of the time we never have any problems. But this is one instance where we are having a bit of difficulty and I appreciate that it’s affecting people.
“I’m sorry if this has caused anyone any inconvenience.”
How could the SBRC Project Manager for this site project allow this situation to continue for several months (!!) before investigating the delay? Understand dealing with Ergon Energy at a local level has been made very difficult since the local community contacts were removed and all contact is through a call centre. Customer service??